Information processing method, information processor, and information processing program

Abstract

To support commitment to efficient learning.SOLUTION: In a first phase, a training question and excise question concerning a learning unit included in a unit group of a first hierarchy are outputted. In a second phase, the excise question outputted in the first phase is outputted in relation to a learning unit included in a unit group of a second hierarchy constituted as a set of learning units included in plural unit groups of the first hierarchy. In a third phase, the training question outputted in the first phase is outputted in relation to a learning unit included in a unit group of a third hierarchy constituted as a set of learning units included in plural unit groups of the second hierarchy, and a user's answer to the outputted training question is acquired. When the acquired user's answer is incorrect, a comment content concerning the learning unit associated with the training question is outputted, and the excise question outputted in the first phase is outputted in relation to the learning unit associated with the training question.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing program that are suitable for use in supporting learning. [Background technology]

[0002] A known prior art technology used to support learning is a learning support program that causes a computer device that realizes a server constituting a correspondence education system to execute a process that identifies the learning materials used by the learner and the learner's learning progress based on the learner's identification information obtained from an operation terminal, extracts problem content of a difficulty or importance level according to the identified progress for each course corresponding to the identified learning materials, and transmits the extracted problem content to the operation terminal that is the source of the learner's identification information (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-102556 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the problem that they are not sufficient in terms of supporting efficient learning.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a technique that can support the implementation of efficient learning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing method of the present invention is a method executed by an information processing device, and in a first phase, explanatory content related to a learning unit included in a first-level unit group is output, and practice questions and exercises related to the learning unit included in the first-level unit group are output; in a second phase, the exercise questions output in the first phase for a learning unit included in a second-level unit group consisting of a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the first-level unit groups are output; in a third phase, the exercise questions output in the first phase for a learning unit included in a third-level unit group consisting of a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the second-level unit groups are output, and the user's answer to the output exercise questions is obtained; and if the obtained user's answer is incorrect, the explanatory content related to the learning unit corresponding to the exercise questions is output, and the exercise questions output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the practice questions are output.

[0007] The information processing method of the present invention may, in the second phase, obtain the user's answers to the exercise problems output for the learning units included in the second-level unit group, and repeatedly output the exercise problems for which the obtained user's answers are incorrect until the obtained user's answers become correct.

[0008] The information processing method of the present invention may, in the third phase, acquire the user's answer to the exercise problem output for the learning unit included in the third-level unit group, and repeat the output of the explanation content for the learning unit corresponding to the exercise problem for which the acquired user's answer is incorrect, and the output of the exercise problem output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the exercise problem for which the acquired user's answer is incorrect, until the acquired user's answer becomes correct.

[0009] The information processing method of the present invention may also be configured to output at least one of the results of the judgment regarding whether the user properly viewed the commentary content in the first phase and the results of the judgment regarding whether the user properly viewed the commentary content in the third phase to an administrator terminal communicatively connected to the information processing device.

[0010] The information processing method of the present invention may be configured to output at least one of the accuracy rate of the user's answers obtained in the second phase and the accuracy rate of the user's answers obtained in the third phase to an administrator terminal communicatively connected to the information processing device.

[0011] Further, an information processing device according to the present invention comprises explanation output means for outputting explanation content, question output means for outputting question content, and answer acquisition means for acquiring a user's answers to the question content outputted from the question output means, wherein in a first phase, the explanation output means outputs the explanation content relating to a learning unit included in a first-level unit group, and the question output means outputs, as the question content, practice questions and exercise questions relating to the learning unit included in the first-level unit group, and in a second phase, the question output means outputs, as the question content, practice questions and exercise questions relating to a learning unit included in a second-level unit group constituted as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the first-level unit groups. In a third phase, the problem output means outputs the practice problems output in the first phase for the learning units included in a third-level unit group constituted as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the second-level unit groups as the problem content, and the answer acquisition means acquires the user's answer to the practice problem output from the problem output means, and if the user's answer acquired by the answer acquisition means is incorrect, the explanation output means outputs the explanation content related to the learning unit corresponding to the practice problem, and the problem output means outputs the practice problems output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the practice problem.

[0012] In addition, the information processing program of the present invention may include, in a first phase, a process of outputting explanatory content related to a learning unit included in a first-level unit group, and a process of outputting practice questions and exercises related to the learning unit included in the first-level unit group; in a second phase, a process of outputting the exercise questions output in the first phase for a learning unit included in a second-level unit group constituted as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the first-level unit groups; in a third phase, a process of outputting the exercise questions output in the first phase for a learning unit included in a third-level unit group constituted as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the second-level unit groups; and a process of acquiring a user's answer to the output exercise questions, and, if the acquired user's answer is incorrect, a process of outputting the explanatory content related to the learning unit corresponding to the exercise question, and a process of outputting the exercise questions output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the practice question. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect, the present invention can support efficient learning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a learning support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of a learning support device, a user terminal, and an administrator terminal of the learning support system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a learning support device in the learning support system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an example of the relationship between each learning unit and each unit group for each hierarchical level in the learning support system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing configuration in the learning support system of FIG. [Figure 6A]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the first phase of FIG. 5. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second phase of FIG. 5. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the third phase of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an information processing method according to the present invention will be described as being implemented in a learning support system.

