Learning support server, learning support program, and learning support method

Abstract

The present invention improves the learning motivation of a learner.　A learning assistance server according to the present invention connects, in a contest mode, to a first terminal operated by a first respondent and a second terminal operated by a second respondent. The learning assistance server comprises: a reception unit that receives, from the first terminal, a first response from the first respondent that has been input into a first input screen displayed on the first terminal; a transmission unit that transmits the result of a determination as to whether the first response is correct or incorrect to the first terminal and the second terminal; and a display control unit that controls the first input screen so as to be in an on state in which it is possible to input the first response and an off state in which it is not possible to input the first response and controls a second input screen so as to be in an on state in which it is possible to input a second response by the second respondent and an off state in which it is not possible to input the second response. When the first input screen is controlled so as to be in the on state, the second input screen is controlled so as to be in the off state and the first response input into the first input screen and the determination result as to whether the first response is correct are displayed on the second terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a learning support server, a learning support program, and a learning support method.

Background Art

[0002] Improving the learning motivation of learners is essential for enhancing the learning outcomes of learners. That is, the learning outcomes of learners are enhanced by the learners' proactive engagement in learning. A system that supports learners' learning by utilizing information processing technology is effective as a tool for enabling learners to engage in learning proactively.

[0003] So far, inventions for supporting the improvement of learners' learning motivation have been proposed. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose inventions related to dictation, which is a learning method of transcribing foreign language voices into characters.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a learning support server, a learning support program, and a learning support method that can support the improvement of learners' learning motivation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The learning support server according to the present invention is an information processing device connected via a communication network to a first terminal operated by a first respondent and a second terminal operated by a second respondent, wherein the first terminal displays a first input screen into which the first respondent's first answer is entered and a first display screen into which the second respondent's second answer is displayed, and the second terminal displays a second input screen into which the second answer is entered and a second display screen into which the first answer is displayed, and the device includes a receiving unit that receives the first answer entered on the first input screen from the first terminal, a transmitting unit that transmits the result of determining whether the first answer is correct or incorrect to the first terminal and the second terminal, and the first input screen The system comprises a first display control unit that controls the first input screen to a first ON state in which a first answer can be entered and a first OFF state in which a first answer cannot be entered, and a second display control unit that controls the second input screen to a second ON state in which a second answer can be entered and a second OFF state in which a second answer cannot be entered, wherein the second display control unit controls the second input screen to a second OFF state when the first input screen is controlled to the first ON state, and controls the second input screen to a second ON state when the first input screen is controlled to the first OFF state, and displays the first answer entered on the first input screen in the first ON state on the second display screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This invention can support the improvement of learners' motivation to learn. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the learning support server according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the operating mode selection screen of the learning support program according to the present invention that runs on the above server. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the start screen for the battle mode included in the above operating modes. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 5]This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on each learner's device during the above-mentioned battle mode. [Figure 20]It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 22] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 23] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 24] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 25] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 26] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 27] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 28] It is a schematic diagram of the answer screen displayed on the terminal of each learner who conducts a battle in the above battle mode. [Figure 29] It is a schematic diagram of the start screen of the measurement mode included in the above operation mode. [Figure 30] It is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on the terminal of the learner who learns in the above measurement mode. [Figure 31] It is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on the terminal of the learner who learns in the above measurement mode. [Figure 32] It is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on the terminal of the learner who learns in the above measurement mode. [Figure 33] It is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on the terminal of the learner who learns in the above measurement mode. [Figure 34] It is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on the terminal of the learner who learns in the above measurement mode. [Figure 35] It is a schematic diagram of the question list screen displayed on the terminal of the learner who learned in the above measurement mode. [Figure 36] This is a schematic diagram of the score screen displayed on the learner's device after training using the above measurement mode. [Figure 37] This graph shows the score progression of learners who studied using the measurement mode described above. [Figure 38] This table shows the change in TOEIC scores of learners who studied using the measurement mode described above. [Figure 39] This graph shows the relationship between learners' scores using the above measurement mode and their TOEIC scores. [Figure 40] This is a schematic diagram of the start screen for the self-study mode, which is included in the above operating modes. [Figure 41] This is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on a learner's device when they are studying in the self-study mode described above. [Figure 42] This is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on a learner's device when they are studying in the self-study mode described above. [Figure 43] This is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on a learner's device when they are studying in the self-study mode described above. [Figure 44] This is a schematic diagram of the learning screen displayed on a learner's device when they are studying in the self-study mode described above. [Figure 45] This is a schematic diagram of the question list screen displayed on the device of a learner who has studied using the self-study mode described above. [Figure 46] This is a schematic diagram of the score screen displayed on the device of a learner who has studied using the self-study mode described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the learning support server, learning support program, and learning support method according to the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] ●Configuration of the learning support server● Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the learning support server (hereinafter referred to as "this server") according to the present invention.

[0011] This server is implemented by an information processing device such as a personal computer. This server executes the learning support program according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this program"). This program running on this server works in cooperation with the hardware resources of this server to implement the learning support method according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this method").

[0012] The hardware resources of this server include processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor). These processors execute instructions written in this program, thereby realizing the various features of this server described below.

[0013] Furthermore, by executing this program on an information processing device (not shown) that is different from this server, this information processing device will function in the same way as this server, thereby realizing this method.

[0014] Server 1 connects to the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 via the communication network N, enabling communication between them.

[0015] The communication network in this invention refers to a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0016] Terminal 10 is an information processing terminal operated by the first respondent. The first respondent is a learner (nickname "Taro") who uses Server 1 for learning.

[0017] Terminal 20 is an information processing terminal operated by the second respondent. The second respondent is a learner (nickname "Jiro") who uses Server 1 for learning.

[0018] In this invention, the terminal operated by the learner (respondent using this server) is implemented by an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0019] Here, Server 1 operates, for example, as a so-called web server. Terminal 10 and Terminal 20 operate, for example, as so-called web clients. Communication between Server 1 and Terminal 10 and Terminal 20 is achieved when Server 1 sends web pages to Terminal 10 and Terminal 20 in response to requests from them.

[0020] This server 1 comprises a storage unit 2, a transmission unit 3, a reception unit 4, a determination unit 5, a measurement unit 6, a scoring unit 7, and a display control unit 8.

[0021] Memory unit 2 stores this program and information that server 1 uses to implement this method.

[0022] The information that Server 1 uses to implement this method includes information about the questions, information necessary for scoring the points assigned to respondents, learning history for each learner, information necessary for communication between Server 1 and each respondent's terminal, and information to identify respondents who have the right to answer among those competing in the battle mode (respondent identification information).

[0023] Information regarding the questions includes audio information of the question's English text (containing one or more English words), written information of the correct answer and its Japanese translation, and the difficulty level of the question.

[0024] The information necessary for scoring the points awarded to respondents includes the relationship between the respondent's response time, the number of times the English text of the question was replayed, the difficulty level of the question, and the score.

[0025] The learning history for each learner includes learner identification information, identification information for the questions the learner studied, and the learner's correct / incorrect answers for each question.

[0026] The types of storage units in this invention include, for example, portable storage media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), and flash memory, as well as other non-temporary recording media such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0027] The transmitting unit 3 transmits information to the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. Based on the information received from the transmitting unit 3, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 display the screens described later.

[0028] The information transmitted by the transmitting unit 3 includes the screens displayed on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, audio information of the English text of the questions and the correct answers and their Japanese translations, the scores displayed on each screen, and information indicating the correctness of the answers entered by the respondents.

[0029] The receiving unit 4 receives information from the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20.

[0030] The information received by the receiving unit 4 is information entered into each respondent's terminal, such as answers to questions and information indicating whether the "SPACE" key or "ENTER" key on the respondent's terminal was pressed.

[0031] The determination unit 5 determines whether the first answer entered by the first respondent into the first terminal 10, and the second answer entered by the second respondent into the second terminal 20, are correct or incorrect.

[0032] The measurement unit 6 measures the time from when the respondent is granted the right to answer until they submit their answer. Details regarding the response time and its measurement will be described later.

[0033] The scoring unit 7 scores the answer based on the response time when the first or second answer is determined to be correct. Details of the score and scoring process will be described later.

[0034] The display control unit 8 controls the content displayed on the screens shown to the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. The content of the screens controlled by the display control unit 8 includes screen on / off control and sharing of the answers entered by the first respondent and the second respondent, as well as whether they are correct or incorrect. Details of screen on / off control and the sharing of answers and their correctness will be described later.

