Electronic coaching system

Abstract

An electronic coaching system for configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a coach and a trainee. The electronic coaching system comprises a plurality of client-side devices configured to receive and transmit input from a user and a host system configured to receive said input from the plurality of client-side devices. The host system comprises a content management module for configuring one or more electronic coaching programs, a learning management module for facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee, and an assessment module for determining completion of the one more coaching activities based on received input. The electronic coaching program(s) are delivered by utilising a SCORM-compliant package containing at least the one or more coaching activities, and configured to receive assessment input and coaching input in response to the one or more coaching activities. The SCORM-compliant package has associated with it an API key which enables the assessment module to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received.

Description

ELECTRONIC COACHING SYSTEMFIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic coaching system, and more particularly but not solely to an electronic coaching system for configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs.BACKGROUND

[0002] Typically, organisations use an electronic system, such as a learning management system (LMS) to deliver and manage training content for their employees. An LMS may provide for at least the delivery of training content to the employee(s) and tracking or assessment of the employee(s) in relation to training content, which can typically include videos, courses, workshops, and documents. An LMS may provide training content to users in units called shareable content objects (SCOs). A technical standard known as shareable content object reference model (SCORM) is used for creating and / or integrating training content in the form of SCOs into the LMS. The configuration and facilitation of the training content into the LMS may be dictated by technical guidelines outlined by SCORM.

[0003] Interaction between an LMS and a SCO may occur through an application programming interface (API). The LMS may initiate the launch of the SCO and implement the API. The SCO may find and use the API to communicate with the LMS. The SCORM-compliant training content delivered by the LMS is presented to each user, and the SCO may make JavaScript calls to the API as a user interacts with the SCORM-compliant training content.

[0004] Presently, SCORM-compliant training content may be presented to multiple users and is generally difficult to personalise between said users on scale. To be more engaging and thus more effective, personalisation in the training content is thus desirable. Additionally, personalised coaching of employees from a manager or trainer can further increase engagement and learning. A typical SCORM based LMS does not allow a scalable solution for personalised coaching to occur within the LMS between an employee and a manager or trainer.

[0005] As such, an adapted SCORM based LMS that allows for content to be delivered to better suit the requirements of an individual employee, and for personalised coaching between a manager or trainer and an employee is thus required.

[0006] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an improved electronic coaching system which addresses or ameliorates one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY

[0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic coaching system for configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a coach and atrainee, the electronic coaching system comprising: a plurality of client-side devices each comprising a user interface and communication module, and configured to receive and transmit input from a user; a host system configured to receive said input from the plurality of client-side devices, wherein the host system comprises: a content management module for configuring one or more electronic coaching programs, the content management module configured to receive input from a client-side device relating to one more coaching activities, and output a SCORM-compliant package containing at least the one or more coaching activities; a learning management module for facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee, the learning management module configured to: receive the SCORM-compliant package from the content management module; present a coaching activity to a client-side device relating to the trainee; receive assessment input from the client-side device relating to the trainee in response to a coaching activity; present the assessment input to the client-side device relating to the coach; receive coaching input from the client-side device relating to the coach in response to the assessment input; and transmit notification to the clientside device relating to the trainee based on assessment input being required, and to the client-side device relating to the coach based on coaching input being required; and an assessment module for determining completion of the one more coaching activities based on received input, the assessment module configured to: receive assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module; authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received; and determine whether the learning management module should transmit notification to the client-side device relating to the trainee and the client-side device relating to the coach that further input is required, based on the received assessment input and coaching input; wherein the plurality of client-side devices receive input from the user and transmit the input to the host system using an application programming interface (API) provided by the host system, and wherein the SCORM- compliant package has associated with it an API key which enables the assessment module to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received, and wherein transmission of the assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module to the assessment module is within the SCORM-compliant package.

[0008] In a configuration, the client-side device is configured to run a web-based program for receiving input and displaying prompts and / or information.

[0009] In a configuration, the learning management module is further configured to assign a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee.

[0010] In a configuration, the assignment of assign of the client-side device relating to a coach to the client-side device relating to a trainee generates an enrolment identifier linking the client-side device relating to the coach to the client-side device relating to the trainee.

[0011] In a configuration, the enrolment identifier allows the learning management module to notify the client-side device relating to the coach to provide coaching input, based on the assessment input of the client-side device relating to the trainee, and / or to notify the client-side device relating to the trainee to provide assessment input, based on the coaching input of the client-side device relating to the coach.

[0012] In a configuration, the transmission of the assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module to the assessment module comprises an API call to the assessment module.

