Remote learning support systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide a remote lessen support system taking into consideration learners feeling stress on a relationship with others.SOLUTION: A remote lesson support system 1 comprises a first terminal 21 operated by a first learner, a second terminal 22 operated by a second learner, and a server 50 communicably connected to the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 and providing a remote lessen environment. The server 50 includes a processing device which sets a secret mode for limiting offering of information of the first learner to the second terminal 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote class support system, method, and program, and more particularly, to a remote class support system, method, and program for supporting remote classes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a remote class support system for supporting remote classes in which a plurality of learners attend from a remote location via a network has been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a system that enables remote classes to be conducted using an instructor display device that displays a face image of a student and a student display device that displays face images of the instructor and other students.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, due to the rapid progress of network technology, remote classes have been actively conducted. Remote classes are characterized in that learners do not need to go directly to the class venue. Therefore, remote classes bring benefits to learners who have difficulty attending the class venue due to various circumstances.

[0006] Remote learning also has the advantage of eliminating the need for physical contact with other learners. This characteristic makes it possible to utilize remote learning as a learning environment for students who are truant due to a dislike of contact with other students or teachers. However, conventional remote learning systems display participant information, such as names, on the screens of other participants' devices. Therefore, conventional systems were not suitable for learners who experience stress from interpersonal relationships, such as truants.

[0007] This disclosure is made in light of the circumstances described above and aims to enable the provision of remote learning that takes into account the use of learners who experience stress in their relationships with others. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An example of a remote learning support system according to this disclosure is a remote learning support system for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, comprising a first terminal operated by a first learner, a second terminal operated by a second learner, and a server that is communicatively connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and provides a remote learning environment, wherein the server has a processing device that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal.

[0009] An example of the method described herein is a method for supporting a remote class in which multiple learners participate via a network, and includes the steps of communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner, providing a remote class environment, and setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal.

[0010] An example of a program in this disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the method disclosed above.

[0011] The remote learning support system described above further comprises an instructor terminal operated by the instructor responsible for remote learning, and the server can restrict the provision of first learner information to the instructor terminal in secret mode.

[0012] In the above disclosure, the server can provide the first learner's information to the instructor's terminal in secret mode.

[0013] The processing device in the above disclosure sets the secret mode in multiple patterns, the multiple patterns including a first pattern that prohibits the first learner from providing first information and allows the first learner to provide second information, and a second pattern that allows the first learner to provide first information and allows the first learner to provide second information.

[0014] The processing device in the above disclosure sets secret mode based on the operation of the first terminal.

[0015] The server in the above disclosure further has a storage unit for storing the history of remote lessons, and the processing unit generates a participation history of the first learner that associates the remote lessons in which the first learner participated with the secret mode pattern, and stores the generated participation history of the first learner in the storage unit as the history of remote lessons.

[0016] The processing device described above aggregates the participation history of the first learner according to the secret mode pattern, and further stores the aggregated data in the storage unit as the history of the remote lesson.

[0017] The processing device in the above disclosure provides the history of the first learner's remote lessons, stored in the memory unit, to the first terminal.

[0018] The remote learning support system described above further includes an administrator terminal operated by the administrator, and the processing unit sets secret mode based on the operation of the administrator terminal.

[0019] When the secret mode is set, the instructor terminal in the above disclosure displays the information of the first learner and the information of the second learner on different screens.

[0020] The processing device in the above disclosure sets the secret mode based on the operation of the instructor terminal.

[0021] The processing device in the above disclosure totals the participation history of each of two or more learners including the first learner according to the pattern of the secret mode for two or more learners, and further stores the totaled data in the storage unit as the history of the distance learning.

[0022] The distance learning support system in the above disclosure further includes a third terminal operated by a third learner, and when the processing device sets the mode of the distance learning to the secret mode, it determines whether to limit the provision of the information of the first learner to the third terminal.

[0023] The processing device in the above disclosure automatically sets to the secret mode based on the communication source information of the learner who has accessed the server.

[0024] The server in the above disclosure can execute a registration process for registering participants in the distance learning, and when the first learner and the second learner are registered as participants in the distance learning by the registration process, the server permits the participation of the first learner and the second learner in the distance learning.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to an example of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a distance learning considering the use of learners who feel stress in their relationship with others.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the class support system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the management server. [Figure 4] This is a diagram to explain the instructor settings screen. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the instructor's screen (assuming no privacy settings are enabled for the instructor). [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the instructor's screen (assuming the setting is set to private for instructors). [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the learner screen corresponding to user ID=01. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the learner screen corresponding to user ID=02. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the detailed settings for secret mode. [Figure 10] This figure shows examples of settings for secret mode. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the learner settings screen. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the relationship between learner settings and advanced settings. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the history of remote learning sessions stored on the management server. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the remote learning history (by user ID and secret mode pattern) stored on the management server. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the remote learning history (by secret mode pattern (all learners)). [Figure 16] This flowchart explains the process for setting up secret mode and generating a history of remote lessons. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart illustrating the administrator configuration process. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting up a supervisor. [Figure 19] This is a subroutine used to explain the process of generating the instructor screen. [Figure 20]This is a subroutine used to explain the flow of the learner screen generation process. [Figure 21] This is a flowchart illustrating the process for restricting participants in cases of modification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] This embodiment will be described below 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 the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[0028] [Overall Configuration of the Remote Learning Support System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a remote learning support system 1 according to an embodiment. The remote learning support system 1 comprises a management server 50, an instructor terminal 10, multiple student terminals 21, 22, 23..., a student terminal 200 installed at a specific location 900, and multiple administrator terminals 31, 32.... The management server 50 is connected to the instructor terminal 10, the multiple student terminals 21, 22, 23..., the student terminal 200, and the multiple administrator terminals 31, 32... via a network 90 so as to be able to communicate.

[0029] The management server 50 is configured, for example, as a cloud server. The instructor terminal 10 is configured, for example, as a personal computer and comprises a main unit 101, a display 102, a keyboard 103, and a mouse 104. The learner terminals 21, 22, 23... and learner terminal 200 are configured, for example, as personal computers and each comprises a main unit 201, a display 202, a keyboard 203, and a mouse 204. The administrator terminals 31, 32... are configured, for example, as personal computers and each comprises a main unit 301, a display 302, a keyboard 303, and a mouse 304.

[0030] The instructor terminal 10, the learner terminals 21, 22, 23…, and the learner terminal 200 are equipped with a camera to record the operator's video, a microphone to collect the operator's voice, and a speaker to output the voice of each participant transmitted through the management server 50. The display 102 of the instructor terminal 10, and the displays 202 of the learner terminals 21, 22, 23…, and the learner terminal 200 display the video of each participant and their worksheets, etc., transmitted through the management server 50.