[0035] The display control unit 8 comprises a first display control unit 8a and a second display control unit 8b. The first display control unit 8a controls the content of the screen displayed on the first terminal 10. The second display control unit 8b controls the content of the screen displayed on the second terminal 20.

[0036] ●Learning Mode● This program includes three learning modes: a battle mode (Figures 3-28), a measurement mode (Figures 29-39), and a self-study mode (Figures 40-46).

[0037] The versus mode is a mode in which multiple respondents listen to the same English sentence and take turns answering with the English words contained in the sentence. In versus mode, the answers and their correctness are shared among all respondents during a match. That is, when a respondent enters an answer on their device, that answer and its correctness are displayed on the devices of other respondents playing against that respondent via Server 1 in near real-time (with only minor time lags due to communication between Server 1 and Terminal 10, and between Server 1 and Terminal 20). In other words, if a respondent gives an incorrect answer, it serves as a hint for the other respondents to arrive at the correct answer.

[0038] Measurement mode and self-study mode are modes in which the respondent learns on their own. In both modes, respondents' scores are calculated based on their performance within a time limit (e.g., 10 minutes in measurement mode, 3 minutes in self-study mode), including the number of correct answers, incorrect answers, and the number of times the English audio is played. Based on their score, respondents can objectively assess their own abilities and learning outcomes by comparing their scores with those of other learners and other study sessions. In self-study mode, the questions presented to the respondent are of a difficulty level corresponding to the respondent's previous learning results (total score).

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the learning mode selection screen displayed on the respondent's device. The figure shows that button images M1, M2, and M3 are displayed on screen P in a selectable format. The selection of button images M1, M2, and M3 can be achieved, for example, by using input means such as a mouse or keyboard on the respondent's device. Alternatively, the selection of button images M1, M2, and M3 can be achieved, for example, by touching the area on screen P where each image is displayed, if the display of the respondent's device that shows screen P is a touch panel.

[0040] When button image M1 is selected, this program will operate in battle mode. The terminal of the respondent who selected button image M1 will display the battle mode start screen (screen P1 in Figure 3, described below).

[0041] When button image M2 is selected, this program operates in measurement mode. The respondent's terminal that selected button image M2 will display the start screen of measurement mode (screen P2 in Figure 29, described later).

[0042] When button image M3 is selected, this program operates in self-study mode. The respondent's terminal that selected button image M3 will display the self-study mode start screen (screen P3 in Figure 40, described later).

[0043] ●Learning support method (versus mode)● This method in versus mode is explained below. The following explanation describes a scenario where a learner with the nickname "Taro" (first respondent) and a learner with the nickname "Jiro" (second respondent) compete against each other. The first and second respondents compete in an English dictation exercise. Specifically, using terminals 10 and 20, the first and second respondents listen to the same English sentence transmitted from server 1 and take turns inputting the English words contained in the sentence into terminals 10 and 20 as their answers. In other words, the question is an audio signal of an English sentence (containing one or more English words). The answer is the written information of the English words contained in the sentence.

[0044] The following explanation will focus on the operations of the first respondent or the functions and operations of the first terminal 10. In other words, since the operations of the second respondent or the functions and operations of the second terminal 20 are the same as those of the first respondent or the first terminal 10, all or part of the explanation for them will be omitted.

[0045] When the respondent to the first question (in English) is the first respondent, the first respondent enters the first English word contained in the English sentence into the first terminal 10 as their answer. The first respondent must enter their answer within a predetermined time (20 seconds). If the answer entered by the first respondent is correct, the first respondent is awarded points, and the right to answer is transferred to the second respondent. As a result, the second respondent enters the answer for the second English word in the English sentence into the second terminal 20 within a predetermined time (20 seconds).

[0046] On the other hand, if the answer entered by the first respondent is incorrect, the first respondent is not awarded any points, and the right to answer is transferred to the second respondent. As a result, the second respondent enters the answer for the first English word in the English sentence into the second terminal 20 within a predetermined time (20 seconds). If the answer entered by the second respondent is also incorrect, the right to answer is transferred to the first respondent. If both the first and second respondents incorrectly answer the same English word three times each, points are deducted from both the first and second respondents' scores (for example, 20 points each), and the first respondent enters the answer for the second English word in the English sentence into the first terminal 10 within a predetermined time (20 seconds).

[0047] Furthermore, this server may be configured so that if the first respondent's answer is incorrect, the first respondent can, within a predetermined time, attempt a second answer by entering it into the first terminal 10. In this configuration, if the second answer is also incorrect, the first respondent can, within a predetermined time, attempt a third answer by entering it into the first terminal 10. If the third answer is also incorrect, the right to answer is transferred to the second respondent.

[0048] Furthermore, if the first respondent fails to enter the correct answer within the allotted time, no points will be awarded to the first respondent, and the right to answer will be transferred to the second respondent after the allotted time has elapsed.

[0049] If the first respondent and the second respondent fail to input the correct answer for the same English word (for example, the first English word in the question's sentence) on their first attempt, Server 1 provides hints to both the first and second respondents. The hints may include, for example, slowing down the playback speed of the audio of the English sentence, or displaying part of the English word on both Terminal 10 and Terminal 20.

[0050] If the first respondent and the second respondent are unable to input the correct answer to the same English word even after a third attempt, Server 1 displays the correct answer to both Terminal 10 and Terminal 20. Subsequently, the target of the responses from the first and second respondents is the next English word (the next English word in the same question, or the first English word in the next question).

[0051] In this way, the first respondent and the second respondent compete to see who can get the highest total score by correctly answering the English words contained in the English sentences of the questions.

[0052] ●Screen displayed on the respondent's device Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the start screen for the battle mode displayed on the respondent's device. The diagram shows that "Taro," which the respondent entered as their nickname, is displayed on screen P1.

[0053] Figures 4-28 are schematic diagrams of the response screens displayed on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. In each figure, screen Pa is the screen displayed on the first terminal 10. Screen Pb is the screen displayed on the second terminal 20.

[0054] The first and second respondents learning in battle mode access this server 1 from their respective terminals (first terminal 10 and second terminal 20) and select button image M1 on the menu screen P (Figure 2). The terminals of the respondents who selected button image M1 display the battle mode start screen (Figure 3). Each respondent enters their nickname on the start screen and sends it to this server 1.

[0055] In this mode, the presentation of questions in the competitive mode begins when information instructing the start of question presentation is sent to Server 1 from, for example, the terminal of one of the competing respondents, or from the terminal of a third party (for example, if the competing respondents are students, the third party is the teacher instructing the students).

[0056] Furthermore, the order in which the respondents answer is determined by, for example, the transmission of order-indicating information from the terminal of one of the respondents or from the terminal of a third party to this server 1.

[0057] Furthermore, the multiple respondents competing against each other are, for example, learners determined by Server 1 based on the learners' past learning history (the total score from any of the following modes: battle mode, measurement mode, or self-study mode, or a combination of these total scores). In other words, for example, a teacher instructing students can use Server 1 to search for students with similar total scores and determine which students to compete against in battle mode. Alternatively, the multiple respondents competing may be determined independently of their past learning history. For example, a teacher could select several students from among their classmates to be respondents, and these selected respondents could then compete against each other.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, multiple unspecified learners may connect to Server 1 and wait for the questions to begin. At regular intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes), Server 1 may randomly select multiple respondents from among the waiting learners to compete against each other, determine the order in which they will answer, and then begin presenting the questions.

[0059] Furthermore, Server 1 may also provide a function to act as a simulated respondent. That is, for example, Server 1 connects to the terminal of one respondent. If this one respondent selects the battle mode but no opponent exists, Server 1 acts as a simulated respondent, becoming the opponent of this one respondent. In other words, this one respondent plays against Server 1. This function can implement, for example, animations of correct and incorrect answers being entered, or animations of the respondent thinking (changing all or part of the answer being entered, or taking time to enter an answer). In other words, this one respondent can view the answers entered by Server 1 and whether they are correct or incorrect. By Server 1 acting as a simulated respondent, even if there is only one respondent, this respondent can use the battle mode to learn.

[0060] Furthermore, for each question, Server 1 displays a countdown screen on both Terminal 10 and Terminal 20 before the question begins. That is, the first respondent operating Terminal 10 and the second respondent operating Terminal 20 will see the countdown display of "3," "2," and "1" on the countdown screen to understand when the question will be presented.

