Information processing apparatus and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism in online meetings and classes, in which facilitators can proceed with meetings and classes according to the plan, and other participants, except the facilitator, can participate in meetings and classes at their own convenience.SOLUTION: An information processing device 300 supports online classes or meetings between a first terminal 100 and at least one second terminal 200. The information processing device 300 includes a switching unit that switches between a valid state and an invalid state for switching the communication function on and off in at least one second terminal 200 based on an instruction from the first terminal 100. The communication function is a function for transmitting information used during online classes or meetings.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, cases where meetings and classes are held online have been increasing. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-033657 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique in a video conference system in which a previously registered chairperson can designate an operator such as a speaker or a person who rewrites a shared screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the above-described technique, the facilitator (the "chairperson" in the case of an online meeting and the "teacher" in the case of an online class) can proceed with the meeting or class according to the plan. However, the convenience of other participants excluding the facilitator is not considered. There may be a case where a person designated by the facilitator feels like concentrating now or does not want to be interfered with by others now. In an online meeting or class, there is a need for a mechanism in which the facilitator can proceed with the meeting or class according to the plan, and other participants excluding the facilitator can participate in the meeting or class according to their own convenience.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, the present disclosure has been made, and one object thereof is to provide a mechanism in which, in an online meeting or class, the facilitator can proceed with the meeting or class according to the plan, and other participants excluding the facilitator can participate in the meeting or class according to their own convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure supports an online class or meeting between a first terminal and at least one second terminal. The information processing apparatus includes a switching unit that switches between an active state and an inactive state of an operation for switching on and off a communication function in at least one second terminal based on an instruction from the first terminal. The communication function is a function for information transmission used during an online class or meeting.

[0007] Preferably, when in the active state, an icon of the communication function displayed on at least one second terminal is changed to an active state, and when in the inactive state, the icon is changed to an inactive state.

[0008] Preferably, the communication function includes at least one of a call with another terminal participating in an online class or meeting, sharing of a camera image with the other terminal, sharing of an evaluation with the other terminal, sharing of a worksheet with the other terminal, and writing to the worksheet shared with the other terminal.

[0009] Preferably, when in the inactive state, the communication function of at least one second terminal is controlled to be off.

[0010] Preferably, the switching unit switches between an active state and an inactive state of the switching operation for all participants, in groups, or individually.

[0011] Preferably, the switching unit switches between an active state and an inactive state of the switching operation for at least one function selected from the communication functions.

[0012] Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores a history of switching by the switching unit and a history of switching on and off the communication function.

[0013] Preferably, the information processing apparatus supports online classes. The first terminal is a teacher's terminal, and at least one second terminal is a student's terminal.

[0014] The information processing program in another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus that supports an online class or meeting between the first terminal and at least one second terminal. The information processing program causes the computer to switch, based on an instruction from the first terminal, between an active state and an inactive state of an operation for switching on and off a communication function at at least one second terminal. The communication function is a function for information transmission used during an online class or meeting.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, in an online meeting or class, the facilitator can proceed with the meeting or class according to the plan, and other participants except the facilitator can participate in the meeting or class according to their own convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0018] (1. Configuration of Online Class System) Referring to FIG. 1, an online class system including an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the online class system. The online class system 1 includes terminals participating in an online class and an information processing apparatus 300. The terminals participating in the online class include a teacher's terminal and at least one student's terminal.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminals participating in the online class (hereinafter also referred to as "terminals") include a teacher's terminal 100, a student's terminal 200a, a student's terminal 200b, and a student's terminal 200c. Hereinafter, when the student's terminal 200a, the student's terminal 200b, and the student's terminal 200c are not distinguished, they are referred to as "student's terminal 200".

[0020] The teacher's terminal 100 is an example of a "first terminal". The student's terminal 200 is an example of a "second terminal". The teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200 are, for example, general-purpose PCs (Personal Computers), smartphones, or tablets.

[0021] The teacher's terminal 100, the student's terminal 200, and the information processing apparatus 300 are connected via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a public line, or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a private network such as a LAN or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0022] The information processing apparatus 300 supports an online class between the teacher's terminal 100 and at least one student's terminal 200. The information processing apparatus 300 is, for example, a server. The information processing apparatus 300 transmits video data, audio data, and / or image data of a worksheet sent from one terminal to other terminals. As a result, it becomes possible to share the video and audio of the participants between the terminals and to share the image of the worksheet between the terminals.

[0023] The student terminal 200 has a communication function. The communication function is a function for information transmission used during online classes or meetings. During an online class, students can communicate with each other through the communication function. As an example, the communication function includes at least one of a call function, a video sharing function, an evaluation sharing function, a worksheet sharing function, and a worksheet writing function.

[0024] Specifically, the call function enables calls with other terminals participating in an online class. By turning on the call function, the microphone and speaker are turned on, and students can exchange opinions and give advice to each other. On the other hand, by turning off the call function, the microphone and speaker are turned off, and students can no longer exchange opinions and give advice to each other.

[0025] The video sharing function enables the sharing of camera videos with other terminals participating in the online class. As an example, by turning on the video sharing function, the camera is turned on, and the student can show their video only to the teacher. On the other hand, by turning off the video sharing function, the camera is turned off, and the student can prevent their video from being seen not only by other students but also by the teacher. In such an example, when the video sharing function is turned on, only the teacher can see the student's situation, and the students cannot see each other's situations. Therefore, the student can concentrate on learning without being interfered with by other students. As another example, by turning on the video sharing function, the camera is turned on, and the student can show their video not only to the teacher but also to other students. On the other hand, by turning off the video sharing function, the camera is turned off, and the student can prevent their video from being seen by others. In such an example, when the video sharing function is turned on, the teacher can see the student's situation, and the students can take the class while seeing each other's faces. Also, in any example, when the video sharing function of the teacher's terminal 100 is turned on, the teacher's video is displayed on the student's terminal 200, so the student can take the class while seeing the teacher's face.

[0026] The evaluation sharing function enables the sharing of evaluations with other terminals participating in the online class. As an example, by turning on the evaluation sharing function, the student can give evaluations such as "like" to the work of others. On the other hand, by turning off the evaluation sharing function, the student cannot give evaluations such as "like" to the work of others. As another example, by turning on the evaluation sharing function, the student can see the number of evaluations given to themselves and the number of evaluations given to other students. On the other hand, by turning off the evaluation sharing function, the student cannot see the number of evaluations given to themselves and the number of evaluations given to other students.