[0031] In the following, learner terminals 21, 22, 23... (excluding learner terminal 200) may be collectively referred to as "learner terminal 20," and administrator terminals 31, 32... may be collectively referred to as "administrator terminal 30."

[0032] In this embodiment, the instructor is, for example, an elementary school teacher. The instructor may also be a middle school or high school teacher, or someone who teaches lectures at a university. The instructor may also be someone who teaches specialized skills to those who request them in a personal club or similar setting. In this embodiment, the learners are those who take distance lessons from these instructors, and are, for example, students such as children and pupils, or participants in club activities.

[0033] The instructor terminal 10 is operated by an instructor who conducts remote lessons for multiple learners. For example, the instructor accesses the management server 50 using the instructor terminal 10 located at their home.

[0034] The learner terminal 20 is operated by learners participating in remote lessons. Learners can access the management server 50 using, for example, a learner terminal 20 located at their home. Learners can also access the management server 50 using a learner terminal 200 located at a specific location 900, such as an educational center.

[0035] The administrator terminal 30 is operated by the administrator. The scope of administrator privileges varies depending on the administrator. An administrator is, for example, someone who manages the management server 50. An administrator is also someone who acts on behalf of a learner, such as a parent of a learner. If the instructor is a primary school teacher, the administrator may be a supervisor who oversees that teacher, such as the principal of that primary school.

[0036] The management server 50 accepts logins from the instructor terminal 10, the learner terminals 20 and 200, and the administrator terminal 30. The management server 50 identifies instructors, each learner, and each administrator by their user ID. The user ID is included in the login information for the management server 50.

[0037] For example, learner terminal 21 is operated by the learner identified by user ID=01. Learner terminal 22 is operated by the learner identified by user ID=02. Learner terminal 23 is operated by the learner identified by user ID=03. Hereinafter, learners identified by user ID=01, 02, 03... may be referred to as "first learner," "second learner," "third learner," etc.

[0038] The management server 50 accepts logins from the instructor terminal 10 and the learner terminals 20,200, and provides a remote learning environment between the instructor terminal 10 and the learner terminals 20,200. The management server 50 typically provides the instructor terminal 10 and the learner terminals 20,200 with information such as the names, photos, videos, and worksheets of the remote learning participants. This allows instructors and learners to know what other participants are doing during the remote learning session. According to the remote learning support system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide participants with a remote learning experience that feels very real.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a single instructor terminal 10 as a representative example. However, the remote learning support system 1 is connected to multiple instructor terminals 10 operated by multiple instructors with different user IDs.

[0040] [Overview of Secret Mode] The management server 50 provides learners who wish to participate in remote lessons in "secret mode." In secret mode, the information of the learner who is in secret mode is restricted from being shared with other participants in the remote lesson. Therefore, by using secret mode, learners can participate in remote lessons without their personal information, such as their name, photo, or video, being known to other learners or instructors.

[0041] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a remote learning support system 1 that can be promoted for use by learners who feel stressed by relationships with others, such as students who become truant because they dislike contact with other students or teachers.

[0042] Users who set secret mode can select which information to keep private from detailed settings such as name, video, and audio by using the remote learning support system 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, various secret mode patterns are provided that take into account the circumstances of the users. Hereinafter, modes in which secret mode is not set may be referred to as "standard mode" in contrast to secret mode.

[0043] The remote learning support system 1 in this embodiment grants multiple users the authority to set secret mode, anticipating various situations. Specifically, in this embodiment, the instructor, learner, and administrator are each granted the authority to set secret mode.

[0044] [Secret Mode settings by the instructor] Instructors can use their instructor terminal 10 to set up secret mode for the learners in the remote lessons they are in charge of.

[0045] [Learner's setting of secret mode] Learners can set a secret mode for themselves by operating their own learner terminal 20. For example, a learner can change the lesson mode from secret mode to standard mode, and change the secret mode pattern, while participating in a remote lesson that the instructor has previously set to secret mode. Conversely, a learner can also change the lesson mode from standard mode to secret mode during a remote lesson.

[0046] [Administrator settings for incognito mode] The administrator can configure secret mode within the scope of pre-configured administrator privileges. For example, the administrator of administrator terminal 31 is the parent of a learner operating learner terminal 21. In this case, the administrator of administrator terminal 31 is granted administrator privileges that limit the scope of settings to the learner operating learner terminal 21. Therefore, the administrator of administrator terminal 31 can configure secret mode settings for the learner operating learner terminal 21 through administrator terminal 31. The administrator of administrator terminal 31 is not granted the authority to configure secret mode settings for other learners.

[0047] For example, the administrator of administrator terminal 32 may be a supervisor who oversees the instructor. In this case, the administrator of administrator terminal 32 may be granted administrator privileges over the learners of the remote lessons that the instructor is in charge of. In this case, the administrator of administrator terminal 32 can configure the secret mode settings for each learner who operates learner terminals 21, 22, 23... through administrator terminal 32.

[0048] [Settings to make information public / private to instructors] Administrators have the authority to set whether or not to restrict the provision of information about learners using incognito mode to instructors who are responsible for their remote lessons. In remote lessons where the provision of learner information to instructors is restricted, the provision of information about learners using incognito mode to other learners and instructors is also restricted.

[0049] [Friend Settings] Administrators are given the ability to set friends for learners within their scope of administrator privileges. By using the friend setting, administrators can designate certain individuals, such as close friends of learners using secret mode, to whom a learner's information will be exceptionally revealed during remote lessons.

[0050] Thus, the settings that administrators can configure for secret mode include settings for making it public or private to instructors, and setting friends. Administrators can pre-configure secret mode settings for learners within the scope of their administrator privileges. The information pre-configured by the administrator is stored on the management server 50 as pre-configuration information.

[0051] [Dedicated terminal for secret mode] The student terminals 200 located at specific locations such as educational centers are dedicated to secret mode. When a student participates in a remote lesson using a student terminal 200, the management server 50 applies secret mode to that student.

[0052] [Hardware configuration of management server 50] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 50. The management server 50 includes a processor 51, memory 52, storage 53, and a communication interface 54.

[0053] Memory 52 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage 53 consists of non-volatile memory and a hard disk drive, etc. The processor 51 controls the operation of the management server 50 by executing programs stored in memory 52. ​​Storage 53 stores various setting information related to remote learning and remote learning history information, etc.

[0054] The management server 50 connects to the external network 90 via the communication interface 54.

[0055] [Functional configuration of management server 50] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management server 50. The various functional configurations shown in Figure 3 are realized by the processor 51, memory 52, storage 53, and communication interface 54 shown in Figure 2.

