Learning support system

Abstract

To provide a learning support system configured to enable improvement of academic ability by allowing a learner to explain how to solve a problem.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 100 includes: a storage unit 1324 configured to store a model answer that explains a reason or a method for solving a predetermined problem; a determination unit 1334 configured to receive, from a terminal device 200, explanation data that explains a reason or a method for solving the predetermined problem and to determine the degree of coincidence between the model answer and the explanation data; and an output unit 1331 configured to output a comment determined on the basis of the degree of coincidence.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a learning support system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of education, there is a growing body of evidence that students who carefully read the explanations for problems tend to get better grades, and that when high-achieving students explain how to solve problems to other students, it is expected that both parties' academic abilities will improve.

[0003] Furthermore, systems to support studying for exams have been developed.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an educational system in which one or more learner terminals and an educational server are connected via a network, and the educational server performs operations including, in response to a request from the learner terminal, sending teaching material information to the requesting learner terminal, receiving learning result information from the learner terminal which is the result of learning using the teaching material information, and sending evaluation information for the received learning result information to the recipient learner terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-350400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, conventional learning systems have not been able to improve academic ability by having learners explain how to solve problems.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a learning support system that allows learners to improve their academic ability by having them explain how to solve problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a memory unit that stores a model answer that explains the reason for arriving at the answer to a specified problem or the method for solving the problem, a determination unit that receives explanatory data from a terminal device that explains the reason for arriving at the answer to the specified problem or the method for solving the problem and determines the degree of match between the model answer and the explanatory data, and an output unit that outputs a comment determined based on the degree of match.

[0009] According to this aspect, the information processing device allows the learner to explain how to solve the problem, and can provide effective comments according to the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanation data from the learner. By providing comments according to the degree of agreement that reflects the learner's academic ability, it is expected that the learner's motivation to explain will be stimulated, and academic ability will be improved through the learning process.

[0010] In the information processing device, the storage unit may store model answers for each of a plurality of levels desired by the learner, and the determination unit may determine the degree of agreement between the model answer corresponding to the level of the learner on the terminal device and the explanation data. According to this aspect, the information processing device can provide effective comments that are in line with the learner's level of desire. Rather than simply having the learner explain how to solve a problem, a determination is made in line with the learner's level of desire, and comments are provided in accordance with this determination. This is expected to stimulate the learner's motivation to explain, and to improve their academic ability through the learning process.

[0011] In the information processing device, the determination unit may store the received explanation data together with the degree of coincidence in the storage unit. According to this aspect, the information processing device can accumulate explanation data from many learners and use it for later analysis, etc.

[0012] In the information processing device, the output unit may further output explanation data of another learner whose answer has a higher degree of similarity than the model answer. In one example, the output unit may output explanation data of another learner whose degree of similarity with the model answer satisfies a predetermined condition. According to this aspect, the information processing device can provide effective feedback that further improves the learner's current level of understanding. For example, by outputting explanation data of another learner whose degree of similarity with the model answer satisfies a predetermined condition, the learner can improve their academic ability by referring to actual answer examples that are more familiar to them than the model answer.

[0013] In the information processing device, the determination unit may adjust the difficulty of the determination in accordance with the settings of the learner of the terminal device. According to this aspect, the information processing device can make an optimal determination without damaging the learner's motivation to explain by carefully adjusting the difficulty of the determination in accordance with the settings of the learner.

[0014] The information processing device may further include an update unit that updates the model answer with the received explanation data. In one example, the update unit may update the model answer with the explanation data of a learner whose degree of similarity with the model answer satisfies a predetermined condition. According to this aspect, the information processing device can prepare an optimal model answer tailored to an ever-changing examination environment. Furthermore, instead of determining the degree of similarity with an originally assumed model answer, the information processing device can determine the degree of similarity with an actual example answer provided by a learner and provide a comment based on the degree of similarity.

[0015] In the information processing device, the determination unit may further determine the degree of agreement between the explanation data and a model answer corresponding to a level one step lower and / or one step higher than the level of the learner. According to this aspect, the information processing device can make a determination that is more in line with the learner's academic ability and can support the learner in continuing the learning process without damaging their motivation to explain.

[0016] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a memory unit that stores a plurality of elements that explain the reasons for arriving at an answer to a specified problem or the method of solving the problem, a dialogue unit that selects one element from the plurality of elements and determines dialogue content that asks about part of the conclusion of the selected element, and upon receiving a dialogue answer to the dialogue content, the dialogue unit judges the dialogue answer and selects one element from the remaining unselected elements to determine the next dialogue content, and an output unit that outputs the dialogue content.

[0017] According to this aspect, the information processing device can follow up with learners who have difficulty explaining the reasons or methods for arriving at the answer to a given problem at once, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of explanations and is expected to improve their academic ability.

[0018] In the information processing device, the plurality of elements may have information regarding the order in which they will be explained, and the dialogue unit may select one element based on the order in which they will be explained. According to this aspect, the information processing device can proceed with the dialogue in an order that is easier for the learner to understand.

[0019] A method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device having a memory unit that stores a model answer that explains why or how the answer to a specified problem was arrived at, receiving explanatory data from a terminal device that explains why or how the answer to the specified problem was arrived at, determining the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanatory data, and outputting a comment determined based on the degree of agreement.

[0020] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more computers having a memory unit storing a model answer that explains the reason for arriving at the answer to a specified problem or the method for solving the problem to receive, from a terminal device, explanatory data that explains the reason for arriving at the answer to the specified problem or the method for solving the problem, and to perform a process of determining the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanatory data, and a process of outputting a comment that is determined based on the degree of agreement.

[0021] A terminal device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal device communicatively connected to a server device having a memory unit storing a model answer explaining the reason for arriving at the answer to a specified problem or the method for solving the problem, and is equipped with a transmitting unit that transmits explanatory data to the server device explaining the reason for arriving at the answer to the specified problem or the method for solving the problem, and a receiving unit that receives comments on the explanatory data from the server device in response to the transmission of the explanatory data, and the server device determines the degree of match between the model answer and the explanatory data, and determines and transmits a comment based on the degree of match.

[0022] A method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes, in a terminal device communicatively connected to a server device having a memory unit storing a model answer explaining the reason for arriving at the answer to a specified problem or the method for solving the problem, transmitting explanatory data to the server device explaining the reason for arriving at the answer to the specified problem or the method for solving the problem, and receiving comments on the explanatory data from the server device in response to the transmission of the explanatory data, wherein the server device determines the degree of match between the model answer and the explanatory data, and determines and transmits the comments based on the degree of match.

[0023] A program relating to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a terminal device that is communicatively connected to a server device having a memory unit that stores a model answer that explains why or how the answer to a specified problem was arrived at, to execute a process of sending explanatory data to the server device that explains why or how the answer to the specified problem was arrived at, and a process of receiving comments on the explanatory data from the server device in response to the sending of the explanatory data, and the server device determines the degree of match between the model answer and the explanatory data, and determines and sends a comment based on the degree of match. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a learning support system that allows a learner to improve their academic ability by having them explain how to solve a problem. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a learning support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a functional viewpoint; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a learner DB stored in a server storage unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a model answer DB stored in a server storage unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an answer DB stored in a server storage unit. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a functional viewpoint; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen for learning content. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a talk initial screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen in a challenge mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen in a challenge mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen in an easy mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a talk screen in an easy mode. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a server device and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a server device and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a server device and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for determining a judgment comment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to only these embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0027] <Outline of Learning Support System 1> 1 is a schematic configuration diagram (system configuration diagram) of a learning support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the learning support system 1 is configured by connecting a server device 100 and multiple learner terminal devices 200 via a network N so that they can communicate with each other.

