System, computer-implemented method for distributing data, and program for causing a computer to perform the method

Abstract

To provide a data distribution technique which can enhance motivation of a user of data.SOLUTION: Processing executed by a server for distributing a teaching material includes: a step (S720) of retrieving related information if a request for the teaching material is received (YES in step S710); steps (S740, S750) of transmitting display data for displaying the related information to a terminal used by a user of the data in response to whether or not a transmission destination of the related information is designated (step S730); and a step (S770) of transmitting the teaching material data for displaying the teaching material to the terminal after receiving information indicating confirmation of the related information (YES in step S760).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to providing information via a network, and more particularly to a technique for providing information while increasing user motivation. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies for supporting learning via a network are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-183321 (Patent Document 1) discloses "a learning support system capable of appropriately presenting learning material data in a format appropriate to the learner's level of recognition" ([Problem] in [Abstract]). According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, "each of multiple pieces of learning material data to be presented to a learner is stored in learning support server 10 together with information for associatively retrieving other related learning material data. A learner operates client 22 to access learning support server 10. When a learner requests the presentation of learning material data, learning support server 10 transmits the learning material data and other related learning material data. Client 22 transmits recognition level information indicating the learner's level of recognition of the presented learning material data to learning support server 10. Learning support server 10 determines the recognition level for each learner based on the received recognition level information and reflects this in the presentation format of subsequent learning material data" ([Solution] in [Abstract]). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-183321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] At the beginning of each lesson, each teacher makes efforts to increase students' interest in the subject, teaching materials, teacher, class, etc., and motivation to learn (a type of "communication" such as providing trivia about the subject, teacher and student self-introductions, words of encouragement, etc.). This is difficult to implement when teaching remotely or when students are studying individually, as there is no means of mass communication such as email, and even if there is an email, it may be overlooked, it takes up class time, and students' individual study times vary.

[0005] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when learning materials are accessed, the learning material data is presented in a format that corresponds to the learner's level of recognition. Therefore, while it is possible to optimize the learning material level, it is not possible to increase interest in the subject, learning materials, teacher, class, etc., or motivation to learn.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can increase the interest or motivation of data users (learners, conference participants, etc.).

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described background, and discloses a technology that increases the motivation of users of data distributed online. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment, a system is provided, comprising: a request receiving means for receiving a request for data from a terminal; a related information transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal, in response to the request, related information that has been created in advance and is associated with the data; a confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed by the terminal; and a data transmitting means for transmitting the requested data to the terminal in response to receiving the confirmation information.

[0009] In a system according to another aspect, transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of pieces of related information randomly or according to a predetermined order.

[0010] In a system according to another aspect, the related information includes content linked to the lesson in which the data is used, or content linked to the organization in which the lesson is held or to people involved in the lesson.

[0011] The system according to another aspect further comprises a storage means for storing related information, which is registered by an administrator or user of the system, or by the manufacturer of the system.

[0012] In a system according to another aspect, the relevant information includes text, still images, or moving images.

[0013] A system according to still another aspect further includes a notification means for notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed at the terminal.

[0014] According to another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for distributing data is provided, the method including the steps of: by a computer processor receiving a request for data from a terminal; in response to the request, transmitting pre-created associated information associated with the data to the terminal; receiving confirmation information indicating that the associated information has been confirmed at the terminal; and in response to receiving the confirmation information, transmitting the requested data to the terminal.

[0015] In a method according to another aspect, transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of pieces of related information randomly or according to a predetermined order.

[0016] In a method according to another aspect, the related information includes content associated with the lesson in which the data is used, or content associated with the organization in which the lesson is conducted or participants in the lesson.

[0017] A method according to another aspect further comprises the step of storing related information, the related information being registered by an administrator or user of the computer, or by the manufacturer of the system.

[0018] In a method according to another aspect, the associated information includes text, still images, or moving images. A method according to yet another aspect further includes the step of notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed at the terminal.

[0019] According to another embodiment, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute any of the methods described above.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a system comprising a memory storing the above program and a processor for executing the program.

[0021] According to one embodiment, information associated with educational materials, class-related information, conference-related information, and other data distributed online can be provided reliably and effortlessly.

