Learning support device, learning support method, and program

Abstract

To improve efficiency of learning using a plurality of exercise books installed in a learning support device.SOLUTION: A learning support device 1 comprises a display unit 603a for displaying learning content in a data group including a plurality of problems with various question formats, a specification unit 601b for specifying a second data group 612 including learning content which has the same or similar learning content format at least partially with / to learning content in a first data group 611 displayed in the display unit 603a, and a display control unit 601c for causing the display unit 603a to display learning content which has the same or similar learning content format with / to the learning content in the first data group 611 displayed in the display unit 603a in the specified second data group 612.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to a learning assistance device, a learning assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various contents other than the contents that provide the dictionary function have been installed in learning support devices such as electronic dictionaries. For example, recent electronic dictionaries are equipped with contents in the form of question books that support learning for language proficiency tests related to English, Japanese, etc.

[0003] The above-mentioned problem set-type content installed in the electronic dictionary may, for example, include a plurality of problems with different question formats, some or all of which have the same question format and include a plurality of problem sets with different levels of difficulty. A learner who uses this type of problem set-type content to study can improve the efficiency of his / her study by selecting a problem set with a difficulty level that matches his / her own level of proficiency and solving the problems.

[0004] One related technology is a system that assesses the level of an experiential learner based on the learner's responses to experiential learning content, and allows the learner to study in an optimal manner based on the assessment results, thereby achieving effective learning results (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-234016 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when using multiple problem sets that contain multiple problems with different question formats as described above, some or all of which have the same question format and differ in difficulty, it may be desirable to concentrate on studying problems with a specific question format. In such cases, the learner must repeat the steps of selecting a problem set on a screen for selecting a problem set, selecting and answering questions with a specific question format included in the problem set, and then returning to the screen for selecting a problem set, which reduces the efficiency of the learner's study.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention aims to improve the efficiency of learning by a user who uses a plurality of problem sets installed in a learning support device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A learning support device according to one aspect of the present invention accepts a selection of a first data group, which is one of a plurality of data groups including a plurality of learning contents each having a different question format, displays a plurality of the first learning contents that are the learning contents included in the first data group, accepts a selection of selected learning content that is one of the first learning contents, and when it further accepts a selection of a second data group included in the plurality of data groups, displays a plurality of the learning contents included in the second data group that are the learning contents and the selected learning content. Questions The learning support device is characterized by comprising a control unit that displays similar learning content, which is the learning content having the same or similar format.

[0009] A learning support method according to one aspect of the present invention is a learning support method executed by a learning support device, comprising the steps of: accepting a selection of a first data group, which is one of a plurality of data groups each including a plurality of learning contents with different question formats; displaying a plurality of contents of the first learning contents that are the learning contents included in the first data group; and accepting a selection of selected learning content, which is one of the first learning contents; and, when a selection of a second data group included in the plurality of data groups is further accepted, displaying a plurality of contents of the first learning contents that are the learning contents included in the second data group and the selected learning content, Questions and displaying similar learning content, which is the learning content having the same or similar format.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a program for causing a computer of a learning support device to receive a selection of a first data group, which is one of a plurality of data groups including a plurality of learning contents each having a different question format, display a plurality of contents of the first learning contents, which are the learning contents included in the first data group, and receive a selection of a selected learning content, which is one of the contents of the first learning contents. ,before When a selection of a second data group included in the plurality of data groups is further received, the study content included in the second data group and the selected study content are Questions The program is characterized by functioning as a control means for displaying similar learning content, which is the learning content having the same or similar format. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the above aspect, it is an object of the present invention to improve efficiency in learning using a plurality of problem sets installed in a learning support device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an electronic dictionary. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the electronic dictionary. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data included in one piece of content. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing examples of difficulty levels and question formats in an English proficiency test. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list indicating correspondence relationships between data groups in an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams (part 1) illustrating an example of screen transitions in an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining an example of screen transition in the electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of a list showing the correspondence between data groups and a display screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a list showing the correspondence between data groups. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a learning support device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an electronic dictionary equipped with content in the form of a workbook will be given as an example of a learning support device. In the following description, detailed descriptions of configurations, functions, and operations that are the same as or equivalent to those of conventional electronic dictionaries will be omitted.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an electronic dictionary. The electronic dictionary 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a first housing 3 on which a plurality of buttons (keys) 2 are arranged, and a second housing 5 on which a touch panel display (hereinafter referred to as "touch panel") 4 is arranged. The first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are engaged with each other through hinges (not shown) provided on each housing in such a manner that the angle between the surface of the first housing 3 on which the buttons 2 are arranged and the surface of the second housing 5 on which the touch panel 4 is arranged can be changed and can be held at a desired angle.

[0015] The buttons 2 of the first housing 3 are buttons that accept user operations on the electronic dictionary 1, and are, for example, physical button switches. The buttons 2 include buttons (keys) used to input character strings such as search terms, and buttons (keys) that perform operations and functions of the electronic dictionary 1. The buttons 2 that perform operations and functions of the electronic dictionary 1 include, for example, direction buttons that accept operations such as changing the cursor position and scrolling the screen, and a "back" button 201 that switches the display of the touch panel 4 to the display of the next higher hierarchy. The buttons 2 that perform operations and functions of the electronic dictionary 1 include, for example, a home button 202 that displays a home screen, a menu button 203 that displays a menu screen, and a content button 204 that displays a top screen of a predetermined content. A plurality of buttons 2 are arranged in a predetermined layout on the top surface of the first housing 3, and the first housing 3 on which the buttons 2 are arranged functions as a hardware keyboard for the electronic dictionary 1.