[0028] Server device 100 is a server computer connected to network N, and is configured to realize server functions by running a specific server program on the server computer. In this embodiment, server device 100 can distribute study content for each learner to each terminal device 200.

[0029] In this embodiment, the learning content includes one or more questions, and at least one of the questions not only requires the learner to provide an answer to the question, but also requires the learner to provide an explanation, including the reason for arriving at the answer or how to solve it.

[0030] Terminal device 200 is a computer connected to network N and capable of accessing server device 100, and is configured to realize its functions by running a specific learner terminal program on the computer. Terminal device 200 can receive learning content from server device 100 via network N and play the content by running the terminal program. As described above, the learning content distributed from server device 100 includes questions that require the learner to provide an explanation, including the reason for arriving at the answer or the method for solving the question, in addition to the answer to the question. Terminal device 200 can request the learner to provide an explanation, including the reason for arriving at the answer or the method for solving the question. In this embodiment, the learner can provide an explanation by speaking into the microphone of terminal device 200.

[0031] The server device 100 can determine whether the explanation provided by the learner is appropriate and transmit the determination result to the terminal device 200. In one embodiment, the server device 100 can transmit to the terminal device 200 a model answer selected based on the determination result.

[0032] As an example of this embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal device 200 is owned by a user through loan or purchase and used by the user for studying. In this embodiment, the user is a student, but is not limited to this and may be any user. In this embodiment, a student learner studies using the terminal device 200 as one of the means of studying to pass the entrance exam for a desired school.

[0033] In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 is preferably assumed to be a tablet computer (hereinafter also referred to as a "tablet terminal"). Therefore, in the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the terminal device 200 is a tablet terminal will be described as an example.

[0034] However, in the present invention, the terminal device 200 is not limited to a tablet terminal, and may be a PC (personal computer, including a laptop), a home game device (including a portable game device), a mobile phone (a so-called feature phone), a smartphone (a multi-function mobile phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable music player, an e-book reader, or other computer equipment.

[0035] The network N is a communication line or network related to information processing, including, for example, the Internet or a LAN (local area network) constructed within a home, and its specific configuration is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to enable data transmission and reception between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200, and it does not matter whether it is wired or wireless.

[0036] The network N may be configured to include multiple types of communication lines or networks and various network devices. For example, the network N may include a base station or a wireless LAN access point (such as a WiFi router) wirelessly connected to the terminal device 200, a mobile communication network connected to the base station, a telephone line connected from the access point via a router or modem, a public line such as a cable television line or an optical communication line, the Internet connected to the server device 100, and a gateway device connecting the mobile communication network or the public line to the Internet.

[0037] <Hardware configuration of the server device 100> 2 is a diagram (system block diagram) showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the diagram, the server device 100 includes an arithmetic processing unit (processor) 101 such as a CPU or an MPU, a ROM 102 and a RAM 103 as storage devices, an external interface 104 connected to an input unit 105 and an external memory 106, an image processing unit 107 connected to a display monitor 111, a slot drive 108 in which a disk or a memory device or the like is housed or connected, an audio processing unit 109 connected to a speaker device 112, and a network interface 110.

[0038] The individual units are connected to one another via a transmission path 120, such as a system bus including an internal bus, an external bus, and an expansion bus. Note that input / output devices such as the input unit 105, the external memory 106, the display monitor 111, and the speaker device 112 may be omitted as needed, and even if they are provided, they do not need to be constantly connected to the transmission path 120.

[0039] The arithmetic processing unit 101 controls the overall operation of the server device 100, transmits and receives control signals and information signals (data) to and from the other components described above, and performs various arithmetic processing required to execute learning support. For this reason, the arithmetic processing unit 101 is configured to be able to perform arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using a numerical calculation unit or the like, logical operations such as logical sum, logical product, and logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation, and further saturation operations, trigonometric functions, vector operations, etc., as necessary, on a high-speed accessible storage area such as a register.

[0040] The ROM 102 generally stores an IPL (Initial Program Loader), which is executed first after power is turned on. When this IPL is executed, the server program and learning support program stored on a disk or memory device housed in or connected to the slot drive 108 are temporarily read into the RAM 103 by the processing unit 101, and the program is executed by the processing unit 101. Furthermore, the ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various other data required for controlling the operation of the entire server device 100.

[0041] RAM 103 is used to temporarily store the server program, the learning support program, and various data. As described above, the read server program, learning support program, and other data necessary for learning content and communication between multiple terminal devices 200 are stored in RAM 103. The learning support program may be recorded on an external recording medium and installed into RAM 103 from the external recording medium.

[0042] Furthermore, the calculation processing unit 101 sets a variable area in RAM 103 and performs direct calculations using a numerical calculation unit on the values ​​stored in that variable area, or temporarily copies or moves and stores the values ​​stored in RAM 103 in a register and performs direct calculations on that register, and even writes the results of these calculations back to RAM 103.

[0043] The input unit 105 connected via the external interface 104 accepts various operational inputs made by users of the provider that provides the learning support service using the server device 100. The input unit 105 may be a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or, for example, a voice input device, and the type of device is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to input instructions such as various operational inputs, decision operations, cancellation operations, menu display, etc.

[0044] The RAM 103 and the external memory 106, which is detachably connected via the external interface 104, store rewritable data indicating the operating status of the server device 100, the access status of each terminal device 200, the content distribution status of each terminal device 200, etc.

[0045] The image processing unit 107 processes various data read from the slot drive 108 by the arithmetic processing unit 101 or by the image processing unit 107 itself, and then records the processed image information in a frame memory or the like. The image information recorded in this frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronous timing and output to a display monitor 111 connected to the image processing unit 107. This makes it possible to display various images. In addition, image information related to learning support is sent from the image processing unit 107 and / or the arithmetic processing unit 101 to each terminal device 200 through collaborative processing with the arithmetic processing unit 101, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the audio processing unit 109 converts various data read from the slot drive 108 into audio signals and outputs them from a speaker device 112 connected to the audio processing unit 109. Furthermore, audio information related to learning support is sent from the audio processing unit 109 and / or the arithmetic processing unit 101 to each terminal device 200 through collaborative processing with the arithmetic processing unit 101, etc.

[0047] The network interface 110 is used to connect the server device 100 to the network N, and is composed of, for example, a device that conforms to the standards used to construct a LAN, an analog modem, an ISDN modem, an ADSL modem, a cable modem for connecting to the Internet, etc. using a cable television line, and a communication interface circuit for connecting these to the arithmetic processing unit 101 via the transmission path 120.

[0048] The server device 100 may be configured as a single computer, or may be configured as a so-called cloud computing system consisting of multiple computers distributed over a network, or may be configured as a single computer having multiple server functions.

[0049] <Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device 200> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terminal device 200 shown in Fig. 3 includes a touch panel 14, a speaker 16, a microphone 18, hard buttons 20, hard keys 22, a mobile communication antenna 30, a mobile communication unit 32, a wireless LAN communication antenna 34, a wireless LAN communication unit 36, a storage unit 38, a main control unit 40, a camera 26, and an external interface 42 including an audio output terminal 24.