[0013] In a configuration, the API call to the assessment module includes the API key and the enrolment identifier.

[0014] In a configuration, the one or more coaching activities include a plurality of discrete components each having content associated therewith, the content configured to be delivered to a user.

[0015] In a configuration, a plurality of assessments, including assessments requiring only virtual interaction between the trainee and the coach and / or assessments requiring in person interaction between the trainee and the coach.

[0016] In a configuration, the content for each coaching activity is stored in the assessment module, and the SCORM-compliant package comprises a pointer to the stored content.

[0017] In a configuration, the SCORM-compliant package specifies the order in which the client-side device relating to the trainee may experience the plurality of discrete components each having content associated therewith.

[0018] In a configuration, the assessment input and coaching input are stored in the assessment module, and the SCORM-compliant package comprises a pointer to the assessment input and the coaching input.

[0019] In a configuration, upon the recording of an assessment input to the coaching activity, the learning management module is configured to generate a notification for the coach of the availability of each assessment input for review.

[0020] In a configuration, the assessment module is configured to receive feedback and / or an approval of the assessment input from the coach.

[0021] In a configuration, the SCORM-compliant package is configured to prevent progress through the package until feedback and / or an approval of the assessment input from the coach is received.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a coach and a trainee using a plurality of client-side devices each comprising a user interface and communication module, andconfigured to receive and transmit input from a user, the method comprising: at a content management module, configuring one or more electronic coaching programs, by: receiving input from a client-side device relating to one more coaching activities, and outputting a SCORM- compliant package containing at least the one or more coaching activities; at a learning management module, facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee, by: receiving the SCORM- compliant package from the content management module; presenting a coaching activity to a client-side device relating to the trainee; receiving assessment input from the client-side device relating to the trainee in response to a coaching activity; presenting the assessment input to the client-side device relating to the coach; receiving coaching input from the client-side device relating to the coach in response to the assessment input; and transmitting notification to the client-side device relating to the trainee based on assessment input being required, and to the client-side device relating to the coach based on coaching input being required; and at an assessment module, determining completion of the one more coaching activities based on received input, by: receiving assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module; authenticating the assessment input and coaching input received; and determining whether the learning management module should transmit notification to the client-side device relating to the trainee and the client-side device relating to the coach that further input is required, based on the received assessment input and coaching input; wherein the receiving of input from the user and transmitting of the input is using an application programming interface (API), and wherein the SCORM-compliant package has associated with it an API key which enables the assessment module to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received, and wherein transmission of the assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module to the assessment module is within the SCORM-compliant package.

[0023] The second aspect may comprise any one or more of the features of the first aspect.

[0024] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electronically-implemented method defined by software code or coded instructions that are executable or implemented by a computer, processor, or controller to carry out any one or more of the methods or aspects described above.

[0025] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer- readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions that, when executed on a processing device or devices, cause the processing device or devices to perform any one or more of the methods or aspects described above.

[0026] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0027] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0028] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0029] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0030] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0031] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0032] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 shows schematically an example of an electronic coaching system in a first configuration.

[0035] Figure 2 shows schematically an example of an electronic coaching system in a second configuration.

[0036] Figure 3 shows schematically an example of an architecture and interactions of an example host system and client-side devices in a configuration.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an example summary flow diagram of an electronic coaching program.

[0038] Figure 5 shows an example flow diagram of a feedback loop for the facilitating of one or more electronic coaching programs in a first configuration.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example flow diagram of a feedback loop for the facilitating of one or more electronic coaching programs in a second configuration.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example authentication step shown in Figures 5 and 6.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Although certain examples are described below, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples and / or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein disclosed should not be limited by any particular examples described below.

[0042] The present disclosure relates to electronic systems and methods for configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a coach and a trainee. The present disclosure utilises an adapted shareable content object reference model (SCORM)- compliant package, to allow the electronic coaching program(s) to be more appropriate for use in the electronic coaching of the one or more users.

[0043] As will be explained, the electronic coaching system of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of client-side devices each comprising a user interface and communication module, each configured to receive and transmit input from a user, and a host system configured to receive said input from the plurality of client-side devices.

[0044] Figures 1 and 2 show overviews of example electronic coaching systems 100. Each of the example coaching systems 100 shown comprises a plurality of client-side devices 102 each comprising a user interface which allows for the accessing of an AP1 114, and communication module (not shown). The coaching systems 100 shown also comprise a host system 104 configured to receive input from the plurality of client-side devices and comprising a number of modules 106, 108, 110, for configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a coach and a trainee. The client-side devices 102 and the host system 104 are connected by a network.