[0016] The touch panel 4 of the second housing 5 is an input / output device in which a digitizer is arranged over the display surface of a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and can receive user operations on the electronic dictionary 1. The touch panel 4 is provided with a display area 401 for displaying, for example, a home screen, a menu screen, and screens of each content, and a button area (not shown) that functions as a button for performing a predetermined operation or function. The button area includes, for example, an area that functions as a home button, an area that functions as a "back" button, and an area that functions as a menu button. The button area may be provided, for example, outside the display surface of the display, or may be provided within the display surface of the display. When the button area is provided within the display surface of the display, the button area may be displayed only when a specific screen is displayed.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the electronic dictionary 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic dictionary 1 includes a control unit 601, a keyboard 602, a touch panel 4, and a storage unit 604.

[0018] The control unit 601 controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary 1, including the processing of various contents according to user operations. The functions of the control unit 601 are realized, for example, by a processor such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing a predetermined control program. The control unit 601 includes a search unit 601a, an identification unit 601b, and a display control unit 601c. The search unit 601a searches for a search term that is input or selected by operating the keyboard 602 and the digitizer 603b as an input device in the touch panel 4. The identification unit 601b identifies another study content related to the study content displayed on the display 603a as a display device (display unit) in the touch panel 4. The display control unit 601c controls the display of the display 603a. The functions and operations of the identification unit 601b and the display control unit 601c in the electronic dictionary 1 of this embodiment will be described later.

[0019] The keyboard 602 is an input device including the above-mentioned multiple buttons 2. The touch panel 4 is an input / output device including a display 603a as a display device (display unit) and a digitizer 603b as an input device.

[0020] The storage unit 604 stores (stores) a plurality of content data including content data 605a of a first content (content A), content data 605b of a second content (content B), and content data 605x of a third content (content X), and a history 606. The plurality of content data includes, for example, content data of one or more Japanese dictionaries, content data of one or more English-Japanese dictionaries, and content data of one or more Japanese-English dictionaries. The content data of these dictionaries is a database including data such as head words, meanings, related words, and supplementary information. The plurality of content data also includes, for example, content data in the form of a question set imitating an English proficiency test. As described later, the content data in the form of a question set includes a plurality of question sets of different difficulty levels. Furthermore, the plurality of content data may include, for example, a learning database (not shown) in which a word specified by a user and information such as the meaning of the word are registered in association with each other. The history 606 stores various histories related to processes performed in the electronic dictionary 1, such as a history of search terms searched for by a user using a content. The storage unit 604 includes a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM). The ROM stores, for example, the above-mentioned content data 605a, 605b, 605x, etc. The RAM stores a history 606 and the above-mentioned learning database.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data included in one content data. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of difficulty and question format in an English proficiency test. Fig. 3 shows an example of content data 605e related to content E in the form of a question collection imitating the test questions of the Test in Practical English Proficiency administered by the Japan English Language Proficiency Test Foundation. Fig. 4 also shows Table 7 explaining the question format for each level in the Test in Practical English Proficiency.

[0022] The content data 605e illustrated in FIG. 3 includes seven data groups 611-617 and a plurality of lists including a first list (list A) 621, a second list (list B) 622, and a third list (list C) 623. One data group in the content data 605e includes a plurality of questions with different question formats, for example, questions and correct answer data corresponding to one level in the above-mentioned Test in Practical English Proficiency. For example, the first data group 611 includes questions and correct answer data that may be asked in a Grade 1 level test, and the second data group 612 includes questions and correct answer data that may be asked in a Grade 2 level test. The questions in the data group may be questions that were asked in a past test, or may be questions (similar questions) created by the content provider based on questions that were asked in the past. The questions and correct answer data in the above-mentioned data group are an example of learning content in the data group.

[0023] In English proficiency tests, the difficulty of questions varies by level, but questions of the same format may be asked at multiple levels. For example, in the Test in Practical English Proficiency mentioned above, questions in the "fill in the blank in a short sentence" format, in which candidates fill in the blanks in a short English sentence with an appropriate word or phrase, are asked at all levels, as shown in Table 7 in Figure 4. Also, questions in the "fill in the blank in a conversational sentence" format, in which candidates fill in the blanks in a conversational sentence with an appropriate sentence or phrase, are asked at the pre-2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade levels.

[0024] When learning a language using such content E in the form of a question book, the efficiency of learning can be improved by selecting questions of a level appropriate to the learner's proficiency. For example, a learner with the proficiency level to pass a Level 3 exam can efficiently improve their proficiency by skipping the Level 3 to Level 5 questions and solving Level Pre-2 and Level 2 questions.

[0025] Furthermore, when learning using content E, a learner may wish to concentrate on solving problems in a particular question format (e.g., a question format that is difficult for the learner). In such cases, the learner often wishes to challenge problems at other grade levels, not just at the grade level corresponding to his / her own proficiency. For example, a learner studying for a pre-2nd grade exam may wish to try solving problems in the lower grade level of "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" when solving problems in the pre-2nd grade exam in the "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" format. In conventional electronic dictionaries, when switching the display from a screen of a certain grade level to a screen of another grade level, it is common to return to the screen for selecting the grade level and select the screen of the desired other grade level. For example, when switching the screen from a state in which learning contents (data) included in the pre-2nd grade data group are displayed to a display of learning contents (data) included in the 3rd grade data group, the learner returns to the screen for selecting the grade level by using the "Back" button 201 or the like, selects the 3rd grade on the screen, and selects the number of a problem in the "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" format. Such operations are troublesome for the learner and may hinder the improvement of learning efficiency.In contrast, in the electronic dictionary 1 according to the present embodiment, questions of multiple levels with the same or similar question formats are associated with each other using the above lists 621-623, etc., making it easy to switch the display of learning content between levels.