[0056] The management server 50 includes a mode setting unit 501, a communication source determination unit 502, a history data generation unit 503, a transmission unit 504, and a storage unit 505. The mode setting unit 501 switches the learner's class mode between standard mode and secret mode for each learner participating in the remote class. The mode setting unit 501 further sets the secret mode in various patterns. The modes set by the mode setting unit 501 are stored in the storage unit 505 as remote class settings, each with a remote class ID to identify the remote class.

[0057] The communication source determination unit 502 identifies the communication source information of any terminal that accesses the management server 50 from any terminal. The communication source information may be, for example, a local IP address or a global IP address. Based on the communication source information, the communication source determination unit 502 determines whether a learner terminal 200 located at a specific site 900 is accessing the management server 50. If the learner terminal 200 is accessing the management server 50, the communication source determination unit 502 notifies the mode setting unit 501 of the user ID used for that access. The mode setting unit 501 sets the learner with the notified user ID to secret mode. As a result, secret mode is automatically set based on the communication source information of learners who have accessed the management server 50.

[0058] The history data generation unit 503 generates history data of the remote lessons that have been conducted. The history data of remote lessons includes participation history, which associates the remote lessons that learners participated in with secret mode patterns, and learner participation history aggregated by secret mode pattern. The history data generation unit 503 stores the generated history data in the storage unit 505. The transmission unit 504 transmits various types of history data to learner terminals 20,200 for each learner. Furthermore, the transmission unit 504 transmits specific history data to the instructor terminal 10.

[0059] [Instructor settings screen] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the instructor settings screen. Instructors responsible for remote learning set up secret mode as needed before conducting remote lessons. The instructor operates the instructor terminal 10 and accesses the management server 50 to display the settings screen shown in Figure 4 on the display 102. First, the instructor clicks the start button on the settings start screen 601. The screen then switches to the secret user settings screen 602. On the secret user settings screen 602, checkboxes for secret mode and advanced settings are displayed for each user ID.

[0060] The instructor uses mouse 104 to check the incognito mode checkbox corresponding to the user ID of the learner they want to set to incognito mode. Furthermore, if the instructor wishes to configure more advanced settings for incognito mode, they check the corresponding advanced settings checkbox.

[0061] Figure 4 shows the checkboxes for secret mode corresponding to user IDs 01 and 04 checked. However, in Figure 4, the checkboxes for advanced settings corresponding to user IDs 01 and 04 are not checked. In this state, the instructor can confirm the settings by operating the mouse 104. The confirmation operation is accepted by the management server 50. In this case, secret mode is set to the default state. For example, in the default state, all information of a person set to secret mode is kept private from other learners.

[0062] Whether incognito mode is set to the default state or configured in various patterns through advanced settings, learner information is usually made public to instructors conducting remote classes. However, if an administrator has previously configured settings to keep learner information private from instructors, the learner information of those individuals will remain private from instructors during remote classes. In other words, in this case, incognito mode functions not only for other learners but also for instructors.

[0063] Here, the secret user settings screen 602 was described as a settings screen for instructors. The management server 50 provides administrators with a function that allows them to set secret users within the scope of their administrator privileges, using a screen similar to the secret user settings screen 602. For example, if an administrator has administrator privileges for user IDs 01 and 02, the secret user settings screen for user IDs 01 and 02 may be displayed on the administrator terminal 30. By using this function, the administrator can set secret users for user IDs 01 and 02 before instructors can set them using the secret user settings screen 602. The information set in this way is stored in the management server 50 as pre-configuration information.

[0064] If pre-configuration information exists, the secret user settings screen 602 displayed to the instructor will reflect that pre-configuration information. For example, if the administrator has pre-configured user IDs 01 and 02 into secret mode, the secret user settings screen 602 will be displayed on the instructor's terminal 10 in the state shown in Figure 4. In this case, the instructor can change the settings as needed, such as further setting the learner with user ID=02 into secret mode.

[0065] [Instructor's screen (no setting to make it private from the instructor)] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the instructor screen. Figure 5 shows the instructor screen when the secret user setting is performed as shown in Figure 4. Here, we will explain an example of the instructor screen when the setting to keep information private from the instructor is not performed. If the setting to keep the information of the person in secret mode private from the instructor is not performed, the display 102 of the instructor terminal 10 will display the information of the learner set to standard mode and the information of the learner set to secret mode.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the display 102 shows a standard screen 603 that displays information of learners set to standard mode, and a secret screen 604 that displays information of learners set to secret mode. Tabs are formed at the top of each of the standard screen 603 and secret screen 604. The instructor can switch the screen displayed on the display 102 between the standard screen 603 and the secret screen 604 by selecting either tab with the mouse 104. In this way, the instructor terminal 10 displays learner information corresponding to standard mode and learner information corresponding to secret mode on different screens.

[0067] In the secret settings shown in Figure 4, the first and fourth learners with user IDs 01 and 04 are set to secret mode. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, the information of the second, third, and fifth learners with user IDs 02, 03, and 05, who are not set to secret mode, is displayed on the standard screen 603.

[0068] The standard screen 603 displays each learner's worksheet. The worksheet includes the learner's user ID and name. The worksheet area may also display personal information such as the learner's photo or video. Additionally, the instructor's terminal 10 may output each learner's statements through its speaker.

[0069] The secret screen 604 displays the worksheet of each learner who is set to secret mode. The worksheet contains the learner's user ID and name. Personal information such as the corresponding learner's photo or video may be displayed in the worksheet area. In addition, the instructor's terminal 10 may output the statements of each learner who is set to secret mode through its speaker. However, personal information such as the user ID, name, and statements of learners who are set to secret mode is not provided to other learners' learner terminals 20.

[0070] The instructor conducts the remote lesson while switching the instructor screen between the standard screen 603 and the secret screen 604 as needed. Thus, in this embodiment, the instructor screen is divided into the standard screen 603 and the secret screen 604. Therefore, when it becomes necessary to share the instructor screen with learners, it is easy to exclude the information of learners who are set to secret mode from being shared. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the mistake of accidentally sharing the information of learners who are set to secret mode.

[0071] In particular, in this embodiment, the screens can be switched using tabs so that when one of the standard screen 603 and the secret screen 604 is displayed, the other screen is not displayed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when it becomes necessary to share the instructor's screen with all learners, the information of learners set to secret mode can be excluded from sharing with a simple tab switch.

[0072] [Instructor's screen (with setting to not be visible to instructors)] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the instructor screen. Similar to Figure 5, Figure 6 shows the instructor screen when the secret user setting is performed as shown in Figure 4. However, here we will explain an example of the instructor screen when the setting to not be made public to the instructor is applied to the first and fourth learners, respectively, with user IDs 01 and 04, who are set to secret mode.