[0050] The touch panel 14 functions as both a display device and an input device, and is composed of a display (display screen) 14A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 14B that performs the input function. The display 14A is composed of a general display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The touch sensor 14B is composed of an element for detecting a touch operation arranged on the upper surface of the display 14A and a transparent operation surface laminated on top of the element. The touch detection method of the touch sensor 14B can be any of known methods such as a capacitance type, a resistive film type (pressure-sensitive type), or an electromagnetic induction type.

[0051] The touch panel 14 displays images generated by the execution of a program 50 stored in the storage unit 38 by the main control unit 40. As an input device, the touch panel 14 receives operation input by detecting the movement of a contact object (including a user's finger or a touch pen; hereinafter, a "finger" will be described as a representative example) that comes into contact with the operation surface, and provides information on the contact position to the main control unit 40. The movement of the finger is detected as coordinate information indicating the position or area of ​​the contact point, and the coordinate information is expressed, for example, as coordinate values ​​on two axes along the short and long sides of the touch panel 14.

[0052] The terminal device 200 is connected to the network N via the mobile communication antenna 30 and the wireless LAN communication antenna 34, and is capable of performing data communication with the server device 100.

[0053] The program 50 according to the embodiment may be installed in the terminal device 200, or may be provided with a learning support function online from a server (not limited to the server device 100). Execution of the program 50 operates a learning support application that enables learning.

[0054] <Functional configuration of the server device 100> 4 is a schematic configuration diagram (functional configuration diagram) showing, from a functional perspective, the server device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The server device 100 is intended to support the learning of the learner of the terminal device 200, and includes at least a server communication unit 131, a server storage unit 132, and a server processing unit 133 as functions for this purpose.

[0055] The server communication unit 131 communicates between the server device 100 and the network N, and has the function of supplying data received from the terminal device 200 to the server processing unit 133, and transmitting data supplied from the server processing unit 133 to the terminal device 200. Specifically, the server communication unit 131 is configured from at least the network interface 110 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

[0056] The server storage unit 132 is for storing various programs and various data, and specifically may be composed of at least one of the ROM 102, RAM 103, external memory 106, and slot drive 108 shown in FIG. 2. The program stored in the server storage unit 132 is a learning support application program that executes the processing procedures described below. The server storage unit 132 also stores data related to such learning support, display data, data on various calculation results, and the like.

[0057] For example, server storage unit 132 stores a study content DB 1321, a learner DB 1322, a school DB 1323, a model answer DB 1324, and an answer DB 1325.

[0058] In one example, the learning content DB 1321 includes at least a content ID, a content name, content, and explanation questions. The content ID is information for uniquely identifying learning content. The content includes one or more questions. An explanation question is a question that requests the learner to explain the answer to a specific question included in the learning content, including the reason for arriving at the answer or the method for solving the answer. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the learning content includes a maximum of one explanation question, but in another embodiment, the learning content may include two or more explanation questions.

[0059] The predetermined questions to be associated with the explanation questions are preferably those of high importance among the multiple questions included in the learning content, those that can measure the learner's level of understanding of the learning content, or those that can improve the learner's level of understanding of the learning content.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a learner DB stored in the server storage unit 132. The learner DB 1322 shown in FIG. 5 includes at least a learner ID, a learner name, a preferred school, an aspiration level, a favorite subject, a weak subject, a teaching policy, and a teaching character. The learner ID is information for uniquely identifying a member of the service of the learning support system 1. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user who uses the service of the learning support system 1 has concluded a service contract for the service using the present invention. A learner ID is assigned to the user through the service contract, and a learning support screen is generated for each learner ID.

[0061] The desired school is information that identifies one school that the learner aims to pass. The inclination level is information that indicates the difficulty level of learning that the learner aspires to. In this embodiment, the inclination levels include four: "minimum inclination," "standard inclination" which is more difficult than the minimum inclination, "difficult inclination" which is more difficult than the standard inclination, and "highest difficulty inclination" which is more difficult than the difficult limit inclination, and the level is set according to the desired school specified by the learner. The favorite subject is information that identifies the subject in which the learner is good at. The weak subject is information that identifies the subject in which the learner is weak at.

[0062] The teaching policy is information indicating the teaching policy desired by the learner. In this embodiment, the teaching policy includes four options: "0: Standard," "1: Always Gentle," "2: Strict in strong subjects, Gentle in weak subjects," and "3: Always Strict," and the learner can specify one of the four options. The mentor character is information indicating the mentor character desired by the learner. In this embodiment, the mentor character includes three options: "1: University lecturer," "2: Young teacher," and "3: Veteran teacher," and the learner can specify one of the three options.

[0063] The school DB 1323 includes at least a school ID, a school name, and a school rank indicating the difficulty level of the school. In this embodiment, the school rank includes four ranks: "C rank," "A rank" which is more difficult than C rank, "S rank" which is more difficult than A rank, and "SS rank" which is more difficult than S rank.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the model answer DB stored in the server storage unit 132. The model answer DB 1324 shown in FIG. 6 includes at least a content ID, subject, unit, grade, model answer for the most difficult exam, model answer for difficult exam, model answer for standard exam, model answer for minimum exam, model answer 1, model answer 2, model answer 3, model answer 4, required element, supplementary element 1, supplementary element 2, supplementary element 3, and supplementary element 4. The subject is information identifying the subject to which the learning content belongs. The unit is information identifying the learning category to which the learning content belongs. Specifically, the unit is specified with information identifying the division at the chapter level of a textbook; for example, a mathematics unit might include "simultaneous equations," "linear functions," and "geometric proofs."

[0065] The grade level is information that identifies the grade level in which the learning content is expected to be studied. The most difficult model answer stores the most appropriate answer required for a learner with a most difficult orientation. Similarly, the difficult model answer, standard model answer, and minimum model answer store the most appropriate answer required for a learner with a difficult orientation, a learner with a standard orientation, and a learner with a minimum orientation, respectively.

[0066] Correct but not optimal answers are stored in model answers 1 to 4. In this embodiment, a more appropriate answer than model answer 4 is stored in model answer 3, a more appropriate answer than model answer 3 is stored in model answer 2, a more appropriate answer than model answer 2 is stored in model answer 1, and an answer more appropriate than model answer 1 is stored in model answer for difficult questions.

[0067] Specifically, the model answer for the most difficult test is a necessary and sufficient answer without any unnecessary steps. Model answers 1 to 4 store alternative solutions that are different from the model answer for the most difficult test, or correct answers that require a large amount of work, etc. In this embodiment, an example is described in which four model answers 1 to 4 that are different from the model answer for the most difficult test are stored, but any other number of model answers may be stored.

[0068] The required elements are information used to determine whether the answer is correct or incorrect. Supplementary elements 1 to 4 are supplementary information that is preferably included in the answer in addition to the required elements. In this embodiment, an example in which four supplementary elements 1 to 4 are saved will be described, but any other number of supplementary elements may be saved.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an answer DB stored in server storage unit 132. Answer DB 1325 shown in FIG. 7 includes at least a content ID, a learner ID, an orientation level, explanation data, a degree of match, a date and time, and a best answer. The orientation level stores the orientation level of the learner corresponding to the learner ID. The explanation data stores explanation data of the learner regarding the learning content. The degree of match is information indicating the degree of match with the model answer. In this embodiment, the degree of match stores the degree of match between the model answer corresponding to the orientation level and the explanation data. The date and time is information indicating the date and time of the answer.

[0070] The best answer is information indicating whether the explanation data is a best answer whose degree of agreement with the model answer satisfies a predetermined condition. Here, the model answers to be compared to select the best answer may be only model answers that have the same orientation level as the learner, or model answers of any orientation level, not limited to the orientation level of the learner.