[0045] The client-side devices 102 may be deployed as and / or executed on any type and form of computing device, e.g., a computer, smartphone, tablet, network device, or appliance capable of communicating on any type and form of network and performing the operations described herein.

[0046] The client-side devices 102 may comprise a user interface such as those known in the art such as a display and keyboard and / or mouse, and / or touchscreen. The user interface may interface with a web-based run time environment provided by the host system 104 in the form of an AP1 114. The AP1 114 may present prompts and / or information provided by the host system 104 to the user via the user interface. The AP1 114 may also receive input (i.e. at least assessment input and / or coaching input) from the user via the AP1 114. The client-side device 102 may furthercomprise a communication module configured to allow the client-side device to transmit and receive information from the host system 104 via the AP1 114.

[0047] Figure 1 shows an overview of a first example electronic coaching system 100. The electronic coaching system 100 includes one or more client-side devices 102 in communication with one or more host systems 104 via one or more networks 112.

[0048] Although Figure 1 shows a network 112 between client-side devices 102 and the host system 104, the client-side devices 102 and host system 104 may be on the same network 112. In some examples, there may be multiple networks 112 between client-side devices 102 and host system 104. One or more of the networks may be a private network and / or one or more of the networks may be a public network. As will be appreciated, network(s) 112 may be provided via wired and / or wireless links and using known network standards. Network 112 may be any type and / or form of network known in the art, or combination of forms of known networks. Network 112 may be of any such network topology as known to those ordinarily skilled in the art capable of supporting the operations described herein. For example, the network 112 may be any one or more of: a body area network (BAN), a personal area network (PAN), a local-area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. Network 112 may be a type of broadcast network, a telecommunications network, a data communication network, or a computer network. Network 112 may utilize different techniques and layers or stacks of protocols, including, e.g., the Ethernet protocol, the internet protocol suite (TCP / IP), the ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technique, the SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking) protocol, or the SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) protocol.

[0049] In some examples, the host system 104 may comprise one or more servers. In some examples the host system 104 may comprise a plurality of servers. The plurality of servers may be a server farm or a machine farm, and / or may be geographically dispersed.

[0050] The server(s) may be a file server, application server, web server, proxy server, appliance, network appliance, gateway, gateway server, virtualization server, deployment server, SSL VPN server, or firewall. In one example, a plurality of servers may be in the path between any two communicating servers.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an overview of a second example electronic coaching system 100. The electronic coaching system 100 includes one or more client-side devices 102 in communication with cloud 118 via one or more networks. Cloud 118 may be public, private, or hybrid. Public clouds may include public servers that are maintained by third parties to client-side devices 102 or the owners of the client-side devices. Public clouds may be connected to servers over a public network. Private clouds may include private servers that are physically maintained by client-side devices 102 or owners of client-side devices. Private clouds may be connected to servers over a private network 104. Hybrid clouds may include both the private and public networksand servers. Cloud 118 may also include a cloud-based delivery, e.g. Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (laaS).

[0052] In some examples, access to one or more of the modules and / or packages of the host system may be authenticated. For example, the assessment module may authenticate a user via security certificates, HTTPS, or API keys. API keys may include various encryption standards such as, e.g., Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Data resources may be sent over T ransport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). In other examples, a server or authentication server may perform the authentication of the user. a. Host system

[0053] Figure 3 shows an implementation of some of an architecture and the interactions of an example host system 104 and client-side devices 102.

[0054] As shown, the host system 104 comprises at least a content management module 106 for configuring one or more electronic coaching programs, a learning management module 108 for facilitating the one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee, and an assessment module 110 for determining completion of the one more coaching activities based on received input.

[0055] Host system 104 may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a mainframe computer, a server, a network server, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook, a workstation, and any other computing platform. The host system 104 may be configured to be web-based run time environment for displaying prompts and / or information and allowing users to input information using a client-side device 102 using the AP1 114.

[0056] As will be discussed, the host system 104 is configured to provide one or more feedback loops relating to an electronic coaching program. The learning management module 108 may be configured to provide the feedback loop(s) with a plurality of client-side devices 102 configured to present information to users and receive input from said users. The plurality of client - side devices 102 may present information to the user, receive input from the user, and transmit the input to the host system 104 using the API provided by the host system 104.