[0026] It should be noted that the above lists 621 to 623, etc. may not be limited to being included in the fourth content data 605e that provides the content E, but may be stored in the memory unit 604 as data separate from the fourth content data 605e that is associated with the fourth content data 605e.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a list showing the correspondence between data groups in an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a specific example of a first list (List A) 621, a second list (List B) 622, and a third list (List C) 623 related to content data 605e that provides content E in the form of a question set imitating the above-mentioned test questions of the Test in Practical English Proficiency. The "grade level" in each of the lists 621, 622, and 623 shown in FIG. 5 is the "grade level (difficulty of questions)" shown in FIG. 4, and is an item for classifying the data groups included in the content data 605e. The "main question" is an item for classifying the questions in the question set (data group) by the question format, and is an example of an item for classifying the format of the learning content (data) in the data group. The "question number range" is, for example, the number of a question in the question set (data group) for each grade level.

[0028] The first list 621 illustrated in FIG. 5(a) shows the correspondence between grade levels for questions in the "fill in the blanks in a short sentence" format. In the Test of Practical English Proficiency, questions in the "fill in the blanks in a short sentence" format are asked in all grade levels, as illustrated in Table 7 in FIG. 4. Also, questions in the "fill in the blanks in a short sentence" format are asked in "Main Question 1" in all grade levels. For this reason, the value of "Main Question" in the first list 621 is "1" in all grade levels. In the first list 621, the question number ranges in the Grade 1 and Pre-Grade 1 problem sets (data groups 611 and 612) are 25 questions from question 1 to question 25, respectively. Also, in the first list 621, the question number ranges in the Grade 2 and Pre-Grade 2 problem sets (data groups 613 and 614) are 20 questions from question 1 to question 20, respectively. Furthermore, in the first list 621, the question number ranges in the level 3, level 4, and level 5 problem sets (data groups 615, 616, and 617) are 15 questions, from question 1 to question 15, respectively.

[0029] The second list 622 illustrated in FIG. 5B shows the correspondence between grades for questions in the "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" format. In the above-mentioned Test in Practical English Proficiency, as illustrated in Table 7 in FIG. 4, questions in the "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" format are asked in the pre-2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade tests. Also, questions in the "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" format are asked in "Main Question 2" in all tests at each grade level. For this reason, the value of "Main Question" in the second list 622 is "None (a value meaning that there is no question)" for the 1st grade, pre-1st grade, and pre-2nd grade, and "2" for the pre-2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade. In the second list 622, the question number ranges in the 1st grade, pre-1st grade, and 2nd grade problem sets (data groups 611, 612, and 613) in which "conversational sentence fill-in-the-blank" format questions are not asked are each set to "None (a value meaning that there is no question)." In the second list 622, the question number range in the pre-2nd grade problem collection (data group 614) is the five questions from question 21 to question 25. In the second list 622, the question number range in the 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade problem collections (data groups 615, 616, and 617) is the five questions from question 16 to question 20, respectively.

[0030] The third list 623 illustrated in FIG. 5(c) shows the correspondence between grades for questions in the "long passage content matching multiple choice" format, which asks questions about the content of a passage. In the above-mentioned Test in Practical English Proficiency, questions in the "long passage content matching multiple choice" format are asked in the 1st grade, pre-1st grade, 2nd grade, pre-2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade exams, as illustrated in Table 7 in FIG. 4. Also, questions in the "long passage content matching multiple choice" format are asked in "main question 3" in the 1st grade, pre-1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade exams, and in "main question 4" in the pre-2nd grade and 4th grade exams. Also, although detailed explanations are omitted, in the 1st grade, pre-1st grade, 2nd grade, pre-2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade problem collections (data groups 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, and 616), the questions in the question number range illustrated in FIG. 5(c) are questions in the "long passage content matching multiple choice" format.

[0031] The question number ranges in the first list 621, the second list 622, and the third list 623 illustrated in Fig. 5 are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. Although a description with reference to the figures is omitted, the list of associations between a plurality of data groups in the fourth content data 605e also includes a list of associations between questions (items) in other question formats illustrated in Fig. 4, other than the first list 621, the second list 622, and the third list 623 illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0032] The list associating learning contents with the same or similar question formats in multiple data groups is not limited to the format illustrated in Fig. 5 and may be in other formats. The list may also include only data groups that include learning contents with the same or similar question formats. For example, the columns for Grade 1, Grade Pre-1, and Grade 2 in the second list 622 illustrated in Fig. 5(b) and the column for Grade 5 in the third list 623 illustrated in Fig. 5(c) may be omitted.

[0033] In the electronic dictionary 1 according to this embodiment, by using the above list, it is possible to efficiently move from the currently displayed study content to study content in another data group that has at least a part of the same question format as the currently displayed study content. For this reason, the electronic dictionary 1 according to this embodiment performs, for example, a process according to the flowchart in FIG. 6 as one of the processes related to the display on the screen (display 603a).

[0034] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing performed by an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart for processing related to display switching using a list that associates multiple data groups including study contents with the same or similar question format, among various processing performed by electronic dictionary 1. The processing according to the flowchart in Fig. 6 is started in a state where a screen (e.g., a home screen or a menu screen) is displayed on which content provided by content data including data groups associated by the above-mentioned list can be selected.

[0035] First, the electronic dictionary 1 accepts the selection of content (step S1). The content is selected, for example, by the user pressing the button 2 on the keyboard 602 or touching the touch panel 4. When the selection of content is accepted in step S1, the display control unit 601c of the electronic device 1 switches the display on the display 603a to a screen for selecting a data group included in the selected content. For example, when an operation for selecting the content E of the above-mentioned Test of Practical English Proficiency provided by the content data 605e of FIG. 3 is accepted, the display control unit 601c switches the display on the display 603a to a screen for selecting one of the data groups 611 to 617 included in the content data 605e (in other words, a screen for selecting a level).