[0071] In this embodiment, the degree of agreement between the model answers of all inclination levels and the explanation data is compared, and if, among all the learners' explanation data, the explanation data of that learner has the highest degree of agreement with the model answer of inclination level A, information indicating the inclination level A and the degree of agreement is saved as the best answer. For example, if the inclination level of learner X is "most difficult inclination," and the degrees of agreement with the model answers of all the inclination levels "most difficult inclination," "difficult inclination," "standard inclination," and "minimum inclination" are determined, and, among all the learners' explanation data, the explanation data of learner X has the highest degree of agreement with the model answers of the inclination levels "difficult inclination" and "standard inclination," information indicating "difficult inclination" and its degree of agreement, and information indicating "standard inclination" and its degree of agreement is saved as the best answer.

[0072] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the explanation data with the highest degree of match with the model answer is selected as the best answer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any explanation data with a higher degree of match with the model answer that meets a predetermined condition may be selected as the best answer. For example, from among the explanation data whose degree of match with the model answer exceeds a predetermined level, explanation data with fewer characters and a more concise explanation may be selected as the best answer, or the best answer designation may be received from an administrator of the server device 100. Note that, by setting an importance level to a predetermined part of the model answer and weighting the explanation data according to the importance level when calculating the degree of match between the explanation data and the model answer, explanation data with a higher degree of match in the important part may be selected as the best answer.

[0073] 4, the server processing unit 133 is composed of the arithmetic processing unit 101 shown in FIG. 2, and processes are executed by each functional module described below based on a control command from the arithmetic processing unit 101. That is, the arithmetic processing unit 101 functions as the server processing unit 133 in this embodiment. Explaining this further using learning support in this embodiment as an example, the functional modules include a screen transmission unit 1331, a content distribution unit 1332, a start request reception unit 1333, a determination unit 1334, a dialogue unit 1335, a feedback unit 1336, and an update unit 1337. The functional modules are realized by the various programs executed by the processor of the arithmetic processing unit 101, or may be implemented in the arithmetic processing unit 101 as firmware.

[0074] In response to input from the user of terminal device 200, screen transmission unit 1331 generates corresponding screen information and transmits it to terminal device 200. Specifically, screen transmission unit 1331 transmits, for example, search result screen information for displaying search results for learning content to terminal device 200. Furthermore, when screen transmission unit 1331 receives an explanation question from start request reception unit 1333 (described below), it generates talk screen information requesting the learner to explain the explanation question and transmits it to terminal device 200. Furthermore, when screen transmission unit 1331 receives a determination result from determination unit 1334 (described below), it generates talk screen information based on the determination result and transmits it to terminal device 200.

[0075] In one embodiment, when the screen transmission unit 1331 receives dialogue content from a dialogue unit 1335 described later, it generates talk screen information based on the dialogue content and transmits it to the terminal device 200. In addition, in one embodiment, when the screen transmission unit 1331 receives explanation data of another person from a feedback unit 1336 described later, it generates talk screen information based on the explanation data of another person and transmits it to the terminal device 200.

[0076] The content delivery unit 1332 delivers learning content to the terminal device of the learner. In this embodiment, the content delivery unit 1332 receives a content delivery request including a content ID from the terminal device 200, retrieves learning content corresponding to the content ID from the learning content DB 1321, and delivers the learning content to the terminal device 200 of the specified learner.

[0077] The start request receiving unit 1333 receives an explanation start request from the terminal device 200. In this embodiment, the start request receives an explanation start request including a content ID, a learner ID, and a mode from the terminal device 200. If the mode is "challenge mode," the start request receiving unit 1333 retrieves an explanation question corresponding to the content ID from the learning content DB 1321 and passes it to the screen sending unit 1331. The mode is specified as either a "challenge mode," which directly asks for explanation data that will be the answer to the explanation question, or an "easy mode," which interactively asks for explanation data that will be the answer to the explanation question. If the mode is "easy mode," the start request receiving unit 1333 hands over the process to a dialogue unit 1335, which will be described later.

[0078] The determination unit 1334 makes a determination based on the explanation data and model answer received from the terminal device 200. In this embodiment, when a determination request including a content ID, a learner ID, and explanation data is received from the terminal device 200, the determination unit 1334 refers to the learner DB 1322 and determines the inclination level to be used for the determination.

[0079] In this embodiment, the determination unit 1334 determines the inclination level to be used for the determination from the inclination level in the learner DB 1322. In one embodiment, the determination unit 1334 may determine the inclination level to be used for the determination based on the current learning level ascertained from the learning situation and the tendency for each subject at the desired school, in addition to the inclination level in the learner DB 1322.

[0080] Next, the judgment unit 1334 obtains model answers with multiple inclination levels from the model answer DB 1324 based on the content ID, and makes a judgment based on the inclination level used for the judgment, the explanation data, and the multiple model answers. In this embodiment, the judgment unit 1334 judges the degree of match between the model answer and the explanation data, and determines a judgment comment. The judgment process will be described later. The judgment unit 1334 passes the judgment result, including the inclination level used for the judgment, the degree of match, and the judgment comment, to the screen transmission unit 1331, and registers a record in the answer DB 1325 based on the content ID, learner ID, inclination level, explanation data, and degree of match.

[0081] The dialogue unit 1335 determines the content of the dialogue with the terminal device 200. In this embodiment, when an explanation start request including "easy mode" is received from the terminal device 200, the dialogue unit 1335 determines the content of the dialogue with the terminal device 200 based on the model answer DB 1324. In one embodiment, the dialogue unit 1335 determines the content of the dialogue based on supplementary elements 1 to 4 in the model answer DB 1324. For example, the dialogue unit 1335 determines the content of the dialogue inquiring about part of the conclusion of supplementary element 1 and passes it to the screen transmission unit 1331.

[0082] The dialogue unit 1335 also receives a dialogue request including a dialogue answer to the dialogue content from the terminal device 200, judges the dialogue answer, and determines the next dialogue content. In this embodiment, upon receiving a dialogue request including a content ID, a learner ID, a dialogue sequence, and a dialogue answer, the dialogue unit 1335 judges the dialogue answer by referring to the supplementary elements in the model answer DB 1324 based on the content ID and dialogue sequence, and determines the next dialogue content based on the judgment result and the dialogue sequence and passes it to the screen transmission unit 1331.

[0083] The dialogue sequence is information indicating the progress of the dialogue, and in this embodiment, a number is set that is incremented each time a dialogue request is sent from the learner. In this embodiment, the supplementary elements in the model answer DB 1324 are stored in the order of dialogue, from 1 to a maximum of 4, and the dialogue unit 1335 can dialogue with the learner of the terminal device 200 in order based on the dialogue sequence.

[0084] The feedback unit 1336 determines the explanation data of the other person to be fed back to the terminal device 200. In this embodiment, the feedback unit 1336 receives a feedback request including a content ID, a learner ID, and a judgment result from the terminal device 200, and acquires the explanation data of the other person from the answer DB 1325 based on the content ID, the orientation level of the judgment result, and the degree of agreement of the judgment result.

[0085] In one embodiment, the feedback unit 1336 determines, based on the orientation level and the acquired degree of agreement, the explanation data of learners with the same orientation level that has the highest degree of agreement with the model answer for that orientation level as feedback for the best answer. In another embodiment, the feedback unit 1336 determines, among the explanation data of all learners, the explanation data that has the highest degree of agreement with the model answer for that orientation level as feedback for the best answer. If there is no best answer in the answer DB 1325 that has a degree of agreement higher than that of the learner included in the determination result, the feedback unit 1336 may determine, as feedback, the model answer or any of model answers 1 to 4 included in the model answer DB 1324.