[0073] In this case, the information of the first and fourth learners, who are set to secret mode, is not displayed on the instructor's screen. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the standard screen 603, which includes the information of learners in standard mode, is displayed on the display 102 of the instructor's terminal 10, but the secret screen 604 is not displayed. Consequently, even participants who feel stressed not only by other learners but also by their relationship with the instructor, can participate in remote lessons without resistance when the setting to not be visible to the instructor is turned on.

[0074] This section describes the case where both learners, who are set to secret mode, have their privacy settings enabled for their instructors. However, it is also possible that only one of the two learners has their privacy settings enabled for their instructors. In this case, the display 102 of the instructor terminal 10 will show both the standard screen 603 and the secret screen 604 in the format shown in Figure 5. However, the secret screen 604 will not display information about learners whose privacy settings for their instructors are enabled.

[0075] [Learner screen (ID=01)] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the learner screen 611 corresponding to user ID=01. Figure 7 shows the learner screen 611 when the secret user setting is performed as shown in Figure 4. The first learner, identified by user ID=01, participates in the remote lesson using the learner terminal 21. Therefore, the learner screen 611 is displayed on the display 202 of the learner terminal 21.

[0076] According to the settings shown in Figure 4, the first and fourth learners, identified by user IDs 01 and 04, are set to secret mode. In this case, the learner screen 611 displays not only the learner's own worksheet, but also the worksheets of the second, third, and fifth learners, who are not set to secret mode.

[0077] Each worksheet displays the learner's personal information, such as their user ID and name. The worksheet of the fourth learner, who is set to secret mode, is not displayed on the learner screen 611. Therefore, the information of the fourth learner participating in the remote lesson is not known to the first learner. As a result, the fourth learner, who is set to secret mode, can participate in the remote lesson without any hesitation.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, a message indicating that a learner is in secret mode may be displayed on their own worksheet. This allows learners in secret mode to participate in remote lessons with peace of mind.

[0079] [Learner screen (ID=02)] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the learner screen 612 corresponding to user ID=02. Figure 8 shows the learner screen 612 when the secret user setting is performed as shown in Figure 4. The second learner identified by user ID=02 participates in the remote lesson using the learner terminal 22. Therefore, the learner screen 612 is displayed on the display 202 of the learner terminal 22.

[0080] According to the settings shown in Figure 4, the first and fourth learners, identified by user IDs 01 and 04, are set to secret mode. In this case, the learner screen 612 displays not only the learner's own worksheet, but also the worksheets of the third and fifth learners, who are not set to secret mode, along with their personal information such as user ID and name.

[0081] The worksheets of the first and fourth learners, who are set to secret mode, are not displayed on the learner screen 612. Therefore, the information of the first and fourth learners participating in the remote lesson is not known to the second learner. As a result, the first and fourth learners, who are set to secret mode, can participate in the remote lesson without any hesitation.

[0082] [Detailed settings for secret mode] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the detailed settings for secret mode. These settings can be configured, for example, by checking the detailed settings checkbox on the secret user settings screen 602 (see Figure 4). The detailed settings include learner information that can be kept private in secret mode. The detailed settings include "name", "worksheet", "picture", "voice", and "video".

[0083] If "name" is turned off, the subject's name will be kept private. If "worksheet" is turned off, the subject's worksheet will be kept private. If "picture" is turned off, the subject's photo will be kept private. If "voice" is turned off, the subject's voice (speaking, etc.) will be kept private. If "video" is turned off, the subject's video will be kept private.

[0084] If secret mode is enabled and no advanced settings are configured, secret mode will revert to its default state. In this case, all advanced settings will be set to private (off). The management server 50 also provides administrators with the ability to configure the advanced settings described above, within the scope of their administrator privileges.

[0085] [Detailed Pattern Examples for Secret Mode] Figure 10 shows an example of a secret mode setting pattern. In this example, secret mode is set for the first and fourth learners, corresponding to user IDs 01 and 04. The secret mode settings include the detailed settings explained using Figure 9, as well as an item to determine whether or not to disclose learner information to the instructor. Only administrators have the authority to set whether or not to disclose learner information to the instructor. However, it is also possible to grant learners themselves the authority to set this item.

[0086] According to the example setting pattern shown in Figure 10, all information of the first learner is made public to the instructor. According to the example setting pattern shown in Figure 10, the first learner's name and worksheet are made public to other learners, but the first learner's photo, voice, and video are kept private from other learners. For example, such a setting pattern constitutes the first of several patterns for secret mode.

[0087] According to the example setting pattern shown in Figure 10, all information of the fourth learner is kept confidential from the instructor and other learners. For example, this setting pattern constitutes the second of several patterns for secret mode.

[0088] Remote learning support system 1 accepts requests from administrators, instructors, and learners to modify the configured secret mode patterns. Administrators, instructors, and learners can modify the configured secret mode patterns within the scope of their respective authorized permissions.

[0089] [Learner Settings Screen] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the learner settings screen 613. During remote lessons, the management server 50 displays the learner settings screen 613 on the learner terminal 20. Learners can use the learner settings screen 613 to change the settings for secret mode.

[0090] The learner settings screen 613 displays checkboxes corresponding to "Make video calls with everyone," "Join anonymously," "Share worksheets," and "Watch the progress." When a learner checks any of the checkboxes and confirms, the setting corresponding to the checked checkbox is activated.

[0091] [Relationship between learner settings and advanced settings] Figure 12 shows the relationship between the learner settings and the advanced settings. Using Figure 12, we will explain the relationship between the settings items on the learner settings screen 613 described earlier and the advanced settings for secret mode.

[0092] As shown in Figure 12, when you select the "Make a video call with everyone" option, the "name" and "worksheet" options in the detailed settings are turned off, while "picture," "voice," and "video" are turned on.

[0093] If you select the "Participate anonymously" option, the "name," "picture," and "video" options in the detailed settings will be turned off, while "worksheet" and "voice" will be turned on.

[0094] If you select the "Share worksheet" option, only the "worksheet" option in the advanced settings will be turned on, and all other options will be turned off.

[0095] If you select the "Observe" option, all detailed settings will be turned off. In other words, selecting "Observe" will make all of the learner's information private. This is the same as the default setting for incognito mode.

[0096] During remote lessons, learners can use the learner settings screen 613 to change the secret mode pattern according to the remote lesson situation and their own state. For example, even learners who are hesitant to interact with others can use the learner settings screen 613 to adjust the scope of information they disclose according to their mood at the time. This allows learners to gradually become accustomed to interacting with others. Note that the settings items on the learner settings screen 613 are just examples. For example, an item to completely disable secret mode and allow participation in remote lessons in standard mode could be added to the learner settings screen 613. Alternatively, an item to select the scope of information disclosure to the instructor could be added to the learner settings screen 613.