[0036] Next, the control unit 601 of the electronic dictionary 1 accepts the selection of a data group (step S2), and reads the learning content (data) of the selected data group (step S3). The selection of a data group (level) is performed, for example, by the user pressing button 2 on the keyboard 602 or touching the touch panel 4. For example, when an operation to select level 1 is accepted on a screen for selecting a level (any of the data groups 611 to 617), the control unit 601 of the electronic dictionary 1 reads the learning content of the first data group 611 (for example, data of questions and correct answers for level 1).

[0037] Next, the control unit 601 of the electronic device 1 reads the list associated with the selected data group (step S4), and displays on the display 603a a screen including a first tab for switching between items of study content in the data group and a second tab for switching between data groups set based on the list (step S5). The process of step S4 is performed by the identification unit 601b of the control unit 601. For example, when the study content in the first data group 611 is read in step S3, the identification unit 601b determines in step S4, for example, whether there is another data group including study content having the same or similar format as the study content in the first data group 611. This determination is performed, for example, by searching for a list that associates the study content in the first data group 611 with content in the other data group. If there is a list that associates the study content with the study content of the other data group, the identification unit 601b identifies one or more data groups based on the list. For example, if a first list 621 including information on the first question in the first data group 611 exists, the identification unit 601b reads the first list 621 and identifies one or more data groups including study content with the same question format as the first question in the first data group 611. Thereafter, in step S5, the display control unit 601c of the control unit 601 displays on the display 603a a screen including a selection field for selecting a first-level question including the first question, a first tab having items of the main questions included in the first data group 611, and a second tab having items of the grade levels (data groups 611 to 617) set based on the first list 621. The first and second tabs each display the currently selected item differently from the other items (for example, by highlighting or changing the color, etc.).

[0038] If there is no list associated with the selected data group, i.e., if no list is loaded in step S4, the control unit 601 of the electronic dictionary 1 performs processing similar to that in a conventional electronic dictionary (not shown), which is different from the processing from step S5 onwards.

[0039] After displaying the screen including the first tab and the second tab, the electronic dictionary 1 stores in memory a list corresponding to the items selected in the first tab and the second tab (step S6). The memory that stores the list may be a cache in the processor functioning as the control unit 601, or may be a memory connected to the processor, such as a RAM functioning as the storage unit 604. For example, if the item selected in the second tab is Grade 1 and the item selected in the first tab is Main Question 1, a first list 621 corresponding to Main Question 1 of the Grade 1 exam is stored in the memory.

[0040] Next, the control unit 601 of the electronic dictionary 1 judges whether or not a switching operation of the second tab has been received (step S7). The switching of the second tab is performed, for example, by the user pressing the button 2 of the keyboard 602 or touching the touch panel 4. When the switching operation of the second tab is received (step S7; YES), the control unit 601 switches the display of the screen based on the list held in the memory and the data group to be switched to (step S8). For example, when the main question 1 of the first grade is selected and displayed on the display 603a, if an operation to switch the second tab to the second grade is received, the display control unit 601c of the control unit 601 switches the display to a screen including the selection field of the main question 1 of the first grade and the corresponding main question 1 of the second grade, the first tab, and the second tab based on the first list 621 (see (a) of FIG. 5) held in the memory. At this time, the first tab indicates that the main question 1 is selected, and the second tab indicates that the second grade is selected. After step S8, the control unit 601 returns to the determination in step S7.

[0041] On the other hand, if the switching operation of the second tab has not been received (step S7; NO), the control unit 601 next judges whether or not the switching operation of the first tab has been received (step S9). If the switching operation of the first tab has not been received (step S9; NO), the control unit 601 returns to the judgment of step S7.

[0042] When the control unit 601 receives an operation to switch the first tab (step S9; YES), the control unit 601 switches the display to a screen including the item to be switched to (step S10) and changes the list held in the memory to a list corresponding to the item to be switched to (step S11). For example, when the main question 1 of the first grade is selected and displayed on the display 603a, if an operation to switch the first tab to the main question 3 is received, in step S10, the display control unit 601c of the control unit 601 causes the display 603a to display a screen including a selection field for the main question 3 of the first grade, a first tab indicating that the main question 3 is selected, and a second tab indicating that the first grade is selected. In this case, in the following step S11, the identification unit 601b of the control unit 601 identifies one or more data groups including questions (learning contents) with the same or similar question format based on the third list 623 (see (c) of FIG. 5) corresponding to the third question of the first grade, and changes the list held in the memory to the third list 623. After step S11, the control unit 601 returns to the determination in step S7.

[0043] If an operation other than the switching operation of the first tab and the switching operation of the second tab is received after step S6, the control unit 601 performs processing according to the received operation and switches the screen display. For example, when an operation to select a question displayed on the screen is received, the control unit 601 causes the display 603a to display a selected question in the data group corresponding to the item selected in the second tab. When the item selected in the second tab is the first grade, and an operation to select question 3 is received, the control unit 601 reads out the data of question 3 included in the study content in the first data group 611 and displays it on the display 603a.

[0044] In the electronic dictionary 1 performing the process illustrated in FIG. 6, when displaying one study content in one data group among a plurality of data groups including study content with the same or similar question format, a first tab for switching the display to other study content in the data group and a second tab for switching the display to study content in another data group associated with the displayed study content by a list are displayed. When another study content in the same data group is selected by the first tab, the electronic dictionary 1 switches the display to study content corresponding to the selected tab in the same data group. When another data group is selected by the second tab, the electronic dictionary 1 switches the display to study content in the selected data group associated with the study content displayed at the time of selection by a list. This simplifies the operation of switching the display to study content with the same or similar question format in a data group other than the data group including the study content displayed on the display 603a. For example, a learner using the content E of the above-mentioned practical English proficiency test problem collection can switch the display of the display 603a from a screen of a certain level to a screen of another level with the same question format without returning to the screen for selecting the level.