[0016] In the present invention, the learning supporter is the administrator of the learning support system 100. The users may be, for example, students at a cram school or preparatory school, or children, pupils, or students at a school. The administrator may be a lecturer at a cram school or preparatory school, or a teacher at a school. The learning supporter and the administrator may at least partially overlap or be the same.

[0017] In the present invention, learning includes learning that is conducted at a cram school, a preparatory school, a school, at home, and the like, and includes learning that is conducted in various places and in various ways (including self-study).

[0018] The present invention is applicable to the study of various subjects, such as Japanese, arithmetic / mathematics, science, social studies, English, etc. Furthermore, the term "study unit" in the description of the present invention refers to a certain study unit in a certain subject.

[0019] (Overall composition) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a learning support system 100 to which an information processing method according to an embodiment is applied, as an example of a specific configuration aspect of the information processing method according to the present invention.

[0020] The learning support system 100 in the embodiment includes a learning support device 1, a user terminal 2, and an administrator terminal 3. The user terminal 2 and the administrator terminal 3 constituting the learning support system 100 may each be one or more.

[0021] The learning assistance device 1 is connected so as to be able to communicate with each of the user terminal 2 and the administrator terminal 3 via a communication network 9 that includes at least one of wired communication and wireless communication, for example.

[0022] The learning support device 1 is a server device operated and managed by a learning supporter.

[0023] The user terminal 2 is a terminal that the user uses when studying. An application (referred to as a "study app") that is used when studying is installed on the user terminal 2. The user launches the study app when starting to study, and closes the study app when the study is finished.

[0024] The administrator terminal 3 is a terminal used by an administrator. The administrator terminal 3 has a function to register questions and a function to check the learning proficiency of each user, for example, by using an application provided on a website or an administration site.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the learning support device 1, the user terminal 2, and the administrator terminal 3 each include a control unit 4, a storage unit 5, a communication unit 6, an input unit 7, and an output unit 8.

[0026] The control unit 4 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing.

[0027] The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a memory for storing data.

[0028] The storage unit 5 may be configured to include, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that provides a working area (memory) and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) that provides a memory area (storage). The storage unit 5 may also include an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) as necessary.

[0029] The communication unit 6 includes a communication interface that performs at least one of wired communication and wireless communication, and is connected to be able to communicate with the communication network 9. The communication interface that constitutes the communication unit 6 has at least the function of transmitting and receiving data signals via the communication network 9.

[0030] The input unit 7 is configured with an input device that accepts input operations. The input device that configures the input unit 7 may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, or the like.

[0031] The output unit 8 is configured with an output device that outputs information. The output device that configures the output unit 8 may be, for example, a display, a speaker, an audio jack, or the like.

[0032] The learning support device 1 may be configured, for example, by a server computer. The user terminal 2 may be configured, for example, by a tablet terminal, a laptop computer, or a smartphone. The administrator terminal 3 may be configured, for example, by a laptop computer or a desktop computer.

[0033] (Learning support device) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the learning assistance device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0034] The learning support device 1 has a control unit 4A, a memory unit 5A, a communication unit 6A, an input unit 7A, and an output unit 8A (the control unit 4A, the memory unit 5A, the communication unit 6A, the input unit 7A, and the output unit 8A correspond to the control unit 4, the memory unit 5, the communication unit 6, the input unit 7, and the output unit 8, respectively, described above). Specifically, the learning support device 1 may be configured, for example, by a server computer including a CPU (in other words, a processor) and a memory.

[0035] A learning assistance program 51 (corresponding to the information processing program according to the present invention), which is a computer program read and executed by a control unit 4A including a CPU (processor), is stored in the storage unit 5A. Execution of the learning assistance program 51 in the control unit 4A including the CPU (processor) causes the server computer to operate and the functions of the learning assistance device 1 to be realized.

[0036] When the learning support program 51 is executed in the control unit 4A, the control unit 4A is configured with an explanation output unit 41 (which corresponds to the explanation output means of the information processing device of the present invention), a practice problem output unit 42 (which corresponds to the problem output means that outputs the problem content of the information processing device of the present invention), a training problem output unit 43 (which corresponds to the problem output means that outputs the problem content of the information processing device of the present invention), and an answer acquisition unit 44 (which corresponds to the answer acquisition means of the information processing device of the present invention).

[0037] The storage unit 5A also stores a user information database 52, a unit group definition table 53, an explanation content database 54, a practice question database 55, a practice question database 56, and an answer correct / incorrect record file 57.

[0038] The user information database 52 registers and stores the user's ID, password, and progress status for each user.

[0039] The definitions of the learning units included in the unit groups at the first level, the definitions of the learning units included in the unit groups at the second level, and the definitions of the learning units included in the unit groups at the third level are registered and stored in the unit group definition table 53.