[0027] The worksheet sharing function enables the sharing of worksheets with other terminals participating in the online class. As an example, by turning on the worksheet sharing function, students can view other people's worksheets. On the other hand, by turning off the worksheet sharing function, students cannot view other people's worksheets. As another example, by turning on the worksheet sharing function, students can show their own worksheets to others. On the other hand, by turning off the worksheet sharing function, students can prevent their own worksheets from being viewed by others. As another example, by turning on the worksheet sharing function, students can view their own worksheets distributed from the teacher's terminal 100. On the other hand, by turning off the worksheet sharing function, students cannot view their own worksheets distributed from the teacher's terminal 100.

[0028] The worksheet writing function enables writing to worksheets shared with other terminals participating in the online class. By turning on the worksheet writing function, it becomes possible to write on other students' worksheets. On the other hand, by turning off the worksheet writing function, it becomes impossible to write on other students' worksheets.

[0029] Note that other terminals participating in the online class include at least the students' terminals 200, and may further include the teacher's terminal 100. In an online class, by turning on the communication function, the learning interaction among students is accelerated.

[0030] The information processing apparatus 300 switches between a state where the switching operation of the communication function on the student terminal 200 is valid and a state where it is invalid based on an instruction from the teacher terminal 100. Hereinafter, the switching operation of the communication function on the student terminal 200 is also referred to as the "switching operation on the student terminal 200". The state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is valid is a state where a student can freely switch the communication function on and off on their own terminal, and the student can participate in the class according to their own convenience. On the other hand, the state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid is a state where a student cannot freely switch the communication function on and off on their own terminal.

[0031] In this way, in the online class system 1, the state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is valid and the state where it is invalid are switched based on an instruction from the teacher terminal 100. Therefore, the teacher can proceed with the class according to the plan, and the student can participate in the class according to their own convenience.

[0032] (2. Hardware Configuration) With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hardware configurations of the teacher terminal 100, the student terminal 200, and the information processing apparatus 300 will be described.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal adopted for the teacher terminal and the student terminal. The terminal 10 is the terminal adopted for the teacher terminal 100 and the student terminal 200. The terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, a camera 13, a microphone 14, a communication interface 15, an input interface 16, a display interface 17, a speaker 18, an optical drive 19, and a storage device 20. These components are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 25.

[0034] Processor 11 is constituted by, for example, at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is constituted by, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0035] Processor 11 realizes various processes according to the present embodiment by expanding and executing program 22 stored in storage device 20 in main memory 12. Main memory 12 is constituted by a volatile memory and functions as a work memory necessary for the execution of the program by processor 11.

[0036] Camera 13 is an imaging device having a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, or the like. Camera 13 images participants or the like in front of terminal 10 and generates video data such as a moving image. Terminal 10 transmits the video data to information processing device 300 via communication interface 15. The video data transmitted to information processing device 300 is transmitted to other terminals participating in the online class, and a video based on the video data is displayed on the display of the other terminal.

[0037] Microphone 14 collects the voice or the like of the participants in front of terminal 10 and converts the collected voice into electrical voice data. Terminal 10 transmits the voice data to information processing device 300 via communication interface 15. The voice data transmitted to information processing device 300 is transmitted to other terminals participating in the online class, and a voice based on the voice data is output from the speaker of the other terminal.

[0038] The communication interface 15 exchanges data and signals with the information processing apparatus 300 via a network. As an example, the terminal 10 transmits and receives video data, audio data, and / or image data of a worksheet, etc. to and from the information processing apparatus 300 via the communication interface 15. As another example, the terminal 10 receives screen data from the information processing apparatus 300 via the communication interface 15.

[0039] As another example, when the terminal 10 is the teacher's terminal 100, the terminal 10 transmits an instruction to permit or prohibit a switching operation at the student's terminal 200 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the communication interface 15. As another example, when the terminal 10 is the student's terminal 200, the terminal 10 transmits a signal indicating that it has received an operation to switch the communication function on and off to the information processing apparatus 300 via the communication interface 15.

[0040] The input interface 16 mediates data transmission between the processor 11 and the input device 16A. That is, the input interface 16 receives an operation command given by an operation of the input device 16A.

[0041] The display interface 17 is connected to the display 17A and outputs a signal for outputting various types of information to the display 17A according to a command from the processor 11. Thereby, a screen based on the screen data received from the information processing apparatus 300 is displayed on the display 17A. Also, a video based on the video data received from the information processing apparatus 300 and an image based on the image data received from the information processing apparatus 300 are displayed on the display 17A.

[0042] The speaker 18 converts the audio data received from the information processing apparatus 300 into sound and outputs it to the outside.

[0043] The optical drive 19 reads various programs (for example, program 22) stored therein from an optical disk 19A or the like and installs them in the storage device 20. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in which a necessary program is installed in the terminal 10 via the optical drive 19, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the program may be downloaded from other devices on the network or the like. Alternatively, the program on the terminal 10 may be configured to be rewritten by a program written in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or a CF (Compact Flash).

[0044] The storage device 20 is, for example, a hard disk. As an example, the storage device 20 stores a program 22 for realizing various processes according to the present embodiment.

[0045] Note that the program 22 may be provided not as a single program but incorporated into a part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the processes according to the present embodiment are realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include such a part of the module does not deviate from the gist of the terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. Also, part or all of the functions provided by the program 22 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Also, the camera 13, the microphone 14, and the speaker 18 may be externally attached to the terminal 10.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus 300 includes a processor 301, a main memory 302, a communication interface 303, an input interface 305, a display interface 306, an optical drive 307, and a storage device 320. These components are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 319.

[0047] The processor 301 is constituted by, for example, at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is constituted by, for example, at least one CPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0048] The processor 301 realizes various processes according to the present embodiment by expanding and executing the program 322 stored in the storage device 320 in the main memory 302. The main memory 302 is constituted by a volatile memory and functions as a work memory necessary for the execution of the program by the processor 301.

[0049] The communication interface 303 exchanges data and signals with the teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200 via a network. As an example, the information processing apparatus 300 transmits and receives video data, audio data, and / or image data of a worksheet, etc. to and from the teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200 via the communication interface 303.