[0086] In another embodiment, the feedback unit 1336 determines, as feedback, from among the explanatory data of the same intention level, based on the intention level and the degree of agreement, explanatory data that has a degree of agreement that is higher by a predetermined degree than the learner's degree of agreement. For example, when the intention level is "standard intention" and the degree of agreement is "70%," the feedback unit 1336 may determine, as feedback, explanatory data with a degree of agreement of 80%, which is 10% higher than the learner's degree of agreement of "70%". After determining the explanatory data of others to provide feedback, the feedback unit 1336 passes the determined explanatory data of others to the screen transmission unit 1331.

[0087] The update unit 1337 updates the model answer DB 1324. In this embodiment, the update unit 1337 updates the model answer DB 1324 based on the answer DB 1325. In one embodiment, the update unit 1337 may update the model answer for each inclination level with explanation data having the highest degree of match among the explanation data included in the answer DB 1325 at any timing, such as once a year. For example, the update unit 1337 may obtain explanation data having the highest degree of match for the most difficult inclination from the answer DB 1325 and update the most difficult model answer in the model answer DB 1324. Similarly, the update unit 1337 may update the difficult model answer, the standard model answer, and the minimum model answer.

[0088] Furthermore, the update unit 1337 updates the best answer in the answer DB 1325. As described above, the best answer may be selected from the explanation data of all learners, or may be selected from the explanation data of learners with the same orientation level as the orientation level of the model answer to be compared. In this embodiment, the update unit 1337 selects the best answer for each orientation level from the explanation data of all learners. Note that the timing at which the update unit 1337 updates the best answer can be any timing. The update unit 1337 may update the best answer each time it receives explanation data from the terminal device 200 by determining whether the explanation data will be the best answer, or it may update the best answer once a day, once a month, once a year, or the like.

[0089] <Functional Configuration of Terminal Device 200> 8 is a schematic configuration diagram (functional configuration diagram) showing, from a functional perspective, a terminal device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 is, for example, a tablet terminal, and includes at least a terminal communication unit 202, a display unit 204, an operation unit 206, an audio output unit 208, an audio input unit 210, a terminal storage unit 212, and a learner application control unit 214, as shown in FIG.

[0090] The terminal communication unit 202 can be realized by, for example, the mobile communication unit 32 or the wireless LAN communication unit 36. The terminal communication unit 202 transmits data supplied from the learner application control unit 214 to the server device 100, and also supplies data received from the server device 100 to the learner application control unit 214.

[0091] The display unit 204 is realized by, for example, the touch panel 14 and the main control unit 40, and displays screens relating to content and other learning support applications.

[0092] The operation unit 206 is realized by, for example, the touch panel 14, the hard buttons 20, the hard keys 22, etc., and is used to input user operations.

[0093] Audio output unit 208 is realized by, for example, speaker 16 and main control unit 40, and outputs the audio included in the study content.

[0094] The voice input unit 210 is realized by, for example, the microphone 18 and the main control unit 40, and inputs the voice of the learner's explanation.

[0095] The device storage unit 212 is for storing various programs and various data, and specifically may be configured from the above-mentioned storage unit 38 shown in Fig. 3. The program stored in the device storage unit 212 is a learning support application program that executes the processing procedures described below. The device storage unit 212 also stores data related to such learning support, display data, data on various calculation results, and the like.

[0096] For example, learner identification data 2121 is stored in the terminal storage unit 212. The identification data 2121 includes at least a learner ID, a login ID, and a password.

[0097] The learner application control unit 214 can be realized by, for example, the main control unit 40. The learner application control unit 214 realizes each function of the learning assistance application by executing the program 50. The learner application control unit 214 includes a reception unit 2141, an authentication unit 2142, and an input / output control unit 2143.

[0098] The receiving unit 2141 receives information corresponding to a user operation input via the touch panel 14 or the like. The receiving unit 2141 outputs the information corresponding to the received user operation to each unit as appropriate. For example, as will be described later, the receiving unit 2141 receives login information and the like of a learner input using the operation unit 206, and outputs the received information to each unit.

[0099] The authentication unit 2142 authenticates the learner using the login information acquired from the reception unit 2141. For example, the login information includes a login ID and a password, and the authentication unit 2142 performs authentication processing using the identification data 2121. Note that the authentication processing may be performed by the server device 100 or an authentication server other than the server device 100. Furthermore, the authentication method may be any authentication means such as authentication using an input password, fingerprint authentication, iris authentication, or voiceprint authentication. At this time, the information used for authentication is input from the operation unit 206, for example.

[0100] The input / output control unit 2143 transmits various requests to the server device 100 in accordance with the learner's input acquired from the receiving unit 2141, and receives the processing results, generates a screen based on the various information, and displays it on the display unit 204. For example, in this embodiment, in response to receiving a content search instruction from the learner via the operation unit 206, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a content search request to the server device 100, receives the processing results, generates a search result screen, and displays it on the display unit 304. In addition, in response to receiving an instruction to deliver predetermined content from the learner via the operation unit 206, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a content delivery request to the server device 100, receives the content as a processing result, and plays it on the display unit 304 and the audio output unit 208.

[0101] In response to receiving an instruction to start explanation from a learner via the operation unit 206, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits an explanation start request including a content ID and a learner ID to the server device 100, receives the processing result, generates a talk screen, and displays it on the display unit 304. In addition, in response to receiving a judgment instruction from a learner via the operation unit 206, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a judgment request including a content ID, a learner ID, and explanation data to the server device 100, receives the processing result, updates the talk screen, and displays it on the display unit 304.

[0102] In one embodiment, in response to receiving a dialogue instruction from a learner via the operation unit 206, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a dialogue request including a content ID, a learner ID, a dialogue sequence, and a dialogue answer to the server device 100, receives the processing result, updates the talk screen, and displays it on the display unit 304. Also, in one embodiment, in response to receiving a feedback instruction from the learner via the operation unit 206, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a feedback request including a content ID, a learner ID, and an assessment result to the server device 100, receives the processing result, updates the talk screen, and displays it on the display unit 304.

[0103] <Example of a screen on the terminal device 200> Next, an example of a screen of the learning support service in the embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen of learning content. In the example shown in Fig. 9, science learning content is being viewed, and the viewing screen includes a key question icon 901 and a talk screen control 902. In this embodiment, the learner can display the initial talk screen by selecting the talk screen control 902 on the viewing screen including the key question icon 901.

[0104] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a talk initial screen. In the example shown in Fig. 10, a mentor character is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a talk area 1001 is displayed on the right side of the screen. In the talk area, data from the mentor character and data from the learner are displayed in a distinguishable manner. In this embodiment, in the talk area 1001, data from the mentor character is displayed in a speech bubble facing left, and data from the learner is displayed in a speech bubble facing right, from top to bottom in chronological order.

[0105] 11 and 12 are diagrams showing examples of a talk screen in the challenge mode. FIG. 11 shows an example of a talk screen on which a learner has input explanation data, and FIG. 12 shows an example of a talk screen on which explanation data from another person is displayed. A speech bubble 1101 shows information requesting the learner to provide an explanation for the explanation question. A speech bubble 1102 shows explanation data from the learner. A speech bubble 1103 shows a judgment comment from the instructor character.