[0040] Figure 4 shows examples of the relationship between each learning unit and each of the unit groups in the first hierarchical level, the relationship between each learning unit and each of the unit groups in the second hierarchical level, and the relationship between each learning unit and each of the unit groups in the third hierarchical level. Figure 4 also shows examples of the relationship between each of the unit groups in the first hierarchical level and each of the unit groups in the second hierarchical level, the relationship between each of the unit groups in the second hierarchical level and each of the unit groups in the third hierarchical level, and the relationship between each of the unit groups in the first hierarchical level and each of the unit groups in the third hierarchical level.

[0041] The number of each of the first layer unit groups, second layer unit groups, and third layer unit groups registered in the unit group definition table 53 is not limited to a specific number.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 4, for example, 12 unit groups are set in the first layer, 6 unit groups in the second layer, and 3 unit groups in the third layer to correspond to the course content for one year (in other words, one academic year), and the correspondence with each of the learning units A to Z is registered in the unit group definition table 53.

[0043] The first-level unit group is a set consisting of a collection of learning units to be studied in a given month or half-month, for example, for each month or half-month. The number of learning units that make up the first-level unit group is not limited to a specific number, as long as it is one or more.

[0044] A second-level unit group is a set composed of a collection of learning units included in multiple first-level unit groups. The number of first-level unit groups that make up a second-level unit group is not limited to a specific number, as long as it is two or more.

[0045] The second-level unit group is a set that is composed of a collection of learning units that correspond to the scope of a regular exam (also called a regular examination or regular test; specifically, for example, a midterm exam or final exam) at school.

[0046] A third-level unit group is a set composed of a collection of learning units included in multiple second-level unit groups. The number of second-level unit groups that make up a third-level unit group is not limited to a specific number, as long as it is two or more.

[0047] The third-level unit group is a set that is composed of a collection of learning units to be studied during a long school holiday (specifically, a specified period such as summer holiday or winter holiday), for example.

[0048] In the explanation content database 54, explanation content relating to each learning unit is registered and stored.

[0049] The commentary content may be, for example, at least one of (i.e., including a combination of) text (text data), illustrations (graphic data), still images (image data), video (video data), and audio / music (audio data).

[0050] Combinations of data on learning units and explanation contents are registered and stored in the explanation content database 54. That is, when learning unit A is specified in the explanation content database 54, explanation contents related to the learning unit A can be specified.

[0051] Exercises related to each learning unit and the correct answers to the exercises are registered and stored in the exercise database 55.

[0052] The exercises may be questions to check the level of understanding of each learning unit, particularly the content of the explanatory content. Note that one exercise may be registered for a given learning unit, or multiple exercises may be registered.

[0053] The content of the practice questions is not limited to a specific type, but for example, for Japanese, they could be kanji questions or reading comprehension questions, for arithmetic and mathematics, calculation questions or reading questions, for science, natural law questions or experimental observation questions, for social studies, social system questions or history questions, and for English, vocabulary questions, English reading comprehension questions or listening questions.

[0054] Combinations of learning units, practice problems, and data on the correct answers to the practice problems are registered and stored in the practice problem database 55. That is, when, for example, learning unit A is designated in the practice problem database 55, the practice problems related to learning unit A and the correct answers to the practice problems (one or more questions) can be identified.

[0055] Exercises related to each learning unit and the correct answers to the exercises are registered and stored in the exercise database 56.

[0056] The practice questions may be questions for verifying the level of knowledge acquisition by applying knowledge based on the content of the explanatory content for each learning unit, and solving questions in the format that would appear on a regular exam. Note that one practice question may be registered for a given learning unit, or multiple practice questions may be registered.

[0057] The content of the practice questions is not limited to a specific type, but for example, they could be kanji questions or reading comprehension questions for Japanese, calculation questions or reading questions for arithmetic and mathematics, natural law questions or experimental observation questions for science, social systems questions or history questions for social studies, or vocabulary questions, English reading comprehension questions or listening questions for English.

[0058] The exercises may be of the same difficulty as the practice questions, or may be more difficult than the practice questions.

[0059] Combinations of learning units, exercises, and data on the correct answers to the exercises are registered and stored in the exercise database 56. That is, when, for example, learning unit A is designated in the exercise database 56, the exercises related to learning unit A and the correct answers to the exercises (one or more questions) can be identified.

[0060] The answer correctness record file 57 records the correctness or incorrectness of the content of the user's answer to each question output to the user.

[0061] (Processing content) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a processing configuration in learning support system 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 6A to Fig. 6C are flow diagrams showing processing procedures (including a learning support method, which is an information processing method according to an embodiment) in learning support system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0062] The learning support method of the embodiment is a method executed by the learning support device 1, in which, in a first phase, explanatory content related to a learning unit included in a first-level unit group is output, and practice questions and exercises related to the learning unit included in the first-level unit group are output; in a second phase, the exercise questions output in the first phase for a learning unit included in a second-level unit group consisting of a collection of learning units included in multiple first-level unit groups are output; in a third phase, the exercise questions output in the first phase for a learning unit included in a third-level unit group consisting of a collection of learning units included in multiple second-level unit groups are output, and the user's answer to the output exercise questions is obtained; and if the obtained user's answer is incorrect, explanatory content related to the learning unit corresponding to the exercise questions is output, and the exercise questions output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the practice questions are output.

