Display control device, learning support system, display control method and program

Abstract

Supports user learning by adjusting to their progress in solving problems. [Solution] The control unit (control means) of the server device (display control device) acquires hints (advice information) for solving the problem based on the progress of the learner's input of answers to the problem in relation to the complete answer of the problem (step S5), and displays the hints on the display unit of the terminal device (step S6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a learning support system, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, learning devices that assist users' learning by displaying problems on a display screen and accepting answers to the problems have been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a heading word or a similar problem that has a predetermined relationship with an answer sentence as a hint for a fill-in-the-blank problem.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, advice information for the user to refer to when answering a problem, such as a hint, has different appropriate contents depending on the progress of the answer.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the above prior art, and an object thereof is to support the learning of a user in accordance with the progress of an answer to a problem.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a display control device of the present invention includes control means for performing display control on a display unit of advice information for solving a problem based on the progress of input of an answer to the problem by a learner with respect to completion of answering the problem.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to assist the learning of a user in accordance with the progress of the solution to a problem.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a learning support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a configuration example of a database provided in the storage of the storage unit of the server device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a hint table. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a problem correct / incorrect table. [Figure 5] It is a ladder chart showing learning support processing executed in the learning support system. [Figure 6] It is an example of an initial state of a solution input screen. [Figure 7] It is an example of a solution input screen in a state where an equation of a problem statement is input in an intermediate equation input field. [Figure 8] It is an example of a solution input screen when a hint button is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is an example of a solution input screen in a state where a completed square equation is input in an intermediate equation input field. [Figure 10] It is an example of a solution input screen when a hint button is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is an example of display of a hint on a solution input screen in Modification 1. [Figure 12] It is an example of display of a hint on a solution input screen in Modification 1. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing hint presentation processing in Modification 2. [Figure 14] It is an example of a current situation selection screen. [Figure 15] It is an example of display of a hint on a solution input screen in Modification 2. [Figure 16] It is an example of display of a hint on a solution input screen in Modification 2. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing the hint presentation process of Modification 3. [Figure 18] It is an example of an answer input screen in a state where the hint button is invalidly displayed. [Figure 19] It is an example of an answer input screen in a state where the hint button is invalidly displayed. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing the hint presentation process of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] It is an example of an answer input screen where a hint is displayed as a result of automatic analysis of an intermediate formula. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the hint presentation process of the third embodiment. <000008…7> [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing the hint presentation process of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] It is an example of an answer input screen in a state where only the final answer (correct answer) is input. [Figure 25] It is an example of the display of a correct answer notification screen. [Figure 26] It is an example of the display of a correct answer notification screen. [Figure 27] It is an example of an answer input screen in a state where only the final answer (incorrect answer) is input. [Figure 28] It is an example of the display of an incorrect answer notification screen. [Figure 29] It is an example of the display of an incorrect answer notification screen. <… [Figure 30] It is an example of the display of a hint according to proficiency in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 31] It is an example of the display of a hint according to proficiency in the fifth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the display control device, learning support system, display control method, and program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. While the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. In the following embodiments, the learning support system is intended for use by students and teachers of a school. Note that "school" includes not only regular elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and universities, but also vocational schools, cram schools, preparatory schools, etc.

[0010] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the learning support system 100 includes a server device 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 20. The server device 10 and each terminal device 20 are connected via a network 30 so as to be able to communicate data. The terminal devices 20 are terminal devices used by each user (student, teacher). The terminal devices 20 may be personal computers, portable terminal devices such as tablets, mobile communication devices such as smartphones, wearable devices, etc. The number of terminal devices 20 is not particularly limited. The network 30 may be any telecommunications network, such as the Internet, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, mobile communication network, short-range wireless communication network, or a combination of some or all of these.

[0011] The server device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and the like. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 14. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls each part of the server device 10. Specifically, the control unit 11 reads a specified program from among the system programs and application programs stored in the storage unit 12, loads it into RAM, and executes various processes according to that program. For example, the control unit 11 generates a control signal to cause the display unit 24 of the terminal device 20 to display the execution result according to the execution result of the application program, and transmits it to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0012] The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit 12 stores system programs, application programs, and other data necessary for the execution of these programs, which are executed by the control unit 11. The storage of the storage unit 12 is provided with a database 121, as shown in Figure 2. The database 121 includes a user management table 122, a hint table 123, a question correct / incorrect table 124, and the like.