[0022] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 10. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing part of the information communicated between servers 31 and 32 and a terminal 40. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer system 300. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in a hard disk 5 of a server 30. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed between the server 30 and the terminal 20. [Figure 6]1 is a flowchart showing part of the processing carried out between a terminal 20 used by a teacher, a server 30, and a terminal 40 used by a student when an online class is held. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the process executed by the server to distribute (deliver) teaching material data. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one manner in which related information is stored in a server 30 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing the transition of the screen on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of data storage in a hard disk 5 of a server 30 according to another aspect. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 20 used by the teacher. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in a hard disk 5 of a server 30. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one aspect of a screen displayed on a terminal 20 used by a teacher or other administrator. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of related information displayed on a terminal 40 according to another aspect. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by a CPU 1 of a server 30. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the screen displayed on each student's terminal 40, which is displayed on the teacher's terminal 20. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing facial expressions photographed on the terminals 40 of the students and displayed on the terminal 20 used by the teacher. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0025] <Overview of the learning support system> A system 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 10. As an example, the system 10 is a system for supporting online classes or learning, or a system for holding online meetings.

[0026] The system 10 includes servers 31 and 32, a terminal 20, and terminals 40a, 40b, . . . , 40n. The terminals 40a, 40b, . . . , 40n are collectively referred to as terminals 40.

[0027] The terminal 20 is used by a teacher who provides online classes, a conference organizer, or the like. The online classes may be either real-time or non-real-time (e.g., recorded). The terminal 20 may be implemented by a desktop personal computer, a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, or other information and communication processing device having a known configuration.

[0028] Servers 31 and 32 are operated by a business providing learning support services, a school using the learning support services, or other administrators. Servers 31 and 32 are implemented by computer devices with well-known configurations. Terminal 20 is used by a teacher using the learning support services. Server 31 stores data prepared in advance by teachers as contact information for each student. Server 32 stores data on teaching materials created in advance by teachers as teaching materials to be used in providing online learning support services.

[0029] The terminal 40 is used by a student who uses the learning support service, a business person who is expected to participate in a conference, etc. The terminal 20 is realized by a desktop personal computer, a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, or other information and communication processing device having a well-known configuration.

[0030] Servers 31 and 32, terminal 20, and terminals 40a, 40b, ..., 40n are each connected to the Internet or other network 101. Servers 31 and 32 can communicate with terminal 20 and terminal 40, respectively. Note that while two servers 31 and 32 are illustrated in FIG. 1, in other aspects, one server may realize the functions of servers 31 and 32.

[0031] In one situation, when a student operates terminal 40a to log in to a pre-prepared screen, the student's login information is transmitted from terminal 40a to servers 31 and 32. Server 31 authenticates the user number and other identification data contained in the login information and confirms that the student is a genuine student registered on server 31, and then transmits a message to the student to terminal 40a. Upon receiving the message, terminal 40a may display the message on a monitor or output the message by voice. The same applies when another student operates a different terminal 40.

[0032] When a student operates terminal 40a to issue an instruction to call up teaching materials according to the timetable in order to take an online class, the instruction is sent to server 32. Server 32 authenticates the user information included in the instruction and confirms that the student is a genuine student registered on server 32, and then sends data of the teaching materials according to the timetable to terminal 40a. Upon receiving the data, terminal 40a may display the content of the teaching materials on a monitor or output the content as audio.

[0033] <Communication between the server and the device> Referring to Fig. 2, the communication between the servers 31, 32 and the terminal 40 used by the student will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing part of the information communicated between the servers 31, 32 and the terminal 40. The servers 31, 32 include a receiving unit 220, a generating unit 221, and a related information confirmation detecting unit 222. The terminal 40 includes an input unit 210 and a display unit 211.

[0034] In response to the student's operation, the terminal 40 transmits login information, a request to participate in the class, and a request for teaching material data to the servers 31 and 32 (step S210). The transmitted requests are received by the reception unit 220 of the servers 31 and 32. The reception unit 220 is realized by a receiving interface of the servers 31 and 32 and a program executed by the processor.

[0035] The generation unit 221 of the servers 31, 32 generates screen data for displaying the related information, and transmits the generated screen data to the terminal 40 (step S220). Upon receiving the screen data, the terminal 40 displays the related information on the display unit 211.

[0036] When the user of terminal 40 confirms the related information, the user operates input unit 210 to that effect. Input unit 210 transmits a signal to server 31, 32 notifying that the related information has been opened (viewed) (step S230). The related information confirmation detection unit 222 of server 31, 32 is realized, for example, by a processor detecting the reception of a signal that detects a change to the monitor of terminal 40. As an example, when a student using terminal 40 operates input unit 210 to indicate that the related information has been confirmed, terminal 40 detects that the related information has been confirmed. This operation is, for example, pressing a confirmation icon displayed together with the related information or entering a check box indicating that the related information has been confirmed, but other modes may also be used to confirm the related information.