[0045] Fig. 7 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining an example of screen transitions in an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining an example of screen transitions in an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment.

[0046] 7(a) is an example of a screen displayed on the display 603a of the electronic dictionary 1 when the user selects Pre-Level 2 in the content of a collection of questions for an English proficiency test. When the user selects the content (a collection of questions for an English proficiency test) and the level (Pre-Level 2) on a selection screen (e.g., a home screen or a menu screen) displayed on the display 603a of the electronic dictionary 1, the control unit 601 reads out data group 614 of Pre-Level 2 learning content (e.g., questions and answers) from the content data 605e illustrated in FIG. 3 (steps S1 to S3). Thereafter, the identification unit 601b of the control unit 601 reads out the first list 621 associated with the first question (main question 1) of the Pre-2nd grade level, identifies one or more data groups including questions (learning content) with the same question format as the first question of the Pre-2nd grade level, and displays on the display 603a a screen 801 including a selection field 801a for selecting the Pre-2nd grade level question, a first tab display field 801b for displaying the first tab, and a second tab display field 801c for displaying the second tab (steps S4 and S5).

[0047] A selection field 801a of screen 801 displays the numbers of multiple questions, including a question (here, question 1) that is associated with questions of other grade levels in read first list 621. At this time, the numbers of the multiple questions displayed in selection field 801 may be such that the main questions (here, 20 questions from question 1 to question 20 in main question 1) that are associated with questions of other grade levels in first list 621 can be distinguished from the other questions by, for example, highlighting them or changing the color.

[0048] In the first tab display field 801b of the screen 801, a first tab indicating a main question of the pre-2nd grade problem included in the data group 614 is displayed. In the first test of the pre-2nd grade in the above-mentioned Test in Practical English Proficiency, there are five main questions from main question 1 to main question 5 in the test (written test) related to reading and writing, and there are three main questions from part 1 to part 3 in the test related to listening. Therefore, eight first tabs indicating these eight main questions are displayed in the first tab display field 801b. Also, in the first tab display field 801b illustrated in (a) of FIG. 7, the first tab indicating main question 1 is displayed inverted, indicating that main question 1 is selected, in other words, that the main question associated with questions of other grade levels by the first list 621 is main question 1.

[0049] In the second tab display field 801c of the screen 801, second tabs indicating the grade levels (data groups 611 to 617) associated by the first list 621 are displayed. In the above-mentioned Test in Practical English Proficiency, there are seven grade levels, namely, Grade 1, Pre-Grade 1, Grade 2, Pre-Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5, and the main question 1 of Pre-Grade 2 is associated with the main question 1 of all other grade levels in the first list 621. Therefore, seven second tabs indicating the seven grade levels from Grade 1 to Grade 5 are displayed in the second tab display field 801c. Also, in the second tab display field 801c illustrated in FIG. 7(a), the second tab indicating Pre-Grade 2 is highlighted to indicate that Pre-Grade 2 has been selected, in other words, the selection field 801a of the screen 801 indicates that the question number of Pre-Grade 2 is displayed.

[0050] When screen 801 is displayed on display 603a, if an operation to switch the main question selected by the first tab displayed in first tab display field 801b from main question 1 to main question 2 is accepted, the display on display 603a switches to screen 802 shown in Fig. 7B (step S10). In screen 802, the first tab indicating main question 2 is displayed inverted in first tab display field 802b, and selection field 802a switches to a display that highlights the questions included in main question 2 of pre-2nd grade (five questions from question 21 to question 25). Main question 2 of pre-2nd grade is associated with main question 2 of other grade levels by, for example, second list 622 shown in Fig. 5B (b). For this reason, the identification unit 601b of the electronic dictionary 1 identifies one or more data groups containing learning content that has the same question format as question 2 of the Level 2 Pre-level test based on the second list 622, and changes the list held in memory from the first list 621 to the second list 622 (step S11).

[0051] When seven second tabs indicating all levels from Grade 1 to Grade 5 are displayed in the second tab display field 802c as in the screen 802 illustrated in (b) of Fig. 7, the three second tabs indicating Grade 1, Grade quasi-1, and Grade 2, which do not have a main question corresponding to the main question 2 of Grade quasi-2, may be displayed in a format indicating that they cannot be selected. Also, the second tab display field 802c in the screen 802 displayed when the main question 2 of Grade quasi-2 is selected may hide, for example, the three second tabs indicating Grade 1, Grade quasi-1, and Grade 2.

[0052] When the screen 802 is displayed on the display 603a, if an operation to select question 21 in the selection field 802a is accepted, the display on the display 603a switches to a screen 803 exemplified in FIG. 8(c). The screen 803 includes a question display field 803a, a first tab display field 803b, and a second tab display field 803c. The question display field 803a displays question 21 in the pre-2nd grade test and answer options (four options A to D). The first tab display field 803b and the second tab display field 803c of the screen 803 have the same display as the first tab display field 802b and the second tab display field 802c of the screen 802, respectively. Therefore, the learner can easily recognize from the display of the first tab display field 803b and the second tab display field 803c that the question (Question 21) displayed in the question display field 803a is question 2 of the pre-2nd grade examination ("fill in the blanks in a conversational sentence" format). When an operation to select one of the four options displayed in the question display field 803a or an operation to return to the screen 802 is received, the display control unit 601c of the control unit 601 switches the display of the display 603a to the screen 802.

