Programs, methods, information processing devices, systems

Abstract

To allow students to efficiently use educational software.SOLUTION: A program is to be executed by a computer equipped with a processor and a memory. The program makes the processor execute the steps of: accepting a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by a teacher; requesting the teacher who operates the first terminal, which has transmitted the request to use, to fill out terms of service; activating a right to use the educational software for the teacher when the teacher agrees to the terms of service; and providing functions of the educational software to a second terminal operated by a student to whom the teacher has shared the right to use the software in response to a request from the second terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to programs, methods, information processing apparatuses, and systems.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there is an educational model in which teaching materials are provided online. For example, in Patent Document 1, there is described a technique for conducting classes using teaching materials by allowing students and teachers to access the teaching materials stored in a server from terminal devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When teaching materials are provided online, for example, a student who is a user starts using the service after accepting the terms of use. However, if only students who have accepted the terms of use can use the service, it may take time before starting to use it.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to enable students to efficiently use educational software.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This is a program to be executed on a computer equipped with a processor and memory. The program causes the processor to perform the following steps: receive a request to use the educational software from a first terminal operated by a teacher; request the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the request to enter the terms of use; if the teacher agrees to the terms of use, activate the right for the teacher to use the educational software; and in response to a request from a second terminal operated by a student who has been given the right to use the software by the teacher, provide the functions of the educational software to the second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, educational software can be used efficiently by students. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 10. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the data structure of the user information table 2021. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of how server 20 operates when a teacher registers to use educational software. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the display 141 of the terminal device 10. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of how server 20 operates when a teacher or student uses educational software. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the display 141 of the terminal device 10. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of Computer 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0010] <Overview> The system according to this embodiment provides educational software to teachers or students. The system, for example, receives acceptance of the terms of use for the educational software from the teacher. The system allows students who have been granted usage rights by the teacher to use the educational software for which the teacher has accepted the terms of use. This enables students to use the educational software without interruption when the teacher uses it in class.

[0011] In this embodiment, "teacher" means a person responsible for education at an educational institution. In this embodiment, the term "teacher" is used, but terms such as "sensei" (teacher) or "lecturer" may also be used. "Student" means a person receiving education at an educational institution. In this embodiment, the term "student" is used, but terms such as "student" may also be used.

[0012] <1 System Configuration Diagram> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. System 1 shown in Figure 1 includes, for example, a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 communicate with each other via, for example, a network 80.

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example where System 1 includes three terminal devices 10, but the number of terminal devices 10 included in System 1 is not limited to three. System 1 can include any number of terminal devices 10, as long as there are two or more.

[0014] In FIG. 1, an example in which the system 1 includes one server 20 is shown, but the number of servers 20 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. The server 20 may be composed of a plurality of servers according to the functions it has. Further, the server 20 may be, for example, an aggregate of a plurality of devices regarded as one server. The way of distributing the plurality of functions required to implement the server 20 according to this embodiment for one or a plurality of hardware can be appropriately determined in view of the processing capabilities of each hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20 or the like.

[0015] The terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a teacher or a student. The terminal device 10 operated by the teacher is, for example, an example of the first terminal, and the terminal device 10 operated by the student is, for example, an example of the second terminal. The terminal device 10 is realized by, for example, a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, or the like. The terminal device 10 may be realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. Further, the terminal device 10 may be a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display). The hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 operated by the teacher may be, for example, the same as or different from the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 operated by the student.

[0016] The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc.) for receiving an input operation from a user. The output device 14 is a device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the user.

[0017] The server 20 is, for example, an information processing device that manages educational software.

[0018] Server 20 is realized by, for example, a computer connected to network 80. As shown in FIG. 1, server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from the user and with an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0019] Each information processing device is composed of a computer including an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. Regarding each of terminal device 10 and server 20, descriptions overlapping with the basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer to be described later will be omitted.