[0013] The user management table 122 is a table that manages information about each user who uses the learning support application (hereinafter referred to as "learning support application") provided by the learning support system 100. The user management table 122 stores information such as user ID, password, username, gender, age, school, grade, class, region, email address, and user type (student, teacher) associated with each user. The user ID is a unique identifier assigned to each user. The password is the password registered by the user. The username is the user's name. Gender is the user's gender. Age is the user's age. School, grade, and class are the school, grade, and class to which the user belongs, respectively. Region is the user's address, residence, the location of the school to which the user belongs, etc. Email address is the email address used by the user. User type is information such as student, teacher, etc.

[0014] Hint table 123 is a table that associates the progress of the solution to each pre-prepared problem with a hint. As shown in Figure 3, hint table 123 stores the solution stage (intermediate steps) and the hint for each problem. Hint table 123 has a correspondence set up such that if a certain formula (or string) is entered in the intermediate steps, this hint will be displayed. Note that the problems are assumed to be answered in written form, and for example, the answer to this problem will include mathematical formulas or chemical formulas.

[0015] The Question Correct / Incorrect Table 124 is a table that records the questions answered by each user and their correct / incorrect results (whether they are correct or incorrect). As shown in Figure 4, the Question Correct / Incorrect Table 124 stores the date and time, user ID, subject ID, unit ID, question ID, answer content, and correct / incorrect status for each question answered by a user. The date and time is the date and time when the user answered the question. The user ID is the user ID of the user who answered the question. The subject ID is identification information indicating the subject to which the question answered by the user is contained. The unit ID is identification information indicating the unit to which the question answered by the user is contained. The question ID is identification information indicating the question answered by the user. The answer content is the content of the answer entered by the user. Correct / Incorrect status indicates whether the user's answer is correct (correct) or incorrect (incorrect). The correct answers for each question are stored in the storage unit 12 beforehand.

[0016] The communication unit 13 is composed of components including a NIC (Network Interface Card) and accesses the network 30 to perform telecommunications with external devices.

[0017] The control unit 11 receives the learner's answers to the questions. Specifically, the control unit 11 receives the learner's answers to the questions, which are entered via the operation unit 23 of the terminal device 20 used by the learner.

[0018] The control unit 11 (control means) controls the display of advice information for solving the problem on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 20 based on the progress of the learner's input of answers to the problem towards completing the problem. Completing the problem includes the intermediate steps to obtaining the final answer. The advice information includes hints, explanations, etc. The control unit 11 displays pre-set advice information on the display unit 24 corresponding to the stage of progress. For example, the control unit 11 determines the hints to present to the user based on how far the user's answer has progressed in relation to the model answer.

[0019] The control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 when a request for advice information is received from the learner. For example, the control unit 11 displays a button for requesting advice information on the display unit 24, and when the button is pressed on the operation unit 23, it displays the advice information on the display unit 24.

[0020] The terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, an audio input / output unit 26, an imaging unit 27, and the like. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 28. The control unit 21 includes a CPU and RAM, and controls each part of the terminal device 20. Specifically, the control unit 21 reads a specified program from the system programs and application programs stored in the storage unit 22, loads it into RAM, and executes various processes according to that program. For example, the control unit 21 executes a learning support application program to have the communication unit 25 transmit information based on the user's input operations to the operation unit 23 to the server device 10, or to display information received from the server device 10 on the display unit 24.

[0021] The storage unit 22 is composed of, for example, an HDD, SSD, or EEPROM. The storage unit 22 stores data necessary for the execution of system programs, learning support application programs, etc., which are executed by the control unit 21. These programs may be downloaded to the storage unit 22 from an external web server via the network 30 and the communication unit 25.

[0022] The operation unit 23 includes, for example, an operation input unit such as a keyboard, touch panel, or mouse. The operation unit 23 receives operation input from the user and outputs the operation information to the control unit 21. The display unit 24 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc., and displays various information according to the display information instructed by the control unit 21. The communication unit 25 is composed of at least one of a wired communication module such as a NIC or a wireless communication module, and accesses the network 30 to perform telecommunications with external devices.