[0053] Also, when the screen 802 or 803 is displayed, if an operation to switch the level selected by the second tab displayed in the second tab display field 802c or 803c from pre-2nd grade to 3rd grade is accepted, the display of the display 603a is switched to the screen 804 illustrated in FIG. 8(d). At this time, the memory holds the second list 622 in which the main question 2 of pre-2nd grade is associated with the main question 2 of 3rd grade. Therefore, the control unit 601 reads the data group 615 including the questions and correct answers of 3rd grade from the content data 605e based on the second list 622, and displays the screen 804 in which the question numbers including the question numbers of the main question 2 of the 3rd grade test (questions 16 to 20) are displayed in the selection field 804a. At this time, by highlighting the questions 16 to 20, which are the questions of the main question 2, among the multiple question numbers displayed on the screen 804, the questions that have the same question format as the questions displayed on the screen 802 before switching can be visually and intuitively recognized. The questions to be highlighted may be all of the questions in main question 2, or the first question in main question 2. When displaying screen 804, control unit 601 switches the display of second tab display field 804c to a display in which the second tab indicating pre-2nd grade is deselected and the second tab indicating 3rd grade is highlighted. In second list 622, main question 2 of pre-2nd grade and main question 2 of 3rd grade are associated with each other, so first tab display field 804b of screen 804 has the same display as second tab display field 802b of screen 802 and first tab display field 803b of screen 803.

[0054] As described above with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in the electronic dictionary 1 according to this embodiment, when the screen 802 or 803 indicating that the main question 2 of the pre-2nd grade has been selected is displayed, by selecting the second tab indicating a different grade level (3rd grade) from the pre-2nd grade displayed on the screen, it is possible to switch to the screen 804 in which the questions (learning contents) of the 3rd grade, which have the same question format as the questions (learning contents) of the main question 2 of the pre-2nd grade, can be selected without going through another screen. Furthermore, when the screen regarding the main question 2 of the pre-2nd grade is displayed, information indicating the existence of other grade levels (data groups) which have the same question format as the main question 2 of the pre-2nd grade is displayed in the second tab display field, so that it is easier for the learner to select questions of other grade levels according to his / her proficiency level, such as the percentage of correct answers to questions.

[0055] Furthermore, in the electronic dictionary 1 of this embodiment, not only the example described above with reference to Figures 7 and 8, but also it is possible to move between levels to which learning content with the same or similar question format is associated via a list, without returning to the screen for selecting the level.

[0056] In this way, according to the electronic dictionary 1 of the present embodiment, the screen display is switched between multiple data groups containing the same or similar learning content by using a list that associates the same or similar learning content in the multiple data groups. Therefore, when switching the display of multiple data groups containing the same or similar learning content, the display can be switched without returning to the screen for selecting a data group and selecting another data group each time. Therefore, in the electronic dictionary 1 of the present embodiment, when learning using learning content with the same or similar question format included in multiple data groups, the data group can be efficiently switched, and the efficiency of learning can be improved. In addition, when displaying the screen of the first data group, by using a second tab or the like to display information indicating the existence of a second data group containing learning content with the same or similar question format, the related second data group can be visually grasped. Therefore, it is easier for the learner to select questions of other grade levels depending on his / her proficiency level, such as the rate of correct answers to questions.

[0057] Furthermore, in the electronic dictionary 1 of this embodiment, by associating the same or similar learning content across multiple data groups using a list separate from the data groups, data groups can be efficiently switched without modifying the data groups themselves (adding data).

[0058] In electronic dictionary 1 according to this embodiment, the list for associating multiple data groups including learning content with the same or similar format, such as question format, is not limited to the format shown in Fig. 5 and can be changed as appropriate according to the relationship between the associated data groups. For example, the multiple data groups associated by the list may include questions and correct answers for each test taken in a specific test.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example of a list showing the correspondence between data groups and a display screen.

[0060] The list 624 illustrated in FIG. 9(a) shows an example of a list for the first-grade test questions in the Test in Practical English Proficiency. In the data group 611 of the first-grade questions and correct answers included in the content data 605e of the test question collection for the Test in Practical English Proficiency in the electronic dictionary 1, for example, questions or similar questions that have been asked in multiple past tests may be stored in a state in which the test time can be identified. For example, the data group 611 may include multiple data groups divided by test time. When providing content in the form of a test collection using such a data group 611, in conventional electronic dictionaries, it is common to perform an operation to select questions from another test time via the display of a screen for selecting the test time. However, such an operation is time-consuming, similar to the conventional level switching operation described above, and hinders the improvement of learning efficiency.

[0061] In the list 624 illustrated in FIG. 9A, questions from multiple Grade 1 exams are associated with an item indicating the exam and an item indicating the main question. Therefore, when Grade 1 and a certain exam are selected on the screen for selecting the grade level and exam, the control unit 601 of the electronic dictionary 1 can display a screen 805 illustrated in FIG. 9B on the display 603a by referring to the list 624. The screen 805 is an example of a screen displayed on the display 603a when the first exam of 2018 is selected from among the Grade 1 exams conducted in the past. The selection field 805a of the screen 805 displays the number for selecting a question asked in the first Grade 1 exam of 2018. The first tab display field 805b of the screen 805 displays a first tab for switching learning content within the same data group, specifically, a first tab showing eight items indicating the main questions (main questions 1 to 4) of the written exam and the main questions (Part 1 to Part 4) of the listening exam in the Grade 1 exam. The second tab display field 805c of the screen 805 displays a second tab for switching to the same study content of a different data group associated by the list 624, specifically, a second tab showing three items indicating the implementation times that can be switched. Also, on the screen 805, the second tab showing the first test in 2018 in the second tab display field 805c is displayed inverted, and the first tab showing main question 1 in the first tab display field 805b is displayed inverted.