[0063] The learning support method, which is an information processing method according to an embodiment and is applied to the learning support system 100, generally comprises a setting process (step S1) when a user starts learning, as well as a first phase, a second phase, and a third phase (see FIG. 5).

[0064] (Phase 1) FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the first phase in the learning assistance system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0065] The first phase is, for example, the stage or period before the regular exam period at school (in other words, the time before the regular exam period) when learning study units corresponding to regular school classes.

[0066] When starting learning using the learning support system 100, the user launches the learning app on the user terminal 2, operates the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2 to enter, for example, the user's ID and password, and identifies the user who will use the learning support system 100 (step S1).

[0067] The user terminal 2 outputs the ID and password entered via the input unit 7 to the learning support device 1 (specifically, transmits them via the communication unit 6 and the communication network 9), and the learning support device 1 identifies the user based on the combination of the transmitted ID and password.

[0068] The learning support device 1 also checks the progress of the user by referring to the user information database 52 stored in the memory unit 5A, identifies the phase of the user's situation (specifically, the first phase here), and identifies the learning unit in which the user should proceed with their study (step S1).

[0069] In the process of step S1, which is carried out prior to the process as the first phase, in other words, a group of units in the first layer that the user should study is identified.

[0070] Next, the explanation output unit 41 of the control unit 4A of the learning support device 1 specifies the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, to the explanation content database 54, and explanation content related to the learning unit is identified.

[0071] Then, the explanation output unit 41 outputs explanation content related to the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the explanation content is output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S2).

[0072] The explanatory content may be text and illustrations, still images, video and audio / music, or a combination of these.

[0073] The user views the instruction content output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2, and learns the content of the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is carried out prior to the processing of the first phase.

[0074] Here, the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 may output the result of the judgment as to whether or not the user has viewed the commentary content appropriately (in the first phase) (referred to as the "appropriate viewing judgment result") to the administrator terminal 3 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9). However, it is not essential for the present invention that the appropriate viewing judgment result in the first phase is output (transmitted) to the administrator terminal 3.

[0075] The output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 may determine whether the user has viewed the commentary content appropriately, for example, based on whether the user has viewed 80% or more of the entire playback time of the video without skipping playback of the video or stopping it midway and switching to viewing another video. If 80% or more of the entire playback time of the video has been viewed, an appropriate viewing determination result corresponding to "appropriate" may be output (transmitted) from the output unit 8 to the administrator terminal 3, and if less than 80% of the entire playback time of the video has been viewed, an appropriate viewing determination result corresponding to "inappropriate" may be output (transmitted) from the output unit 8 to the administrator terminal 3.

[0076] Next, the practice question output unit 42 specifies the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, to the practice question database 55, and identifies the practice questions related to the learning unit and the correct answers to the practice questions (one or more questions).

[0077] Then, the practice question output unit 42 outputs the practice questions related to the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, and the correct answers to the practice questions to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the practice questions are output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S3).

[0078] The exercises may be written, may include illustrations or still images, and may also include audio, for example for listening comprehension questions.

[0079] The user views the exercises output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 and inputs the answers to the exercises via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2.

[0080] When an answer is input via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2, the control unit 4 determines whether the content of the input answer is correct or incorrect and outputs it to the output unit 8, and also outputs the correct answer to the output unit 8 if the content of the input answer is incorrect.

[0081] If there are multiple practice questions related to the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, the processing of step S3 (including output of the correct answer) is repeated for each question.

[0082] Next, the exercise problem output unit 43 specifies the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing as the first phase, to the exercise problem database 56, and identifies the exercise problems related to the learning unit and the correct answers to the exercise problems (one or more questions).

[0083] Then, the exercise problem output unit 43 outputs the exercise problems related to the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, and the correct answers to the exercise problems to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the exercise problems are output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S4).

[0084] The exercises may be written, may include illustrations or still images, and may also include audio, for example for listening comprehension questions.

[0085] The correct answers to the exercises output (transmitted) to the user terminal 2 by the exercise output unit 43 are transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44.

[0086] The user views the exercises output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 and inputs the answers to the exercises via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2 .

[0087] When an answer is input via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2, the control unit 4 determines whether the content of the input answer is correct or incorrect and outputs it to the output unit 8, and also outputs the correct answer to the output unit 8 if the content of the input answer is incorrect.

[0088] The user terminal 2 also transmits the content of the input answer to the learning support device 1 via the communication unit 6 and the communication network 9.

[0089] When the content of the answer is sent from the user terminal 2 to the learning support device 1, the content of the sent answer is transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44 of the learning support device 1. As a result, the answer acquisition unit 44 acquires the content of the user's answer to the practice question (step S5).

[0090] The answer acquisition unit 44 compares the content of the acquired user's answer with the correct answer transmitted from the exercise problem output unit 43, and determines whether the content of the user's answer is correct or incorrect.

[0091] The answer acquisition unit 44 records and saves the correctness or incorrectness of the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S5 for each practice question output in the processing of step S4 in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A.