[0020] <1.1 Configuration of Terminal Device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a camera 160, a position information sensor 150, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Each block included in terminal device 10 is electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

[0021] The communication unit 120 performs processes such as modulation / demodulation processing for terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits it to the outside (for example, server 20). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0022] The input device 13 is a device for a user operating the terminal device 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 can be implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. If the terminal device 10 is a PC, the input device 13 may be implemented by a reader, keyboard, mouse, etc. The input device 13 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0023] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the terminal device 10. The output device 14 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0024] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts the signal received from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0025] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal.

[0026] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The location information sensor 150 may also detect the current position of the terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the terminal device 10 is connected.

[0027] The storage unit 180 is implemented by, for example, memory 15 and storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181.

[0028] User information 181 includes, for example, information about the user who uses the terminal device 10. User information includes, for example, the user's name, age, address, date of birth, telephone number, email address, etc.

[0029] The control unit 190 is realized when the processor 19 reads a program stored in the memory unit 180 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, and a display control unit 193.

[0030] The operation reception unit 191 processes instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like.

[0031] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives images input from the camera 160. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives the image data captured by the camera 160.

[0032] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice information input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice data input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital data by the voice processing unit 17.

[0033] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits instructions input by the user or various information acquired to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided by the server 20. The information provided by the server 20 includes, for example, information regarding the terms of use for using the educational software, or information regarding the educational software itself. The terms of use are a compilation of rules for using the educational software.

[0034] The display control unit 193 controls the output device 14 to display a predetermined image to the user. For example, the display control unit 193 controls the display 141 to display the terms of use provided by the server 20 to the teacher, who is acting as the user. The display control unit 193 also controls the display 141 to display images related to educational software to the teacher or student, who is acting as the user.

[0035] <1.2 Functional Configuration of the Server> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 3, server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0036] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0037] The storage unit 202 has, for example, a user information table 2021.

[0038] User Information Table 2021 is a table that stores information about teachers who have agreed to the terms of use for the educational software. Further details will be provided later.

[0039] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executes instructions contained in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 performs the functions of a receive control module 2031, a transmit control module 2032, an issue module 2033, and an execution module 2034.

[0040] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0041] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0042] The publishing module 2033 controls the process of issuing the right to use educational software to users who wish to use it. For example, publishing module 2033 sends the terms of use for the educational software to a teacher who has requested to use the software. If the teacher accepts the terms of use, publishing module 2033 issues the right to use the educational software (usage rights) to the teacher.

[0043] The right to use the educational software may, for example, be a URL to access the website where the educational software runs. The right to use the educational software may also be, for example, a predetermined encryption key. Multiple people may access the website where the educational software runs simultaneously.

[0044] Executable module 2034 runs educational software and provides its functions. For example, when a user (teacher or student) who has the right to use the educational software requests that executable module 2034 run the educational software, it provides the requested functions of the educational software to the requesting user. Specifically, for example, if a user (teacher or student) specifies a URL for accessing a website that provides the functions of a particular educational software, executable module 2034 will allow the user to access that website. Executable module 2034 will allow not only teachers who have agreed to the terms of service, but also students, to access the website without requiring them to agree to the terms of service. On the accessed website, executable module 2034 provides the functions of the educational software to the user. Executable module 2034 provides functionality to each user in parallel when multiple users with usage rights request access to the educational software simultaneously.

[0045] <2 Data Structure> Figure 4 shows the data structure of the information stored by server 20. Note that Figure 4 is an example and does not exclude any data not shown.

[0046] Figure 4 shows the data structure of User Information Table 2021. The User Information Table 2021 shown in Figure 4 is a table with User ID as the key and columns for Name, Age, Address, Date of Birth, Email Address, Facility, Registration Date, Usage Information, URL, etc. User Information Table 2021 may also include a column to store occupation.

[0047] The User ID is a field that stores an identifier to uniquely identify a user. The User ID is set, for example, when a user is registered. The Name field stores the user's name. The Age field stores the user's age. The Address field stores the user's place of residence. The Date of Birth field stores the date the user was born. The Email Address field stores the user's email address.