[0062] Although detailed description with reference to the drawings will be omitted, in the electronic dictionary 1 of this embodiment that performs the process illustrated in FIG. 6, when a switching operation is received for the first tab displayed in the first tab display field 805b on the screen 805, the first tab indicating the target main question in the same data block (same test) is displayed inverted, and the first tab indicating main question 1 is displayed as not selected. In this case, the display in the selection field 805a on the screen 805 is switched to a display including the number of the question included in the target main question. Also, when a switching operation is received for the second tab displayed in the second tab display field 805c on the screen 805, the second tab indicating the test session to be switched to is displayed inverted, and the second tab selected before the switching is displayed as not selected. In this case, the display in the selection field 805a on the screen 805 is switched to a display including the number of the question included in the same main question as the main question selected before the switching, in the test session to be switched to.

[0063] Furthermore, in the electronic dictionary 1 according to this embodiment, for example, a list may be used that associates data groups of different grade levels and data groups of different implementation times, and it may be possible to switch grade levels and implementation times using tabs displayed on the screen.

[0064] Furthermore, the multiple data groups associated by the above-mentioned list in the electronic dictionary 1 according to this embodiment are not limited to multiple data groups included in one content, but may be multiple data groups including learning contents with the same or similar question format included in different contents. For example, the multiple data groups associated by the list may be a set of a data group including test questions for the Test in Practical English Proficiency and a data group including test questions for another English proficiency test (e.g., TOEIC (registered trademark)).

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a list showing the correspondence between data groups.

[0066] FIG. 10(a) shows content data 605e of content E and content data 605f of content F as examples of two contents similar in content. The content data 605e is, for example, content data providing content E in the form of a question collection imitating the test questions of the Test in Practical English Proficiency administered by the Japan English Language Proficiency Test Foundation. As described above, the content data 605e includes seven data groups 611-617 including questions and correct answers divided by grade level. On the other hand, the content data 605f is content data providing content F in the form of a question collection imitating the test questions of a certification test (for example, TOEIC) different from the above-mentioned Test in Practical English Proficiency. The content data 605f includes, for example, seven data groups 631-637 including questions and correct answers divided by question type (main question).

[0067] Table 9 illustrated in FIG. 10(b) shows the correspondence between the question format of content E (the question format of each data group 611-617 included in content data 605e) and the question format of content F (the question format of each data group 631-637 included in content data 605f). For example, a question in content F whose question format corresponds to a question in the "short sentence fill in the blank" format of content E is a short sentence fill-in-the-blank question in "Part 5". Also, for example, a question in content F whose question format corresponds to a question in the "conversation response selection" format of content E is a response question in "Part 2".

[0068] In this way, even if the test questions are from different sponsors (operating bodies), the question formats are similar, so by using these test questions, it is possible to further improve one's proficiency. However, in conventional electronic dictionaries, when moving from one of contents E and F to the other, it is common to return to the content selection screen and select the other content.

[0069] In contrast, in the electronic dictionary 1 of this embodiment, a list 625 is prepared that associates questions (major questions) of the same or similar question format among questions in content E and questions in content F based on the correspondence relationship of question formats such as Table 9 illustrated in Fig. 10(b), so that it is possible to move from one of content E and content F to a screen for selecting questions of the same or similar question format in the other content without passing through a screen for selecting content. For example, when displaying a screen for a question on the first level major question 1 of content E (in the format of a "fill in the blank in a short sentence"), the control unit 601 of the electronic dictionary 1 refers to the list 625 and causes the display 603a to display a screen including a first tab display field in which a first tab indicating the first level major question is displayed and a second tab display field in which a second tab indicating content E and content F are displayed. When such a screen is displayed and the learner selects the second tab indicating content F in the second tab display area, the control unit 601 reads out data group 635 from content data 605f based on list 625, which includes learning content for content F (Part 5 questions and answers) that has a question format identical or similar to that of Level 1 main question 1 of content E, and displays the questions.

[0070] As described above, the electronic dictionary 1 of this embodiment associates multiple data groups containing questions with the same or similar question format, and displays tabs for switching between these multiple data groups, thereby enabling efficient study using questions with the same or similar question format.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the content of a question set imitating an English proficiency test is exemplified, but the content provided by the content data including a plurality of data groups may be another content. For example, the content provided by the content data including a plurality of data groups may be a question set imitating a proficiency test on a language other than English, for example, a proficiency test on Japanese kanji. In addition, in the above embodiment, the electronic dictionary 1 including the content of one or more dictionaries is exemplified, but the learning support device according to the present invention is not limited to the electronic dictionary 1, and may be an electronic device such as a personal computer such as a tablet computer or a smartphone. In addition, the learning support device according to the present invention may acquire content data by communicating with a content server in which content data 605a, 605b, 605e, 605f, and 605x are stored, for example, via wired or wireless communication.

[0072] In addition, the learning support device according to the present invention may not only change the data group by selecting the second tab described above, but may also automatically move to another data group when a certain condition is met. For example, when answers are input to all questions of a certain question format in the first data group, questions of the same or similar question format in the second data group associated by the list may be continuously presented. Also, for example, when the correct answer rate for a question of a certain question format in the first data group is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold, the device may move to a question of a data group with a higher level (difficulty), and when the correct answer rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined second threshold, the device may move to a question of a data group with a lower level. In such a configuration, the learner can accurately grasp his / her own proficiency level and can study efficiently according to his / her proficiency level.