[0092] If there are multiple practice questions related to the learning unit identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, the processing of steps S4 and S5 (including output of the correct answer) is repeated for each question.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 4, as an example of the processing of step S1 that is performed prior to the processing of the first phase, <1> The learning units A and B that make up the above are set to be studied in order, followed by the first-level unit group. <2> The learning units C and D that make up the learning unit A are set to be studied in order. Then, the processing of steps S2 to S5 is repeated as many times as necessary for learning units A to D. Then, the processing as the first phase ends (END).

[0094] (Phase 2) FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second phase in the learning assistance system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0095] In the second phase, processing is carried out for a set of learning units for each second-level unit group (in other words, included in the second-level unit group).

[0096] The second phase is, for example, a stage or period in which students study the study unit that corresponds to the scope of a regular school exam (specifically, for example, one to two weeks before the exam).

[0097] As in the description of the first phase, the learning application is started up in the user terminal 2, and the user is identified in the learning assistance device 1 (step S1).

[0098] The learning support device 1 also checks the progress of the user by referring to the user information database 52 stored in the memory unit 5A, identifies the phase of the user's situation (specifically, the second phase here), and identifies the learning unit in which the user should proceed with their study (step S1).

[0099] In the process of step S1, which is carried out prior to the process of the second phase, in other words, a group of units in the second layer that the user should study is identified.

[0100] Next, the exercise problem output unit 43 of the control unit 4A of the learning support device 1 specifies the learning unit (included in the second-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the second phase, to the exercise problem database 56, and identifies the exercise problems related to the learning unit and the correct answers to the exercise problems (one or multiple questions).

[0101] Then, the exercise problem output unit 43 outputs the exercise problems related to the learning unit (included in the second-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the second phase, and the correct answers to the exercise problems to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the exercise problems are output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S6).

[0102] The correct answers to the exercises output (transmitted) to the user terminal 2 by the exercise output unit 43 are transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44.

[0103] The user views the exercises output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 and inputs the answers to the exercises via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2 .

[0104] When an answer is input via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2, the control unit 4 determines whether the content of the input answer is correct or incorrect and outputs it to the output unit 8, and also outputs the correct answer to the output unit 8 if the content of the input answer is incorrect.

[0105] The user terminal 2 also transmits the content of the input answer to the learning support device 1 via the communication unit 6 and the communication network 9.

[0106] When the content of the answer is sent from the user terminal 2 to the learning support device 1, the content of the sent answer is transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44 of the learning support device 1. As a result, the answer acquisition unit 44 acquires the content of the user's answer to the practice question (step S7).

[0107] The answer acquisition unit 44 compares the content of the acquired user's answer with the correct answer transmitted from the exercise problem output unit 43, and determines whether the content of the user's answer is correct or incorrect.

[0108] The answer acquisition unit 44 records and saves the correctness or incorrectness of the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S7 for each practice question output in the processing of step S6 in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A.

[0109] If there are multiple practice questions related to the learning unit (included in the second-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the second phase, the processing of steps S6 and S7 (including output of the correct answer) is repeated for each question.

[0110] In the example shown in FIG. 4, as an example of the processing of step S1 that is performed prior to the processing of the second phase, <1> The learning units A to D are set to be studied in order. Then, the processing of steps S6 and S7 is repeated for learning units A to D as many times as necessary.

[0111] Next, the answer acquisition unit 44 reads the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each exercise problem recorded in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A (specifically, recorded and saved in the processing of step S7), and determines whether the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S7 for each exercise problem output in the processing of step S6 as the second phase is all correct (step S8).

[0112] If the content of the user's answer includes an incorrect answer (step S8: No), the answer acquisition unit 44 proceeds to the processing of step S9, and if the content of the user's answer is all correct (step S8: Yes), the answer acquisition unit 44 ends the processing as the second phase (END).

[0113] In the processing of step S9, the answer acquisition unit 44 identifies the exercise questions (one or more questions) for which the user's answer is incorrect based on the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each exercise question read in the processing of step S8, and transmits information (for example, the exercise question number, ID) of the exercise questions for which the user's answer is incorrect (referred to as ``incorrect exercise questions'') to the exercise question output unit 43.

[0114] Then, the practice question output unit 43 outputs the incorrect practice question and the correct answer to the incorrect practice question to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the incorrect practice question is output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S9).

[0115] The correct answers to the incorrectly answered practice questions output (transmitted) to the user terminal 2 by the practice question output unit 43 are transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44.

[0116] The user views the incorrect answer practice questions output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2, and inputs the answers to the incorrect answer practice questions via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2.

[0117] When an answer is input via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2, the control unit 4 determines whether the content of the input answer is correct or incorrect and outputs it to the output unit 8, and also outputs the correct answer to the output unit 8 if the content of the input answer is incorrect.

[0118] The user terminal 2 also transmits the content of the input answer to the learning support device 1 via the communication unit 6 and the communication network 9.

[0119] When the content of the answer is sent from the user terminal 2 to the learning support device 1, the content of the sent answer is transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44 of the learning support device 1. As a result, the answer acquisition unit 44 acquires the content of the user's answer to the incorrectly answered practice question (step S10).