[0050] As another example, the information processing apparatus 300 receives an instruction to permit or prohibit a switching operation from the teacher's terminal 100 to the student's terminal 200 via the communication interface 303. Further, the information processing apparatus 300 transmits screen data to the teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200 via the communication interface 303.

[0051] As another example, the information processing apparatus 300 receives a signal indicating that an operation to switch the communication function on and off has been received from the student's terminal 200 via the communication interface 303.

[0052] The input interface 305 mediates data transmission between the processor 301 and the input device 305A. That is, the input interface 305 receives an operation command given by an operation of the input device 305A.

[0053] The display interface 306 is connected to the display 306A and outputs a signal for outputting various types of information to the display 306A according to commands from the processor 301.

[0054] The optical drive 307 reads various programs (for example, program 322) stored therein from an optical disk 307A or the like and installs them in the storage device 320. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in which a necessary program is installed in the information processing apparatus 300 via the optical drive 307, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the program may be downloaded from another device on the network or the like. Alternatively, the program on the information processing apparatus 300 may be configured to be rewritten by a program written in a storage medium such as a USB memory, an SD card, or a CF.

[0055] The storage device 320 is, for example, a hard disk. The storage device 320 is an example of a "storage unit". As an example, the storage device 320 stores a program 322 for realizing various processes according to the present embodiment, first flag information 324, and second flag information 326.

[0056] Note that the program 322 may be provided not as a single program but incorporated into a part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the processes according to the present embodiment are realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include such a partial module does not deviate from the spirit of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. Further, some or all of the functions provided by the program 322 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0057] (3. Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus) With reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus. In the information processing apparatus 300, when the processor 301 executes the program 322, a switching unit 331 and a transmission unit 332 are realized.

[0058] The switching unit 331 switches between a valid state and an invalid state of the on / off switching operation of the communication function on at least one student terminal 200 based on an instruction from the teacher terminal 100.

[0059] Specifically, when the switching unit 331 receives an instruction from the teacher terminal 100 permitting the switching operation on the student terminal 200, it stores an active flag in the storage device 320 as the first flag information 324. The instruction is transmitted from the teacher terminal 100 to the information processing device 300 in response to the click of an icon TC (see FIG. 5) described later when the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is in an invalid state.

[0060] Also, when the switching unit 331 receives an instruction from the teacher terminal 100 permitting the switching operation on the student terminal 200, it transmits screen data with an active communication function icon to the student terminal 200 and transmits screen data indicating that the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is in an effective state to the teacher terminal 100. As a result, a screen with an active communication function icon is displayed on the display of the student terminal 200. Also, a screen indicating that the switching operation on the teacher terminal 100 is in an effective state is displayed on the display of the teacher terminal 100.

[0061] The state where the icon is active means that the icon is in a state where it can be selected by an operation by the user such as a click. When the icon is active, the icon may be lit. The screen with an active communication function icon is, for example, a screen where an icon SC (see FIG. 6) described later is lit. Also, the screen indicating that the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is in an effective state is, for example, a screen where an icon TC described later is lit.

[0062] Since the icon of the communication function is in an active state, the terminal 200 of the student is controlled to a state where the switching operation of turning the communication function on and off is effective. Therefore, the student can switch the communication function on and off according to his / her own convenience.

[0063] On the other hand, when the switching unit 331 receives an instruction to prohibit the switching operation on the terminal 200 of the student from the terminal 100 of the teacher, the switching unit 331 stores an invalid flag in the storage device 320 as the first flag information 324. The instruction is transmitted from the terminal 100 of the teacher to the information processing device 300 in response to the click of an icon TC described later when the switching operation on the terminal 200 of the student is in an effective state.

[0064] Also, when the switching unit 331 receives an instruction to prohibit the switching operation on the terminal 200 of the student from the terminal 100 of the teacher, the switching unit 331 transmits the data of the screen in which the icon of the communication function is in an inactive state to the terminal 200 of the student, and transmits the data of the screen indicating that the switching operation on the terminal 200 of the student is invalid to the terminal 100 of the teacher. As a result, a screen in which the icon of the communication function is in an inactive state is displayed on the display of the terminal 200 of the student. Also, a screen indicating that the switching operation on the terminal 200 of the student is invalid is displayed on the display of the terminal 100 of the teacher.

[0065] The state where the icon is in an inactive state means that the icon cannot be selected by the operation of the user. When the icon is in an inactive state, the icon may be turned off. The screen in which the icon of the communication function is in an inactive state is, for example, a screen in which an icon SC described later is turned off. Also, the screen indicating that the switching operation on the terminal 200 of the student is invalid is, for example, a screen in which an icon TC described later is turned off.

[0066] Since the icon of the communication function is in an inactive state, the student terminal 200 is controlled to be in a state where the operation of switching the communication function on and off is invalid. Therefore, the student cannot switch the communication function on and off at will according to his / her convenience.

[0067] When the switching unit 331 receives a signal indicating that an operation to switch the communication function on from the student terminal 200 (hereinafter also referred to as an "ON signal"), it stores an ON flag in the storage device 320 as the second flag information 326. The ON signal is transmitted from the student terminal 200 to the information processing device 300 in response to the icon SC described later being clicked when the communication function is off.

[0068] Also, when the switching unit 331 receives an ON signal from the student terminal 200, it instructs the transmission unit 332 to switch the communication function on.

[0069] Also, when the switching unit 331 receives an ON signal from the student terminal 200, it transmits the data of the screen indicating that the communication function is on to the teacher terminal 100 and the student terminal 200. The screen indicating that the communication function is on is, for example, a screen in which "ON" is displayed on the icon TC described later or a screen in which "ON" is displayed on the icon SC described later.

[0070] On the other hand, when the switching unit 331 receives a signal indicating that an operation to switch the communication function off from the student terminal 200 (hereinafter also referred to as an "OFF signal"), it stores an OFF flag in the storage device 320 as the second flag information 326. The OFF signal is transmitted from the student terminal 200 to the information processing device 300 in response to the icon SC described later being clicked when the communication function is on.

[0071] Further, when the switching unit 331 receives an OFF signal from the student terminal 200, it instructs the transmission unit 332 to switch the communication function to OFF.