[0097] [History of remote learning] Figure 13 shows an example of the remote learning history stored in the management server 50. The management server 50 collects the remote learning history. The management server 50 identifies each remote learning session by its session ID.

[0098] As shown in Figure 13, the management server 50 stores the history of remote learning for each learner in the storage unit 505 using the class ID and user ID. The history of remote learning includes the user ID, the date and time when the learner started participating in the remote learning, the class ID, and the settings of the detailed settings for secret mode. The column for detailed settings for secret mode displays items that are set to private. Note that "0" in the column for detailed settings for secret mode means that secret mode is not active.

[0099] Referring to the history shown in Figure 13, we can see that the first learner, corresponding to user ID 01, participated in the remote class with class ID 01 on September 28, 2021. At that time, it can be seen that the first learner participated in the remote class in secret mode, with their name and worksheet hidden.

[0100] Referring to the history shown in Figure 13, we can see that the second learner, corresponding to user ID 02, participated in the remote class with class ID 01 on September 28, 2021. At that time, it can be seen that the second learner participated in the remote class in standard mode.

[0101] The management server 50 classifies the remote learning history by learner. The management server 50 sends the classified remote learning history to the learner terminal 20 of the corresponding learner. This allows each learner to understand their own participation status in remote learning. If a learner's parent is registered as an administrator in the remote learning support system 1, the management server 50 may also send the child's remote learning history to the administrator's administrator terminal 30.

[0102] Figure 14 shows an example of the remote learning history (by user ID and secret mode pattern) stored in the management server 50. The management server 50 uses the history data shown in Figure 13 to aggregate the number of times secret mode is used by user ID. As shown in Figure 14, the management server 50 classifies and aggregates the number of times secret mode is used by secret mode pattern. The management server 50 stores the generated aggregation results as the remote learning history in the storage unit 505, separately from the history shown in Figure 13.

[0103] The management server 50 sends the generated remote lesson history to the corresponding learner's learner terminal 20. This allows each learner to track their participation status in remote lessons according to their secret mode pattern. If a learner's parent is registered as an administrator in the remote lesson support system 1, the management server 50 may also send the child's remote lesson history to the administrator's administrator terminal 30.

[0104] Figure 15 shows an example of the remote learning history (secret mode pattern (all learners)). The management server 50 uses the history data shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 to aggregate the number of times each learner has used secret mode. As shown in Figure 15, the management server 50 classifies and aggregates the number of times secret mode has been used according to the secret mode pattern. The management server 50 stores the generated aggregation results as the remote learning history in the storage unit 505, separately from the history shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0105] The management server 50 sends the generated remote lesson history to the instructor's terminal 10 of the instructor who conducted the remote lesson. This allows the instructor to understand the participation status of learners who participated in the remote lesson, categorized by secret mode pattern. If the instructor's supervisor is registered as an administrator in the remote lesson support system 1, the management server 50 may also send the remote lesson history shown in Figure 15 to that administrator's administrator terminal 30.

[0106] [Process flow for setting up secret mode and generating remote lesson history] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow for setting up secret mode and generating the history of remote classes. Here, we will explain an example of the timing of the processes for setting up secret mode and generating the history of remote classes, as described above, divided into the timing before the start of the remote class, during the remote class, and after the end of the remote class.

[0107] [Before the start of remote learning] The administrator operates the administrator terminal 30 to set up secret mode within the scope of their permissions (step S1). As explained above, for example, if the administrator is the parent of the first learner, that administrator is given the authority to set up secret mode for the first learner.

[0108] The administrator is granted the authority to configure the detailed settings for secret mode, as well as the authority to decide whether to make learner information public or private to instructors, and the authority to set friends. The configuration operation in step S1, including these, is received by the management server 50. Based on the configuration operation in step S1, the management server 50 sets secret mode for the target learner (step S2). Step S2 configures secret mode, including detailed settings, friend settings, and whether or not to restrict information to instructors. This secret mode setting is stored in the storage unit 505 of the management server 50 as pre-configuration information.

[0109] The instructor operates the instructor terminal 10 to set secret mode within the scope of their permissions (step S3). The instructor is authorized to set secret mode for learners participating in their assigned remote lessons. However, the instructor is not authorized to set friends or restrict information about themselves. Note that the instructor may be authorized to set friends.

[0110] The configuration operation in step S3 is received by the management server 50. Based on the configuration operation in step S3, the management server 50 sets secret mode for the target learner (step S4). Depending on the configuration, the pre-configuration information is changed. The updated secret mode settings are stored in the storage unit 505 of the management server 50. With this, the secret mode setup process before the start of remote lessons is completed.

[0111] [Currently taking remote classes] When it is time for remote learning, the instructor and each student log in to the management server 50 from their respective terminals, and the remote learning session begins. The management server 50 provides the remote learning environment to the instructor terminal 10 and the student terminals 20 (21-23) (step S5). This initiates communication for the remote learning session between the instructor terminal 10 and the student terminals 21-23 (step S6). The instructor terminal 10 and the student terminals 20 display screens corresponding to the secret mode settings. For example, in this remote learning session, the first student and the second student, corresponding to user IDs 01 and 02, are set to secret mode.

[0112] The learner settings screen 613 (see Figure 11) is displayed on the first learner's terminal 21. The first learner can use the learner settings screen 613 to change their secret mode settings during the remote lesson (step S7). The setting operation in step S7 is received by the management server 50. The management server 50 changes the secret mode settings of the target learner based on the setting operation in step S7 (step S8). Step S8 changes the settings of the detailed secret mode settings. The changed secret mode settings are stored in the storage unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0113] The second learner can also change their own secret mode settings in a similar manner (steps S9, S10). In this way, both the first and second learners participate in the lesson while changing their secret mode settings as needed.

[0114] [After remote learning] When a remote class ends, the management server 50 generates remote class history data and stores it in the storage unit 505 along with the class ID and the participant's user ID (step S11). As a result, the history data illustrated in Figure 13 is accumulated in the storage unit 505. The management server 50 reads the history data of numerous remote classes accumulated in the storage unit 505 and performs aggregation processing (step S12). As a result, the history data (aggregated data) illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 is generated, and the generated data is accumulated in the storage unit 505.

[0115] The management server 50 refers to the storage unit 505 and executes the history data transmission process (step S13). As a result, the history data of the remote lesson is transmitted to the learner terminals 21-23 and the instructor terminal 10. However, the history data transmitted to the learner terminals 21-23 is different from the history data transmitted to the instructor terminal 10.

[0116] History data of the individual learners is transmitted to learner terminals 21-23 in the manner shown in Figures 13 and 14. The transmitted data consists only of data corresponding to the learner's user ID. This allows the first to third learners to check their remote lesson history. History data shown in Figure 15 is transmitted to the instructor terminal 10. This allows the instructor to understand the participation patterns of participants in the remote lesson.