[0057] As shown, content management module 106 may be communicatively coupled with learning management module 108 and assessment module 110 in the host system 104, and clientside device 102 through network. The content management module 106 allows a course author, a user of a client-side device 102, to create and / or configure a coaching program via API. The content management module 106 may receive input relating to the configuration and / or creation of a coaching program through the AP1 114 provided to the user on the client-side device 102. The content management module may output a SCORM-compliant package 116 comprising the coaching program, as will be discussed. The SCORM-compliant package may be transmitted or provided to the learning management module 108.

[0058] As shown, the learning management module may be communicatively coupled with content management module 106 as discussed, and the assessment module 110 in the host system 104, and client-side device 102 through network. The learning management module 108 may facilitate the delivery of the coaching program provided in the SCORM-compliant package 116 with the coach and trainee using one or more client-side devices 102 via the AP1 114.

[0059] The coaching program may be provided through quizzes, tests, training videos, assessments, text and image media, and any other method of training. In response to user interaction with the client-side device 102 via the AP1 114, the learning management module may provide the coaching program to the trainee, and then provide the trainees input to the coach for review.

[0060] The learning management module 108 may comprise or provide an application or a software (such as the AP1 114) that delivers and manages delivery of the coaching program to users (i.e. trainee and coach). In an example, the coaching program may include lessons, courses, modules, and any other method of providing content.

[0061] The learning management module 108 may assign coaching activities and input in response to the coaching activities to users, perform evaluations of the trainees understanding of the coaching activities through tests and assessments, and track the performance of the trainees in response to the coaching activities. As will be appreciated, the learning management module 108 may be configured to be SCORM-compliant such that it can accept and / or recognize any content or packages that is / are SCORM-compliant, and then deliver the SCORM-compliant content to users. SCORM is a technical specification that defines methodologies in creating and launching standardized training content.

[0062] Communication between the learning management module 108 and the SCORM- compliant package may occur through a JavaScript application programming interface (API). The learning management module 108 may initiate the launch of the SCO and implement or otherwise provide the API. The SCO may find and use the API to communicate with the learning management module, for example through the client-side device(s). In an example, the SCO may make JavaScript calls to the API as a user interacts with the coaching activities, for example using the client-side device.

[0063] The host system may enable modification of the SCORM-compliant package by allowing API calls that include specific undefined parameters. The SCORM-compliant content may be adapted, modified, or tailored to make the SCORM-compliant content more relevant and appropriate to the coaching of an individual user or a set of users.

[0064] In some examples, adaptations that may be made to the SCORM-compliant package include: adding logos, adjusting the display items shown to include branding, tailoring for users in a specific department, removing a section of SCORM-compliant content that a user hasviewed recently during another session, removing a section of SCORM-compliant content that a user has already completed, modifying SCORM-compliant content to be relevant to the user or a group of users in terms of the language the SCORM-compliant content is presented in, and modifying according to the seniority of role and job function of the user or the group of users.

[0065] The learning management module 108 may update the SCORM-compliant package 116 comprising the coaching program, as discussed. The SCORM-compliant package may be provided to the assessment module 110.

[0066] The assessment module 110 is configured to receive assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module, and to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received. The assessment module 110 may also receive input directly from the SCO. The assessment module 110 also stores the trainee and coach content related to the coaching activities. It is also configured to determine whether the coaching activity has been completed, or whether further input is required. The further input may be from a coach or a trainee.

[0067] The host system 102 of the electronic system 100 of the present disclosure comprises at least a content management module 106 for configuring one or more electronic coaching programs, a learning management module 108 for facilitating the one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee, and an assessment module 110 for determining completion of the one more coaching activities based on received input. The host system 104, specifically the learning management module 108, may be configured to be web-based run time environment for displaying prompts and / or information, and allowing users to input information using a client-side device 102 using the AP1 114.

[0068] The host system is configured to provide one or more feedback loops relating to an electronic coaching program. The learning management module 108 may be configured to provide the feedback loop(s) with a plurality of client-side devices 102 configured to present information to users and receive input from said users. The plurality of client-side devices 102 may present information to the user, receive input from the user, and transmit the input to the host system 104 using an application programming interface (API) provided by the host system 104.

[0069] In examples, the feedback loops of the present disclosure may involve firstly presenting coaching activities to one or more trainees, and receiving assessment input from the trainee(s) in relation to their submissions for each coaching activity. The loops may then involve presenting the received assessment input to one or more coaches and receiving coaching input in response to the assessment input from the coach(es). The feedback loop may further involve providing assessment instructions and guidance to the coaches, as created by an instructional designer. The coaching input may then be provided to the one or more trainees, for example as further coaching activities, and assessment input received from the trainee(s). The loop maycontinue, for example, each piece of assessment input is then provided to the coach(es), and coaching input received.