[0037] When the servers 31 and 32 receive a notification from the terminal 40 that the related information has been opened, the generation unit 221 generates screen data for displaying the teaching material data and transmits the screen data to the terminal 40 (step S240). That is, when the servers 31 and 32 detect that the logged-in student has viewed the related information (message), they read the requested teaching material data from the storage device and transmit the teaching material data to the terminal 40. The terminal 40 displays a screen related to the lesson on the monitor based on the teaching material data. The student can then take the online lesson while viewing the monitor.

[0038] <Server and client terminal configuration> 3, the configuration of a computer system 300 that realizes the terminal 20, the servers 31 and 32, or the terminal 40 will be described.

[0039] The computer system 300 mainly includes the following components: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 that executes programs; a mouse 2 and keyboard 3 that receive input instructions from users of the computer system 300 (such as online class service providers, teachers or students, conference organizers using the online conference system, and conference attendees); a RAM 4 that volatilely stores data generated by the CPU 1's execution of programs or data input via the mouse 2 or keyboard 3; a hard disk 5 that nonvolatilely stores data; an optical disk drive 6; a communication interface (I / F) 7; and a monitor 8. Each component is interconnected by a data bus. A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) 9 or other optical disk is inserted into the optical disk drive 6.

[0040] Processing in the computer system 300 is realized by software executed by each piece of hardware and the CPU 1. Such software may be pre-stored on the hard disk 5. Alternatively, the software may be stored on a CD-ROM 9 or other recording medium and distributed as a computer program. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable application program by an information provider connected to the Internet. Such software is read from the recording medium by an optical disk drive 6 or other reading device, or downloaded via the communication interface 7, and then temporarily stored on the hard disk 5. The software is read from the hard disk 5 by the CPU 1 and stored in the RAM 4 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 1 executes the program.

[0041] Each component that realizes the computer system 300 shown in FIG. 3 is a general component. Therefore, it can be said that one of the components related to the essential part of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is software stored in the RAM 4, hard disk 5, CD-ROM 9, or other recording medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. The recording medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable data recording medium. Note that the operation of the hardware of the computer system 300 is well known, so a detailed description will not be repeated.

[0042] The recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, a FD (Flexible Disk), or a hard disk, but may also be a medium that carries a program in a fixed manner, such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a magnetic tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC (Integrated Circuit) card (including a memory card), an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM.

[0043] The program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by a CPU, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[0044] <Data Structure> The data structure of server 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of data storage on hard disk 5 of server 30. Hard disk 5 holds tables 410, 420, and 430.

[0045] Table 410 stores data related to the history of online classes. This allows each student to resume their studies from where they left off, even if they interrupted their studies midway. More specifically, table 410 includes a student ID 411, a class ID 412, a teaching material ID 413, a viewed page 414, a last viewed date 415, and a related information ID 416.

[0046] The student ID 411 identifies the student taking the online class. The class ID 412 identifies the subject of the online class. The teaching material ID 413 identifies the teaching material used in the online class. The viewed page 414 indicates the last page of the teaching material viewed in the online class. The last viewed date 415 indicates the date and time when the teaching material was last viewed in the online class. The related information ID 416 identifies the related information presented at the start of the online class. In some situations, the presented related information is randomly selected from multiple pieces of related information prepared in advance. In other situations, related information designated in advance by the teacher in charge of the online class may be presented.

[0047] Table 420 manages information about students taking online classes. Table 420 includes a student ID 421, a student name 422, a grade 423, and contact information 424. The student ID 421 identifies a student. The student name 422 indicates the name of the student. The grade 423 indicates the grade of the student. The contact information 424 indicates the contact information of the student. The contact information may include an email address, a phone number, an SNS (Social Network Service) account, an address, etc.

[0048] The table 430 manages information related to teaching materials used in online classes. The table 430 includes a teaching material ID 431, a teaching material name 432, a creator 433, and a last update date 434.

[0049] The teaching material ID 431 identifies the teaching material used in the online class. The teaching material name 432 indicates the name of the teaching material. The creator 433 indicates the teacher or other creator who created the teaching material. The last update date 434 indicates the date the data for the teaching material was last updated.

[0050] <Control Structure> A method for registering teaching materials will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing carried out between server 30 and terminal 20.

[0051] [Register teaching data] In step S510, the CPU 1 of the server 30 transmits a creation screen for teaching material data to the terminal 20 used by the user (teacher). The timing of transmission is when the "Start creating teaching material" menu is selected from the menu list screen displayed on the terminal 20, or when a predetermined deadline for starting to create teaching material arrives.