[0117] [Administrator settings process] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the administrator configuration process. Here, using Figure 17, we will explain the process by which the management server 50 sets secret mode in response to operations on the administrator terminal 30. The process based on this flowchart is mainly executed by the mode setting unit 501 (see Figure 3).

[0118] The administrator terminal 30 displays a settings screen for configuring secret mode. The settings screen includes a start button to begin the configuration. The administrator configuring secret mode clicks the start button.

[0119] The management server 50 detects a click of the start button by an administrator account (step S101). Next, the management server 50 obtains learner information according to the administrator privileges (step S102). The learner information according to the administrator privileges includes the learner's user ID, etc. Next, based on the obtained information, the management server 50 displays the learner's settings according to the administrator privileges on the administrator terminal 30 (step S103). The settings include whether or not to enable secret mode, detailed settings for secret mode, settings for making learner information public or private to the instructor, and friend settings, etc.

[0120] The administrator terminal 30 displays a screen for configuring these settings. The administrator configures the necessary items while viewing the screen. The management server 50 accepts various settings for learners according to the administrator's authority, including settings for making learner information public or private to instructors, and friend settings (step S104).

[0121] The administrator operating the administrator terminal 30 performs a confirmation operation on the settings screen once the settings are complete. The management server 50 repeats the process in step S104 until it detects the confirmation operation. When the management server 50 detects the confirmation operation (YES in step S105), it stores the confirmed settings as pre-configuration information in the storage unit 505 and completes the process based on this flowchart.

[0122] [Instructor setting process] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the instructor setting process. Here, using Figure 18, we will explain the process by which the management server 50 sets secret mode in response to the operation of the instructor terminal 10. The process based on this flowchart is mainly executed by the mode setting unit 501 (see Figure 3).

[0123] The instructor's terminal 10 displays a settings screen for configuring secret mode. The settings screen includes a start button to begin the configuration. The instructor who wants to configure secret mode clicks the start button.

[0124] The management server 50 detects the start button click operation by the instructor's account (step S201). Next, the management server 50 retrieves preconfiguration information from the system settings (step S202). The preconfiguration information is set in step S106, for example, in response to the administrator's operation.

[0125] Next, the management server 50 generates a list of potential participants for the class (a list of learners' user IDs) (step S203), and based on the generated data, displays a dialog box of the list of potential participants on the instructor's terminal 10 (step S204). As a result, the screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the instructor's terminal 10. Next, the management server 50 accepts the instructor's operation to set secret mode (step S205). The operation to set secret mode includes whether or not secret mode is set as shown in Figure 4, and the setting of the detailed setting items shown in Figure 9.

[0126] When an instructor operates the instructor terminal 10, they perform a confirmation operation on the settings screen after completing the settings. The management server 50 repeats the process in step S205 until it detects the confirmation operation. When the management server 50 detects the confirmation operation (YES in step S206), it performs the secret user setting process (step S207) and stores the confirmed settings in the storage unit 505. Next, it performs the process of generating the instructor screen and the learner screen corresponding to the confirmed settings (steps S208 and S209), and completes the process based on this flowchart. Figure 19 will be used to explain the details of the process of generating the instructor screen, and Figure 20 will be used to explain the details of the process of generating the learner screen.

[0127] [Instructor screen generation process] Figure 19 shows a subroutine to illustrate the flow of the instructor screen generation process. First, the management server 50 sets the starting value of the user ID (step S301). For example, here the user ID is set to 01. Next, the management server 50 determines whether or not there is a secret mode setting for the instructor for the target ID (the set ID) (step S302).

[0128] If the management server 50 does not have a secret mode setting enabled for the instructor, it generates a screen containing information about the learner with the target ID (step S303). This generates a worksheet containing information about the learner with the target ID (such as their name). The worksheet generated here constitutes, for example, the worksheet screen for each learner shown in Figure 5.

[0129] If the management server 50 has a secret mode setting enabled for instructors, it will not generate a screen containing information about the learner with the target ID. As a result, the instructor's screen will not display information about the learner with the target ID.

[0130] Next, the management server 50 determines whether or not all user IDs have been checked (step S304). If not all user IDs have been checked, the management server 50 updates the user IDs (step S305). For example, if the target ID was 01, step S305 updates the next target ID to 02. Based on the updated ID, the management server 50 executes the processes from step S302 onward. By repeating these processes, the management server 50 determines whether or not to generate a screen containing learner information for all user IDs, and generates the screen according to the determination result.

[0131] If the management server 50 determines in step S304 that all user IDs have been checked, it sends the data from the generated worksheet list screen to the instructor terminal 10 (step S306). As a result, the instructor screen illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is displayed on the instructor terminal 10.

[0132] [Learner screen generation process] Figure 20 shows a subroutine to illustrate the flow of the learner screen generation process. First, the management server 50 obtains learner information and secret mode setting information for each user ID (step S401). Next, the management server 50 sets the leading value of the user ID (step S402). For example, here the user ID is set to 01. Next, the management server 50 determines whether or not secret mode is set for the target ID (the set ID) (step S403). Here, we take the example where secret mode is set to the default setting, that is, all detailed setting items are set to private.

[0133] If secret mode is not set, the management server 50 generates a screen containing information about the learner with the target ID (step S404). This generates a worksheet containing information about the learner with the target ID (such as name). The worksheet generated here constitutes, for example, the worksheet screen for each learner shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0134] If secret mode is enabled, the management server 50 determines whether or not there is a friend setting for the target ID (step S405). If there is a friend setting, the management server 50 generates a screen containing the learner's information for the target ID for the person who has been set as a friend (step S406). For example, if the first learner with ID=01 is set to secret mode, the management server 50 prevents the first learner's information from being displayed on screens for other learners. However, if there is a friend setting, the management server 50 exceptionally displays the first learner's information on screens for learners who have been set as friends.

[0135] If the management server 50 is set to secret mode and there are no friend settings for the target ID, it will not generate a screen containing learner information for the target ID. As a result, learner information for the target ID will not be displayed on the learner screen.

[0136] Next, the management server 50 determines whether or not all user IDs have been checked (step S407). If not all user IDs have been checked, the management server 50 updates the user IDs (step S408). For example, if the target ID was 01, step S408 updates the next target ID to 02. Based on the updated ID, the management server 50 executes the processes from step S403 onwards. By repeating these processes, the management server 50 determines whether or not to generate a screen containing learner information for all user IDs, and generates the screen according to the determination result.

[0137] If the management server 50 determines in step S407 that all user IDs have been checked, it sends the data from the generated worksheet list screen to the learner terminal 20 (step S409). As a result, the learner screen illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is displayed on the learner terminal 20.