[0070] The electronic system of the present disclosure may provide for a coach to thus review and provide feedback for the trainee on each coaching activity. Each completed coaching activity may be reviewed by the coach and sent back to the trainee byway of the feedback loop of the learning management module. The learning management module may allow for coaching activities to be completed by trainees, and reviewed by coaches in real time by each party.

[0071] Further, in some examples, the learning management module may allow for the linking of digital skill assessment with real-world practical assessment. This may comprise by a coach indicating using the feedback on the coaching activity that they should observe the trainee during this real-world practical assessment, in person. The coach may then confirm as feedback to the coaching activity that the activity has been completed by or with the trainee.

[0072] The present disclosure further provides a content management module. The content manage module may allow one or more electronic coaching programs comprising one or more coaching activities to be configured. The content management module may be configured to receive input from one or more client-side devices, and output a SCORM-compliant package containing at least the one or more coaching activities. In some examples, the SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the content for each coaching activity. In such examples, the content for each coaching activity is stored in the assessment module.

[0073] The content management module allows SCORM-compliant coaching activity or activities to be created and / or configured within the host system. The learning management module is then configured to deliver the coaching activities and allow coaching between a coach and trainee using the SCORM-compliant package. The transmission of the assessment input and coaching input may be using the SCORM-compliant package. The assessment input and coaching input may be stored in the assessment module. The SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the assessment input and the coaching input. The learning management module may be configured to store the assessment input and the coaching input in the assessment module, and provide a pointer to the stored assessment input and the coaching input in the SCORM-compliant package.

[0074] As will be appreciated, the use of SCORM in learning management systems (LMS) means that the SCORM-compliant package containing at least the one or more coaching activities of the present disclosure may be used by an LMS separate from the host system of the present disclosure. However, as will be explained further, the learning management module of the present disclosure is specifically configured in a way which allows access to the above-described feedback loops relating to coaching activities, and not access by other learning management systems. This specific access of aspects of the SCORM-compliant package, as will be explained, is achieved byassociating an API key with the SCORM-compliant package. The associated API key allows for authentication of the assessment and / or coaching input received in order to run the described feedback loop functions.

[0075] In an example of a feedback loop provided by the present disclosure, a trainee may provide assessment input to the learning management module in response to a presented coaching activity via the API provided on the client-side device relating to the trainee. The assessment input may be provided from the learning management module to the assessment module using the SCORM-compliant package. The learning management module, using the SCORM-compliant package, may send an API request to the assessment module. As will be described, the API request may contain the received assessment input, an enrolment identifier, and an API key.

[0076] The assessment module may then authorise the received assessment input using the API key. The assessment module may then determine whether coaching input is required. If the assessment module determines that coaching input is required from a coach based on received assessment input from a trainee, then the assessment module may send an API request back to the learning management module that coaching input is required from the coach. The API request sent back to the learning management module may include instructions for the coach relating to the coaching activities. The instructions for the coach may have been configured in or by the content management module.

[0077] The enrolment identifier may allow the learning management module to notify the client-side device relating to the coach to provide said coaching input, based on the assessment input of the client-side device relating to the trainee. The assessment input may be presented to the coach using the API on the client-side device relating to the coach.

[0078] The coach may then provide coaching input to the learning management module in response to the assessment input, via the API provided on the client-side device relating to the coach. The coaching input may be provided from the learning management module to the assessment module using the SCORM-compliant package. The learning management module, using the SCORM-compliant package, may send an API request to the assessment module. The API request may contain the received coaching input, the enrolment identifier, and the API key.

[0079] The assessment module may then authorise the received coaching input using the API key. The assessment module may then determine whether further assessment input is required from the trainee. This may comprise firstly determining whether the coach has provided approval input to the assessment input. If the coach approves the received assessment input from the trainee, then the assessment module may determine whether further coaching activities are available or required to complete the coaching activity or coaching block. If further coaching activities are available, the assessment module may determine that further assessment input isrequired, the loop may start again, this time presenting the further coaching activity to the trainee. The further coaching activity may be presented to the trainee along with the assessment input (i.e. feedback) from the coach. If the assessment module determines that further assessment input is required from, then the assessment module may send an API request back to the learning management module that the assessment input is required from the trainee.

[0080] Similarly, the enrolment identifier allows the learning management module to notify the client-side device relating to the trainee to provide the assessment input, based on the coaching input of the client-side device relating to the coach.