[0052] In step S520, the CPU 1 of the server 30 receives a creation operation in response to the teacher's operation on the creation screen for teaching material data on the terminal 20. More specifically, when the creation screen is displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 20, the user of the terminal 20 can create teaching material by touching the creation screen with a touch pen or a finger. The created teaching material may include word problems and calculation problems. The teaching material may also include still images or moving images. A signal corresponding to the input operation performed by the user on the terminal 20 is transmitted from the terminal 20 to the server 30.

[0053] In step S530, CPU 1 of server 30 registers the teaching material data for the specified lesson. More specifically, when a signal indicating that the teacher has performed an operation to end the creation of the teaching material data on the creation screen displayed on monitor 8 of terminal 20 is received, the created teaching material data is registered.

[0054] In step S540, CPU 1 of server 30 determines whether a message has been specified. This determination is made, for example, based on whether a flag specifying a message is associated with the specified lesson. The flag association is set by the teacher using terminal 20 through an operation on the creation screen. If CPU 1 determines that a message has been specified (YES in step S540), control switches to step S550. If not (NO in step S540), CPU 1 ends the process.

[0055] In step S550, the CPU 1 of the server 30 sends to the terminal 20 a notification prompting the user to register a message and a message registration screen. The notification is output from the terminal 20 as text or audio, and a registration screen is displayed on the monitor of the terminal 20. When the teacher recognizes the notification, he or she inputs a message to convey to the students on the registration screen. The message can be input using a touch pen or touch operation. When input in this way, the message is displayed on the terminal 40 as a freehand message. Alternatively, the message can also be input by keyboard operation or audio. In this case, the message can be displayed using a preset font. The input message is received by the server 30 and registered as a message for the teaching material.

[0056] [Class begins] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing part of the processing that is carried out between the terminal 20 used by the teacher, the server 30, and the terminals 40 used by the students when an online class is held.

[0057] In step S610, the CPU 1 of the server 30 executes a learning material distribution process, the details of which will be described later.

[0058] In step S620, the CPU 1 of the server 30 starts a call using audio and video between the terminal 20 and the terminal 40. The call is realized using, for example, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), but the format of the call is not particularly limited.

[0059] In step S630, the CPU 1 of the server 30 sends a list of the terminal screens of the students who are logged in to the same class to the terminal 20 used by the teacher. When the terminal 20 displays the list on the monitor 8, the teacher can grasp the attendance status of each student.

[0060] In step S640, the CPU 1 of the server 30 receives a signal representing an annotation to the teaching material from each terminal 40 used by each student. Furthermore, the CPU 1 updates the teaching material data associated with each student's account held by the server 30 by reflecting the annotation. The server 30 stores the teaching material data reflecting the annotation on the hard disk 5. Therefore, for example, if a student interrupts an online class and then resumes it, the server 30 reads from the hard disk 5 the teaching material that reflects the student's annotations up until the online class was interrupted and transmits the teaching material to the student's terminal 40. This allows the student to resume the class from the point where it was interrupted, even if the online class was interrupted. The teaching material distribution process, described below, is also performed when transmitting the teaching material upon resumption.

[0061] In step S650, CPU 1 of server 30 determines whether or not to end the class. This determination is made, for example, based on whether server 30 has received a signal indicating the end of the class from terminal 20. The signal indicating the end of the class is sent when the teacher instructs terminal 20 to end the class, or when a predetermined class time has elapsed. If CPU 1 determines that the class is to end (YES in step S650), it switches control to step S660. Otherwise (NO in step S650), the CPU returns control to step S630.

[0062] In step S660, the CPU 1 of the terminal 20 and the CPU 1 of the terminal 40 end the voice and video call.

[0063] [Distribution of teaching materials] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing part of the process executed by the server to distribute (deliver) teaching material data. In some cases, this process can be implemented as an interrupt process for the main program executed by the server. More specifically, the teaching material data is distributed after each student logs in and selects the subject for which they wish to take online classes.

[0064] In step S710, CPU 1 determines whether a request for distribution of teaching material data has been received. This determination is made when CPU 1 receives an interrupt signal. As an example, when CPU 1 detects the reception of an interrupt signal, CPU 1 determines whether information including the student's identification information, the identification information of the lesson selected by the student, and a request for distribution of teaching materials for that lesson has been received from each terminal 40. This information may be transmitted irregularly from each terminal 40. Therefore, this determination is made when CPU 1 of server 30 receives an interrupt signal. If CPU 1 determines that a request for distribution of teaching material data has been received (step S710), it switches control to step S720. If not (NO in step S710), CPU 1 returns control to step S710 and returns to a standby state.