[0023] The audio input / output unit 26 has an audio input unit such as a microphone and an audio output unit such as an amplifier and speaker. The audio input / output unit 26 acquires audio signals such as the user's voice from the audio input unit, converts them into audio data, and outputs them to the control unit 21. The audio input / output unit 26 also outputs audio based on the audio data input from the control unit 21 via the audio output unit. The imaging unit 27 is a digital camera unit having an optical system and an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and it captures images of a subject, generates image data of still images and videos, and outputs them to the control unit 21.

[0024] Next, the operation of the learning support system 100 will be described. First, the user launches the learning support application on the terminal device 20 by operating the operation unit 23 and enters the user ID and password. The control unit 11 of the server device 10 refers to the user management table 122 and, if there is data that matches the combination of information entered from the terminal device 20, it permits the user on the terminal device 20 to log in.

[0025] The control unit 11 displays a list of learning materials on the display unit 24. The learning materials list displays learning materials for each unit of each subject. The control unit 11 accepts the user's selection of learning materials from the terminal device 20. When the user selects any learning material in the learning materials list area by operating from the operation unit 23, the control unit 11 displays the selected learning material (subject / unit) on the display unit 24. The learning materials contain multiple problems aligned with the unit. The user (learner) uses the terminal device 20 to study each unit of each subject and inputs answers to each problem by operating from the operation unit 23. For example, the user solves problems using an electronic pen on a tablet device.

[0026] Referring to Figure 5, the learning support process performed in the learning support system 100 will be described. The control unit 11 displays a problem selection screen on the display unit 24. Multiple problems related to the subject and unit to be studied are displayed for selection on the problem selection screen. The control unit 21 transmits information indicating the problem selected from the multiple problems displayed on the problem selection screen to the server device 10 via the communication unit 25 based on user operation from the operation unit 23 (step S1). The control unit 11 obtains information indicating the selected problem from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13.

[0027] Next, the control unit 11 displays the answer input screen for the selected problem on the display unit 24 (step S2). For example, as shown in Figure 6, the answer input screen 40 includes a problem display area 41, an intermediate step input area 42, a final answer area 43, a hint button B1, an answer submission button B2, etc. The problem is displayed in the problem display area 41. The intermediate step input area 42 is an area for entering intermediate steps. The final answer area 43 is an area for entering the final answer. The hint button B1 is a button for requesting a hint. The answer submission button B2 is a button for completing the answer and submitting it.

[0028] Next, the user inputs the answer to the answer input screen 40 displayed on the display unit 24 by operating the operation unit 23, and the control unit 21 transmits the input answer to the server device 10 (step S3). The control unit 11 receives the answer input from the terminal device 20.

[0029] The user presses the hint button B1 on the terminal device 20 via the operation unit 23, if necessary. The control unit 21 receives the press operation for the hint button B1 via the operation unit 23 (step S4). When the control unit 11 determines that the terminal device 20 has received the press of the hint button B1, it retrieves a hint from the hint table 123 based on the progress of the answer input (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies the answer stage that matches the content of the intermediate steps entered by the user from the hint table 123, and retrieves the hint corresponding to the identified answer stage as the hint to be presented. The control unit 11 displays the retrieved hint on the display unit 24 (step S6). For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 7, when the equation from the problem statement is entered in the intermediate step input field 42, and the hint button B1 is pressed, the hint H1 "Let's complete the square" is displayed as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 8. Here, hint H1 appears as a speech bubble originating from hint button B1, but the hint could also be displayed as a pop-up window.

[0030] The user continues to input answers on the answer input screen 40 displayed on the display unit 24 by operating the operation unit 23, and the control unit 21 transmits the accepted answers to the server device 10 (step S7). The control unit 11 receives the answer input from the terminal device 20. If the answer submission button B2 is not pressed by operating the operation unit 23 on the terminal device 20 (step S8; NO), the process returns to step S4. For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 9, if the hint button B1 is pressed when an expression with the square completed is entered in the intermediate step input field 42, the hint H2 "Let's draw a graph" is displayed as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 10.

[0031] In step S8, if the answer submission button B2 is pressed (step S8; YES), the answer is completed on the terminal device 20 (step S9). The control unit 11 saves the information to the database 121 (step S10). For each question answered by the user (learner), the control unit 11 associates the date and time the user answered the question, the user's user ID, the subject ID of the subject containing the question, the unit ID of the unit containing the question, the question ID of the question, the answer content, and whether the answer was correct or incorrect with respect to the question, and stores this information in the question correct / incorrect table 124. This completes the learning support process.