[0061] ●Screen configuration displayed on terminal 10 Figure 4 shows that screen Pa displays the correct answer display area A, the first answer input screen A1, and the second answer display screen A2.

[0062] The first response is the answer entered by the first respondent into terminal 10. The second response is the answer entered by the second respondent into the second terminal 20.

[0063] Display area A displays the first and second answers that were determined to be correct.

[0064] Input screen A1 displays an input area A11 for the first answer, an indicator A12 showing the remaining time within the allotted period for answering the first answer (for inputting into input area A11), the score earned by the first respondent, three heart-shaped figures indicating the number of incorrect answers made by the first respondent within the allotted time, and a figure resembling a speaker.

[0065] Three heart shapes are displayed in black at the time when respondents can enter their answers (the start time for answering). Each time an incorrect answer is entered within the allotted time, one heart shape is displayed in white. The number "3" in the heart shapes indicates that the maximum number of attempts a respondent with the right to answer can make within the allotted time is "3".

[0066] The speaker-like shape indicates that when the right to answer is transferred to the first respondent, pressing the "space" key on the keyboard of the first terminal 10 will play an audio recording of the English text of the question. In other words, the first respondent can listen to the audio recording of the English text of the question as many times as they like within the allotted time.

[0067] Screen Pa displays the nickname "Taro" of the first respondent above input screen A1.

[0068] Display screen A2 shows the display area A21 for the second answer, an indicator A22 showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering the second answer, the score earned by the second respondent, and three heart-shaped figures indicating the number of times the second respondent answered incorrectly within the allotted time.

[0069] Screen Pa displays the nickname "Jiro" of the second respondent above display screen A2.

[0070] ●Screen configuration displayed on the second terminal 20 The figure shows that screen Pb displays the correct answer display area B, the input screen B1 for the second answer, and the display screen B2 for the first answer.

[0071] Display area B displays the first and second answers that were determined to be correct.

[0072] Input screen B1 displays an input area B11 for the second answer, an indicator B12 showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering the second answer, the score earned by the second respondent, three heart-shaped figures indicating the number of incorrect answers made by the second respondent within the allotted time, and a figure resembling a speaker.

[0073] Screen Pb is located above input screen B1, 2 Display the respondent's nickname, "Jiro".

[0074] Display screen B2 shows the display area B21 for the first answer, an indicator B22 showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering the first answer, the score obtained by the first respondent, and three heart-shaped figures indicating the number of times the first respondent answered incorrectly within the allotted time.

[0075] Screen Pb displays the nickname "Taro" of the first respondent above display screen B2.

[0076] ● On and off states Figure 5 shows that input screen A1 displayed on the first terminal 10 is in the ON state (first ON state). The figure shows that the input screen B1 displayed on the second terminal 20 is in the off state (second off state).

[0077] Figure 6 shows that the input screen A1 displayed on the first terminal 10 is in the off state (first off state). The figure shows that the input screen B1 displayed on the second terminal 20 is in the ON state (second ON state).

[0078] The "on" state of the input screen means that the respondent can enter their answer into the input screen. The "on" state of the input screen is achieved by controlling the input area within the input screen to an editable state (on state).

[0079] The "off" state of the input screen means that the respondent is unable to enter an answer into the input screen. This state is achieved by controlling the input area within the input screen to a state where input is impossible (off state).

[0080] The diagram shows that horizontal lines running horizontally across the page are displayed in display area A of screen Pa and display area B of screen Pb. The length of these horizontal lines corresponds to the length of the English text in the question.

[0081] The first display control unit 8a controls (switches) the first input area A11 in the input screen A1 to either an on state or an off state.

[0082] The second display control unit 8b controls (switches) the second input area B11 in the input screen B1 to either an on state or an off state.

[0083] When the first display control unit 8a controls the first input area A11 in the input screen A1 to be in the ON state, the second display control unit 8b controls the second input area B11 in the input screen B1 to be in the OFF state. When the first display control unit 8a controls the first input area A11 in the input screen A1 to the off state, the second display control unit 8b controls the second input area B11 in the input screen B1 to the on state.

[0084] ● Sharing of answers between opponents Figures 7 and 8 show how the responses of the first respondent, entered into the first terminal 10, are displayed on the second terminal 20 and shared with the second respondent.

[0085] Figure 7 shows that input area A11 displayed on the first terminal 10 is controlled to the ON state, and input area B11 displayed on the second terminal 20 is controlled to the OFF state. The figure shows that "h," a part of the first response entered by the first respondent, is displayed in the input area A11 of the screen Pa displayed on the first terminal 10. The figure shows that the character "h" entered in input area A11 of the first terminal 10 is displayed in display area B21 of screen Pb on the second terminal 20.

[0086] Figure 8 shows the screen displayed after some time has passed since the screen shown in Figure 7 was displayed. The figure shows that "he," a part of the first response entered by the first respondent, is displayed in the input area A11 of the screen Pa displayed on the first terminal 10. The figure shows that "he," entered into input area A11 of the first terminal 10, is displayed in display area B21 of screen Pb on the second terminal 20.

[0087] The length of the blacked-out portion of indicator A12 shown in Figure 8 (length in the vertical direction on the paper) is shorter than the length of the blacked-out portion of indicator A12 shown in Figure 7. In other words, the length of the white portion of indicator A12 shown in Figure 8 is longer than the length of the white portion of indicator A12 shown in Figure 7.

[0088] The length of the white portion of indicator A12 indicates the elapsed time from the start time when the first respondent was able to answer. On the other hand, the length of the black portion of indicator A12 indicates the remaining time (predetermined time) when the first respondent is able to answer.

[0089] Here, the lengths of the white and black areas of indicator B22 in Figures 7 and 8 are the same as the lengths of the white and black areas of indicator A12 in Figures 7 and 8.

[0090] The start time for the first respondent to answer is when the input area A11 for the first answer is changed from the off state to the on state. The response time for the first respondent is the time from the start time for the first respondent to answer until the receiving unit 4 receives the first answer (correct answer) entered into input area A11. That is, when the first answer received by the receiving unit 4 is correct, the timer from the start time for answering stops. On the other hand, when the first answer received by the receiving unit 4 is incorrect, the timer from the start time for answering does not stop, and the remaining time for answering continues to decrease.

[0091] Furthermore, if the receiving unit 4 does not receive a correct answer within a predetermined time from the start time for which answers can be submitted, the timer from the start time for which answers can be submitted will stop. Once the predetermined time has elapsed from the start time for which answers can be submitted, input area A11 will be controlled from the ON state to the OFF state, and input area B11 will be controlled from the OFF state to the ON state. In other words, if the first respondent is unable to enter a correct answer within the predetermined time, the right to answer will be transferred from the first respondent to the second respondent. As a result of the transfer of the right to answer, the first respondent will no longer be able to enter an answer, while the second respondent will be able to enter an answer.

[0092] Figures 9-12 show the screen transitions displayed on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 respectively when the answer entered by the second respondent is correct.

[0093] Figure 9 shows that the second respondent entered "she" as their second answer.

[0094] Figures 10 and 11 show the animations displayed on the screens of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 respectively when the second respondent finishes entering their second answer and presses the "ENTER" key on the keyboard of the second terminal 20. The figure shows how the characters "she," which are displayed in the display area A21 of the first terminal 10 and the input area B11 of the second terminal 20, move to the display areas A and B on screens Pa and Pb, respectively, after the "ENTER" key is pressed.

[0095] Figure 12 shows that, as a result of the second answer "she" being determined to be the correct answer, the second answer is displayed in display areas A and B of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, respectively.

[0096] The diagram shows that the second respondent, who provided the second answer which was judged to be the correct answer, was awarded a score of "94". The score "94" is displayed in the Score column of both the display screen A2 of the first terminal 10 and the input screen B1 of the second terminal 20.

[0097] The scores are graded by the scoring unit 7 and transmitted to the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. The scoring unit 7 calculates the score based on the difficulty level of the questions, the time taken to answer, etc. The first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 display the scores received from the main server 1 on screens Pa and Pb.

[0098] The figure shows that input area A11 of the first terminal 10 has been changed from the off state to the on state, and input area B11 of the second terminal 20 has been changed from the on state to the off state.

[0099] Figure 1 4 indicates that the first respondent's input of "looked" was determined to be the correct answer, and as a result, the first answer is displayed in display areas A and B of both the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20.