[0081] If it is determined that no further coaching activities are required or available, the assessment input may determine that no further assessment input is required. At this point, the feedback loop may stop. The assessment module may be configured to send an API request to the learning management module with the enrolment identifier and an assessment result indicating that the coaching activity has been completed.

[0082] The learning management module may then be configured to update the coaching program comprising the one or more coaching activities and, if appropriate, change an enrolment status to "completed."

[0083] As such, it will be appreciated that when the trainee completes a coaching activity or coaching block by providing the required assessment input, then the coach may be notified that the assessment input has been received. The coach may then be prompted to review the assessment input and provide coaching input. The coach may further be provided with guidance relating to the coaching activities. The guidance for the coach may have been configured in or configured by the content management module. When the coach completes review of the previously provided assessment input by providing the required coaching input, then the trainee may be notified that the coaching input has been received, and is available for them to review, and that, if necessary that further input is required. This loop continues until the assessment module determines that a coaching block or coaching activity is complete, and / or that no further input is required.

[0084] The present electronic coaching system enables and facilitates coaching between one or more coaches and one or more trainees. The electronic coaching system is configured such that said coaching is scalable for use with a large number of users, for example in a large organisation. Additionally, as will be discussed, the electronic coaching system, using the adapted SCORM-compliant package, may remind, notify, report, and / or store information for the coaches that allows for versatile functionality with respect to coaching between a coach and trainee.

[0085] The functions of each of the modules of the host system 102 and the interactions between the modules and the client-side devices will now be described. i. Content Management Module

[0086] The host system 104 of the electronic coaching system 100 of the present disclosure comprises a content management module 106. The content management module 106 is configured to facilitate the creation and configuration of the one or more electronic coaching programs. The electronic coaching programs comprise one or more coaching activities. The content management module 106 is configured to create and / or configure each of the coaching activities.

[0087] The content management module 106 may be configured to receive input from a client-side device 102. The content management module 106 may also be configured to present information relating to each of the coaching activities to a user using the client-side device 102. The input from the client-side device may be received using the AP1 114 as previously discussed. The input from the client-side device may relate to the creation and / or configuration of each of the coaching activities.

[0088] The content management module is configured to create and / or configure each of the coaching activities via an API, which receives input from the client-side device(s). The content of each of the coaching activities is stored on the assessment module by the content management module.

[0089] Each of the coaching activities may contain multimedia content for the trainee and / or the coach. The coaching activities may include any one or more of: videos, courses, workshops, and documents. In some examples, the coaching activity may comprise embedded content. In some examples, the embedded content may include: coaching conversations, discussions, tasks, and skills verification. In examples, the coaching activities are configured to require completion before the trainee can continue with the course. In such examples, the trainee may indicate they are ready to take part in the coaching activity before they can continue with the rest of the course.

[0090] In some examples, content which is specific to a trainee may be presented to a coach, but content which is specific to a coach may not be presented to the trainee.

[0091] In examples, the SCORM compliant package may comprise a plurality of pages of content. The SCORM compliant package may comprise one or more coaching activities contained or associated with each of the pages. Each of the one or more coaching activities may have content (e.g. multimedia content) attached. The SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the content for each coaching activity. In such examples, the content for each coaching activity is stored on the assessment module.

[0092] Alongside the coaching activities, there may be a plurality of different types of content blocks available in the content management module, including static content, other forms of multimedia, and interactive elements.

[0093] The input received from, and information presented to, the client-side device 102, for example using the AP1 114, may relate to the creation and / or configuration of each of the coaching activities.

[0094] The content management module 106 may be configured to output an electronic coaching program in the form of a SCORM-compliant package 116 containing at least the one or more coaching activities. The SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the content for each coaching activity. In such examples, the content for each coaching activity is stored on the assessment module.

[0095] The input received from the client-side device(s) may relate to one more coaching activities, and the outputted SCORM-compliant package 116 may contain at least the one or more coaching activities. The creation and configuration of an electronic coaching program may allow for specific coaching activities to be embedded into the electronic coaching program, using the SCORM-compliant package. The coaching activities may be embedded into the electronic coaching program as separate training content blocks.

[0096] As will be discussed, the outputted SCORM-compliant package 116 may comprise an associated API key which enables the specific coaching activities to be access within the host system 104. In this way, when the SCORM-compliant package is run on any SCORM compliant LMS, the associated API key is used to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received. The associated API key may also be used to access the coaching activities. As the SCORM- compliant package comprises the associated API key, the SCORM-compliant package may be considered an adapted SCORM-compliant package. The associated API key may be stored in the learning management module, for example as part of, or alongside, the course content (e.g. coaching activities, and / or assessment input, and / or coaching input). In some examples, the associated API key may be packaged in the SCO.