[0065] In step S720, CPU 1 searches for related information for the specified lesson. For example, CPU 1 refers to related information ID 416 in table 410 to read the identification data of the related information last used for the lesson for the student, and identifies the related information.

[0066] In step S730, CPU 1 determines whether or not there is a designation regarding the manner in which the related information is to be distributed. The designation regarding the manner in which the related information is to be distributed indicates whether the related information is to be distributed to a specific class, a specific student, or the entire grade, and for which subject the related information is to be used. Information regarding this designation is stored in hard disk 5 of server 30. If CPU 1 determines that there is a designation regarding the related information (YES in step S730), CPU 1 switches control to step S740. If not (NO in step S730), CPU 1 switches control to step S750.

[0067] In step S740, the CPU 1 causes the relevant terminal 40 to present the related information based on the specification. More specifically, the CPU 1 generates data (for example, data in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format) for displaying the related information on the terminal 40 of the relevant student, and transmits the generated data to each of the relevant terminals 40. Therefore, the terminal 40 that receives this data can display the related information. On the other hand, if other students who have selected the same class do not meet the specified conditions (for example, they are in a different class, are in a different grade, or are at a different level of progress), the terminal 40 used by the other student will not display the related information.

[0068] In step S750, CPU 1 causes the related information to be displayed on the terminals 40 used by all students who have selected the class. That is, CPU 1 generates data for displaying the related information and transmits the generated data to each terminal 40. Each terminal 40 displays the related information based on the data, so that all students who have selected the class can view the related information. When a student who has viewed the related information performs an operation indicating that they have viewed the related information, information indicating this is transmitted from the terminal 40 used by the student to server 30, along with the ID of the terminal 40 used by the student and the student's identification data (student ID).

[0069] In step S760, CPU 1 determines whether it has received information that the students have confirmed the relevant information. This determination is made, for example, based on whether it has received the information for each student to whom the relevant information was transmitted. CPU 1 also makes this determination at predetermined time intervals. If CPU 1 determines that it has received the information (YES in step S760), it switches control to step S770. If it has not received the information (NO in step S760), CPU 1 returns control to step S760 and waits for reception of the information.

[0070] In step S770, CPU 1 distributes the teaching material data to terminal 40 of each student. Online classes can be either classes with real-time explanations by a teacher or self-study without a teacher. If self-study is used, a teacher AI (Artificial Intelligence) that has been trained in advance to provide answers and explanations for questions included in the teaching materials can provide feedback to students in place of a real teacher.

[0071] <Related Information> An example of related information will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing one manner in which related information is stored in server 30 according to an embodiment.

[0072] In one aspect, server 30 stores table 810 on hard disk 5. Table 810 includes areas 811, 812, 813, and 814. Area 811 stores a number that identifies related information. Area 812 stores message content. Area 813 stores information indicating the format of the related information. The format of the related information may include text, still images, moving images, audio, etc. Area 814 stores information specifying the recipients of the related information. The recipients may include, for example, ALL (all students), a specific grade, a specific class, students taking a specific class, specific students, etc.

[0073] When a request for delivery of educational materials is received (step S710), the CPU 1 of the server 30 refers to the table 810, checks the delivery destination of the related information, and transmits the related information to the specified delivery destination.

[0074] When a teacher creates teaching materials, the teacher specifies related information and registers it in association with the teaching materials, so that CPU 1 can determine which content to display when a request for teaching material data is received from a student. Each time a request for teaching materials is made, related information may be sent to terminal 40 randomly from among 1st to Nth related information and displayed on monitor 8 of terminal 40, or may be displayed in order from 1st to Nth related information.

[0075] <Screen display> Referring to FIG. 9, the display mode of the screens on the terminal 40 used by the student will be described. These screens are screen data (e.g., HTML data) created by the server 30. The terminal 40 displays the screen data using a display application (browser) installed on the terminal 40. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the transition of screens on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40. As shown in state (A), when a student operates the terminal 40 to access the online class service and log in, a screen for accepting class selection is displayed on the monitor 8. The screen includes an area for accepting input of a class code to specify an online class. The class code may be entered by the student or may be selectable from a pre-prepared list. When the student enters the class code and presses the "Confirm" button, the terminal 40 communicates with the server 30 to obtain data related to the class selected by the student. Furthermore, the monitor 8 displays an image indicating the class corresponding to the entered class code (e.g., the subject name, the front page of the textbook being used, or the page of the textbook that was previously open) and the name of the teacher in charge of the class.