[0106] 13 and 14 show an example of a talk screen in easy mode. Figures 13 and 14 show an example of a talk screen in which a learner inputs explanatory data in response to a dialogue from a tutor character. Speech bubbles 1301, 1303, and 1305 show the dialogue content from the tutor character. Speech bubbles 1302 and 1304 show the dialogue responses from the learner.

[0107] <Operation> First, the basic operation of the learning support system 1 will be described. Figures 15, 16, and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of processing between a server device and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, before the processing of Figure 15 is performed, various data are stored in the learning content DB 1321, school DB 1323, and model answer DB 1324 under the management of an administrator of the server device 100. Furthermore, the learner DB 1322 stores the desired school, aspiration level, favorite subjects, weak subjects, teaching policy, and teaching character set by the learner at any time. The answer DB 1325 also allows for multiple answer data.

[0108] When a learner, who is a user of the learning support system 1, inputs login information using the operation unit 206 of the terminal device 200, the reception unit 2141 of the terminal device 200 receives the login information (S101). Here, it is assumed that learner 1 with learner ID "user2" inputs the login information using the operation unit 206. When the reception unit 2141 receives the login information, the authentication unit 2142 of the terminal device 200 authenticates the learner using the login information acquired from the reception unit 2141 (S102). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the login information includes a login ID and a password, and the authentication unit 2142 performs authentication processing using the identification data 2121.

[0109] If the authentication is successful, a learning assistance screen dedicated to the logged-in learner is displayed on the display unit 204. After that, when the learner uses the operation unit 206 to input a content search request to search for desired learning content, the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 transmits the content search request received by the receiving unit 2141 to the server device 100 (S103).

[0110] The screen transmission unit 1331 of the server device 100 receives a content search request from the terminal device 200 (S104) and generates search result screen information (S105). In this embodiment, the screen transmission unit 1331 references the study content DB 1321 to generate the search result screen information.

[0111] When the search result screen information is transmitted from the screen transmission unit 1331 (S106, S107), the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 generates a search result screen based on the search result screen information and displays it on the display unit 304 (S108).

[0112] When the learner selects the desired content on the displayed search result screen using the operation unit 206 and inputs a content delivery request, the input / output control unit 2143 sends a content delivery request including the content ID of the selected content to the server device 100 (S109).

[0113] The content distribution unit 1332 of the server device 100 receives a content distribution request from the terminal device 200 (S110), obtains the study content corresponding to the content ID from the study content DB 1321 (S111), and distributes it to the learner's terminal device 200 (S112).

[0114] When the study content is distributed from content distribution unit 1332 (S113), input / output control unit 2143 plays the content on display unit 304 and audio output unit 208 (S114).

[0115] Next, the operation of the learning support system 1 in the challenge mode will be described with reference to Fig. 16. When a learner uses the operation unit 206 to input a request to start an explanation while viewing learning content, the input / output control unit 2143 sends an explanation start request including the content ID, learner ID, and mode to the server device 100 (S201). Here, it is assumed that the learner selects the talk screen control 902 on the viewing screen shown in Fig. 9, causing Fig. 10 to be displayed, and that the learner makes an input on the initial talk screen of Fig. 10 to start the explanation of the key question in challenge mode, causing the input / output control unit 2143 to send an explanation start request including the content ID "content1," the learner ID "user2," and the mode "challenge mode."

[0116] The start request receiving unit 1333 of the server device 100 receives an explanation start request from the terminal device 200 (S202), and if the mode is "challenge mode", acquires an explanation question corresponding to the content ID included in the explanation start request (S203). Here, it is assumed that an explanation start request including the mode "challenge mode" is received, and the start request receiving unit 1333 acquires an explanation question corresponding to the content ID "content1" from the learning content DB 1321. When the start request receiving unit 1333 acquires the explanation question, the screen sending unit 1331 generates talk screen information requesting the learner to explain the explanation question, and sends the talk screen information to the terminal device 200 (S204).

[0117] When the talk screen information is transmitted from the screen transmission unit 1331 (S205), the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 generates a talk screen based on the talk screen information and displays it on the display unit 304 (S206). Here, it is assumed that the input / output control unit 2143 displays a talk screen including the speech bubble 1101 in FIG. 11.

[0118] When the learner inputs explanatory data by speaking explanatory voice into the microphone 18 of the terminal device 200 while the talk screen is displayed, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a determination request including the content ID, learner ID, and explanatory data to the server device 100 (S207). Here, it is assumed that the learner utters a voice as shown in the speech bubble 1102 in Fig. 11, and the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a determination request including the content ID "content1", learner ID "user2", and explanatory data "...".

[0119] The determination unit 1334 of the server device 100 receives a determination request from the terminal device 200 (S208) and determines the orientation level to be used for the determination by referring to the learner DB 1322 (S209). Next, the determination unit 1334 acquires model answers with multiple orientation levels based on the content ID from the model answer DB 1324, and determines the degree of agreement based on the learner's orientation level, the explanatory data, and the multiple model answers to determine a determination comment (S210). Here, it is assumed that the determination unit 1334 determines the degree of agreement to be "85%" and determines the determination comment to be "excellent." Finally, the determination unit 1334 registers a record in the answer DB 1325 based on the content ID, the learner ID, the orientation level, the explanatory data, and the degree of agreement (S211).

[0120] When the determination unit 1334 completes the determination, the screen transmission unit 1331 generates talk screen information based on the determination result and transmits it to the terminal device 200 (S212).

[0121] When talk screen information based on the determination result is transmitted from the screen transmission unit 1331 (S213), the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 updates the talk screen based on the talk screen information based on the determination result and displays it on the display unit 304 (S214). Here, it is assumed that the input / output control unit 2143 displays a talk screen including the speech bubble 1103, speech bubble 1104, and options 1105 in FIG. 11.

[0122] When the learner inputs a feedback request by selecting the "View" control of the option 1105 displayed on the talk screen, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a feedback request including the content ID, the learner ID, and the judgment result to the server device 100 (S215). Here, it is assumed that the input / output control unit 2143 has transmitted a feedback request including the content ID "content1", the learner ID "user2", and the judgment result "motivation level: most difficult oriented, degree of agreement: 85%, judgment comment: excellent".

[0123] The feedback unit 1336 of the server device 100 receives a feedback request from the terminal device 200 (S216), and determines other person's explanation data to be fed back to the terminal device 200 based on the content ID, the orientation level of the judgment result, and the degree of agreement of the judgment result (S217). Here, the feedback unit 1336 refers to the best answer of the record with the content ID "content1" in the answer DB 1325, based on the content ID "content1", the orientation level of the judgment result "most difficult orientation", and the degree of agreement of the judgment result "85%", and acquires other person's explanation data that is the best answer with the orientation level "most difficult orientation".

[0124] When the feedback unit 1336 acquires the explanation data of the other person, the screen sending unit 1331 generates talk screen information based on the explanation data of the other person and sends it to the terminal device 200 (S218).

[0125] When talk screen information based on the explanatory data of the other person is transmitted from the screen transmission unit 1331 (S219), the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 updates the talk screen based on the talk screen information based on the explanatory data of the other person and displays it on the display unit 304 (S2120). Here, it is assumed that the input / output control unit 2143 displays a talk screen such as that shown in Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the explanatory data of the other person is displayed on the talk screen in a manner that allows the parts that match the explanatory data of the learner and the parts that differ from each other to be distinguished.