[0072] Also, when the switching unit 331 receives an OFF signal from the student terminal 200, it transmits data of a screen indicating that the communication function is OFF to the teacher terminal 100 and the student terminal 200. A screen indicating that the communication function is OFF is, for example, a screen in which "OFF" is displayed on the icon TC described later or a screen in which "OFF" is displayed on the icon SC described later.

[0073] The first flag information 324 is an example of "the history of switching by the switching unit". Hereinafter, storing an effective flag in the storage device 320 is also referred to as "setting an effective flag", and storing an invalid flag in the storage device 320 is also referred to as "setting an invalid flag".

[0074] The second flag information 326 is an example of "the history of switching between on and off of the communication function". Hereinafter, storing an ON flag in the storage device 320 is also referred to as "setting an ON flag", and storing an OFF flag in the storage device 320 is also referred to as "setting an OFF flag".

[0075] Note that the first flag information 324 may be overwritten each time it is changed, or may be accumulated in the storage device 320 without being overwritten. Also, the second flag information 326 may be overwritten each time it is changed, or may be accumulated in the storage device 320 without being overwritten. When the first flag information 324 and the second flag information 326 are accumulated in the storage device 320 without being overwritten, the teacher can review the progress of the lesson based on the information. The teacher can review the degree of communication between himself / herself and the students, the degree of communication among the students, etc. based on the information.

[0076] In addition, when the switching unit 331 receives an instruction to permit or prohibit the switching operation from the teacher's terminal 100 to the student's terminal 200, it may store an OFF flag in the storage device 320 as the second flag information 326 and instruct the transmission unit 332 to switch the communication function to OFF. Thereby, when the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 switches to an effective state, the communication function is once controlled to be OFF. Also, thereby, when the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 is in an invalid state, the communication function is controlled to be OFF.

[0077] The transmission unit 332 transmits the video data, audio data, and / or image data of the worksheet received from the teacher's terminal 100 to the student's terminal 200.

[0078] Also, the transmission unit 332 switches the communication function between ON and OFF based on an instruction from the switching unit 331. The process of switching the communication function to ON by the transmission unit 332 includes instructing the student's terminal 200 to perform processes necessary to switch the communication function to ON (for example, a process of turning on the microphone of the student's terminal 200 or a process of turning on the camera of the student's terminal 200). Also, the process of switching the communication function to OFF by the transmission unit 332 includes instructing the student's terminal 200 to perform processes necessary to switch the communication function to OFF (for example, a process of turning off the microphone of the student's terminal 200 or a process of turning off the camera of the student's terminal 200).

[0079] When the communication function is ON, the transmission unit 332 transmits the video data, audio data, and / or image data of the worksheet received from the student's terminal 200 to other terminals.

[0080] (4. Screen of the teacher's terminal 100) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the teacher's terminal. The screen TG1 is displayed on the display of the teacher's terminal 100. The data of the screen TG1 is transmitted from the information processing device 300.

[0081] The screen TG1 includes icons 601, 602, and 603. Icon 601 enables the distribution of worksheets to the students' terminals 200. As an example, when icon 601 is clicked, the worksheet is distributed to the students' terminals 200.

[0082] Icon 602 toggles the on and off states of the microphone function. When icon 602 is clicked while the microphone function is off, the display of icon 602 switches from "Microphone OFF" to "Microphone ON", the microphone on the teacher's terminal 100 starts collecting sound, and the collected teacher's voice is output from the speaker of the students' terminal 200. On the other hand, when icon 602 is clicked while the microphone function is on, the display of icon 602 switches from "Microphone ON" to "Microphone OFF", and the microphone on the teacher's terminal 100 stops collecting sound. Therefore, the teacher's voice is not output from the speaker of the students' terminal 200.

[0083] Icon 603 toggles the on and off states of the camera function. When icon 603 is clicked while the camera function is off, the display of icon 603 switches from "Camera OFF" to "Camera ON", the camera on the teacher's terminal 100 starts imaging, and the imaged teacher's video is displayed on the display of the students' terminal 200. On the other hand, when icon 603 is clicked while the camera function is on, the display of icon 603 switches from "Camera ON" to "Camera OFF", and the camera on the teacher's terminal 100 stops imaging. Therefore, the teacher's video is not displayed on the display of the students' terminal 200.

[0084] Furthermore, the screen TG1 includes an icon 605. The icon 605 switches the start and end of the online class. When the icon 605 is clicked while the online class has not started, the online class starts, and the display of the icon 605 switches from "Start" to "End". On the other hand, when the icon 605 is clicked during the online class, the online class ends, and the display of the icon 605 switches from "End" to "Start".

[0085] Furthermore, the screen TG1 includes a column 621. An image 622 of the worksheet distributed to the student terminal 200 is displayed in the column 621. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the image 622 of the worksheet includes an image 622A of the worksheet distributed to the terminal of student A, an image 622B of the worksheet distributed to the terminal of student B, and an image 622C of the worksheet distributed to the terminal of student C. When writing is done on the worksheet on the student terminal 200, the image 622 of the worksheet is updated to the image of the worksheet after writing. Therefore, the teacher can grasp the answer status of the students from the image 622 of the worksheet displayed in the column 621.

[0086] Furthermore, the screen TG1 includes an icon TC. The icon TC switches between a state where the switching operation of the communication function on the student terminal 200 is valid and a state where it is invalid. By clicking the icon TC, the teacher can permit or prohibit the switching operation of the communication function on the student terminal 200.

[0087] The icon TC is lit when the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is in a valid state, and is turned off when the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is in an invalid state. In addition, a column R indicating whether each function of the communication function is on or off is provided in the icon TC. The column R includes a column R1 corresponding to the call function, a column R2 corresponding to the video sharing function, a column R3 corresponding to the evaluation sharing function, a column R4 corresponding to the worksheet sharing function, and a column R5 corresponding to the worksheet writing function.

[0088] When the call function is on, "ON" is displayed in column R1, and when the call function is off, "OFF" is displayed in column R1. When the video sharing function is on, "ON" is displayed in column R2, and when the video sharing function is off, "OFF" is displayed in column R2. When the evaluation sharing function is on, "ON" is displayed in column R3, and when the evaluation sharing function is off, "OFF" is displayed in column R3. When the worksheet sharing function is on, "ON" is displayed in column R4, and when the worksheet sharing function is off, "OFF" is displayed in column R4. When the worksheet writing function is on, "ON" is displayed in column R5, and when the worksheet writing function is off, "OFF" is displayed in column R5.