[0076] When the student confirms these displays and selects "Yes," terminal 40 sends information including the class's identification ID as a request for teaching materials to server 30. When the server receives the request (YES in step S710), it checks whether related information has been specified for the class, and sends data to terminal 40 to display the related information according to the confirmation results (steps S740, S750).

[0077] As shown in state B, when terminal 40 receives related information from server 30, it displays the related information on monitor 8. For example, monitor 8 displays message content (area 812) such as "Let's do our best today!" By viewing the displayed message content, the student can increase their motivation for the class. After that, when the student presses icon 910 to end the message display, terminal 40 transmits information to server 30 indicating that the student has acquired the related information.

[0078] When server 30 receives information from terminal 40 indicating that the student who is the user of terminal 40 has acquired related information (YES in step S760), it determines that the related information has been confirmed by the user and sends teaching material data for the selected lesson to terminal 40 (step S770).

[0079] When the terminal 40 receives the teaching material data from the server 30, the monitor 8 displays the content of the teaching material. Students can attend the class while viewing the displayed content. Furthermore, if the class is attended at a different time than in real time, students can receive instruction from a teacher AI instead of a real teacher.

[0080] <Data Structure> The data structure of server 30 according to another aspect will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of data storage on hard disk 5 of server 30 according to another aspect.

[0081] In another aspect, the server 30 stores a table 1010 on the hard disk 5. The table 1010 includes areas 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014. Like area 811, area 1011 stores a number that identifies the related information. Like area 812, area 1012 stores message content. Like area 813, area 1013 stores information indicating the format of the related information. The format of the related information is also similar. Like area 814, area 1014 stores information specifying the recipients of the related information. The recipients may include, for example, ALL (all students), a specific grade, a specific class, students taking a specific class, specific students, and / or specific classes.

[0082] Similarly, in the other aspects, when a request for delivery of educational materials is received (step S710), the CPU 1 of the server 30 refers to the table 810 to confirm the delivery destination of the related information, and transmits the related information to the specified delivery destination. The order in which message contents are displayed on the terminal 40 is also the same.

[0083] <Creating teaching materials screen> Now, the creation of teaching materials will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on monitor 8 of terminal 20 used by a teacher. Monitor 8 displays areas 1110 to 1170. Area 1110 accepts input of a lesson name.

[0084] Area 1120 accepts input of the name of the teacher in charge of the class. Area 1130 accepts input of the grade level of students targeted by the class. Area 1140 accepts input of the subject taught in the class. Subjects include Japanese, arithmetic, science, social studies, English, etc. Area 1150 accepts input of each unit that makes up the subject. The unit may be entered arbitrarily by the teacher or may be selected from a list of units prepared in advance. Area 1160 accepts operations for creating or editing a worksheet. For example, a screen for creating arithmetic problems is launched from area 1160. Area 1170 accepts creation or editing of message content.

[0085] A person who wishes to register message content, such as a teacher or a conference organizer, clicks on area 1170 and enters specific message content, and the entered message content is associated with the settings for the publication destination of the educational material.

[0086] <Data Structure> The data structure of server 30 in yet another aspect will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of data storage on hard disk 5 of server 30. Hard disk 5 holds table 1210.

[0087] Table 1210 includes fields 1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214. Field 1211 stores a number identifying the related information. Field 1212 stores message content. Field 1213 stores information indicating the format of the related information. The format of the related information may include text, still images, moving images, audio, etc. Field 1214 stores information specifying the distribution destination of the related information. The distribution destination may include, for example, ALL (all students), a specific grade, a specific class, students taking a specific class, a specific student, etc. If the distribution destination of multiple message contents is ALL, the server 30 randomly or sequentially transmits data for displaying the message content to each student's terminal 40 each time the teaching material is requested from that terminal 40. The message content may be registered in the manner described in FIG. 11.

[0088] <Registration screen for related information> The registration of related information will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing one aspect of a screen displayed on terminal 20 used by a teacher or other administrator. This screen is displayed when logged in with an administrator account. Monitor 8 includes multiple areas.

[0089] Each user of terminal 20 logs in using an account such as a teacher, principal, board of education, or student. Each user can register related information with all accounts in the related information registration database managed on hard disk 5. Accounts for teachers, principals, board of education, etc. are registered using the same method as described in the subsection.

[0090] In another aspect, a learner may register related information. In this case, the learner who wishes to register clicks on area 1340 to display a registration screen on monitor 8, and can register the related information from that registration screen. For example, a message created by the learner can be shared with other users. When a learner registers related information, access control can be applied so that some of the authority to operate the screen that can be operated by the administrator is not given to the learner. This prevents the teaching material data from being inadvertently changed or deleted.