[0100] Figure 14 shows that input area A11 of the first terminal 10 has been changed from the ON state to the OFF state, and input area B11 of the second terminal 20 has been changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0101] Figures 15-19 show the animations displayed on the screens of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 respectively when the second respondent finishes entering the second answer "lonwei" and presses the "ENTER" key on the keyboard of the second terminal 20.

[0102] Figures 16 and 17 show how the second answer "lonwei," displayed in the display area A21 of the first terminal 10 and the input area B11 of the second terminal 20, moves towards display areas A and B, respectively, after the "ENTER" key is pressed.

[0103] Figure 18 shows an animation where the second answer "lonwei" is judged as incorrect (the correct answer is "lonely"), and the characters "lonwei" that moved towards display areas A and B on terminal 10 and terminal 20 are ejected outside of display areas A and B. The diagram shows that of the second answer "lonwei," only the part "lon" that is common with the correct answer "lonely" is displayed in display areas A and B. In other words, the part of the string included in the second answer that is common with the correct answer (partially correct answer) is displayed in display areas A and B.

[0104] The first respondent can see "lon" displayed in display area A of the first terminal 10. In other words, the first respondent can understand that the correct answer is an English word that begins with "lon". Therefore, "lon" displayed in display area A serves as a hint to the first respondent for the correct answer.

[0105] Figure 19 shows that input area A11 of the first terminal 10 has been changed from the off state to the on state, and input area B11 of the second terminal 20 has been changed from the on state to the off state.

[0106] Figure 20 shows that the first respondent entered "lonely" as their first response into input area A11 of the first terminal 10.

[0107] Figure 21 shows that the first answer, "lonely," was judged as the correct answer, and the English sentence "She looked lonely" was completed. The diagram shows that when the English sentence of the question is completed, the Japanese translation of the English sentence, "She looked lonely," is displayed on screens Pa and Pb of terminal 10 and terminal 20, respectively. When the Japanese translation of the English sentence of the question is displayed on screens Pa and Pb, the audio of the English sentence is output twice from terminal 10 and terminal 20.

[0108] Figures 22-28 are schematic diagrams showing the screen transitions displayed on the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 in the following question.

[0109] Figure 22 shows the input of the first terminal 10. region A11 is off, input on the second terminal 20 region This indicates that B11 is in the ON state. In other words, the diagram shows that it is the second respondent's turn to answer (the second respondent has the right to answer).

[0110] Figure 23 shows that the first and second respondents take turns answering, and the correct answer up to the middle of the English sentence of the question, "I always write letter*", is displayed in display areas A and B.

[0111] The diagram shows that the target of the answer is the fourth English word in the question, "letter*". The "*" is a hint to the correct answer for both the first and second respondents. In other words, "letter*" indicates that the correct answer for the fourth English word is "letter" + 1 letter.

[0112] The figure shows that of the three heart shapes displayed on screen Pa (input screen A1 and display screen A2) and screen Pb (input screen B1 and display screen B2), only one is displayed in white. The number of white heart shapes represents the number of times the respondent failed to correctly answer a given English word within the allotted time. In other words, the figure shows that both the first respondent and the second respondent failed to input the correct English word within the allotted time once. The "letter" part of "letter*" is a partially correct answer included in the response entered by the second respondent, who was the previous respondent.

[0113] Figure 24 shows that when it was the first respondent's turn to give their second response, they entered "letters" as their first response.

[0114] Figure 25 shows that the first answer "letters" shown in Figure 24 was determined to be the correct answer, and the correct answer is displayed in display areas A and B. The figure shows that input area A11 of the first terminal 10 is changed from the ON state to the OFF state, and input area B11 of the second terminal 20 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state. The figure shows that all heart-shaped shapes within screens Pa and Pb have been changed to black.

[0115] Figure 26 shows that all heart-shaped shapes in screens Pa and Pb are displayed in white outline. The figure shows that both the first and second respondents were unable to input the correct answer to a given English word three times within the allotted time. The diagram shows that the fifth English word, "with," which neither the first nor the second respondent was able to answer correctly, is displayed in display areas A and B.

[0116] If either the first respondent or the second respondent fails to correctly answer a given English word three times within the allotted time, that English word will be displayed in display areas A and B, and both the first and second respondents will then answer with the next English word.

[0117] Figure 27 shows that the first respondent entered "pen" as their first answer to the sixth English word in the English sentence of the question. The figure shows that all heart-shaped shapes in screens Pa and Pb have been changed to black.

[0118] Figure 28 shows that the first answer, "pen," was judged as the correct answer, and the English sentence "I always write letters with pen." was completed. The diagram shows that the Japanese translation of the English sentence of the question, "I always write letters with a pen," is displayed on screens Pa and Pb of terminal 10 and terminal 20, respectively. The figure shows that the combined scores of the first and second respondents at the time the English sentence for the question was completed were "186" and "72".

[0119] As explained above, this server displays the information entered on the input screen of the respondent's terminal (the answer being entered) on the opponent's terminal screen in near real-time, whenever the information entered on the input screen is updated.

[0120] At this point, when the "ENTER" key is pressed on the terminal of a respondent with the right to answer, the "answer being entered" that is entered (displayed) on the input screen is sent to this server as the "answer" subject to judgment as correct or incorrect. This server then determines whether the answer is correct or incorrect.

[0121] The answer in this invention may include multiple partial answers. That is, for example, the answer is character information related to an English word, and the partial answer is a set of characters (one character or a combination of two or more characters) included in the character information.

[0122] Furthermore, if an answer is determined to be incorrect, this server will determine whether there are any partially correct answers among the partial answers included in the answer. For example, in a question where the correct answer is "lonely," if the answer (= the answer being entered at the time the "ENTER" key is pressed) is "lonwei," then the partially correct answer is "lon."

[0123] This server displays partially correct answers on the opponent's terminal. One way this server displays partially correct answers is, for example, as shown in Figure 18, to show only the partially correct answers. Alternatively, another way this server displays partially correct answers is, for example, as shown in Figure 23, to display the partially correct answers along with hints (the character "*" in Figure 23) that lead to the correct answer.

[0124] In this invention, for example, when an answer consists of a combination of multiple characters, the position of a partially correct answer included in the answer is not limited to the position of a string of characters that is continuous from the first character included in the answer (for example, the string of characters "lon" that is continuous from the first character of the answer "lonwei"). That is, for example, when the answer to a question where the correct answer is "Hirobumi Ito" is "Hirobumi Sakuma", the server determines that the partially correct answer "Hirobumi" included in the answer "Hirobumi Sakuma" is a partially correct answer and displays "**Hirobumi" on the opponent's terminal.

[0125] Furthermore, this server uses, for example, a known longest common subsequence determination algorithm to identify the partially correct parts of the partial answers included in the response (identifying the partially correct parts included in the response).

[0126] ●Learning support method (measurement mode)● This method in measurement mode will be explained below, focusing on its differences from the battle mode described earlier. The following explanation describes the case where a learner with the nickname "Taro" (the first respondent) is learning in measurement mode. The learning is English dictation. That is, the first respondent uses terminal 10 to listen to the audio of the English sentence transmitted from server 1 and inputs the English sentence into terminal 10 as their response.

[0127] The first respondent enters the first English word in the given sentence into the first terminal 10 as their answer. The first respondent must enter their answer within a set time (20 seconds). If the answer entered by the first respondent is correct, the first respondent is awarded points, and the remaining time for answering resets to 20 seconds. After that, the first respondent answers with the second English word contained in the English sentence.

[0128] On the other hand, if the first respondent's answer is incorrect, the first respondent can enter a second answer into the first terminal 10 as a second attempt, provided it is within the allotted time. If the second answer is also incorrect, the first respondent can enter a third answer into the first terminal 10 as a third attempt, provided it is within the allotted time. If the third answer is also incorrect, the correct answer for the first English word in the sentence is displayed on the first terminal 10, and the remaining time for answering resets to 20 seconds. After that, the first respondent answers the second English word in the sentence.

[0129] Furthermore, if the first respondent fails to enter the correct answer within the allotted time, and the number of incorrect answers within that time is two or less, the correct answer for the first English word in the sentence will be displayed, and the remaining time for answering will reset to 20 seconds. After that, the first respondent will answer for the second English word in the sentence.

[0130] In this way, the first respondent earns points by correctly answering the English words included in the questions presented within the time limit.

[0131] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the start screen of the measurement mode displayed on the first terminal 10 of the first respondent. The diagram shows that screen P2 displays "Taro," which the first respondent entered as their nickname. The diagram shows that screen P2 displays the total score of "55" obtained by the first respondent in the previous measurement mode.