[0032] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the display of advice information for solving problems on the display unit 24 based on the progress of the learner's input of answers to the problems. Therefore, the control unit 11 can support the user's learning in accordance with the progress of the answers to the problems. The user can receive appropriate hints that match the progress of their own answers.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 11 displays pre-set advice information on the display unit 24, corresponding to the stage of progress. For example, the control unit 11 can refer to the hint table 123 to provide hints appropriate to the progress of the solution.

[0034] Furthermore, when the learner requests advice information, such as by pressing the hint button B1, the control unit 11 displays the advice information on the display unit 24. The control unit 11 can display the advice information at the timing requested by the user without interrupting the user's concentration.

[0035] Next, a modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described. In modification 1, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described. The control unit 11 displays less informative advice information on the display unit 24 as the progress is closer to completing the problem. For example, the storage unit 12 has in advance information for each problem that shows multiple steps, including the intermediate steps to reach the correct answer. This information may be stored in the same format as the hint table 123. As the progress of answer input approaches completion, the control unit 11 omits descriptions corresponding to the content of already entered intermediate steps and displays hints. As a result, the closer the progress of answer input is to completion, the less information is included in the hints.

[0036] For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 6, if no intermediate steps are entered in the intermediate step input field 42 and the hint button B1 is pressed, the hint H3, which includes all steps leading to the correct answer, will be displayed as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 11. On the other hand, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 9, if an expression with the square completed is entered in the intermediate step input field 42 and the hint button B1 is pressed, the hint H4, which excludes the step corresponding to completing the square from the steps leading to the correct answer, will be displayed as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 12.

[0037] According to Modification 1, the control unit 11 displays less informative advice information on the display unit 24 as the user's progress approaches completion. Therefore, the control unit 11 can contribute to improving the user's learning ability by not providing too much advice information when the user's answer is progressing smoothly.

[0038] Next, a modification 2 of the first embodiment will be described. In modification 2, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described. If the hint button B1 is pressed when no intermediate steps have been entered, the control unit 11 prompts the user to select the current status. The memory unit 12 has a list of candidate intermediate step options prepared in advance for each problem. The user selects the current status according to the stage they had thought through. The control unit 11 displays a hint corresponding to the selected current status.

[0039] Referring to Figure 13, the hint presentation process of Modification 2 performed in the server device 10 will be explained. The hint presentation process of Modification 2 is performed in place of steps S4 to S6 of the learning support process (see Figure 5). When the control unit 11 receives a press of the hint button B1 from the operation unit 23 (step S11), it determines whether or not there is an intermediate step written in the intermediate step input field 42 of the answer input screen 40 (step S12).

[0040] If the control unit 11 determines that no intermediate steps have been shown (step S12; NO), it displays the current status selection screen on the display unit 24 (step S13). For example, as shown in Figure 14, the current status selection screen 44 is overlaid on the answer input screen 40. The current status selection screen 44 allows the user to select the current status from four options. Option 1 is the equation from the problem statement as is. Option 2 is part of the equation enclosed in parentheses. Note that option 2 is not the correct solution, but is listed as one of the intermediate steps the user might consider. Option 3 is the equation in the completed square state. Option 4 is selected when the user does not know how to solve the problem.

[0041] When the control unit 11 receives a selection of options (intermediate steps, etc.) from the operation unit 23 (step S14), it displays a hint on the display unit 24 corresponding to the selected option (step S15). For example, the control unit 11 obtains a hint corresponding to the content of the option from the hint table 123. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may obtain a pre-associated hint for each option. For example, in the current status selection screen 44 shown in Figure 14, if any of options 1, 2, or 4 is selected, the hint H5 "Let's complete the square" corresponding to the initial stage is displayed, as shown in the answer input screen 40 shown in Figure 15. In the current status selection screen 44 shown in Figure 14, if option 3 is selected, the hint H6 "Let's draw a graph" corresponding to the completed square is displayed, as shown in the answer input screen 40 shown in Figure 16.

[0042] If it is determined in step S12 that intermediate steps have been shown (step S12; YES), the control unit 11 displays a hint on the display unit 24 according to the progress of the answer input, as in the first embodiment (step S16). After step S15 or step S16, the control unit 11 accepts the answer input from the operation unit 23.