[0120] The answer acquisition unit 44 compares the content of the acquired user's answer with the correct answer transmitted from the exercise problem output unit 43, and determines whether the content of the user's answer is correct or incorrect.

[0121] The answer acquisition unit 44 records and saves the correctness of the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S10 for each incorrectly answered practice question corresponding to information regarding the incorrectly answered practice question (e.g., the practice question number, ID) transmitted from the answer acquisition unit 44 in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A.

[0122] If the information (e.g., the number or ID of the practice question) regarding the incorrect practice question transmitted from the answer acquisition unit 44 contains multiple incorrect practice questions, the processing of steps S9 and S10 (including outputting the correct answer) is repeatedly executed for each question.

[0123] Next, the answer acquisition unit 44 reads the correctness or incorrectness of the content of the user's answer for each incorrect practice question recorded in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A (specifically, recorded and saved in the processing of step S10), and determines whether the content of the user's answer for each incorrect practice question acquired in the processing of step S10 is all correct (step S11).

[0124] If the content of the user's answer includes an incorrect answer (step S11: No), the answer acquisition unit 44 returns the processing procedure to the processing of step S9, and if the content of the user's answer is all correct (step S11: Yes), the answer acquisition unit 44 ends the processing as the second phase (END).

[0125] The second phase corresponds to the relearning (or reviewing) of the learning units learned in the first phase, and in particular, by re-working the practice problems that were tackled in the first phase, the repeated learning helps to solidify the knowledge into long-term memory.

[0126] The answer acquisition unit 44 may output (specifically, transmit via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9) at least one of the correct answer rate for each learning unit of the user, the correct answer rate for each unit group in the first layer, and the correct answer rate for each unit group in the second layer based on the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each practice problem read in the processing of step S8 and the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each incorrect practice problem read in the processing of step S11 to the administrator terminal 3. However, outputting (transmitting) the correct answer rate to the administrator terminal 3 is not an essential configuration for the present invention.

[0127] (Phase 3) FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the third phase in the learning assistance system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0128] In the third phase, processing is carried out for a set of learning units for each third-level unit group (in other words, included in the third-level unit group).

[0129] The third phase is, for example, a stage or period during which learning takes place during long school holidays (specifically, predetermined periods such as summer holidays and winter holidays).

[0130] As in the description of the first phase, the learning application is started up in the user terminal 2, and the user is identified in the learning assistance device 1 (step S1).

[0131] The learning support device 1 also checks the progress of the user by referring to the user information database 52 stored in the memory unit 5A, identifies the phase of the user's situation (specifically, the third phase in this case), and identifies the learning unit in which the user should proceed with their study (step S1).

[0132] In the process of step S1, which is carried out prior to the process of the third phase, in other words, a group of units in the third layer that the user should study is identified.

[0133] The processing of steps S12 to S18 below as the third phase may be performed for each learning unit.

[0134] Next, the practice problem output unit 42 of the control unit 4A of the learning support device 1 specifies the learning unit (included in the third-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, to the practice problem database 55, and identifies the practice problems related to the learning unit and the correct answers to the practice problems (one or more questions).

[0135] Then, the practice question output unit 42 outputs the practice questions related to the learning unit (included in the third-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, and the correct answers to the practice questions to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the practice questions are output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S12).

[0136] The correct answers to the practice questions output (transmitted) to the user terminal 2 by the practice question output unit 42 are transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44.

[0137] The user views the exercises output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 and inputs the answers to the exercises via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2.

[0138] When an answer is input via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2, the control unit 4 determines whether the content of the input answer is correct or incorrect and outputs it to the output unit 8, and also outputs the correct answer to the output unit 8 if the content of the input answer is incorrect.

[0139] The user terminal 2 also transmits the content of the input answer to the learning support device 1 via the communication unit 6 and the communication network 9.

[0140] When the content of the answer is sent from the user terminal 2 to the learning support device 1, the content of the sent answer is transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44 of the learning support device 1. As a result, the answer acquisition unit 44 acquires the content of the user's answer to the practice question (step S13).

[0141] The answer acquisition unit 44 compares the content of the acquired user's answer with the correct answer transmitted from the practice question output unit 42, and determines whether the content of the user's answer is correct or incorrect.

[0142] The answer acquisition unit 44 records and saves the correctness or incorrectness of the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S13 for each practice question output in the processing of step S12 in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A.

[0143] If there are multiple practice questions related to the learning unit (included in the third-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, the processing of steps S12 and S13 (including output of the correct answer) is repeated for each question.

[0144] In the example shown in FIG. 4, as an example of the processing of step S1 that is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, <1> The learning unit is set to study learning units A to H in order. Here, as described above, the processing of steps S12 to S18 as the third phase may be performed for each learning unit. Therefore, for example, the processing of steps S12 and S13 is repeated as many times as necessary for learning unit A (followed by the processing of steps S14 to S18), and the processing of steps S12 and S13 is repeated as many times as necessary for learning unit B (followed by the processing of steps S14 to S18).