[0091] For example, area 1310 accepts the specification of the grade of the students to whom the related information applies. The grade specification is not limited to one grade, and multiple grades may be selected. Area 1320 accepts the specification of the subject to which the related information applies. Area 1330 represents the content of the teaching material that is displayed before the related information is displayed. A teacher can create teaching materials by inputting information into area 1330 using a touch pen, keyboard, touch operation, or other input means.

[0092] Another aspect of related information will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of related information displayed on terminal 40 according to another aspect. Monitor 8 displays related information 1400. Related information 1400 includes area 1410. Area 1410 is an additional message. The additional message is displayed according to information related to the lesson to which the related information applies. In addition to the students using terminal 40, the example in Fig. 14 includes information about person A who studied using the same teaching materials, and information about person B who is currently studying using the same teaching materials at the same time.

[0093] A student using terminal 40 can be motivated by learning about the learning status of other students in the same class as the student. When the student clicks on area 1410, terminal 40 establishes separate communications with other terminals 40 used by other users included in area 1410, forming a communication session between users studying the same learning material. The communication session includes chat, online bulletin boards, and the like. The online bulletin boards may be editable. This allows each user studying the learning material to ask questions or offer advice, which may improve the effectiveness of learning.

[0094] <Control Structure> Referring to Fig. 15, a control structure of server 30 according to another aspect will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by CPU 1 of server 30. Note that the same processing as that described above is assigned the same step number. Therefore, description of the same processing will not be repeated.

[0095] In step S760, CPU 1 determines whether it has received information that the students have confirmed the related information. This determination is made, for example, based on whether it has received the information for each student to whom the related information was transmitted. CPU 1 also makes this determination at predetermined intervals. If CPU 1 determines that it has received the information (YES in step S760), it switches control to step S1510. If not (NO in step S760), CPU 1 returns control to step S760 and waits for reception of the information.

[0096] In step S1510, CPU 1 determines whether there is information about another learner who uses the same teaching material as the student in question. This determination is made, for example, based on the contents of table 410 stored on hard disk 5. If CPU 1 determines that the learner information in question exists (YES in step S1510), CPU 1 switches control to step S1520. If not (NO in step S1510), CPU 1 switches control to step S770.

[0097] In step S1520, CPU 1 reads information about learners who will use the same learning material from hard disk 5, and generates a message (area 1410) to be displayed along with the related information.

[0098] In step S770, CPU 1 transmits data for displaying the generated message to terminal 40, and causes monitor 8 of terminal 40 to display the message as related information.

[0099] <Student list display> The list display of students will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the screen displayed on each student's terminal 40, which is displayed on terminal 20 used by the teacher. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the facial expressions captured on each student's terminal 40, which are displayed on terminal 20 used by the teacher.

[0100] In one aspect, the terminal 40 used by the student may be equipped with a camera (not shown) around the display area of ​​the monitor. The camera captures an image of the student's face and transmits the image data to the server 30 or the terminal 20 used by the teacher. The terminal 20 may then display the face image in addition to the screen of the teaching material displayed on each student's terminal 40.

[0101] 16, in one aspect, the terminal 20 used by the teacher may display the screen displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40 used by each of the students. In this case, the icon 1610 may be displayed in a manner in which the color of the area is different from the color of the other areas, the font is emphasized, or in other manners to indicate that a list of students is being displayed.

[0102] Thereafter, when the teacher presses icon 1620, terminal 20 can display the images of each student that have been acquired up to that point, as shown in Fig. 17. In this way, the teacher can check each student's progress with the learning material (Fig. 16) while also being aware of each student's facial expression, making it easier to provide feedback tailored to each student.

[0103] As described above, when the server 39 of a system according to an embodiment receives a data transmission request from each user's terminal 40, it transmits related information (e.g., message content) that has been previously associated with the data to the terminal 40 before transmitting the data. When the user of the terminal 40 (e.g., a student or a conference attendee) views the related information, information notifying the user that the related information has been viewed is transmitted from the terminal 40 to the server 30. Upon receiving this information, the server 30 transmits the data requested by the user to the terminal 40. Because the related information is transmitted to the user before transmitting the data, the user can be motivated before using the data.