[0126] Next, the operation of learning support system 1 in the easy mode will be described with reference to Fig. 17. When a learner uses operation unit 206 to input a request to start explanation while viewing study content, input / output control unit 2143 transmits a request to start explanation including the content ID, learner ID, and mode to server device 100 (S201). Here, it is assumed that the learner selects talk screen control 902 on the viewing screen shown in Fig. 9, causing Fig. 10 to be displayed, and that the learner inputs an input to start the explanation of the key question in challenge mode on the initial talk screen of Fig. 10, causing input / output control unit 2143 to transmit a request to start explanation including the content ID "content1," learner ID "user2," and mode "easy mode."

[0127] The start request receiving unit 1333 of the server device 100 receives a request to start an explanation from the terminal device 200 (S202), and if the mode is "easy mode," hands over the process to the dialogue unit 1335 of the server device 100, and the dialogue unit 1335 determines the content of the dialogue with the terminal device 200 based on the model answer DB 1324 (S301). Here, it is assumed that an explanation start request including the mode "easy mode" is received, and the dialogue unit 1335 refers to the model answer DB 1324 based on the content ID "content1," and determines the dialogue content that asks about part of the conclusion of supplemental element 1 based on supplemental element 1 in the model answer DB 1324. When the dialogue unit 1335 determines the dialogue content, the screen sending unit 1331 generates talk screen information based on the dialogue content and sends it to the terminal device 200 (S302).

[0128] When the talk screen information is transmitted from the screen transmission unit 1331 (S303), the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 generates a talk screen based on the talk screen information and displays it on the display unit 304 (S304). Here, it is assumed that the input / output control unit 2143 displays a talk screen including the speech bubble 1301 in FIG. 13.

[0129] When the learner inputs a dialogue answer by speaking into the microphone 18 of the terminal device 200 while the talk screen is displayed, the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a dialogue request including the content ID, learner ID, dialogue sequence, and dialogue answer to the server device 100 (S305). Here, it is assumed that the learner utters the voice shown in the speech bubble 1302 in Fig. 13, and the input / output control unit 2143 transmits a dialogue request including the content ID "content1", learner ID "user2", dialogue sequence "1", and dialogue answer "...".

[0130] The dialogue unit 1335 receives a dialogue request from the terminal device 200 (S306), determines the dialogue answer (S307), and decides the next dialogue content (S308). In this embodiment, the dialogue unit 1335 determines the dialogue answer by referring to the supplemental element in the model answer DB 1324 based on the content ID and the dialogue sequence, and decides the next dialogue content based on the determination result and the dialogue sequence. Here, it is assumed that the dialogue unit 1335 determines that the dialogue answer is correct, and decides that the next dialogue content is a dialogue content inquiring about part of the conclusion of supplemental element 2. Once the dialogue unit 1335 decides the dialogue content, the screen sending unit 1331 generates talk screen information based on the dialogue content and sends it to the terminal device 200 (S309).

[0131] When the talk screen information is transmitted from the screen transmission unit 1331 (S310), the input / output control unit 2143 of the terminal device 200 generates a talk screen based on the talk screen information and displays it on the display unit 304 (S311). Here, it is assumed that the input / output control unit 2143 displays a talk screen including the speech bubble 1303 in FIG. 13.

[0132] Thereafter, when the learner inputs a dialogue answer by speaking into the microphone 18 of the terminal device 200 while the talk screen is displayed, the processes of S305 to S311 are repeated, and finally, the talk screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

[0133] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the determination process of the determination unit 1334. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] 16, after determining the orientation level to be used for the determination, the determination unit 1334 acquires model answers of a plurality of orientation levels based on the content ID from the model answer DB 1324 (S401). In this embodiment, the determination unit 1334 acquires four model answers based on the content ID: a model answer for the most difficult test, a model answer for a difficult test, a model answer for a standard test, and a model answer for the minimum test.

[0135] Next, the determination unit 1334 determines the degree of match between the model answer for the inclination level used for the determination and the explanation data (S402). If the degree of match is higher than the correct answer threshold (S403: Yes), the determination unit 1334 determines a determination comment based on the degree of match (S404). In this embodiment, the correct answer threshold is set to 70%, and a low degree of match is set to 70% or more but less than 80%, a medium degree of match is set to 80% or more but less than 90%, and a high degree of match is set to 90% or more. The determination unit 1334 determines the determination comment based on the table in FIG. 19. For example, if the degree of match with the model answer for the most difficult level is 90% or more, the determination unit 1334 determines the determination comment to be "highest rank."

[0136] In one embodiment, the determination unit 1334 may adjust the accuracy threshold and the range of the degree of agreement above the accuracy threshold based on the teaching principle. For example, when the teaching principle is "0: Standard," the determination unit 1334 uses the accuracy threshold of "70%," the low degree of agreement of "70% or more but less than 80%, the medium degree of agreement of "80% or more but less than 90%, and the high degree of agreement of "90% or more" without adjustment. When the teaching principle is "1: Always Gentle," the determination unit 1334 adjusts the accuracy threshold to 65%, 65% or more but less than 75% to low degree of agreement, 75% or more but less than 85% to medium degree of agreement, and 85% or more to high degree of agreement. When the teaching principle is "3: Always Strict," the determination unit 1334 adjusts the accuracy threshold to 75%, 75% or more but less than 85% to low degree of agreement, 85% or more but less than 95% to medium degree of agreement, and 95% or more to high degree of agreement.

[0137] Furthermore, when the teaching policy is "2: be strict with good subjects and gentle with bad subjects," the judgment unit 1334 adjusts the threshold in the same way as when the teaching policy is "3: always strict" if the subject to which the content ID belongs is a good subject, adjusts it in the same way as when the teaching policy is "1: always gentle" if the subject to which the content ID belongs is a bad subject, and uses it without adjusting the correct answer threshold or the range of matching above the correct answer threshold if the subject to which the content ID belongs is neither a good subject nor a bad subject.

[0138] Returning to FIG. 18 , if the degree of match is lower than the correct answer threshold (S403: No), the determination unit 1334 determines the degree of match between the model answer for a preference level one level lower than the preference level used in the determination in S402 and the explanation data (S405). The determination unit 1334 determines a judgment comment based on the degree of match determined in S405 (S406). For example, if the degree of match with the most difficult model answer is lower than the correct answer threshold of 70% and the degree of match with the difficult model answer is higher than the correct answer threshold of 70%, the determination unit 1334 determines the judgment comment as “It’s basically OK” based on the table in FIG. 19 . Alternatively, if the degree of match with the most difficult model answer is lower than the correct answer threshold of 70% and the degree of match with the difficult model answer is also lower than the correct answer threshold of 70%, the determination unit 1334 determines the judgment comment as “Let’s take a look at the correct answer” based on the table in FIG. 19 .

[0139] After this, the process proceeds to S211 in FIG. 16. In this embodiment, when registering a record in the answer DB 1325, the judgment unit 1334 uses the degree of agreement between the inclination level used in S402 and the model answer for this inclination level.

[0140] In this embodiment, the judgment unit 1334 judges the degree of agreement between a model answer of the orientation level used for the judgment and a model answer of an orientation level one level lower than the orientation level used for the judgment, if necessary; however, in another embodiment, the judgment unit 1334 may judge the degree of agreement with a model answer of an orientation level one level lower than the orientation level used for the judgment, if necessary, or may judge the degree of agreement with a model answer of an orientation level one level higher than the orientation level used for the judgment, or may judge only the degree of agreement with a model answer of the orientation level used for the judgment.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the judgment unit 1334 determines the judgment comment by only judging whether the degree of agreement with the model answer of a one-level lower orientation level is higher or lower than the correct answer threshold, as shown by "→→Correct" and "→→Incorrect" in the table of Figure 19, but in another embodiment, the judgment comment may be determined by setting multiple ranges of agreement with the model answer of a one-level lower orientation level, such as high agreement, medium agreement, and low agreement.