[0145] Next, the answer acquisition unit 44 reads the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each practice question recorded in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A (specifically, recorded and saved in the processing of step S13), and determines whether the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S13 for each practice question output in the processing of step S12 for the learning unit in question as the third phase is all correct (step S14).

[0146] Then, if the content of the user's answer is entirely correct (step S14: Yes), the answer acquisition unit 44 proceeds to processing of step S18, and if the content of the user's answer includes an incorrect answer (step S14: No), the answer acquisition unit 44 proceeds to processing of step S15.

[0147] In the processing of step S15, the explanation output unit 41 outputs the explanation content to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmits it via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the explanation content is output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2.

[0148] As mentioned above, the processing of steps S12 to S18 as the third phase may be performed for each learning unit, so in the processing of step S15, explanatory content related to the learning unit for the practice questions (one or more questions) for which the user's answer is incorrect is output based on the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each practice question read in the processing of step S14.

[0149] The user views the explanation content output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2, and learns the content of the learning unit in which the user answered the practice question incorrectly (this corresponds to re-learning or review).

[0150] Here, the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 may output the result of the determination as to whether or not the user has viewed the commentary content appropriately (in the third phase) (i.e., the appropriate viewing determination result) to the administrator terminal 3 (specifically, send it via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9). However, it is not essential for the present invention that the appropriate viewing determination result in the third phase is output (sent) to the administrator terminal 3.

[0151] In addition, at least one of the output (transmission) of the appropriate viewing judgment result from the user terminal 2 to the administrator terminal 3 in the above-mentioned first phase and the output (transmission) of the appropriate viewing judgment result from the user terminal 2 to the administrator terminal 3 in the third phase may be performed.

[0152] Next, the exercise problem output unit 43 of the control unit 4A of the learning support device 1 specifies the learning unit (included in the third-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, to the exercise problem database 56, and identifies the exercise problems related to the learning unit and the correct answers to the exercise problems (one or multiple questions).

[0153] Then, the exercise problem output unit 43 outputs the exercise problems related to the learning unit (included in the unit group of the third hierarchical level) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, and the correct answers to the exercise problems to the user terminal 2 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9), and the exercise problems are output to the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 (step S16).

[0154] The correct answers to the exercises output (transmitted) to the user terminal 2 by the exercise output unit 43 are transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44.

[0155] The user views the exercises output from the output unit 8 of the user terminal 2 and inputs the answers to the exercises via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2 .

[0156] When an answer is input via the input unit 7 of the user terminal 2, the control unit 4 determines whether the content of the input answer is correct or incorrect and outputs it to the output unit 8, and also outputs the correct answer to the output unit 8 if the content of the input answer is incorrect.

[0157] The user terminal 2 also transmits the content of the input answer to the learning support device 1 via the communication unit 6 and the communication network 9.

[0158] When the content of the answer is sent from the user terminal 2 to the learning support device 1, the content of the sent answer is transmitted to the answer acquisition unit 44 of the learning support device 1. As a result, the answer acquisition unit 44 acquires the content of the user's answer to the practice question (step S17).

[0159] The answer acquisition unit 44 compares the content of the acquired user's answer with the correct answer transmitted from the exercise problem output unit 43, and determines whether the content of the user's answer is correct or incorrect.

[0160] The answer acquisition unit 44 records and saves the correctness or incorrectness of the content of the user's answer acquired in the processing of step S17 for each practice question output in the processing of step S16 in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A.

[0161] If there are multiple practice questions related to the learning unit (included in the third-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase, the processing of steps S16 and S17 (including output of the correct answer) is repeated for each question.

[0162] Then, after the processes of steps S16 and S17 (including outputting the correct answers) have been repeatedly executed for all the exercise questions related to the current learning unit, the answer acquisition unit 44 advances the processing procedure to the process of step S18.

[0163] In the processing of step S18, the control unit 4A determines whether the processing of steps S12 to S17 has been completed for all of the learning units (included in the third-level unit group) identified in the processing of step S1, which is performed prior to the processing of the third phase (step S18).

[0164] Then, if there are still learning units remaining in the unit group at the third level (step S18: No), the control unit 4A returns the processing procedure to step S12, and if there are no more learning units remaining in the unit group at the third level (step S18: Yes), it ends the processing as the third phase (END).

[0165] The third phase corresponds to the relearning (or reviewing) of the learning units learned in the first and second phases. In particular, by revisiting the exercises that were tackled in the first and second phases, repeated learning ensures that the information is firmly established in long-term memory.

[0166] The answer acquisition unit 44 may read the correctness of the content of the user's answer for each practice question recorded in the answer correctness recording file 57 stored in the memory unit 5A (specifically, recorded and saved in the processing of step S17), and based on the correctness, at least one of the user's correct answer rate for each learning unit, the correct answer rate for each unit group in the first layer, the correct answer rate for each unit group in the second layer, and the correct answer rate for each unit group in the third layer may be output to the administrator terminal 3 (specifically, transmitted via the communication unit 6A and the communication network 9). However, outputting (transmitting) the correct answer rate to the administrator terminal 3 is not a required configuration for the present invention.