[0104] <Summary> Some of the technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows:

[0105] (1) In a system 10 according to an embodiment, a CPU 1 of a server 30 receives a request for data (e.g., teaching material data, lesson data, conference materials, etc.) from a terminal 40a. In response to the request, the CPU 1 transmits related information (e.g., a message to motivate users of the data (e.g., students, conference attendees, etc.)) that has been created in advance and is associated with the data to the terminal 40. The CPU 1 receives confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed on the terminal 40a. In response to receiving the confirmation information, the CPU 1 transmits the requested data to the terminal 40a.

[0106] According to this configuration, the user of the terminal 40a can view the related information before browsing the data, which can increase the motivation of the user.

[0107] (2) In another aspect, CPU 1 transmits data displaying multiple pieces of related information to terminal 40a randomly or in a predetermined order. For example, CPU 1 transmits messages of related information to terminal 40a sequentially according to the identification numbers assigned to the messages. In this way, terminal 40a displays a different message on monitor 8 each time educational material data is requested, thereby increasing the motivation of the user of terminal 40a.

[0108] (3) The related information is linked to the lesson in which the teaching material data or lesson data is used. Alternatively, the related information is linked to the conference in which the conference materials are used. Alternatively, the related lesson is linked to the organization in which the lesson is held (e.g., school, vocational school, preparatory school, cram school) or the people involved in the lesson (teachers, students, school principals, boards of education, etc.).

[0109] (4) The related information is stored on the hard disk 5 of the server 30 constituting the system 10. In another aspect, the related information may be stored in an external storage device different from the server 30. The related information is created by an administrator or user of the system 10 (for example, a teacher who creates teaching material data, a teacher who teaches a class, a creator of conference materials, etc.), or is registered by a provider of the system 10 (for example, a system integrator).

[0110] (5) Related information includes text, still images, or moving images. Therefore, in yet another aspect, audio may be linked to the related information. The audio is not limited to audio of a message being read aloud, but may also be, for example, environmental sounds or sound effects that can evoke the content of the related information. This may increase the motivation of users (e.g., students or conference attendees) who have viewed the related information by appealing to their auditory senses in addition to their visual senses.

[0111] (6) In yet another aspect, server 30 notifies another terminal 40n that data has been viewed on terminal 40a. The viewing of data may include, for example, reading the contents of teaching materials, submitting an assignment included in the teaching materials, or referring to conference materials in advance. The user of terminal 40n (a student or a conference attendee) will know that the data has been viewed by the user of terminal 40a, which can increase the motivation of the user of terminal 40n to study or attend the conference.

[0112] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0113] The disclosed technical features can be applied to technologies for providing content over a network, such as an online education system or a conference system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 20,40,40a,40b,40n terminal, 2 mouse, 3 keyboard, 4 RAM, 5 hard disk, 6 optical disk drive, 7 communication interface, 8 monitor, 9 ROM, 10 system, 30,31,32 server, 101 network, 201 reception means, 202 presentation means, 203 related information opening detection means, 300 computer system, 410,420,430,810,1010,1210 table.

Claims

1. a request receiving means for receiving a data request from a terminal; related information transmitting means for transmitting, in response to the request, related information that is created in advance as information for increasing the motivation of the user of the terminal to use the data and that is associated with the data, to the terminal; confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed at the terminal; and data transmission means for transmitting the requested data to the terminal in response to receiving the confirmation information.

2. The system described in Claim 1, wherein the related information transmission means transmits to the terminal, in addition to the related information, information indicating the status of other users who are using the data.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of pieces of related information randomly or in a predetermined order.

4. A system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the related information includes content linked to the class in which the data is used, or content linked to the organization in which the class is held or to people involved in the class.

5. further comprising a storage means for storing the related information; 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the related information is registered by an administrator or user of the system, or by a manufacturer of the system.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the related information includes text, still images, or moving images.

7. 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed on the terminal.

8. 1. A computer-implemented method for distributing data, comprising: a processor of the computer receiving a request for data from a terminal; In response to the request, transmitting to the terminal related information that is created in advance and associated with the data as information for increasing motivation of the user of the terminal to use the data; receiving confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed at the terminal; and transmitting the requested data to the terminal in response to receiving the confirmation information.

9. The method described in claim 8, wherein sending the related information includes a step of sending to the terminal, in addition to the related information, information indicating the status of other users using the data.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of the related information randomly or according to a predetermined order.

11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the related information includes content linked to the class in which the data is used, or content linked to the organization in which the class is held or to people involved in the class.

12. further comprising the step of storing the related information; The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the related information is registered by an administrator or a user of the computer.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the related information comprises text, still images or moving images.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising the step of notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed on the terminal.

15. A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

16. a memory storing the program according to claim 15; and a processor for executing the program.

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