[0048] The "Facility" field stores information about the facility where the user works as a teacher. This information may include the facility's address or a unique name that identifies the facility. Examples of facilities include educational institutions such as schools. Educational institutions include, for example, vocational schools, museums, observatories, community centers, martial arts halls, gymnasiums, literary museums, libraries, support schools, and cram schools. The "Registration Date" field stores the date the user registered. The "Usage Information" field stores information about the educational software the user requested to use. The "URL" field stores information about usage rights. Figure 4 shows a case where the usage rights include a URL for accessing the website where the educational software runs.

[0049] <3 operations> The operation of server 20 in system 1 will be described.

[0050] (Teacher registration required) Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of server 20 when a teacher registers to use educational software.

[0051] First, the teacher, acting as a user, operates the terminal device 10 and requests the server 20 to use the educational software.

[0052] In step S11, the server 20 receives a request to use educational software, which is transmitted from the terminal device 10 operated by the teacher.

[0053] In step S12, the control unit 203 requests the terminal device 10 to accept the terms of use via the issuing module 2033. Specifically, for example, the issuing module 2033 requests the terminal device 10 to input the necessary information. The teacher, in accordance with the request, is asked to input information such as their name, age, address, date of birth, email address, name of the facility where they work, and the educational software they wish to use. Once the necessary information is entered by the teacher, the issuing module 2033 stores the entered information in the user information table 2021. For example, after storing the entered information in the user information table 2021, the issuing module 2033 issues a user ID to the teacher who entered the information and stores the issued user ID in the user information table 2021.

[0054] Once the issuing module 2033 stores the data, it displays the terms of service and a form for entering acceptance of the terms of service on the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, the issuing module 2033 sends data related to the terms of service and data related to the form for entering acceptance or rejection to the terminal device 10. The issuing module 2033 may also send to the terminal device 10 a URL for accessing a website where the terms of service and the form for entering acceptance of the terms of service are displayed.

[0055] Terminal device 10 displays the terms of service and a form for entering acceptance of the terms of service on the display 141. The teacher reviews the terms of service, and if there are no problems with the content, enters an acceptance of the terms of service into terminal device 10.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the terminal device 10's display 141. In Figure 6, the display 141 shows a display 1411 representing the terms of service, an accept button 1412 for entering acceptance, and a cancel button 1413 for entering rejection. The teacher checks the contents of the terms of service displayed on the display 1411, and if there are no problems with the contents, presses the accept button 1412.

[0057] In step S13, the server 20 accepts the teacher's acceptance of the terms of service, which is transmitted from the terminal device 10 operated by the teacher.

[0058] In step S14, the control unit 203 issues a right to use the educational software to the teacher who has agreed to the terms of use, using the issuing module 2033. Specifically, for example, the issuing module 2033 issues a URL to the teacher who has agreed to the terms of use for accessing the website on which the educational software is run. Once the issuing module 2033 issues the right to use, it stores information about the issued right in the user information table 2021.

[0059] The publishing module 2033 may, for example, inform the teacher that students can also use the educational software by using the published usage rights. Specifically, the publishing module 2033 may, for example, cause the terminal device 10 to display that students can also use the educational software by using the published URL.

[0060] Furthermore, the timing of the issuance of usage rights is not limited to after acceptance of the terms of use. Usage rights may be granted along with the terms of use, and the usage rights may become effective upon acceptance of the terms of use.

[0061] (Use of educational software by teachers or students) Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the server 20 operates when a teacher or student uses educational software.

[0062] First, the teacher distributes the issued usage rights to the students. Specifically, for example, the teacher provides the issued URL to the students who will be taking the teacher's lectures.

[0063] When a teacher or student uses the educational software, they request the server 20 to use the issued license. Specifically, for example, a teacher or student operates the terminal device 10, specifies the issued URL in a web browser, and accesses the website where the educational software runs. At this time, the teacher or student may also run an application installed on the terminal device 10 and specify the URL within the runnable application to run the educational software.