[0097] The content management module 106 may be configured to associate the API key with the SCORM-compliant package when creating and / or configuring the or each electronic coaching program. In some examples, each SCORM-compliant package comprising an electronic coaching program may have a unique API key associated with it. In other examples, each host system 104 may have an API key unique to the host system, which is associated with each of the SCORM-compliant packages created and / or configured within the host system.

[0098] In examples, the content for each of the coaching activities is stored in a JSON object on the assessment module. In such examples, the API key may also be stored in the JSON object on the assessment module. ii. Learning Management Module

[0099] The host system 104 of the electronic coaching system 100 of the present disclosure comprises a learning management module 108. The learning management module 108is configured to facilitate the one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee.

[0100] The learning management module 108 may be configured to deliver and manage delivery of training content and / or coaching activities between users, for example between coaches and trainees. The learning management module may provide for at least the delivery of training content and / or coaching activities between the users and tracking or assessment of the users in relation to training content and / or coaching activities.

[0101] The learning management module may be configured to deliver and manage the training content and coaching activities previously created using the content management module 104. In some examples, the types of content delivered to a user may include any one or more of: videos, courses, workshops, and / or documents. The learning management module of the present disclosure may be a learning management system (LMS).

[0102] As previously discussed, the delivery and interaction between the learning management module and the users may be by way of the one or more client-side devices. The host system may be configured to present information to the users, and receive input from the user using the API. In some examples, the learning management module may implement the API. The client-side devices may use the API to communicate with the learning management module.

[0103] In examples, the or each coaching activity contained in the SCORM-compliant package may be delivered by the learning management module. The or each coaching activity contained in the SCORM-compliant package may be presented to each user using the API on the client-side device, and the learning management module may make JavaScript calls to the API as a user interacts with the or each coaching activity contained in the SCORM-compliant package. For example, the host system, using the API, may be configured to deliver the one or more coaching activities by presenting the content of the coaching activity or assessment input to the user, and then receiving input from the user in relation to the presented content.

[0104] As will be described in relation to the example flow diagrams shown in Figures 4 to 7, the learning management module is configured to provide one or more feedback loops 500 relating to an electronic coaching program. The learning management module may be configured to provide the feedback loop(s) 500 with a plurality of client-side devices configured to present information to users and receive input from said users. The plurality of client-side devices may present information to the user, receive input from the user, and transmit the input to the host system using an application programming interface (API) provided by the host system.

[0105] As shown in Figure 4, at step 501 the learning management module may firstly be configured to receive a SCORM-compliant package from the content management module. As previously discussed, the received SCORM-compliant package may comprise the electronic coaching program in the form of one or more coaching activities. The SCORM-compliant packagemay contain a pointer to the content for each coaching activity, wherein the content is stored in the assessment module.

[0106] At step 500 the learning management module may then proceed to deliver the electronic coaching program. As will be explained, the delivery of the electronic coaching program may comprise one or more feedback loops. Each of the feedback loops comprise at least the steps of: information (for example relating to a coaching activity) being presented to a trainee, assessment input being received from the trainee in response to the information shown, the assessment input being presented to the coach, coaching input being received from the coach, and an authentication step or steps. As will be explained, based on the outcome of the authentication step or steps, the feedback loop may proceed to start again, or end.

[0107] In some examples, each feedback loop 500 relates to the facilitation of a single coaching activity. In other examples, each feedback loop 500 relates to the facilitation of at least a portion of an electronic coaching program comprising a plurality of coaching activities. For example, in examples wherein the electronic coaching program comprises a plurality of coaching blocks each comprising a plurality of coaching activities, the feedback loop 500 may relate to the facilitation of one of the coaching blocks. In other examples, each feedback loop 500 relates to the facilitation of an entire electronic coaching program comprising a plurality of coaching blocks and / or coaching activities. iii. Coaching Program Methodology

[0108] Figures 5 and 6 show variations of an example feedback loop 500 for the facilitating of one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee. Each feedback loop 500 for the delivery of the electronic coaching program of the present disclosure may involve a number of steps, which will now be explained.

[0109] Firstly, at step 502, the feedback loop 500 comprises presenting a coaching activity or coaching activities to one or more trainees. The coaching activity or activities may be stored in the SCORM-compliant package received at step 501 . The learning management module may determine the coaching activity or activities to present at this step. As previously discussed, the SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the content for each coaching activity, wherein the content is stored in the assessment module.