[0138] [Differentiation] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating the process of restricting participants in a modified example. Here, as a modified example, we will explain the process of restricting the members who can participate in remote classes to those who have been registered in advance.

[0139] In this modified version, learners who can participate in remote lessons are registered in advance as members of the class. This registration is equivalent to registering to participate in the lesson. Registered learners are granted the right to participate in the remote lessons of that class as participants. Learners who are not registered (learners outside the class) are not granted the right to participate in remote lessons. Registered learners are allowed to use settings such as setting and disabling incognito mode, as described above.

[0140] The following describes the process flow for achieving this control, referring to the flowchart in Figure 21. The process based on this flowchart is executed by the management server 50.

[0141] First, the management server 50 performs participant registration (step S501). Participant registration is the process of registering learners who can participate in remote lessons as members of the remote lesson class (class) in advance, according to the instructions of the person with registration authority. In the participant registration process, the management server 50 registers, for example, the user ID of the person to be registered. The person with registration authority is, for example, the teacher in charge of the remote lesson. After completing the participant registration process, the management server 50 waits until the start time of the remote lesson for which the participant registration process was performed.

[0142] When the start time of the remote class for which participant registration has been processed arrives (YES in step S502), the management server 50 receives participation requests from those who wish to participate in the remote class (step S503). These participation requests may be sent by participants who have already been registered through the participant registration process, or they may be sent by external parties who have not been registered through the participant registration process. The management server 50 determines whether the received participation request was sent by a participant who has already been registered through the participant registration process (step S504). More specifically, the management server 50 determines whether the user ID included in the participation request has been registered through the participant registration process.

[0143] If the management server 50 determines that the user ID included in the participation request has been registered through the participant registration process, it permits the participant to participate in the remote class (step S505). If the management server 50 determines that the user ID included in the participation request has not been registered through the participant registration process, it prohibits the participant from participating in the remote class (step S506).

[0144] Next, the management server 50 determines whether or not it is the end time of the remote class (step S507). If it is not the end time of the remote class, the management server 50 returns to step S503 and executes the process of receiving a participation request. If the management server 50 determines that it is the end time of the remote class, it terminates the process based on this flowchart.

[0145] By applying the modified examples described above to the embodiments described above, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by members not anticipated in advance participating in remote classes. For example, when this modified example is applied to the flowchart shown in Figure 16, the first to third learners are permitted to participate in remote classes on the condition that they have been registered as participants in advance through the participant registration process.

[0146] Furthermore, learners outside the class who are not pre-registered may be allowed to participate in remote lessons as guests or through post-registration. However, it is desirable that guests or those who participate through post-registration do not have access to the standard mode, unlike officially registered participants.

[0147] [program] The program for causing the management server 50 to execute the processes described above is stored in the management server 50's memory 52. ​​Such a program includes at least the flowcharts shown in Figures 16 to 20 above. The program can also be provided as a program product by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), ROM, RAM, and memory card attached to the management server 50's computer. Alternatively, the program can be provided by recording it on a recording medium such as a hard disk built into the computer. Furthermore, the program can be provided by downloading it over a network. The program can be executed by one or more processors such as a CPU, or by a combination of a processor and circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0148] Furthermore, a program may call necessary program modules from among those provided as part of the computer's OS (Operating System) in a predetermined sequence and at predetermined timings, causing the processor to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not contain the above modules and processes in cooperation with the OS. Programs that do not contain such modules may also be included in the program of this embodiment.

[0149] Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment may be provided as part of another program. In that case, the program itself does not contain any modules included in the other program, but works in cooperation with the other program to cause the processor to execute processing. Such a program incorporated into another program may also be included in the program according to this embodiment.

[0150] [Pattern] The following are the aspects of this disclosure.

[0151] (Section 1) The remote learning support system (1) described in Section 1 is a remote learning support system (1) for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, comprising a first terminal (21) operated by a first learner, a second terminal (22) operated by a second learner, and a server (50) that is communicably connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and provides a remote learning environment, wherein the server has a processing device (51) that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal.

[0152] (Clause 2) The remote learning support system described in Clause 1 further includes an instructor terminal (10) operated by the instructor in charge of remote learning, and the server can restrict the provision of information of the first learner to the instructor terminal in secret mode (Figure 10).

[0153] (Section 3) In the remote learning support system described in Section 2, the server can provide the information of the first learner to the instructor's terminal in secret mode (Figure 5).

[0154] (Clause 4) In the remote learning support system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the processing device sets the secret mode in multiple patterns (Figure 9), and the multiple patterns include a first pattern that prohibits the provision of first information of the first learner and allows the provision of second information of the first learner (for example, prohibiting the provision of the first learner's video and allowing the provision of their name), and a second pattern that allows the provision of first information of the first learner and allows the provision of second information of the first learner (for example, prohibiting the provision of the first learner's name and allowing the provision of their video).

[0155] (Article 5) In the remote learning support system described in any one of Articles 1 to 4, the processing unit sets secret mode based on the operation of the first terminal (Figure 11).

[0156] (Section 6) In the remote learning support system described in Section 4, the server further has a storage unit (505) for storing the history of remote learning, and the processing unit generates a participation history of the first learner that associates the remote learning in which the first learner participated with the secret mode pattern, and stores the generated participation history of the first learner in the storage unit as the history of remote learning (Figure 13).

[0157] (Section 7) In the remote learning support system described in Section 6, the processing unit aggregates the participation history of the first learner according to the secret mode pattern and further stores the aggregated data in the storage unit as the history of remote learning (Figure 14).

[0158] (Clause 8) In the remote learning support system described in Clause 6, the processing unit provides the remote learning history of the first learner stored in the memory unit to the first terminal (S13 in Figure 16).

[0159] (Clause 9) The remote learning support system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8 further includes an administrator terminal operated by the administrator, and the processing unit sets secret mode based on the operation of the administrator terminal (steps S1, S2 in Figure 16).

[0160] (Item 10) In the remote learning support system described in Item 3, when the instructor's terminal is set to secret mode, the information of the first learner and the information of the second learner are displayed on different screens (Figure 5).

[0161] (Item 11) In the remote learning support system described in Item 2, the processing unit sets secret mode based on the operation of the instructor's terminal (steps S3 and S4 in Figure 16).

[0162] (Section 12) In the remote learning support system described in Section 6, the processing unit collects the participation history of each of the two or more learners, including the first learner, according to the secret mode pattern, and further stores the collected data in the storage unit as the remote learning history (Figure 14).

[0163] (Clause 13) In the remote learning support system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, the system further comprises a third terminal (23) operated by a third learner, and the processing unit determines whether or not to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the third terminal when setting the remote learning mode to secret mode (friend setting: step S406 in Figure 20).