[0089] When icon TC is clicked while it is turned off, an instruction to permit the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 300. As a result, icon TC and an icon SC (see FIG. 6) described later are turned on. Thereby, it becomes possible to freely switch between on and off of the communication function on the terminals 200 of all the students participating in the online class. Therefore, the students can participate in the class according to their convenience. Note that, in response to icon TC being clicked while icon TC is turned off, that is, in a state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid, the communication function of the student terminal 200 may be temporarily switched off.

[0090] When the icon TC is clicked while it is lit, an instruction to prohibit the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is sent to the information processing device 300. As a result, the icon TC and the icon SC described later are turned off. Thereby, it becomes impossible to switch the communication function between on and off on all the student terminals 200 participating in the online class. Note that, in response to the icon TC being clicked while the icon TC is lit, that is, while the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is valid, the communication function of the student terminal 200 is switched off, and the communication function of the student terminal 200 may be controlled to be off while the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid.

[0091] In this way, by simply operating the icon TC, it is possible to switch between the state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is valid and the state where it is invalid for all functions of the communication function for all participants at once.

[0092] (5. Screen of Student Terminal 200) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of a screen displayed on the student terminal. The screen SG1 is displayed on the display of the student terminal 200. The data of the screen SG1 is transmitted from the information processing device 300.

[0093] The screen SG1 includes a column 701. In the column 701, a camera image captured by the camera of the teacher terminal 100 and a camera image captured by the camera of another student terminal 200 are displayed. In response to the above-described icon 603 being clicked and the camera of the teacher terminal 100 being turned on, the image of the teacher captured by the camera is displayed in the column 701. Also, in response to the video sharing function on another student terminal 200 being turned on, the image of another student captured by the camera of another student terminal 200 is displayed in the column 701.

[0094] Furthermore, the screen SG1 includes a column 721. An image 722 of a worksheet transmitted from the teacher's terminal 100 is displayed in the column 721. The screen SG1 is configured to be able to write on the image 722 of the worksheet using an editing tool 731.

[0095] Furthermore, the screen SG1 includes an icon SC. The icon SC switches the on / off state of the communication function for each function. The icon SC is an example of an "icon for the communication function". When the icon SC is in an active state (for example, a lit state), a student can freely switch the on / off state of the communication function by clicking on the icon SC. On the other hand, when the icon SC is in a non-active state (for example, an unlit state), the student cannot click on the icon SC and cannot freely switch the on / off state of the communication function.

[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the icon SC includes an icon SC1, an icon SC2, an icon SC3, an icon SC4, and an icon SC5. The icon SC1 switches the on / off state of the call function. The icon SC2 switches the on / off state of the video sharing function. The icon SC3 switches the on / off state of the evaluation sharing function. The icon SC4 switches the on / off state of the worksheet sharing function. The icon SC5 switches the on / off state of the worksheet writing function.

[0097] When the communication function is on, "ON" is displayed on icon SC. When the communication function is off, "OFF" is displayed on icon SC. When icon SC1 is in an active state and "OFF" is displayed on icon SC1 and icon SC1 is clicked, an ON signal is sent to information processing device 300, and the display of icon SC1 and the display in column R1 (see FIG. 5) are switched from "OFF" to "ON", and the call function is turned on. On the other hand, when icon SC1 is in an active state and "ON" is displayed on icon SC1 and icon SC1 is clicked, an OFF signal is sent to information processing device 300, and the display of icon SC1 and the display in column R1 are switched from "ON" to "OFF", and the call function is turned off.

[0098] When icon SC2 is in an active state and "OFF" is displayed on icon SC2 and icon SC2 is clicked, an ON signal is sent to information processing device 300, and the display of icon SC2 and the display in column R2 (see FIG. 5) are switched from "OFF" to "ON", and the video sharing function is turned on. On the other hand, when icon SC2 is in an active state and "ON" is displayed on icon SC2 and icon SC2 is clicked, an OFF signal is sent to information processing device 300, and the display of icon SC2 and the display in column R2 are switched from "ON" to "OFF", and the video sharing function is turned off.

[0099] When icon SC3 is in an active state and "OFF" is displayed on icon SC3 and icon SC3 is clicked, an ON signal is sent to information processing device 300, and the display of icon SC3 and the display in column R3 (see FIG. 5) are switched from "OFF" to "ON", and the evaluation sharing function is turned on. On the other hand, when icon SC3 is in an active state and "ON" is displayed on icon SC3 and icon SC3 is clicked, an OFF signal is sent to information processing device 300, and the display of icon SC3 and the display in column R3 are switched from "ON" to "OFF", and the evaluation sharing function is turned off.

[0100] When the icon SC4 is in an active state and the icon SC4 is clicked when "OFF" is displayed on the icon SC4, an ON signal is sent to the information processing device 300, the display of the icon SC4 and the display of the column R4 (see FIG. 5) are switched from "OFF" to "ON", and the worksheet sharing function is turned on. On the other hand, when the icon SC4 is in an active state and the icon SC4 is clicked when "ON" is displayed on the icon SC4, an OFF signal is sent to the information processing device 300, the display of the icon SC4 and the display of the column R4 are switched from "ON" to "OFF", and the worksheet sharing function is turned off.

[0101] When the icon SC5 is in an active state and the icon SC5 is clicked when "OFF" is displayed on the icon SC5, an ON signal is sent to the information processing device 300, the display of the icon SC5 and the display of the column R5 (see FIG. 5) are switched from "OFF" to "ON", and the worksheet writing function is turned on. On the other hand, when the icon SC5 is in an active state and the icon SC5 is clicked when "ON" is displayed on the icon SC5, an OFF signal is sent to the information processing device 300, the display of the icon SC5 and the display of the column R5 are switched from "ON" to "OFF", and the worksheet writing function is turned off.

[0102] In this way, on the student terminal 200, when the icon SC is in an active state, the on and off of the communication function can be switched for each function only by operating the icon SC.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of the screen displayed on the student terminal. The screen SG2 is displayed on the display of the student terminal 200. The data of the screen SG2 is sent from the information processing device 300. The screen SG2 is an example of the screen when the evaluation sharing function and the worksheet sharing function are on when the icon SC is in an active state.