[0064] In step S21, the server 20 receives a request from the terminal device 10 to use educational software with a usage right.

[0065] In step S22, the control unit 203 provides the requester with information about the educational software for which usage rights have been granted via the execution module 2034. Specifically, for example, the execution module 2034 executes the educational software on a website accessed via the specified URL and provides the functions of the executed educational software to the requester.

[0066] The executable module 2034 provides the functions of the educational software to students who have not agreed to the terms of use, as well as to teachers who have agreed to the terms of use, without requiring them to agree to the terms of use. When providing the functions of the educational software to students, the executable module 2034 may indicate to the students that the teacher has agreed to the terms of use. The indication of the teacher's agreement to the terms of use may be through a message displayed on the terminal device 10 or through an audio notification from the terminal device 10.

[0067] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the terminal device 10's display 141. In Figure 8, the display 141 shows a message 1414 indicating that the teacher has agreed to the terms of service, and an OK button 1415 for the student to input that they have confirmed the message. The student confirms the content of the message 1414 and presses the OK button 1415.

[0068] As described above, in the above embodiment, the server 20 receives a request to use the educational software from a terminal device 10 operated by a teacher. The control unit 203 of the server 20, via the issuing module 2033, requests the teacher operating the terminal device 10 that sent the request to enter the terms of use. When the teacher agrees to the terms of use, the issuing module 2033 activates the right for the teacher to use the educational software. The control unit 203, via the execution module 2034, responds to a request from a terminal device 10 operated by a student who has been given the right to use the software by the teacher, and provides the functions of the educational software to the terminal device 10 operated by the student. As a result, if the teacher agrees to the terms of use, the student who has been given the right to use the software by the teacher can use it.

[0069] Educational software may contain data (such as image data) that the software provider wishes to restrict the use of. Therefore, it is desirable to establish terms of use. However, requiring consent from all students who use the educational software is laborious. In this embodiment, only the teacher who uses the educational software in classes, lectures, etc., needs to agree to the terms of use, and students will also be able to use the educational software, thus reducing the effort required to use the educational software.

[0070] Therefore, according to System 1 of this embodiment, educational software can be used efficiently by students.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the executable module 2034 provides the functionality of the educational software without obtaining student consent to the terms of use. As a result, if the teacher agrees to the terms of use, students who have been given shared rights by the teacher can use the educational software without reviewing the terms of use.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the publishing module 2033 enables a teacher to use the educational software, it informs the teacher that students can also use the educational software using that right. This clarifies the teacher's actions in allowing students to use the educational software.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a student uses the educational software, the executable module 2034 uniquely identifies the teacher who has shared the right to use the software with the student and indicates that the teacher has agreed to the terms of use. This makes it possible to draw attention to the student's use of the software.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the execution module 2034 provides the functions of the educational software to the terminal device 10 operated by the authenticated student. This enables the execution module 2034 to identify the students who are using the educational software.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the execution module 2034 identifies students based on authentication and manages the use of the educational software for each identified student. This allows the execution module 2034 to understand how students are using the educational software.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the execution module 2034 manages the progress of the curriculum using educational software for each identified student. This allows the execution module 2034 to grasp the learning progress and the level of understanding for each unit for each student.

[0077] <Variation> The above embodiment describes a case in which students can immediately access the functions of the educational software using their usage rights. In other words, it describes a case in which students can use the functions of the educational software running on the website specified by the URL by accessing a shared URL. However, student authentication may be performed when students use the educational software.