[0043] According to Modification 2, the control unit 11 presents candidate options for intermediate steps and allows the user to select the current status. This allows the control unit 11 to understand the user's progress even if no intermediate steps are entered on the answer input screen 40, and to support the user's learning in accordance with their progress in solving the problem.

[0044] Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described. In this third modification, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described. The control unit 11 will not accept requests for advice information from the learner if the progress of answer input is in a predetermined state. Here, we will explain using the case where the "predetermined state" is "a state in which the square has not been completed in the intermediate steps." In other words, the control unit 11 will accept requests for advice information only if an expression with the square completed has been entered in the intermediate steps.

[0045] Referring to Figure 17, the hint presentation process of Modification 3 performed in the server device 10 will be explained. The hint presentation process of Modification 3 is performed in place of the processes in steps S3 to S6 of the learning support process (see Figure 5). When the control unit 11 displays the answer input screen 40 for the problem on the display unit 24, it initially displays the screen with the hint button B1 disabled (step S21). Disabling the hint button B1 means that it is not possible to accept requests for hints (advice information). As a way to disable the hint button B1, it is possible to make it impossible to press the hint button B1, or to prevent hints from being displayed even if the hint button B1 is pressed. For example, when the hint button B1 is disabled, the hint button B1 is displayed with a dashed line and white letters, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 18. Alternatively, when the hint button B1 is disabled, it may be displayed in a light color or the like.

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 receives input of the intermediate steps of the solution from the operation unit 23 (step S22). The control unit 11 determines whether the input intermediate steps satisfy the conditions for activating the hint button B1 (step S23). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the input intermediate steps include an expression with the square completed. If it is determined that the input intermediate steps do not satisfy the conditions for activating the hint button B1 (step S23; NO), the control unit 11 continues to display the hint button B1 as disabled (step S24). For example, in the solution input screen 40 shown in Figure 19, the expression entered in the intermediate step input field 42 has not had the square completed, so the hint button B1 remains disabled.

[0047] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the hint button B1 has been pressed on the terminal device 20 (step S25). If it is determined that the hint button B1 has been pressed (step S25; YES), the control unit 11 does not display the hint on the display unit 24 (step S26). In other words, even if the hint button B1 is pressed on the answer input screen 40 shown in Figure 19, the hint will not appear. If it is determined in step S25 that the hint button B1 has not been pressed (step S25; NO), or after step S26, the control unit 11 returns to step S22.

[0048] In step S23, if it is determined that the conditions for activating the hint button B1 are met (step S23; YES), the control unit 11 activates the hint button B1 on the answer input screen 40 and displays it on the display unit 24 (step S27). The activation of the hint button B1 means that it is possible to receive requests for hints (advice information). When the hint button B1 is activated, pressing the hint button B1 will display a hint. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if an intermediate step with the square completed is entered in the intermediate step input field 42 of the answer input screen 40, the hint button B1 will be displayed as usual.

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the hint button B1 has been pressed on the terminal device 20 (step S28). If it is determined that the hint button B1 has been pressed (step S28; YES), the control unit 11 displays a hint on the display unit 24 that corresponds to the progress of the answer input (step S29). For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 9, if the hint button B1 is pressed while an intermediate equation with the square completed has been entered in the intermediate equation input field 42, the hint H2 "Let's draw a graph" corresponding to the completed equation will be displayed as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 10. If it is determined in step S28 that the hint button B1 has not been pressed (step S28; NO), or after step S29, the control unit 11 accepts the answer input from the operation unit 23.

[0050] According to Modification 3, the control unit 11 disables requests for advice information from the learner when the progress of answer input reaches a predetermined state. For example, the control unit 11 disables the hint button B1 until the user's answer input progress reaches a predetermined stage, and then enables the hint button B1 once the predetermined stage is reached. This encourages the user to solve the problem on their own up to a predetermined stage, preventing them from unnecessarily referring to advice information.

[0051] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the learning support system in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the learning support system 100 shown in the first embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] In the second embodiment, if the approach (direction) of the answer deviates from the correct answer (model answer), the user is prompted to reconsider their approach. The control unit 11 determines whether the answer matches the correct answer. If the control unit 11 determines that the answer does not match the correct answer, it displays information on the display unit 24 as advice information, prompting the user to reconsider their answer. In other words, the control unit 11 displays a hint as soon as it determines that the input approach to the answer is incorrect, regardless of whether the hint button B1 is pressed.