[0167] (Action and effect) According to the learning support device 1 of the embodiment, the same problems (specifically, practice problems) are repeatedly tackled, which helps to solidify the knowledge as long-term memory through repeated learning, thereby supporting efficient learning.

[0168] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the present invention also includes forms in which modifications and changes are made to the above embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0169] For example, in the above embodiment, the learning assistance device 1 corresponds to the information processing device according to the present invention, but the user terminal 2 may also correspond to the information processing device according to the present invention. In this case, the control unit 4 of the user terminal 2 is configured similarly to the control unit 4A of the learning assistance device 1 in the above embodiment, and the storage unit 5 of the user terminal 2 is configured similarly to the storage unit 5A of the learning assistance device 1 in the embodiment. Alternatively, the user terminal 2 may be configured to correspond to the information processing device according to the present invention, and at least some of the databases in the above embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 5A of the learning assistance device 1, so that a configuration corresponding to the information processing device according to the present invention may be realized by the user terminal 2 and the learning assistance device 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Learning support device 2. User terminal 3. Administrator terminal 4. Control section 4A Control unit (learning support device 1) 41 Explanation output section 42 Exercise output section 43 Exercise problem output section 44 Answer acquisition part 5 Storage section 5A Memory Unit (Learning Support Device 1) 51 Learning Support Program 52 User Information Database 53 Unit group definition table 54 Commentary Content Database 55 Practice Questions Database 56 Exercise Database 57 Answer Correctness Record File 6. Communications Department 6A Communication Unit (Learning Support Device 1) 7 Input section 7A Input unit (learning support device 1) 8 Output section 8A Output section (learning support device 1) 9. Communication Networks 100 Learning Support System

Claims

1. A method executed by an information processing device, In a first phase, explanation content relating to a learning unit included in a unit group of a first layer is output, and exercises and practice questions relating to the learning unit included in the unit group of the first layer are output; In a second phase, the exercises output in the first phase are output for the learning units included in a second-level group of units configured as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the first-level group of units; In the third phase, outputting the exercises output in the first phase for learning units included in a third-level group of units configured as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of second-level group of units, and acquiring the user's answers to the output exercises; If the acquired answer of the user is incorrect, output the explanation content related to the learning unit corresponding to the practice question, and output the practice question output in the first phase related to the learning unit corresponding to the practice question.

1. An information processing method comprising:

2. In the second phase, the user's answers to the exercises output for the learning units included in the unit group of the second layer are acquired, and the exercises for which the acquired user's answers are incorrect are repeatedly output until the acquired user's answers are correct.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

3. In the third phase, the user's answers to the exercises output for the learning units included in the group of units in the third hierarchy are acquired, and the output of the explanation content for the learning unit corresponding to the exercise for which the acquired user's answer is incorrect and the output of the exercises output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the exercise for which the acquired user's answer is incorrect are repeated until the acquired user's answer becomes correct.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

4. outputting at least one of a result of the determination as to whether the user has properly viewed the commentary content in the first phase and a result of the determination as to whether the user has properly viewed the commentary content in the third phase to an administrator terminal communicably connected to the information processing device; 2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

5. outputting at least one of the correct answer rate of the user's answer acquired in the second phase and the correct answer rate of the user's answer acquired in the third phase to an administrator terminal communicably connected to the information processing device; 3. The information processing method according to claim 2.

6. explanation output means for outputting explanation content; a question output means for outputting question content; an answer acquisition means for acquiring a user's answer to the question content outputted from the question output means, In a first phase, the explanation output means outputs the explanation content related to the learning unit included in the unit group at a first layer, and the question output means outputs, as the question content, practice questions and exercises related to the learning unit included in the unit group at the first layer; In a second phase, the problem output means outputs, as the problem content, the exercise problems output in the first phase for the learning units included in a second-level unit group configured as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of the first-level unit groups; In the third phase, the problem output means outputs, as the problem content, the practice problems output in the first phase for learning units included in a third-level unit group constituted as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of second-level unit groups; the answer acquisition means acquires the user's answer to the exercise question outputted from the question output means; If the answer of the user acquired by the answer acquisition means is incorrect, the explanation output means outputs the explanation content relating to the learning unit corresponding to the exercise; the problem output means outputs the exercise problem output in the first phase for the learning unit corresponding to the exercise problem; 1. An information processing device comprising:

7. In a first phase, a process of outputting explanation content related to a learning unit included in a unit group of a first layer, and a process of outputting practice questions and exercises related to the learning unit included in the unit group of the first layer; In a second phase, a process of outputting the exercises output in the first phase for learning units included in a second-level group of units configured as a collection of learning units included in a plurality of first-level group of units; In the third phase, a process of outputting the exercises output in the first phase for learning units included in a third-level group of units configured as a collection of the learning units included in a plurality of second-level group of units, and a process of acquiring the user's answers to the output exercises; and a process of outputting the explanation content related to the learning unit corresponding to the practice question when the acquired answer of the user is incorrect, and a process of outputting the practice question output in the first phase related to the learning unit corresponding to the practice question. An information processing program characterized by causing an information processing device to execute the above.

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