[0078] For example, when a student requests to use the software, the execution module 2034 requests the input of pre-registered user information. User information includes, for example, a designated ID and password. The execution module 2034 compares the information entered by the user with the pre-registered user information. If the user information is entered correctly, the execution module 2034 approves the user and allows the approved user to use the educational software. The execution module 2034 identifies the approved users and manages their use of the educational software. In other words, the execution module 2034 stores in the memory unit 202 how far each user has progressed in the curriculum provided by the educational software. Therefore, the execution module 2034 can manage learning progress for each user. As a result, teachers can keep track of learning progress for each user.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the control unit 203 may, via the issuing module 2033, not permit the use of the educational software if the user is not an education-related person (teacher). Specifically, the issuing module 2033 may not permit the use of the educational software depending on the facility to which the teacher belongs. For example, the issuing module 2033 will not permit the use of the educational software if the "facility" entered by the user is not an educational facility. This makes it possible to encourage the use of the educational software for educational purposes.

[0080] Furthermore, the publishing module 2033 may refuse to grant permission for the use of the educational software depending on the user's occupation. For example, if the "occupation" entered by the user is not an education-related occupation, the publishing module 2033 will not grant permission for the use of the educational software. In this case, the storage unit 202 has already stored education-related occupations. This makes it possible to encourage the use of the educational software for educational purposes.

[0081] <4. Basic Hardware Configuration of a Computer> Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, main memory 92, auxiliary storage 93, and a communication interface 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0082] The processor 91 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program. The processor 91 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0083] Main memory 92 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0084] Auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for storing data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0085] A communication IF99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0086] A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0088] <Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 shown in Figure 9 will be explained. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0089] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0090] The control unit is realized when the processor 91 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, loads them into the main memory device 92, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0091] The memory unit is implemented by a main memory 92 and an auxiliary memory 93. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 91 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary memory 93 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 91 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0092] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link data sets called tables, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, the columns of a table are called columns, and the rows of a table are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables.

[0093] Typically, each table has a key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a key on a column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables stored in the memory unit according to various programs.

[0094] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF99. The communication unit implements the function of communicating with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0095] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0096] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below. (Note 1) A program for execution on a computer having a processor and memory, the program causing the processor to perform the following steps: receiving a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by a teacher; requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the request to enter the terms of use; validating the right for the teacher to use the educational software once the teacher has agreed to the terms of use; and providing the functions of the educational software to a second terminal in response to a request from a second terminal operated by a student who has been given the right to use the educational software by the teacher. (Note 2) The program described in (Appendix 1) provides the functionality of the educational software without obtaining the consent of students to the terms of use in the step of providing the functionality of the educational software. (Note 3) The program described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2) shall, in the acceptance step, verify whether the person requesting the use of the educational software is an educational person, and in the activation step, shall not activate the right to use the educational software if the person requesting the use of the educational software is not an educational person. (Note 4) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3) that, when granting teachers the right to use educational software, causes the processor to perform a step that indicates to the teacher that students can also use the educational software using that right. (Note 5) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 4), which, in the step of providing the functionality of educational software, uniquely identifies the teacher who has shared the right to use the educational software with the student when the student uses the software, and indicates that the teacher has agreed to the terms of use. (Note 6) In the step of providing the functions of the educational software, the program described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5) provides the functions of the educational software to a second terminal operated by an authenticated student. (Note 7) The program described in (Appendix 6) involves causing the processor to perform the steps of identifying students based on authentication and managing the use of educational software for each identified student. (Note 8) In the step of managing the use of educational software, the program described in (Appendix 7) manages the progress of the curriculum using the educational software for each identified student. (Note 9) A method to be performed on a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs the steps of: receiving a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by a teacher; requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the request to enter the terms of use; validating the right to use the educational software for the teacher once the teacher has agreed to the terms of use; and providing the functions of the educational software to a second terminal in response to a request from a second terminal operated by a student who has been given the right to use the educational software by the teacher. (Note 10) An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit performs the steps of: receiving a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by a teacher; requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the request to enter the terms of use; validating the right to use the educational software for the teacher once the teacher has agreed to the terms of use; and providing the functions of the educational software to a second terminal in response to a request from a second terminal operated by a student who has been given the right to use the educational software by the teacher. (Note 11) A system comprising: means for receiving requests to use educational software from a first terminal operated by a teacher; means for requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the request to enter the terms of use; means for granting the teacher the right to use the educational software once the teacher agrees to the terms of use; and means for providing the functions of the educational software to a second terminal in response to a request from a second terminal operated by a student who has been granted the right to use the software by the teacher. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1... System 10…Terminal device 12…Communication IF 120... Communications Department 13…Input device 131…Touch-sensitive devices 14…Output device 141…Display 15…Memory 150…Location information sensor 16…Storage 160... Camera 17…Sound Processing Unit 171... Mike 172...Speaker 180...Storage section 19… Processor 190... Control Unit 20... Server