[0053] Referring to Figure 20, the hint presentation process of the second embodiment performed in the server device 10 will be described. The hint presentation process of the second embodiment is performed in place of or in parallel with the processing of steps S3 to S6 of the learning support process (see Figure 5). When the control unit 11 receives input of intermediate steps from the operation unit 23 (step S31), it automatically analyzes the input intermediate steps (step S32). The control unit 11 recognizes the characters, numbers, symbols, etc., entered in the terminal device 20. Based on the analysis results, the control unit 11 determines whether the solution strategy matches the correct answer (step S33). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the input intermediate steps follow the progression of the solution stages stored in the hint table 123 (whether they match each solution stage stored in the hint table 123).

[0054] If the control unit 11 determines that the solution approach matches the correct answer (step S33; YES), it returns the process to step S31. For example, in the answer input screen 40 shown in Figure 7, the expression entered in the intermediate step input field 42 matches the expression in the problem statement and does not deviate from the correct solution process, so the answer input continues.

[0055] On the other hand, if in step S33 it is determined that the approach to the solution does not match the correct answer (step S33; NO), the control unit 11 displays a message on the display unit 24 prompting the user to reconsider their solution (step S34). For example, in the solution input screen 40 shown in Figure 21, the expression entered in the intermediate step input field 42 deviates from the process of the correct answer, so a hint H7, "Let's review the approach to the solution," is displayed. Here, the control unit 11 may also display hint H7 after clearly indicating the part where the direction of the solution is thought to have deviated. After step S34, the control unit 11 accepts the input of the solution from the operation unit 23.

[0056] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the answer does not match the correct answer, it displays information on the display unit 24 as advice information, prompting the user to reconsider the answer. The control unit 11 displays information prompting the user to reconsider the answer when the user's approach to the answer deviates from the correct answer, thereby preventing the user from wasting time on an incorrect approach and guiding the user toward the correct answer. Therefore, the control unit 11 can support the user's learning in accordance with the progress of the answer to the problem.

[0057] Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the learning support system in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the learning support system 100 shown in the first embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0058] In the third embodiment, the control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 if the learner does not input an answer for a predetermined time or longer. In other words, the control unit 11 displays a hint when a predetermined time has elapsed without input, regardless of whether the hint button B1 is pressed.

[0059] Referring to Figure 22, the hint presentation process of the third embodiment performed in the server device 10 will be described. The hint presentation process of the third embodiment is performed in parallel with the processing of steps S3 to S6 of the learning support process (see Figure 5). The control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without input from the operation unit 23 (step S41). If it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed without input (step S41; NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S41.

[0060] In step S41, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed without any input (step S41; YES), the control unit 11 displays a hint on the display unit 24 according to the progress of the answer input (step S42). For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 15, if a predetermined time has elapsed without any input in the intermediate step input field 42, the hint H5 "Try completing the square" is displayed. Also, even if something has been entered in the intermediate step input field 42, if a predetermined time has elapsed without any further input, a hint according to the progress of the answer input is displayed. After step S42, the control unit 11 accepts the answer input from the operation unit 23.

[0061] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 if the learner does not input an answer for a predetermined time or longer. If there is no input of an answer for a predetermined time, it is presumed that the user is stuck on the answer. Therefore, the control unit 11 can support the user's learning in accordance with the progress of the answer to the problem.

[0062] Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the learning support system in the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the learning support system 100 shown in the first embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0063] In the fourth embodiment, the display control when the final answer is correct or incorrect will be described, regardless of whether intermediate steps are entered or not. The control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 if the learner's answer is incorrect. The control unit 11 also displays advice information on the display unit 24 if the learner's answer is correct, but the information showing the intermediate steps to the answer does not match predetermined content (i.e., it does not match each answer stage stored in the hint table 123). Examples of cases where "the information showing the intermediate steps to the answer does not match predetermined content" include cases where intermediate steps are not entered, where an unlearned formula is used, or where the expansion is performed independently without using the expansion formula.

[0064] Referring to Figure 23, the hint presentation process of the fourth embodiment performed in the server device 10 will be described. The hint presentation process of the fourth embodiment is performed when the answer is submitted in step S8 of the learning support process (see Figure 5). When the control unit 11 receives a press of the answer submission button B2 from the operation unit 23 with the final answer entered in the final answer field 43 of the answer input screen 40 (step S51), it proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the control unit 11 determines whether the final answer entered in the final answer field 43 is correct or not.