[0104] When the worksheet sharing function is switched on, an image 722 of another student's worksheet is displayed in column 721. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the image 722 of the worksheet includes an image 722A of student A's worksheet, an image 722B of student B's worksheet, and an image 722C of student C's worksheet.

[0105] Also, when the evaluation sharing function is switched on, an icon 732 is displayed on the image 722 of the worksheet. By clicking on the icon 732, a student can give an evaluation such as "like" to the work of other students. As an example, by clicking on the icon 732A, a "like" evaluation can be given to the work of student A. By clicking on the icon 732B, a "like" evaluation can be given to the work of student B. By clicking on the icon 732C, a "like" evaluation can be given to the work of student C.

[0106] Also, when the evaluation sharing function is switched on, an icon 733 for setting the display or non-display of the number of "likes" may be displayed. When the setting is to display the number of "likes", the number of "likes" is displayed next to each icon 732.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third example of a screen displayed on a student's terminal. The screen SG3 is displayed on the display of the student's terminal 200. The data of the screen SG3 is transmitted from the information processing device 300. The screen SG3 is an example of a screen when the call function, the worksheet sharing function, and the worksheet writing function are on in a state where the icon SC is active.

[0108] As described above, when the worksheet sharing function is switched on, an image 722 of the worksheet of other students is displayed in column 721. Also, when the worksheet writing function is switched on, an editing tool 731 is displayed on screen SG3. By operating the editing tool 731, a student can write on the worksheets of other students. As a result, a student who is having trouble understanding how to solve a problem can give advice to other students, or a student who is having trouble understanding how to solve a problem can receive advice from other students. Therefore, the learning interaction among students is accelerated.

[0109] (6. First flag information) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first flag information. The first flag information 324 indicates whether the switching operation of the communication function on the student terminal 200 is in an effective state or an ineffective state. The first flag information 324 includes a student ID, a group to which the student belongs, and information indicating the effectiveness / ineffectiveness of the switching operation on the student terminal 200 for each function (hereinafter also referred to as "effectiveness / ineffectiveness information").

[0110] In a state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is prohibited, that is, in an ineffective state, the effectiveness / ineffectiveness information indicates "ineffective". On the other hand, in a state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is permitted, that is, in an effective state, the effectiveness / ineffectiveness information indicates "effective". Each time the above-described icon TC is clicked, "effective" and "ineffective" are switched for all communication functions.

[0111] (7. Second flag information) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second flag information. The second flag information 326 indicates whether the communication function is on or off. The second flag information 326 includes a student ID, a group to which the student belongs, and information indicating the ON / OFF of the communication function for each function (hereinafter also referred to as "ON / OFF information").

[0112] When the communication function is ON, the ON / OFF information indicates "ON". On the other hand, when the communication function is OFF, the ON / OFF information indicates "OFF".

[0113] As an example, each time the above-mentioned icon SC1 is clicked, the "ON" and "OFF" of "Call" in the ON / OFF information are switched. Each time the above-mentioned icon SC2 is clicked, the "ON" and "OFF" of "Video" in the ON / OFF information are switched. Each time the above-mentioned icon SC3 is clicked, the "ON" and "OFF" of "Evaluation" in the ON / OFF information are switched. Each time the above-mentioned icon SC4 is clicked, the "ON" and "OFF" of "Worksheet Sharing" in the ON / OFF information are switched. Each time the above-mentioned icon SC5 is clicked, the "ON" and "OFF" of "Writing" in the ON / OFF information are switched.

[0114] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the call function, the worksheet sharing function, and the worksheet writing function are ON, and the video sharing function and the evaluation sharing function are OFF.

[0115] (8. Processing by the information processing device) With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the processing executed by the information processing device 300 will be described. The processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is realized by the processor 301 executing the program 322. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for switching between a state where a switching operation on the student's terminal is valid and a state where it is invalid in the processing by the information processing device.

[0116] In step S1, the processor 301 determines whether the class has started. In response to the above-mentioned icon 605 being clicked when the online class has not started, the teacher's terminal 100 sends a signal indicating that the class has started to the information processing device 300. In response to receiving the signal, the processor 301 determines that the class has started. If the processor 301 determines that the class has started (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0117] In step S2, the processor 301 determines whether an instruction regarding the on / off switching operation of the communication function on the student's terminal 200 has been input.

[0118] When the processor 301 receives an instruction to permit the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 or an instruction to prohibit the switching operation, it determines that an instruction regarding the on / off switching operation of the communication function on the student's terminal 200 has been input. On the other hand, when the processor 301 receives neither an instruction to permit the switching operation nor an instruction to prohibit the switching operation on the student's terminal 200, it determines that no instruction regarding the on / off switching operation of the communication function on the student's terminal 200 has been input.

[0119] If the processor 301 determines that an instruction regarding the on / off switching operation of the communication function on the student's terminal 200 has been input (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the processor 301 determines that no instruction regarding the on / off switching operation of the communication function on the student's terminal 200 has been input (NO in step S2), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0120] In step S3, the processor 301 determines whether the input instruction is an instruction to permit a switching operation on the student terminal 200. If the processor 301 determines that the input instruction is an instruction to permit a switching operation on the student terminal 200 (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the processor 301 determines that the input instruction is not an instruction to permit a switching operation on the student terminal 200, that is, if the input instruction is an instruction to prohibit a switching operation on the student terminal 200 (NO in step S3), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0121] In step S4, the processor 301 sets the valid flag.

[0122] In step S5, the processor 301 switches off the communication function of the student terminal 200. The process of step S5 includes instructing the student terminal 200 to perform processes necessary to switch off the communication function (for example, processes to turn off the microphone of the student terminal 200 and to turn off the camera of the student terminal 200).

[0123] In step S6, the processor 301 transmits to the student terminal 200 the data of a screen indicating that the communication function icon is active and the communication function is off, and transmits to the teacher terminal 100 the data of a screen indicating that the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is valid and the communication function is off. The data of a screen indicating that the communication function icon is active and the communication function is off is, for example, the data of a screen in which the icon SC is lit and "OFF" is displayed on the icon SC. The data of a screen indicating that the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is valid and the communication function is off is, for example, the data of a screen in which the icon TC is lit and "OFF" is displayed in the column R.