[0132] In this invention, the total score may be, for example, the highest total score obtained by the first respondent in past measurement modes, instead of the total score obtained by the first respondent in the previous measurement mode.

[0133] ●Screen displayed on the respondent's device Figures 30-34 are schematic diagrams of the response screen displayed on the first terminal 10 during response in measurement mode. In each figure, the screen PC is the screen displayed on the first terminal 10.

[0134] ●The configuration of the screen displayed on the respondent's device Figure 30 shows that the screen PC displays the correct answer display area C, the answer input screen C1, and the text "10:00" indicating a time limit of 10 minutes.

[0135] Display area C displays the answers that have been determined to be correct.

[0136] The input screen C1 displays an input area C11 for the answer, an indicator C12 showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering, the score earned by the first respondent, three heart-shaped figures indicating the number of incorrect answers made by the first respondent within the allotted time, and a figure resembling a speaker.

[0137] Figure 31 shows that 4 seconds have passed since the countdown screen was displayed and the question began to be presented (the remaining time limit is "9 minutes and 56 seconds"), and the first respondent's answer "do" has been entered into input area C11.

[0138] Figure 32 shows that the answer "do" shown in Figure 31 was determined to be the correct answer and is displayed in display area C. The diagram shows that the first respondent, who gave the correct answer, was awarded a score of "20".

[0139] Figure 33 shows the completed English sentence of the question, "Do it yourself." The figure shows that there are 9 minutes and 44 seconds remaining on the time limit. The figure shows that the first respondent's total score at the time the English sentence for the question was completed was "80".

[0140] Figure 34 shows that the Japanese translation of the completed English question, "Do it yourself," is displayed on the screen PC of the first terminal 10.

[0141] After that, the first respondent answers the questions that are presented one after another until the time limit expires.

[0142] Figure 35 shows the list of questions displayed on the first terminal 10 after the time limit has elapsed. The diagram shows that, for each question presented to the first respondent within the time limit, the combination of the English sentence and its Japanese translation, along with the number of times that question has been presented to the first respondent in the past, are displayed on the question list screen.

[0143] Figure 36 shows the score screen displayed on the first terminal 10 after the time limit has elapsed. The figure shows that the score screen displays the progress of the score obtained by the first respondent in measurement mode, as well as the frequency distribution of scores for all learners who have previously studied in measurement mode. The first respondent can understand the progress of their own score by viewing the progress of their score, and can understand their position among all learners by viewing the frequency distribution.

[0144] Figure 37 shows the results of the measurement mode that the inventor conducted weekly over 16 weeks with nine learners. In the figure, the solid line represents the average score of all learners, and the dashed line is the approximation curve (R) of that average score. 2 This shows that the score improves (learning results are being achieved) with each measurement mode.

[0145] Figure 38 shows the change in each of the nine learners' TOEIC IP scores (Listening, Reading, Total), that is, the difference in scores before and after the measurement mode was implemented. The figure shows that the average difference in scores among the nine learners was 49.4 for Listening, 18.9 for Reading, and 68.3 for Total, indicating significant improvement in each area.

[0146] Figure 39 shows the correlation between the score in the measurement mode and the TOEIC IP score. The figure shows the correlation coefficient R 2This indicates a correlation coefficient of 0.77. This high correlation coefficient suggests that TOEIC IP scores are predictable based on scores in the 10-minute time limit measurement mode.

[0147] ●Learning support methods (self-study mode)● This method in self-study mode will be explained below, focusing on its differences from the previously described battle mode and measurement mode. The following explanation describes the case where a learner with the nickname "Taro" (the first respondent) is studying in self-study mode. The learning activity is English dictation. Specifically, the first respondent uses terminal 10 to listen to the audio of the English sentence sent from server 1, and then inputs the English sentence into terminal 10 as their response.

[0148] Self-study mode differs from measurement mode in terms of the time limit and the difficulty level of the questions. The time limit for self-study mode is 3 minutes (the time limit for measurement mode is 10 minutes). The difficulty level of the questions in self-study mode is determined by the score the respondent earned in previous self-study mode sessions.

[0149] In self-study mode, the first respondent, like in measurement mode, earns points by correctly answering the English words included in the questions presented within the time limit.

[0150] Figure 40 is a schematic diagram of the start screen of the self-study mode displayed on the first terminal 10 of the first respondent. The diagram shows that screen P3 displays "Taro," which the first respondent entered as their nickname. The diagram shows that screen P3 displays the total score of "815" obtained by the first respondent in the previous self-study mode. In this invention, the total score may be the highest score among the total scores obtained by the first respondent in past self-study modes, rather than the total score obtained by the first respondent in the previous self-study mode.

[0151] ●Screen displayed on the respondent's device Figures 41-44 are schematic diagrams of the answer screen displayed on the first terminal 10 during self-study mode. In each figure, screen Pd is the screen displayed on the first terminal 10.

[0152] ●The configuration of the screen displayed on the respondent's device Figure 41 shows that screen Pd displays the correct answer display area D, the answer input screen D1, and the text "3:00" indicating a time limit of 3 minutes.

[0153] Display area D displays the answers that have been determined to be correct.

[0154] The input screen D1 displays an input area D11 for the answer, an indicator D12 showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering, the score earned by the first respondent, three heart-shaped figures indicating the number of incorrect answers the first respondent made within the allotted time, and a figure resembling a speaker.

[0155] Figure 42 shows that 16 seconds have passed since the countdown screen was displayed and the question began to be presented (2 minutes and 44 seconds remaining in the time limit), the total score obtained by the first respondent is "973", the correct answer given up to that point, "He will be back by Monday at the", is displayed in display area D, and the first respondent's answer, "latest", has been entered in input area D11.

[0156] Figure 43 shows the completed English sentence for the question, "He will be back by Monday at the latest." The figure shows that there are 2 minutes and 35 seconds remaining on the time limit. The figure shows that the first respondent's total score at the time the English sentence for the question was completed was "991".

[0157] Figure 44 shows that the Japanese translation of the completed English question, "He will be back by Monday at the latest," is displayed on the screen Pd of the first terminal 10.

[0158] After that, the first respondent answers the questions that are presented one after another until the time limit expires.

[0159] Figure 45 shows the question list screen displayed on the first terminal 10 after the time limit has elapsed. The diagram shows that, for each question presented to the first respondent within the time limit, the combination of the English sentence and its Japanese translation, along with the number of times that question has been presented to the first respondent in the past, are displayed on the question list screen.

[0160] Figure 46 shows the score screen displayed on the first terminal 10 after the time limit has expired. The figure shows that the score screen displays both the progress of the score earned by the first respondent in self-study mode and the frequency distribution of scores for all learners who have previously studied in self-study mode. By viewing the progress of their score, the first respondent can understand the progression of their score, and by viewing the frequency distribution, they can understand where their performance stands among all learners.

[0161] ●Summary● According to the embodiment described above, in a competitive mode in which multiple learners (first respondent and second respondent) take turns answering, the server 1 controls the input screen A1 of the first terminal 10 to be on and the input screen B1 of the second terminal 20 to be off, and then displays the answers entered on input screen A1 and the results of the judgment of whether they are correct or incorrect on the display screen B2 of the second terminal 20. In other words, the server 1 allows the second respondent, the opponent, to view the first respondent's answers and whether they are correct or incorrect in near real time, at the time the first respondent enters their answers and when those answers are judged.

[0162] Furthermore, if the answer entered by the first respondent contains a partially correct answer, Server 1 allows the second respondent to view the partially correct answer. As a result, when the right to answer is transferred to the second respondent, the second respondent can use the partially correct answer as a hint to submit their answer.

[0163] Furthermore, Server 1 calculates the score awarded to respondents who provide the correct answer based on the response time from when they gain the right to answer until they provide the correct answer, that is, the time from when the input screen changes from the off state to the on state until the correct answer is entered. In other words, the faster a respondent provides the correct answer after gaining the right to answer, the higher their score will be. As a result, respondents will rush to enter their answers in order to get a high score. Rushing the entry of answers increases the likelihood of the respondent giving an incorrect answer. In other words, it increases the likelihood of giving hints to their opponents.

[0164] Furthermore, whenever a respondent who has the right to answer enters characters into the input screen of their terminal, Server 1 displays the characters entered into the input screen on the display screen of the terminal of a respondent who does not have the right to answer (the opponent).