[0065] If the final answer is determined to be correct (step S52; YES), the control unit 11 displays a message indicating that the answer is correct on the display unit 24 (step S53). For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 24, there is no input in the intermediate step input field 42 and "0" is entered as the answer in the final answer field 43 (correct answer). In this state, when the answer submission button B2 is pressed, a correct answer notification screen 45 including a message indicating that the answer is correct is displayed, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 25. Alternatively, if the answer submission button B2 is pressed in the state shown in Figure 24, a correct answer notification screen 46 including a message indicating that the answer is correct and a model answer may be displayed, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 26.

[0066] In step S52, if the control unit 11 determines that the final answer is incorrect (step S52; NO), it displays a message indicating that the answer is incorrect and a hint on the display unit 24 (step S54). For example, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 27, there is no input in the intermediate step input field 42 and "2" is entered as the answer in the final answer field 43 (incorrect). In this state, when the answer submission button B2 is pressed, an incorrect answer notification screen 47 is displayed, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 28, which includes a message indicating that the answer is incorrect and a hint. For example, a hint corresponding to the initial stage is displayed. Alternatively, if the answer submission button B2 is pressed in the state shown in Figure 27, an incorrect answer notification screen 48 may be displayed, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in Figure 29, which includes a message indicating that the answer is incorrect and a model answer. After step S53 or step S54, the hint presentation process of the fourth embodiment ends.

[0067] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 if the answer received from the terminal device 20 is incorrect. For example, the control unit 11 can present the user with the correct solution by displaying a hint or model answer corresponding to the initial stage. Also, the control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 if the received answer is correct, but the information showing the intermediate steps to the answer does not match predetermined content. For example, the control unit 11 can display a model answer so that the user can confirm the correct procedure for solving the problem.

[0068] Next, a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the learning support system in the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the learning support system 100 shown in the first embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0069] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 based on the progress of answer input and the learner's proficiency level. For example, the control unit 11 changes the level of detail of the hints presented to the user based on the learner's proficiency level. Proficiency level is information indicating the degree of understanding of the learning subject (subject, unit, etc.) and the ability to solve problems. The control unit 11 uses a technique called knowledge tracing ("Deep Knowledge Tracing", Chris Piech et al., Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 2015, 28, 505-513) to calculate the proficiency level for each unit at each time (including the period) from the user's problem answer history. Let x[t,u,s] be the proficiency level for time t, user u, and unit s. The control unit 11 predicts the current proficiency level from the problem answer history of problems included in the same unit s as the problem unit (quadratic functions, etc.) that user u is currently working on.

[0070] The control unit 11 calculates the user u's current (time t1) proficiency level x[t1,u,s] of unit s using knowledge tracing from the user u's correct / incorrect history stored in the problem correct / incorrect table 124. The proficiency level may also be calculated using, for example, the correct answer rate for the problems in unit s during a predetermined period including each time point. In this case, the correct answer rate is the ratio of the number of problems answered correctly by the user to the total number of problems, and the predetermined period can be arbitrarily set to one day, one week, one month, etc. Furthermore, if the target unit s is "quadratic functions," the control unit 11 may calculate the proficiency level for the entire subject, including not only "quadratic functions" but also other areas of the same subject such as "statistics" and "trigonometric functions." Also, the proficiency level is not limited to that calculated using knowledge tracing or that which utilizes the learner's past correct answer rate.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, the processing of step S5 in the learning support processing shown in FIG. 5 is different. When the control unit 11 receives the pressing of the hint button B1 from the operation unit 23 instead of step S5, it acquires a hint from the hint table 123 based on the progress of the input of the answer and the proficiency of the learner. Here, the hint table 123 used here is a table in which hints to be presented are associated with combinations of the progress of the input of the answer and the proficiency of the learner.

[0072] For example, when the proficiency of the learner is equal to or higher than the threshold value a, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in FIG. 15, when the hint button B1 is pressed in a state where nothing is input in the intermediate formula input field 42, a hint H5 of "Let's try to complete the square" is displayed. Since the hint H5 is a relatively simple hint, the learner needs to understand the learning content to a certain extent.