[0124] In step S7, the processor 301 sets an invalid flag.

[0125] In step S8, the processor 301 switches off the communication function of the student terminal 200. The process of step S8 is the same as that of step S5.

[0126] In step S9, the processor 301 transmits data of a screen indicating that the communication function icon is inactive and the communication function is off to the student terminal 200, and transmits data of a screen indicating that the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid and the communication function is off to the teacher terminal 100. The data of the screen indicating that the communication function icon is inactive and the communication function is off is, for example, data of a screen where the icon SC is turned off and "OFF" is displayed on the icon SC. The data of the screen indicating that the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid and the communication function is off is, for example, data of a screen where the icon TC is turned off and "OFF" is displayed in the column R.

[0127] In step S10, the processor 301 determines whether the class has ended. In response to the above-described icon 605 being clicked during the online class, the teacher terminal 100 transmits information indicating the end of the class to the information processing apparatus 300. When the processor 301 receives the information, it determines that the class has ended. On the other hand, when the processor 301 does not receive the information, it determines that the class has not ended. When the processor 301 determines that the class has ended (YES in step S10), it ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 11. On the other hand, when the processor 301 determines that the class has not ended (NO in step S10), it returns the process to step S2.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing generated by an on / off switching operation of a communication function on a student's terminal among the processing by the information processing apparatus.

[0129] In step S11, the processor 301 determines whether the class has started. The process of step S11 is the same as the process of step S1. When the processor 301 determines that the class has started (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0130] In step S12, the processor 301 determines whether an instruction to switch between on and off of the communication function has been input. When the processor 301 receives the above-described ON signal or OFF signal, it determines that an instruction to switch between on and off of the communication function has been input. On the other hand, when the processor 301 does not receive the above-described ON signal or OFF signal, it determines that an instruction to switch between on and off of the communication function has not been input.

[0131] When the processor 301 determines that an instruction to switch between on and off of the communication function has been input (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when the processor 301 determines that an instruction to switch between on and off of the communication function has not been input (NO in step S12), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0132] In step S13, the processor 301 determines whether the input instruction is an instruction to switch the communication function to on. When the processor 301 receives the above-described ON signal, it determines that the input instruction is an instruction to switch the communication function to on. On the other hand, when the processor 301 receives the above-described OFF signal, it determines that the input instruction is not an instruction to switch the communication function to on.

[0133] When the processor 301 determines that the input instruction is an instruction to switch on the communication function (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when the processor 301 determines that the input instruction is not an instruction to switch on the communication function (NO in step S13), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0134] In step S14, the processor 301 sets the ON flag.

[0135] In step S15, the processor 301 switches on the communication function of the student terminal 200. The process of step S15 includes instructing the student terminal 200 to perform the processes necessary to switch on the communication function (for example, the process of turning on the microphone of the student terminal 200 and the process of turning on the camera of the student terminal 200).

[0136] In step S16, the processor 301 transmits the data of the screen indicating that the communication function is on to the teacher terminal 100 and the student terminal 200. The data of the screen indicating that the communication function is on and transmitted to the teacher terminal 100 is, for example, the data of the screen with "ON" displayed in column R. The data of the screen indicating that the communication function is on and transmitted to the student terminal 200 is, for example, the data of the screen with "ON" displayed on the icon SC.

[0137] In step S17, the processor 301 sets the OFF flag.

[0138] In step S18, the processor 301 switches off the communication function of the student terminal 200. The process of step S18 is the same as the process of step S5.

[0139] In step S19, the processor 301 transmits the data of the screen indicating that the communication function is off to the teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200. The data of the screen indicating that the communication function is off and transmitted to the teacher's terminal 100 is, for example, the data of the screen in which "OFF" is displayed in column R. The data of the screen indicating that the communication function is off and transmitted to the student's terminal 200 is, for example, the data of the screen in which "OFF" is displayed in the icon SC.

[0140] In step S20, the processor 301 determines whether the class has ended. The process of step S20 is the same as the process of step S10. When the processor 301 determines that the class has ended (YES in step S20), it ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 12. On the other hand, when the processor 301 determines that the class has not ended (NO in step S20), it returns the process to step S12.

[0141] In this way, the information processing apparatus 300 switches between the valid state and the invalid state of the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 based on the instruction of the teacher's terminal 100. Therefore, in the online class system 1, the teacher can proceed with the class according to the plan, and the student can participate in the class according to their convenience.

[0142] Further, the information processing apparatus 300 collectively switches between the valid state and the invalid state of the switching operation of all the student terminals 200 participating in the online class based on the operation of the icon TC. Further, the information processing apparatus 300 switches between the valid state and the invalid state of the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 for all communication functions based on the operation of the icon TC. Therefore, the convenience of the teacher is improved.

[0143] Further, the information processing apparatus 300 switches between on and off of the communication function for each function based on the operation of the icon SC. Therefore, the convenience of the student is improved.

[0144] In addition, in the teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200, it is possible to check whether the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 is in an effective state. Also, in the teacher's terminal 100 and the student's terminal 200, it is possible to check whether the communication function of the student's terminal 200 is on. Therefore, the convenience for teachers and students is improved.

[0145] [First Modification Example] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the first modification example will be described. In the above embodiment, when the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 is permitted, the switching operation becomes effective in all the student's terminals 200 participating in the online class, and when the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 is prohibited, the switching operation becomes ineffective in all the student's terminals 200 participating in the online class. In contrast, in the first modification example, the student's terminals 200 participating in the online class are previously divided into groups, and the switching operation on the student's terminal 200 can be permitted in units of groups.

[0146] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the teacher's terminal in the first modification example. The screen TG2 is displayed on the display of the teacher's terminal 100. The data of the screen TG2 is transmitted from the information processing device 300.

[0147] The screen TG2 includes a group selection bar 631. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the student's terminals 200 participating in the online class are divided into two groups (group X, group Y). The terminal of student A and the terminal of student B belong to group X, and the terminal of student C and the terminal of student D belong to group Y.

[0148] When "group X" is selected in the group selection bar 631 and the icon TC is clicked in a state where the icon TC is turned off, the switching unit 331 switches the student's terminals 200 belonging to group X to a state where the switching operation of turning the communication function on and off is effective.