[0165] That is, for example, if the first respondent wants to input "she" as their answer, they input the characters that make up the answer (an example of a partial answer in this invention) "s", "h", and "e" in order into the input screen A1 of the first terminal 10. In this case, the server 1 displays "s", "sh", and "she" on the display screen B2 of the second terminal 20 each time a character is entered into the input screen A1.

[0166] Now, let's say, for example, that the first respondent changes their mind and decides to answer "she" instead of "he". In other words, before pressing the "ENTER" key on the first terminal 10, the first respondent deletes "she" from input screen A1 and then enters "he" into input screen A1. At this point, the main server 1 deletes the display of "she" on display screen B2 and displays "he".

[0167] In this way, Server 1 allows the opponent to view the respondent's response status (such as the change from "she" to "he") in near real-time until the "ENTER" key is pressed. As a result, Server 1 can make multiple respondents using Server 1 in different locations feel like they are learning together (alleviating feelings of isolation). In other words, by allowing the opponent to see the respondent who has the right to answer working hard to answer, Server 1 can motivate the opponent to learn and improve their desire to learn.

[0168] In this way, Server 1 allows respondents (learners) to answer questions while competing with opponents for points. In other words, Server 1 can support learners in learning while having fun, as if they were playing an online game. As a result, Server 1 can improve learners' motivation to learn.

[0169] On the other hand, in the measurement mode and self-study mode, where one learner (respondent) studies, Server 1 awards points to the respondent based on their answers within the time limit. Respondents can obtain high scores by correctly answering more questions within the time limit. Respondents can objectively grasp the progress of their academic ability (learning outcomes) obtained through the use of the measurement mode and self-study mode, based on their score, which is a numerical value as an objective indicator. In other words, Server 1 can support learners in learning while having fun, as if they were enjoying an online game. As a result, Server 1 can improve learners' motivation to learn.

[0170] In this invention, the score awarded to the respondent in each operating mode may be a constant regardless of the response time, instead of being calculated based on the response time. That is, the server awards the respondent a predetermined score regardless of the response time when the respondent enters a correct answer within a predetermined time. In this case, the respondent can listen attentively to the English text of the question and answer without rushing to enter their answer.

[0171] The embodiments described above were examples of learners performing English dictation. However, the learning supported by the present invention is not limited to English dictation. That is, the learning to which the present invention can be applied may include dictation in a language other than English, or it may include learning other than language learning. In other words, in competitive mode, the learning to which the present invention can be applied may involve presenting the same question to multiple learners (not limited to two), having them answer alternately, and allowing all learners in the competition to share the answers of other learners and the results of the judgment of whether they are correct or incorrect. Furthermore, in measurement mode or self-study mode, the learning to which the present invention can be applied may involve presenting a question to one learner and providing the learner with objective indicators based on their answering status within the time limit.

[0172] Thus, this server may connect via a communication network to terminals operated by each of the three or more contestants (three or more terminals) and execute the battle mode. That is, for example, when this server connects to each of the three terminals and executes the battle mode, this server controls the input screen of only one terminal to be turned on, and the input screens of the remaining two terminals to be turned off, and then displays the answer entered on the input screen of the one terminal that is turned on, and the result of the judgment of whether it is correct or incorrect, on the display screens of the remaining two terminals that are turned off. In other words, even if there are three or more contestants, this server grants the right to answer to only one person, and allows the other contestants to view the answer of the contestant who has been given the right to answer, and then successively grants the right to answer to the contestants to compete.

[0173] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the server 1 determined the correctness of the respondent's answer, measured the time it took the respondent to arrive at the correct answer, and scored the answer. That is, the server 1 comprised a determination unit 5, a measurement unit 6, and a scoring unit 7. In the present invention, each respondent's terminal may have the same functions as the determination unit 5, measurement unit 6, and scoring unit 7 provided by the server 1. In this case, the server does not need to have these functions. In other words, the server receives the respondent's answer, the determination result of whether it is correct or incorrect, and the score for correct answers from each respondent's terminal and displays them on the terminals of other respondents. In this way, by distributing the necessary functions in the present invention between the server and the respondent's terminal, the amount of information stored in the server's memory is reduced compared to when the functions are not distributed, and the information processing load on the server is reduced.

[0174] Furthermore, in all three operating modes described above, the Server 1 was a different information processing device from the respondent's terminal connected via the communication network. Here, for example, in all three operating modes, the respondent's terminal may also have the functions of the Server. That is, the respondent's terminal runs the Program to achieve the same functions as the Server. In other words, the respondent can learn in measurement mode or self-study mode using only their own terminal.

[0175] In other words, this server may also function as a respondent's terminal. That is, for example, in a battle mode, one of the multiple respondents competing may use this server, which has the functionality of a respondent's terminal, to submit their answers, while the other respondents' terminals communicate with this server operated by the first respondent. Alternatively, in a battle mode, each of the multiple respondents competing may have a terminal that has all or part of the functionality of this server, enabling battles between respondents.

[0176] Thus, this method may be implemented using only the terminals of each of the multiple respondents. That is, for example, the terminals operated by each of the two competing respondents may be connected via a communication network, and the battle mode may be executed. In this case, one of the terminals operated by each of the two respondents also functions as the server.

[0177] Here, for example, the respondent's terminal, which also functions as the server (hereinafter referred to as the "respondent terminal"), displays an input screen where the respondent's answer is entered and a display screen where the opponent's answer is displayed. The opponent's terminal, which plays against the respondent (hereinafter referred to as the "opponent terminal"), displays an input screen where the opponent's answer is entered and a display screen where the answer entered by the respondent terminal is displayed. The respondent terminal receives the opponent's answer from the opponent terminal and sends the result of the determination of whether the opponent's answer is correct or incorrect to the opponent terminal. The respondent terminal controls the respondent terminal's input screen to either an ON state where an answer can be entered or an OFF state where an answer cannot be entered. The respondent terminal controls the opponent terminal's input screen to either an ON state where an answer can be entered or an OFF state where an answer cannot be entered. When the respondent terminal's input screen is controlled to the ON state, the respondent terminal controls the opponent terminal's input screen to the OFF state. When the respondent terminal's input screen is controlled to the OFF state, the respondent terminal controls the opponent terminal's input screen to the ON state. The respondent's terminal displays the answers entered on the input screen of the respondent's terminal, which is turned on, on the opponent's terminal's display screen. This method, executed by the respondent's terminal, is performed, for example, as described above.

[0178] Furthermore, some of the information stored in the memory of this server may be stored in the memory of an information processing device separate from this server. For example, information related to the questions (such as audio information of the English text of the questions, text information of the correct answers and their Japanese translations, and the difficulty level of the questions) may be stored in a database server separate from this server. Alternatively, communication between this server, the respondent's terminal, and a third-party terminal (for example, a terminal operated by a teacher instructing the respondent in competitive mode) may be implemented by a communication server separate from this server. These database servers and communication servers are connected to this server, the respondent's terminal, and the third-party terminal via a communication network.

[0179] ●Features of this server, this program, and this method● The main features of this server, this program, and this method, as described above, are summarized below.

[0180] ●Features of this server This server is The first device (e.g., first device 10) is operated by the first respondent (e.g., nickname Taro), A second terminal (for example, second terminal 20) operated by the second respondent (for example, nickname Jiro), An information processing device (e.g., this server 1) is connected to a communication network (e.g., communication network N), The first terminal displays a first input screen (for example, input screen A1 in Figure 4) where the first respondent's first answer is entered, and a first display screen (for example, display screen A2 in Figure 4) where the second respondent's second answer is displayed, The second terminal displays a second input screen where the second answer is entered (for example, input screen B1 in Figure 4) and a second display screen where the first answer is displayed (for example, display screen B2 in Figure 4), A receiving unit (for example, receiving unit 4) receives the first answer entered on the first input screen from the first terminal, A transmitting unit (for example, transmitting unit 3) transmits the result of determining whether the first answer is correct or incorrect to the first terminal and the second terminal, A first display control unit (e.g., first display control unit 8a) controls the first input screen between a first ON state in which the first answer can be entered (e.g., input screen A1 in Figure 5) and a first OFF state in which the first answer cannot be entered (e.g., input screen A1 in Figure 6), A second display control unit (e.g., second display control unit 8b) controls the second input screen between a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered (e.g., input screen B1 in Figure 6) and a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered (e.g., input screen B1 in Figure 5), It has, The second display control unit, When the first input screen is controlled to the first ON state, the second input screen is controlled to the second OFF state. When the first input screen is controlled to the first off state, the second input screen is controlled to the second on state. The first answer entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the second display screen.