[0073] The invention as described in the claims of the original application is set forth below. [Appendix 1] A display unit that displays learning content in a data group including a plurality of questions in different question formats; an identification unit that identifies a second data group including study content having at least a part of the same or similar format as the study content in the first data group displayed on the display unit; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display study content in the second data group identified by the identification unit, the study content having the same or similar format as the study content in the first data group displayed on the display unit; A learning support device comprising: [Appendix 2] When the second data group exists that includes study content whose format is the same as or similar to the study content to be displayed in the first data group, the display control unit displays the study content to be displayed in the first data group and information indicating the existence of the second data group on the display unit. 2. A learning support device according to claim 1. [Appendix 3] The identification unit includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a second data group that includes learning content whose format is the same as or similar to the learning content in the first data group displayed on the display unit, and identifies the second data group according to a determination result of the determination unit. 3. A learning support device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] When the identification unit causes the display unit to display the learning content in the first data group, the determination unit determines whether the second data group exists based on a list that associates learning content of a plurality of data groups having the same or similar format of the learning content. 4. A learning support device according to claim 3. [Appendix 5] An input unit capable of selecting the data group is further provided, The display control unit causes information indicating the presence of the second data group to be displayed on the display unit in a manner selectable by the input unit. 3. A learning support device according to claim 2. [Appendix 6] The first data group and the second data group are included in content data that provides one piece of content. 6. The learning support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Appendix 7] The first data group is included in content data providing a first content, and the second data group is included in content data providing a second content different from the first content. 6. The learning support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Appendix 8] The first data group and the second data group are data groups each including learning content in the form of a question set; The format of the learning content is a question format. 8. The learning support device according to claim 1, wherein: [Appendix 9] The display control unit, when displaying the study content in the second data group, causes the display unit to display study content including a portion in which the question format is the same as or similar to the study content in the first data group displayed on the display unit. 9. The learning support device according to claim 8, [Appendix 10] The display control unit displays, on the display unit, the part of the learning content including the part having the same or similar question format of the questions to be displayed on the display unit, in an emphasized manner, the part having the same or similar question format of the questions to be displayed on the display unit. 10. The learning support device according to claim 9, [Appendix 11] When displaying the study content in the first data group, the display control unit displays a tab indicating the first data group and a tab indicating the second data group, and highlights the tab indicating the data group in which the study content is displayed, among the first data group and the second data group. 11. The learning support device according to claim 10, [Appendix 12] Displaying learning content in a first data group including a plurality of questions in different question formats; Identifying a second data group that includes learning content having at least some of the same or similar format as the learning content in the displayed first data group; Displaying learning content in the identified second data group that has the same or similar format as the learning content in the displayed first data group. A learning support method comprising: [Appendix 13] Displaying learning content in a first data group including a plurality of questions in different question formats; Identifying a second data group that includes learning content having at least some of the same or similar format as the learning content in the displayed first data group; Displaying learning content in the identified second data group that has the same or similar format as the learning content in the displayed first data group. A program that causes a computer to execute a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Electronic dictionary 2 Buttons 201 "Back" button 202 Home button 203 Menu button 204 Content Button 3. First Case 4. Touch Panel 5 Second housing 601 Control section 601a Search Department 602 Keyboard 603a Display 603b digitizer 604 Storage section 605a, 605b, 605e, 605f, 605x Content data 606 History 611~617,631~637 Data Group 621~625 List 7,9 table 801~805 screens 801a, 802a, 804a, 805a Selection column 803a Problem display field 801b~805b 1st tab display area 801c~805c Second tab display area

Claims

1. Accepting a selection of a first data group, which is one of a plurality of data groups including a plurality of learning contents each having a different question format, displaying a plurality of contents of the first learning contents, which are the learning contents included in the first data group, and accepting a selection of a selected learning content, which is any one of the contents of the first learning contents; a control unit that, when a selection of a second data group included in the plurality of data groups is further accepted, displays similar learning content, the learning content being included in the second data group and having the same or similar question format as the selected learning content; A learning support device comprising:

2. The control unit is displaying a first tab corresponding to the first data group and a second tab corresponding to the second data group; displaying a plurality of contents of the first learning content when the selection of the first tab is received as the selection of the first data group; displaying the similar learning content when a selection of the second tab is accepted as the selection of the second data group; 2. The learning support device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit displays the similar learning content in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other content.

3. The learning support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit is When displaying the first study content, a plurality of the study contents included in the first data group are displayed together; When displaying the similar learning content, a plurality of the learning contents included in the second data group are displayed together.

4. The learning support device according to claim 1, wherein the learning support device is a device for performing learning operations.

5. The control unit is When displaying the first learning content, answer options for the first learning content are also displayed; When displaying the similar learning content, answer options for the similar learning content are also displayed.

5. The learning support device according to claim 1,

6. A learning assistance method executed by a learning assistance device, comprising: receiving a selection of a first data group, which is one of a plurality of data groups including a plurality of learning contents each having a different question format; displaying a plurality of contents of the first learning contents, which are the learning contents included in the first data group; and receiving a selection of a selected learning content, which is any one of the contents of the first learning contents; when a selection of a second data group included in the plurality of data groups is further accepted, displaying similar learning content, which is the learning content included in the second data group and has the same or similar question format as the selected learning content; A learning support method comprising:

7. The computer of the learning support device, Accepting a selection of a first data group, which is one of a plurality of data groups including a plurality of learning contents each having a different question format, displaying a plurality of contents of the first learning contents, which are the learning contents included in the first data group, and accepting a selection of a selected learning content, which is any one of the contents of the first learning contents; when a selection of a second data group included in the plurality of data groups is further accepted, a similar learning content is displayed, the similar learning content being the learning content included in the second data group and having the same or similar question format as the selected learning content; A program characterized by:

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