[0149] Also, when "Group Y" is selected in the group selection column 631 and the icon TC is clicked while the icon TC is turned off, the switching unit 331 switches the terminals 200 of the students belonging to Group Y to a state where the on / off switching operation of the communication function is effective.

[0150] Also, when "Group X" and "Group Y" are selected in the group selection column 631 and the icon TC is clicked while the icon TC is turned off, the switching unit 331 switches the terminals 200 of the students belonging to Group X and the terminals 200 of the students belonging to Group Y to a state where the on / off switching operation of the communication function is effective.

[0151] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first flag information in the first modification. "GR001" shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to Group X described above, and "GR002" shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to Group Y described above. When "Group X" is selected in the above-described group selection column 631 and the icon TC is clicked in a state where the on / off switching operation of the communication function is invalid in all the terminals 200 of the students participating in the online class, only the valid / invalid information corresponding to "GR001" is switched from "invalid" to "valid" as shown in FIG. 14, and the switching operation becomes effective only in the terminals 200 of the students belonging to Group X.

[0152] Note that, instead of the group selection column 631, the above-described screen TG2 may be provided with a column that allows individual selection of the terminals 200 of the students participating in the online class. When at least one terminal is selected in the column and the icon TC is clicked while the icon TC is turned off, the switching unit 331 switches the selected at least one terminal to a state where the on / off switching operation of the communication function is effective.

[0153] [Second Modification Example] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a second modification will be described. In the above embodiment, when the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is permitted, the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is effective for all communication functions, and when the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is prohibited, the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid for all communication functions. In contrast, in the second modification, the switching operation on the student terminal 200 can be made effective only for at least one function selected from among the communication functions.

[0154] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the teacher's terminal in the second modification. The screen TG3 is displayed on the display of the teacher's terminal 100. The data of the screen TG3 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300.

[0155] The screen TG3 includes a function selection bar 641. In the function selection bar 641, communication functions are listed. The teacher selects one or more functions for which the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is to be permitted from among the communication functions displayed in the function selection bar 641 and clicks the icon TC. Thereby, the switching unit 331 switches the switching operation on the student terminal 200 to an effective state for the functions selected in the function selection bar 641.

[0156] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the first flag information in the second modification. When "Call", "Video", and "Worksheet Sharing" are selected in the above-described function selection bar 641 and the icon TC is clicked in a state where the switching operation on the student terminal 200 is invalid for all communication functions, as shown in FIG. 16, only "Call", "Video", and "Worksheet Sharing" are switched from "Invalid" to "Valid", and the on / off switching operation on the student terminal 200 is effective only for the call function, the video sharing function, and the worksheet sharing function.

[0157] [Other Modifications] In step S6 above, the processor 301 may instruct the student terminal 200 to turn on the icon SC and display "OFF" on the icon SC, and instruct the teacher terminal 100 to turn on the icon TC and display "OFF" in column R.

[0158] Also, in step S9 above, the processor 301 may instruct the student terminal 200 to turn off the icon SC and display "OFF" on the icon SC, and instruct the teacher terminal 100 to turn off the icon TC and display "OFF" in column R.

[0159] Also, in step S16 above, the processor 301 may instruct the student terminal 200 to display "ON" on the icon SC, and instruct the teacher terminal 100 to display "ON" in column R.

[0160] Also, in step S19 above, the processor 301 may instruct the student terminal 200 to display "OFF" on the icon SC, and instruct the teacher terminal 100 to display "OFF" in column R.

[0161] Also, the online class system described in the above embodiment can be applied to an "online meeting system". In that case, "teacher" shall be read as "chairperson", "student" shall be read as "meeting participant (excluding the chairperson)", "teacher terminal" shall be read as "chairperson terminal", "student terminal" shall be read as "terminal of meeting participant (excluding the chairperson)", and "class" shall be read as "meeting".

[0162] The disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims be included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0163] 1 Online class system, 10 terminals, 11,301 processors, 12,302 main memories, 13 cameras, 14 microphones, 15,303 communication interfaces, 16,305 input interfaces, 16A,305A input devices, 17,306 display interfaces, 17A,306A displays, 18 speakers, 19,307 optical drives, 19A,307A optical disks, 20,320 storage devices, 22,322 programs, 25,319 internal buses, 100 teacher's terminal, 200,200a,200b,200c student's terminals, 300 information processing devices, 324 first flag information, 326 second flag information, 331 switching unit, 332 transmission unit, 601,602,603,605,732,732A,732B,732C,733,SC,SC1,SC2,SC3,SC4,SC5,TC icons, 621,701,721,R,R1,R2,R3,R4,R5 columns, 622,622A,622B,622C,722,722A,722B,722C images, 631 group selection column, 641 function selection column, 731 editing tools, SG1,SG2,SG3,TG1,TG2,TG3 screens.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for supporting an online class or meeting between a first terminal and at least one second terminal, comprising a switching unit that switches between an effective state and an ineffective state of an on / off switching operation of a communication function in the at least one second terminal based on an instruction from the first terminal, wherein the communication function is a function for information transmission used during the online class or meeting, and the switching unit switches between the effective state and the ineffective state for at least one function selected from the communication functions. The information processing apparatus.

2. When in the effective state, an icon of the communication function displayed on the at least one second terminal is changed to an active state, and when in the ineffective state, the icon is changed to an inactive state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The communication function includes at least one of a call with another terminal participating in the online class or meeting, sharing of camera images with the other terminal, sharing of evaluations with the other terminal, sharing of worksheets with the other terminal, and writing to the worksheet shared with the other terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When in the ineffective state, the communication function of the at least one second terminal is controlled to be off. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The switching unit switches between the effective state and the ineffective state in a batch of participants, in units of groups, or in units of individuals for the switching operation. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The information processing apparatus further comprises a storage unit that stores a history of switching by the switching unit and a history of on / off switching of the communication function. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The information processing apparatus supports the online class, wherein the first terminal is a teacher's terminal and the at least one second terminal is a student's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus that supports an online class or meeting between a first terminal and at least one second terminal, the information processing program causes the computer to execute switching between an effective state and an ineffective state of an on / off switching operation of a communication function in the at least one second terminal based on an instruction from the first terminal, the communication function is a function for information transmission used during the online class or meeting, the information processing program, which causes the computer to switch between the effective state and the ineffective state of the switching operation for at least one function selected from the communication functions.

Images