[0181] This server is A determination unit (for example, determination unit 5) that determines whether the first answer is correct or incorrect, It has, The transmitting unit transmits the result of the determination made by the determination unit to the first terminal and the second terminal. It can be anything.

[0182] On this server, When the above first answer is determined to be the correct answer, The first display control unit changes the first input screen from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit changes the second input screen from the second off state to the second on state. It can be anything.

[0183] This server is A measurement unit (for example, measurement unit 6) measures the response time from the time the first input screen is changed from the first off state to the first on state until the receiving unit receives the first response. It has, When the first response is determined to be an incorrect response, the response time will be limited until a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed. The first display control unit maintains the first input screen in the first ON state, The second display control unit maintains the second input screen in the second off state. It can be anything.

[0184] On this server, When the aforementioned response time has elapsed for a predetermined period (for example, 20 seconds), The first display control unit changes the first input screen from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit changes the second input screen from the second off state to the second on state. It can be anything.

[0185] This server is When the first response is determined to be the correct response, a scoring unit (for example, scoring unit 7) scores the score to be awarded to the first respondent based on the response time. It has, The first display control unit displays the score on the first terminal, The second display control unit displays the score on the second terminal. It can be anything.

[0186] On this server, The first terminal displays a first answer screen (for example, display area A in Figure 12) on which the first answer determined to be the correct answer is displayed, The second terminal displays a second answer screen (for example, display area B in Figure 12) in which the first answer, which has been determined to be the correct answer, When the first display control unit determines that the first answer entered on the first input screen is the correct answer, it displays the first answer on the first answer screen. The second display control unit, when it determines that the first answer entered on the first input screen is the correct answer, displays the first answer on the second answer screen. It can be anything.

[0187] On this server, The first answer mentioned above (for example, "lonwei" in Figure 15) includes multiple partial answers (for example, "lon" and "wei"), The determination unit determines whether each of the multiple partial answers is partially correct or partially incorrect. When, among the multiple partial answers, there is a partial answer (for example, "lon") that is determined to be partially correct, The first display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only those partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second off state to the second on state. It can be anything.

[0188] On this server, The receiving unit receives the second response (for example, "lonely" in Figure 20) entered on the second input screen from the second terminal, The determination unit determines whether the second answer entered on the second input screen is the correct answer or the incorrect answer. The aforementioned second answer includes multiple second sub-answers (e.g., "lon", "ely"), When the aforementioned second answer is determined to be the correct answer, The first display control unit, Of the second partial answers included in the second answer, those that are not displayed on the first answer screen (for example, "ely") are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first off state to the first on state, The second display control unit, Of the second partial answers included in the second answer, those second partial answers that are not displayed on the second answer screen will be displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second ON state to the second OFF state. It can be anything.

[0189] On this server, The first answer above is textual information related to an English word, The aforementioned partial answer is a set of characters included in the aforementioned character information. It can be anything.

[0190] On this server, The second display control unit, The input response currently being entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the second display screen. It can be anything.

[0191] On this server, The learning support server connects to a third terminal operated by the third respondent via the communication network, The third terminal displays a third input screen where the third respondent's third response is entered, and a third display screen where the first response and the second response are displayed. The first display screen displays the third answer, The second display screen displays the third answer, The aforementioned learning support server is A third display control unit controls the third input screen to a third ON state in which the third answer can be entered, and a third OFF state in which the third answer cannot be entered. It has, The third display control unit is: When the first input screen is controlled to the first ON state, the third input screen is controlled to the third OFF state, and the first answer entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the third display screen. When the second input screen is controlled to the second ON state, the third input screen is controlled to the third OFF state, and the second answer entered on the second input screen in the second ON state is displayed on the third display screen. It can be anything.

[0192] On this server, When the third input screen is controlled to the third ON state, The first display control unit controls the first input screen to the first off state and displays the third answer entered on the third input screen in the third on state on the first display screen. The second display control unit controls the second input screen to the second off state and displays the third answer entered on the third input screen in the third on state on the second display screen. It can be anything.

[0193] This server is A learning support server operated by the respondent, The learning support server connects via a communication network to the opponent's terminal operated by the respondent's opponent, The learning support server displays a first input screen where the respondent's first answer is entered, and a first display screen where the opponent's second answer is displayed, The aforementioned other terminal displays a second input screen where the second answer is entered, and a second display screen where the first answer is displayed, The aforementioned learning support server is A receiving unit that receives the second response entered on the second input screen from the other terminal, A transmitting unit that transmits the result of determining whether the second answer is correct or incorrect to the other terminal, A first display control unit controls the first input screen to a first ON state in which the first answer can be entered, and a first OFF state in which the first answer cannot be entered. A second display control unit controls the second input screen to a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered, and a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered. It has, The second display control unit, When the first input screen is controlled to the first ON state, the second input screen is controlled to the second OFF state. When the first input screen is controlled to the first off state, the second input screen is controlled to the second on state. The first answer entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the second display screen.

[0194] ●Features of this program This program will make the computer function as this server.

[0195] ●Features of this method This method, The first terminal operated by the first respondent, The second terminal is operated by the second respondent, A learning support method executed by an information processing device connected via a communication network, The first terminal displays a first input screen where the first respondent's first answer is entered, and a first display screen where the second respondent's second answer is displayed, The second terminal displays a second input screen where the second answer is entered, and a second display screen where the first answer is displayed, The aforementioned information processing device The first input screen is changed from a first off state in which the first answer cannot be entered to a first on state in which the first answer can be entered, A display control step that changes the second input screen from a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered to a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered, A receiving step of receiving the first response input on the first input screen from the first terminal; A display step of displaying the first response input on the first input screen in the first on state on the second display screen; A transmission step of transmitting the result of determining whether the first response is a correct answer or an incorrect answer to the first terminal and the second terminal; comprises.

[0196] This method is a learning support method executed by an information processing device operated by a responder, where the information processing device is connected via a communication network to a partner terminal operated by the responder's opponent, the information processing device displays a first input screen on which the first response of the responder is input and a first display screen on which the second response of the opponent is displayed, the partner terminal displays a second input screen on which the second response is input and a second display screen on which the first response is displayed, the information processing device changes the second input screen from a second off state in which the second response cannot be input to a second on state in which the second response can be input, and a display control step of changing the first input screen from a first on state in which the first response can be input to a first off state in which the first response cannot be input, a receiving step of receiving the second response input on the second input screen from the partner terminal, a display step of displaying the second response input on the second input screen in the second on state on the first display screen, a transmission step of transmitting the result of determining whether the second response is a correct answer or an incorrect answer to the partner terminal, comprises.

Explanation of Signs

[0197] 1 Learning support server 2 Storage unit 3 Transmission unit 4 Reception unit 5 Judgment section 6 Measurement Unit 7. Grading Department 8 Display Control Unit 8a First display control unit 8b Second display control unit 10. The terminal of the first learner (first respondent) (first terminal) 20. Second learner's (second respondent's) terminal (second terminal) P Operation Mode Selection Screen P1 Versus Mode Start Screen P2 Measurement Mode Start Screen P3 Self-study mode start screen Battle mode screen displayed on terminal 1 (Pa) A Correct Answer Display Area A1 Input screen for the first respondent's answer (first response) A11 Input area for the first answer A12 Indicator showing the remaining time within the predetermined time frame for answering the first response. A2 Display screen for the second respondent's answer (second response) A21 Display area for the second answer A22 Indicator showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering the second response. Pb Battle mode screen displayed on the second terminal B. Correct Answer Display Area B1 Input screen for the second answer B11 Input area for the second answer B12 Indicator showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering the second response. B2 Display screen for the first answer B21 Display area for the first answer B22 Indicator showing the remaining time within the allotted time for answering the first response. Measurement mode screen displayed on PC terminal 1 C. Display area for correct answer C1 Input screen for the first respondent's answer C11 Input area for the first respondent's answer C12 Indicator showing the remaining time within the predetermined time limit for the first respondent to answer. Self-study mode screen displayed on the first Pd terminal D. Display area for correct answer D1 Input screen for the first respondent's answer D11 Input area for the first respondent's answer D12 Indicator showing the remaining time within the predetermined time limit for the first respondent to answer.