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed by the processor, The steps include receiving a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by the teacher, The steps include requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the aforementioned usage request to enter the terms of service, The steps include: If the teacher agrees to the terms of use, the teacher is granted the right to use the educational software; The steps include: granting the teacher the right to use the educational software, informing the teacher that students can also use the educational software using the right to use it; A program that causes the teacher to perform the steps of: responding to a request from a second terminal to use the educational software using the rights that have been made available to the teacher, and providing the functions of the educational software to the second terminal.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the functions of the educational software, the program provides the functions of the educational software without obtaining the consent of the students to the terms of use.

3. In the aforementioned acceptance step, the system verifies whether the person requesting the use of the educational software is involved in education, based on the occupation entered by the person requesting the use of the educational software and the predetermined education-related occupations. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of enabling, if the person requesting the use of the educational software is not an educational person, the program does not enable the right to use the educational software.

4. The processor further performs the step of enabling the teacher to use the educational software, storing information relating to the right to use the software in association with information that uniquely identifies the teacher. The program according to claim 1, in the step of providing the functions of the educational software, wherein when a student uses the educational software, the program uniquely identifies the teacher based on information that uniquely identifies the teacher associated with the information regarding the right to use, and indicates that the teacher has agreed to the terms of use.

5. The processor, in response to a request from the second terminal to use the educational software using the rights enabled for the teacher, includes the step of requesting the input of user information, The process further involves performing the step of authenticating the student operating the second terminal based on the user information, The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the functions of the educational software, the program identifies a student based on the authentication and provides the functions of the educational software to a second terminal operated by the identified student.

6. The program according to claim 5, which causes the processor to perform the step of identifying a student based on the authentication and managing the use of educational software for each identified student.

7. The program according to claim 6, wherein in the step of managing the use of the aforementioned educational software, the program manages the progress of the curriculum using the educational software for each identified student.

8. A method to be performed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor The steps include receiving a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by the teacher, The steps include requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the aforementioned usage request to enter the terms of service, The steps include: If the teacher agrees to the terms of use, the teacher is granted the right to use the educational software; The steps include: granting the teacher the right to use the educational software, informing the teacher that students can also use the educational software using the right to use it; A method for performing the steps of: responding to a request from a second terminal to use the educational software using the rights enabled for the teacher, and providing the functions of the educational software to the second terminal.

9. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit is The steps include receiving a request to use educational software from a first terminal operated by the teacher, The steps include requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the aforementioned usage request to enter the terms of service, The steps include: If the teacher agrees to the terms of use, the teacher is granted the right to use the educational software; The steps include: granting the teacher the right to use the educational software, informing the teacher that students can also use the educational software using the right to use it; An information processing device that performs the steps of: responding to a request from a second terminal to use the educational software using the rights made available to the teacher, and providing the functions of the educational software to the second terminal.

10. A means of receiving requests to use educational software from a first terminal operated by the teacher, A means for requesting the teacher operating the first terminal that sent the aforementioned usage request to enter the terms of service, When the teacher agrees to the terms of use, means to grant the teacher the right to use the educational software, The means of making the right to use the educational software valid for the teacher is to show the teacher that students can also use the educational software using the right to use it, A system comprising: means for providing the functions of the educational software to a second terminal in response to a request from the second terminal to use the educational software, using the rights that have been made valid for the teacher.

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