[0073] When the proficiency of the learner is less than the threshold value a and equal to or higher than the threshold value b (b < a), as shown in the answer input screen 40 in FIG. 30, when the hint button B1 is pressed in a state where nothing is input in the intermediate formula input field 42, in addition to the message "Let's try to complete the square", a hint H8 including the formula for completing the square is displayed. Here, it is expected that the learner has a proficiency level such that they can solve the problem by using the formula for completing the square as a clue.

[0074] When the proficiency of the learner is less than the threshold value b, as shown in the answer input screen 40 in FIG. 31, when the hint button B1 is pressed in a state where nothing is input in the intermediate formula input field 42, in addition to the message "Let's try to complete the square" and the formula for completing the square, a hint H9 including an example in which the numerical values corresponding to the current problem are substituted into the formula is displayed. This learner is considered to need more advice compared to a learner whose proficiency is less than the threshold value a and equal to or higher than the threshold value b.

[0075] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the control unit 11 displays advice information on the display unit 24 based on the progress of answer input and the learner's proficiency level. By considering the learner's proficiency level, the control unit 11 can provide more appropriate advice information. Therefore, the control unit 11 can support the user's learning in accordance with the progress of answering the questions.

[0076] The descriptions in the above embodiments and modifications are examples of the display control device, learning support system, display control method, and program according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the device can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each configuration or process described in the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the display control device, learning support system, display control method, or program according to the present invention can reliably support the user in performing technical tasks (presenting hints appropriate to the progress of the answer) through the user-machine interaction process. For example, the display control device according to the present invention has a function to accept input of answers to problems as well as a function to present advice information (hints) appropriate to the progress of the answer input as part of the user-machine interaction. Therefore, the user is reliably supported when answering problems and when learning the field (unit, subject) related to the problem.

[0077] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 controls the content to be displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 20 in response to operations from the operation unit 23 of the terminal device 20. Alternatively, the display control device may be equipped with an operation unit and a display unit, and the display control device may be configured to process the data independently (standalone).

[0078] Furthermore, the computer-readable medium storing the programs for executing each process is not limited to the examples above. A carrier wave may also be used as the medium for providing program data via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 10…Server device (display control device), 11…Control unit (control means), 20…Terminal device, 23…Operation unit, 24…Display unit, 100…Learning support system

Claims

1. The system includes a control means that controls the display of advice information for solving the problem on a display unit, based on the progress of the learner's input of answers to the problem, in relation to the complete answer of the problem. A display control device characterized by the following:

2. The control means, when a request for the advice information is input from the learner, causes the advice information to be displayed on the display unit. The display control device according to feature 1.

3. The control means, when the progress status is in a predetermined state, disables the acceptance of requests for advice information from the learner. The display control device according to claim 2.

4. The control means causes the display unit to display the advice information, which is set in advance according to the progress status stage. The display control device according to feature 1.

5. The control means causes the display unit to display less detailed advice information as the progress status approaches the completion of the problem. The display control device according to feature 1.

6. The control means determines whether the answer matches the correct answer, and if it determines that the answer does not match the correct answer, it displays information on the display unit as advice information prompting the user to reconsider the answer. The display control device according to feature 1.

7. The control means causes the learner to display the advice information on the display unit if the learner does not input the answer for a predetermined time or longer. The display control device according to feature 1.

8. The control means causes the advice information to be displayed on the display unit if the answer is incorrect, or if the answer is correct but the information showing the steps taken to reach that answer does not match the predetermined content. The display control device according to feature 1.

9. The control means causes the advice information to be displayed on the display unit based on the progress of the answer input and the learner's proficiency level. The display control device according to feature 1.

10. A learning support system comprising a display control device according to claim 1 and a terminal device equipped with a display unit and an operation unit, wherein the two devices are connected in a data communication manner, The control means of the display control device receives the answer to the problem by the learner, which is input at the operation unit of the terminal device used by the learner. A learning support system characterized by the following features.

11. This includes a control step that controls the display of advice information for solving the problem on a display unit, based on the progress of the learner's input of answers to the problem, in relation to the complete answer of the problem. A display control method characterized by the following:

12. Computers This control means functions to control the display of advice information for solving a problem on a display unit, based on the progress of the learner's input of answers to the problem, in relation to the complete answer of the problem. A program characterized by the following features.

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