Claims

1. The first terminal operated by the first respondent, The second terminal is operated by the second respondent, A learning support server that connects via a communication network, The first terminal displays a first input screen where the first respondent's first answer is entered, and a first answer screen, The second terminal displays a second input screen where the second respondent's second answer is entered, and a second answer screen, The aforementioned learning support server is A receiving unit that receives the first response from the first terminal, A determination unit that determines whether the first answer is correct or incorrect, A first display control unit controls the first input screen to a first ON state in which the first answer can be entered, and a first OFF state in which the first answer cannot be entered. A second display control unit controls the second input screen to a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered, and a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered. It has, The first response mentioned above includes multiple partial responses, The determination unit determines whether each of the multiple partial answers included in the first answer is partially correct or partially incorrect. When, among the multiple partial answers, there is a partial answer that is determined to be partially correct, The first display control unit is: Of the multiple partial answers, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only those partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second off state to the second on state. A learning support server characterized by the following features.

2. The second terminal displays a second display screen on which the first answer is displayed, The second display control unit is: When the first input screen is controlled to the first ON state, the second input screen is controlled to the second OFF state, and the first answer entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the second display screen. A learning support server according to claim 1.

3. When, among the plurality of partial answers, there is a partial answer that has been determined to be a partial correct answer, The first display control unit is: Before displaying only the partial answers that have been determined to be partially correct on the first answer screen, the first answer is displayed on the first answer screen. The second display control unit, Before displaying only the partial answers that have been determined to be partially correct on the second answer screen, the first answer is displayed on the second answer screen. A learning support server according to claim 1.

4. The first terminal displays a first terminal screen that shows the first input screen and the first response screen, The second terminal displays a second terminal screen which shows the second input screen and the second display screen which shows the first answer, When, among the multiple partial answers, there is a partial answer that is determined to be partially correct, The first display control unit is: After moving the first answer entered on the first input screen towards the first answer screen within the first terminal screen, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the first answer screen. The second display control unit, After moving the first answer displayed on the second display screen towards the second answer screen within the second terminal screen, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the second answer screen. A learning support server according to claim 1.

5. A storage unit that stores scoring information necessary for scoring the score to be given to the first respondent, When the first response is determined to be the correct response, a scoring unit scores the points to be awarded to the first respondent based on the scoring information, It has, The aforementioned scoring information is, Information indicating the number of times the first answer was determined to be incorrect by the determination unit, including, A learning support server according to claim 1.

6. A storage unit for storing scoring information necessary for scoring the score to be given to the first respondent, When the first response is determined to be the correct response, a scoring unit scores the points to be awarded to the first respondent based on the scoring information, It has, The first terminal is, The learning support server receives audio information indicating the correct answer, Based on the received audio information, the audio of the correct answer can be played back. The aforementioned scoring information is, Information indicating the number of times the audio of the correct answer has been played, including, A learning support server according to claim 1.

7. The receiving unit receives the second response entered on the second input screen from the second terminal, The determination unit determines whether the second answer entered on the second input screen is the correct answer or the incorrect answer. The aforementioned second answer includes multiple second partial answers, When the second answer is determined to be the correct answer, The first display control unit is: Of the second partial answers included in the second answer, those second partial answers that are not displayed on the first answer screen are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first off state to the first on state, The second display control unit, Of the second partial answers included in the second answer, those second partial answers that are not displayed on the second answer screen will be displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second ON state to the second OFF state. A learning support server according to claim 1.

8. The first answer above is textual information related to an English word, The aforementioned partial answer is a set of characters included in the aforementioned character information. A learning support server according to claim 1.

9. The second terminal displays a second display screen on which the first answer is displayed, The second display control unit, The input response currently being entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the second display screen. A learning support server according to claim 1.

10. The learning support server connects to a third terminal operated by the third respondent via the communication network, The third terminal displays a third input screen where the third respondent's third response is entered, and a third display screen where the first response and the second response are displayed. The aforementioned learning support server is A third display control unit controls the third input screen to a third ON state in which the third answer can be entered, and a third OFF state in which the third answer cannot be entered. It has, The third display control unit is: When the first input screen is controlled to the first ON state, the third input screen is controlled to the third OFF state, and the first answer entered on the first input screen in the first ON state is displayed on the third display screen. When the second input screen is controlled to the second ON state, the third input screen is controlled to the third OFF state, and the second answer entered on the second input screen in the second ON state is displayed on the third display screen. A learning support server according to claim 1.

11. The first terminal displays a first display screen in which the second answer and the third answer are displayed, The second terminal displays a second display screen in which the first answer and the third answer are shown, When the third input screen is controlled to the third ON state, The first display control unit controls the first input screen to the first off state and displays the third answer, which is input to the third input screen in the third on state, on the first display screen. The second display control unit controls the second input screen to the second off state and displays the third answer, which is input to the third input screen in the third on state, on the second display screen. A learning support server according to claim 10.

12. The computer is made to function as a learning support server as described in claim 1. A learning support program characterized by the following features.

13. The first terminal operated by the first respondent, The second terminal is operated by the second respondent, A learning support method executed by a learning support server connected via a communication network, The first terminal displays a first input screen where the first respondent's first answer is entered, and a first answer screen, The second terminal displays a second input screen where the second respondent's second answer is entered, and a second answer screen, The aforementioned learning support server is A receiving unit that receives the first response from the first terminal, A determination unit that determines whether the first answer is correct or incorrect, A first display control unit controls the first input screen to a first ON state in which the first answer can be entered, and a first OFF state in which the first answer cannot be entered. A second display control unit controls the second input screen to a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered, and a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered. Equipped with, The first response mentioned above includes multiple partial responses, The aforementioned learning support method is The receiving unit receives the first response from the first terminal in a receiving step, The determination unit performs a determination step in which it determines whether each of the multiple partial answers included in the first answer is partially correct or partially incorrect, When, among the multiple partial answers, there is a partial answer that is determined to be partially correct, The first display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only those partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second off state to the second on state. Display control step, Having, A learning support method characterized by the following features.

14. A learning support server operated by the respondent, The learning support server connects via a communication network to the opponent's terminal operated by the respondent's opponent, The learning support server displays a first input screen where the respondent's first answer is entered, and a first answer screen, The aforementioned opponent's terminal displays a second input screen where the opponent's second answer is entered, and a second answer screen, The aforementioned learning support server is The receiving unit receives the second response from the other terminal, A determination unit that determines whether the first answer is correct or incorrect, A first display control unit controls the first input screen to a first ON state in which the first answer can be entered, and a first OFF state in which the first answer cannot be entered. A second display control unit controls the second input screen to a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered, and a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered. It has, The second response mentioned above includes multiple partial responses, The determination unit determines whether each of the multiple partial answers included in the second answer is partially correct or partially incorrect. When, among the multiple partial answers, there is a partial answer that is determined to be partially correct, The first display control unit is: Of the multiple partial answers, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only those partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second off state to the second on state. A learning support server characterized by the following features.

15. A learning support program characterized by causing a computer to function as a learning support server as described in claim 13.

16. A learning support method executed by a learning support server operated by the respondent, The learning support server connects via a communication network to the opponent's terminal operated by the respondent's opponent, The learning support server displays a first input screen where the respondent's first answer is entered, and a first answer screen, The aforementioned opponent's terminal displays a second input screen where the opponent's second answer is entered, and a second answer screen, The aforementioned learning support server is The receiving unit receives the second response from the other terminal, A determination unit that determines whether the second answer is correct or incorrect, A first display control unit controls the first input screen to a first ON state in which the first answer can be entered, and a first OFF state in which the first answer cannot be entered. A second display control unit controls the second input screen to a second ON state in which the second answer can be entered, and a second OFF state in which the second answer cannot be entered. Equipped with, The second response mentioned above includes multiple partial responses, The aforementioned learning support method is The receiving unit receives the second response from the other terminal in a receiving step, The determination unit performs a determination step in which it determines whether each of the multiple partial answers included in the second answer is partially correct or partially incorrect, When, among the multiple partial answers, there is a partial answer that is determined to be partially correct, The first display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only the partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the first answer screen. The first input screen is changed from the first ON state to the first OFF state, The second display control unit, Of the multiple partial answers, only those partial answers that are determined to be partially correct are displayed on the second answer screen. The second input screen is changed from the second off state to the second on state. Display control step, Having, A learning support method characterized by the following features.

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