[0142] In the present embodiment, an example in which the determination process is performed on the server device 100 side has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and some or all of the process may be performed on the terminal device 200 side.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which various requests are sent to the server device 100 using a function realized by executing a learning support application stored in the terminal device 200, and the processing results are received and displayed. However, in other embodiments, various requests may be sent to the server device 100 in accordance with user operations on a browser implemented in the terminal device 200, and the processing results may be received and displayed on the browser.

[0144] As described above, according to this embodiment, the server device 100 is provided with a model answer DB 1324 that stores multiple model answers that explain the reasons or solutions for arriving at a given answer to a given problem, for each of multiple levels that the learner aspires to, and by determining the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanation data from the learner, taking the learner's level into consideration, it is possible to provide effective comments that are in line with the learner's level of aspiration. Rather than simply having the learner explain how to solve the problem, a judgment is made in line with the learner's level of aspiration, and comments are provided in accordance with that judgment, which is expected to stimulate the learner's motivation to explain, and to improve their academic ability through the learning process.

[0145] Furthermore, by storing the explanation data from the learner in the answer DB 1325, the server device 100 can accumulate explanation data from many learners and use it for later analysis, etc. Alternatively, the server device 100 can provide effective feedback that further improves the learner's current level of understanding by obtaining explanation data from the answer DB 1325 of other learners that have a higher degree of match than the determined degree of match and providing it.

[0146] In addition, the server device 100 can make optimal judgments without damaging the learner's motivation to explain by carefully adjusting the difficulty of the judgment according to the learner's settings such as favorite subjects, weak subjects, teaching style, etc.

[0147] In addition, the server device 100 updates the model answers in the model answer DB 1324 using the learner's explanation data stored in the answer DB 1325, thereby enabling the server device 100 to prepare the optimal model answers suited to the examination environment, which is constantly changing.

[0148] In addition, the server device 100 can assist the learner in continuing the learning process without losing their motivation to explain by determining the degree of similarity with model answers that correspond to a level one level lower than the learner's desired level.

[0149] Furthermore, by providing an easy interactive mode, the server device 100 can provide support to learners who have difficulty explaining the reasons or methods for arriving at the answer to a given problem at once, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of explanations and is expected to improve their academic ability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1...Learning support system, 101...arithmetic processing unit, 102...ROM, 103...RAM, 104...external interface, 105...input unit, 106...external memory, 107...image processing unit, 108...slot drive, 109...audio processing unit, 110...network interface, 111...display monitor, 112...speaker device, 120...transmission path, 131...server communication unit, 132...server storage unit, 1321...learning content DB, 1322...learner DB, 1323...school DB, 1324...model answer DB, 1325...answer DB, 133...server processing unit, 1331...screen transmission unit (output unit), 1332...content distribution unit, 1333...start request reception unit, 1334...determination unit, 1335...interaction unit, 1336...feedback lock unit, 1337...update unit, 200...terminal device, 14...touch panel, 14A...display, 14B...touch sensor, 16...speaker, 18...microphone, 20...hard button, 22...hard key, 24...audio output terminal, 26...camera, 30...mobile communication antenna, 32...mobile communication unit, 34...wireless LAN communication antenna, 36...wireless LAN communication unit, 38...storage unit, 40...main control unit, 42...external interface, 50...program, 202...terminal communication unit, 204...display unit, 206...operation unit, 208...audio output unit, 210...audio input unit, 212...terminal memory unit, 2121...identification data, 214...learner application control unit, 2141...reception unit, 2142...authentication unit, 2143...input / output control unit, N...network

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores model answers that explain the reasons for arriving at the answers to predetermined problems or the methods for solving the problems; a determination unit that receives from the terminal device explanation data that explains the reason or method for arriving at the answer to the predetermined question and determines the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanation data; an output unit that outputs a comment determined based on the degree of match; An information processing device comprising:

2. The storage unit stores model answers for each of a plurality of levels that the learner aims to achieve, the determination unit determines a degree of agreement between a model answer corresponding to the level of the learner of the terminal device and the explanation data. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit stores the received explanation data together with the degree of coincidence in the storage unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the output unit further outputs explanation data of another learner having a higher degree of matching than the degree of matching.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the output unit outputs explanation data of other learners whose degree of agreement with the model answer satisfies a predetermined condition.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit adjusts the difficulty of the determination in accordance with a setting made by the learner on the terminal device.

7. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an update unit that updates the model answer with the received explanation data.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the update unit updates the model answer with explanation data of a learner whose degree of agreement with the model answer satisfies a predetermined condition.

9. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the determining unit further determines a degree of agreement between the explanation data and a model answer corresponding to a level one level lower and / or one level higher than the level of the learner.

10. a storage unit that stores a plurality of elements that explain the reason or method for arriving at an answer to a predetermined problem; a dialogue unit that selects one element from the plurality of elements and determines dialogue content inquiring about a part of the conclusion of the selected element, and when a dialogue answer to the dialogue content is received, judges the dialogue answer, selects one element from the remaining elements that have not been selected, and determines the next dialogue content; an output unit that outputs the dialogue content; An information processing device comprising:

11. The elements have information about the order in which they are described; The information processing device according to claim 10 , wherein the dialogue unit selects one element based on the order of explanation.

12. An information processing device having a storage unit that stores model answers that explain the reasons for arriving at an answer to a predetermined problem or the method of solving the problem, receiving, from the terminal device, explanation data that explains the reason or method for arriving at the answer to the predetermined question, and determining the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanation data; outputting a comment determined based on the degree of match; A method comprising:

13. One or more computers each having a storage unit that stores a model answer that explains the reason or method for arriving at an answer to a predetermined problem, receiving, from the terminal device, explanation data that explains the reason or method for arriving at the answer to the predetermined question, and determining the degree of agreement between the model answer and the explanation data; a process of outputting a comment determined based on the degree of match; A program that executes the following.

14. A terminal device that is communicably connected to a server device that has a storage unit that stores model answers that explain the reasons for arriving at the answers to predetermined questions or the methods for solving the questions, a transmitting unit that transmits to the server device explanation data that explains the reason for arriving at an answer to the predetermined question or a method for solving the answer; a receiving unit that receives a comment on the description data from the server device in response to the transmission of the description data; Equipped with The server device determines the degree of match between the model answer and the explanation data, and determines and transmits the comment based on the degree of match.

15. A terminal device is communicably connected to a server device having a storage unit that stores model answers that explain the reasons for arriving at the answers to predetermined questions or the methods for solving the questions, transmitting to the server device explanation data explaining the reason for arriving at an answer to the predetermined question or a method for solving the answer; receiving a comment on the description data from the server device in response to the transmission of the description data; Including, The server device determines a degree of match between the model answer and the explanation data, and determines and transmits the comment based on the degree of match.

16. A terminal device communicably connected to a server device having a storage unit that stores model answers that explain the reasons for arriving at the answers to predetermined questions or the methods for solving the questions, a process of transmitting to the server device explanation data explaining the reason for arriving at an answer to the predetermined question or a method for solving the answer; receiving a comment on the description data from the server device in response to the transmission of the description data; A program for executing The server device determines the degree of match between the model answer and the explanation data, and determines and transmits the comment based on the degree of match.

Images