[0164] (Clause 14) In the remote learning support system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, the processing unit automatically sets the server to secret mode based on the communication source information (local IP address or global IP address) of the learner who accessed the server (communication source determination unit 502).

[0165] (Clause 15) In the remote learning support system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, the server is capable of performing a registration process to register participants in remote learning, and the server permits the first and second learners to participate in the remote learning if they have been registered as participants in the remote learning through the registration process (Figure 21).

[0166] (Clause 16) A method for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, comprising the steps of communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner (step S6 in Figure 16), providing a remote learning environment (step S5 in Figure 16), and setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of information of the first learner to the second terminal (steps S2, S4, S8, S10 in Figure 16).

[0167] (Section 17) A program is a program that causes a computer to perform the actions described in Section 16.

[0168] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1 Remote learning support system, 10 Instructor terminals, 20, 21, 22, 23, 200 Student terminals, 30, 31, 32 Administrator terminals, 50 Management server, 51 Processor, 52 Memory, 53 Storage, 54 Communication interface, 90 Network, 101, 201 Main unit, 102, 202 Display, 103, 203 Keyboard, 104, 204 Mouse, 501 Mode setting unit, 502 Communication source determination unit, 503 History data generation unit, 504 Transmission unit, 505 Memory unit, 601 Setup start screen, 602 Secret user setting screen, 603 Standard screen, 604 Secret screen, 611, 612 Student screen, 613 Student settings screen, 900 Location.

Claims

1. A remote learning support system for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, A first terminal operated by the first learner, A second terminal operated by a second learner, The system comprises the first terminal and the second terminal, and a server that is connected to the first terminal in a communicative manner and provides the remote learning environment, The server has a processing device that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, The system further includes an instructor's terminal operated by the instructor responsible for the aforementioned remote lessons, A remote learning support system in which the server can restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the instructor's terminal in secret mode.

2. A remote learning support system for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, A first terminal operated by the first learner, A second terminal operated by a second learner, The system comprises the first terminal and the second terminal, and a server that is connected to the first terminal in a communicative manner and provides the remote learning environment, The server has a processing device that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, The processing device is a remote learning support system that sets the secret mode based on the operation of the first terminal.

3. A remote learning support system for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, A first terminal operated by the first learner, A second terminal operated by a second learner, The system comprises the first terminal and the second terminal, and a server that is connected to the first terminal in a communicative manner and provides the remote learning environment, The server has a processing device that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, It also includes an administrator terminal operated by the administrator, The processing device is a remote learning support system that sets the secret mode based on the operation of the administrator terminal.

4. A remote learning support system for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, A first terminal operated by the first learner, A second terminal operated by a second learner, The system comprises the first terminal and the second terminal, and a server that is connected to the first terminal in a communicative manner and provides the remote learning environment, The server has a processing device that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, Further comprising a third terminal operated by a third learner, The processing device is a remote learning support system that determines whether or not to restrict the provision of information of the first learner to the third terminal when setting the mode of the remote learning to the secret mode.

5. A remote learning support system for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, A first terminal operated by the first learner, A second terminal operated by a second learner, The system comprises the first terminal and the second terminal, and a server that is connected to the first terminal in a communicative manner and provides the remote learning environment, The server has a processing device that sets a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, The processing device is a remote learning support system that automatically sets the server to secret mode based on the communication source information of a learner who has accessed the server.

6. The remote learning support system according to claim 1, wherein the server is capable of providing the information of the first learner to the instructor's terminal in secret mode.

7. The processing device sets the secret mode in multiple patterns, The remote learning support system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of patterns include a first pattern that prohibits the provision of first information of the first learner and allows the provision of second information of the first learner, and a second pattern that allows the provision of first information of the first learner and allows the provision of second information of the first learner.

8. The server further includes a storage unit for storing the history of the remote lessons, The remote learning support system according to claim 7, wherein the processing device generates a participation history of the first learner that associates the remote lessons in which the first learner participated with the patterns of the secret mode, and stores the generated participation history of the first learner in the storage unit as a history of the remote lessons.

9. The remote learning support system according to claim 8, wherein the processing device aggregates the participation history of the first learner according to the secret mode pattern and further stores the aggregated data in the storage unit as the history of the remote learning.

10. The remote learning support system according to claim 8, wherein the processing device provides the history of the remote learning of the first learner stored in the storage unit to the first terminal.

11. The remote learning support system according to claim 6, wherein the instructor's terminal displays the information of the first learner and the information of the second learner on different screens when the secret mode is set.

12. The remote learning support system according to claim 1, wherein the processing device sets the secret mode based on the operation of the instructor's terminal.

13. The remote learning support system according to claim 8, wherein the processing device aggregates the participation history of each of the two or more learners, including the first learner, according to the secret mode pattern, and further stores the aggregated data in the storage unit as the history of the remote learning.

14. The server is capable of performing a registration process to register participants for the remote class. The remote learning support system according to claim 1, wherein the server allows the first learner and the second learner to participate in the remote learning when the first learner and the second learner have been registered as participants in the remote learning through the registration process.

15. A method for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, The method described above includes a number of steps performed by a computer, The aforementioned steps are: The steps include communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner, The steps include providing the aforementioned remote learning environment, The steps include setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, A method comprising the step of restricting the provision of information about the first learner to an instructor terminal operated by the instructor in charge of the remote lesson, in the secret mode.

16. A method for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, The method described above includes a number of steps performed by a computer, The aforementioned steps are: The steps include communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner, The steps include providing the aforementioned remote learning environment, The steps include setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, A method comprising the step of setting the secret mode based on the operation of the first terminal.

17. A method for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, The method described above includes a number of steps performed by a computer, The aforementioned steps are: The steps include communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner, The steps include providing the aforementioned remote learning environment, The steps include setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, A method comprising the step of setting the secret mode based on an operation of an administrator terminal operated by an administrator.

18. A method for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, The method described above includes a number of steps performed by a computer, The aforementioned steps are: The steps include communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner, The steps include providing the aforementioned remote learning environment, The steps include setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, A method comprising the step of determining whether or not to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to a third terminal operated by a third learner when setting the mode of the remote lesson to the secret mode.

19. A method for supporting remote learning in which multiple learners participate via a network, The method described above includes a number of steps performed by a computer, The aforementioned steps are: The steps include communicating with a first terminal operated by a first learner and a second terminal operated by a second learner, The steps include providing the aforementioned remote learning environment, The steps include setting a secret mode to restrict the provision of the first learner's information to the second terminal, A method comprising the step of automatically setting the system to secret mode based on the communication source information of the learner who accessed it.

20. A program for causing a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 15 to 19.

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