[0110] The learning management module may present the coaching activity or activities to a client-side device relating to the trainee. The learning management module may present information relating to the coaching activity or activities to the client-side device. The client-side device may access the information relating to the coaching activity or activities through the API.

[0111] The presented coaching activity or activities may be in the form of: video recordings, audio recordings, courses, quizzes, assessments, workshops, and / or documents.

[0112] The coaching activity or activities may specifically relate to trainee content and coach content. The trainee content may be presented to a trainee for receiving assessment input from the trainee in relation to the trainee content. Similarly, the coach content may be presented to the coach for receiving coaching input in relation to the coach content. The trainee content and coach content may be referred to as coaching activities.

[0113] The coaching activity or activities may comprise a plurality of assessments, including assessments requiring only virtual interaction between the trainee and the coach. The coaching activity or activities may further comprise assessments requiring in person interaction between the trainee and the coach.

[0114] The one or more coaching activities may include a plurality of discrete components each having different content associated therewith. Upon receiving assessment input relating to the coaching activity presented to the user (trainee), the assessment input may be separately recorded or stored. Upon the recording or storing of an assessment input relating to the coaching activity or activities, the learning management module may be configured to generate a notification for the coach of the availability of the assessment input for the coach to review.

[0115] The SCORM-compliant package may specify the order in which the client-side device relating to the trainee may be shown or otherwise experience the coaching activity or activities. For example, the SCORM-compliant package may specify the order in which the clientside device relating to the trainee may be shown or otherwise experience the plurality of discrete components of the coaching activity or activities.

[0116] In such examples, the SCORM-compliant package may be configured to prevent further progress through the package until an approval status of the assessment input is received as coaching input.

[0117] At step 504, the feedback loop 500 comprises receiving assessment input from the trainee(s). The assessment input received may be in relation to their submissions for each coaching activity or activities presented at step 502. The assessment input may contain text and / or multimedia. The assessment input may include any one or more of images, video, sound, text, or binary files. The assessment input may also comprise an acknowledgement from the trainee. The assessment input may be received through the API on the client-side device.

[0118] The received assessment input may be stored in the assessment module. The SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the received assessment input. The learning management module may be configured to store the assessment input in the assessment module and provide a pointer to the assessment input in the SCORM-compliant package. The enrolment identifier may also be stored in the learning management module, or the assessment module. In some examples, the API may be configured to store the pointer to the assessment input in theSCORM-compliant package. The assessment input may be stored in a way that links or associates the assessment input with the relevant coaching activity.

[0119] In examples, the SCORM-compliant package may be configured to store an acknowledgement relating to the trainee's requirement to complete the activity with their associated coach. This acknowledgement may be used to allow the trainee to continue with the coaching input.

[0120] The received assessment input may be in the form of: written answers, video recordings, audio recordings, and / or documents. The assessment input and / or coaching input may comprise guidance from the coach.

[0121] At step 506, the feedback loop 500 comprises presenting the received assessment input to one or more coaches. In some examples, the received assessment input may be presented alongside or in association with the coaching activity or activities that the assessment input relates to. This may be achieved through the linking of the assessment input and the coaching activity or activities using the SCORM-compliant package.

[0122] The learning management module may present the received assessment input to a client-side device relating to the coach. The learning management module may present information relating to the received assessment input to the client-side device. The client-side device may access the information relating to the received assessment input through the API.

[0123] At step 508, the feedback loop 500 comprises receiving coaching input in response to the assessment input. The coaching input received from the coach(es). The received coaching input may be in relation to the assessment input provided by the trainee for each coaching activity or activities presented at step 502. The coaching input may be received through the API on the client-side device.

[0124] The received coaching input may be stored in the assessment module. The SCORM-compliant package may contain a pointer to the received coaching input. The learning management module may be configured to store the coaching input in the assessment module and provide a pointer to the coaching input in the SCORM-compliant package. The enrolment identifier may also be stored in the assessment module, or may be stored in the learning management module. In some examples, the API may be configured to store a pointer to the coaching input in the SCORM-compliant package. The coaching input may be stored in a way that links or associates the coaching input with the assessment input, and with the relevant coaching activity.

[0125] The coaching input may relate to feedback from the coach to the trainee in relation to the received assessment input. The received coaching input may be in the form of: written responses, video recordings, audio recordings, and / or documents.

[0126] The coaching input may then be provided to the one or more trainees, for example as further coaching activities. It will be appreciated that although a coaching activity may beassigned to multiple trainees and coaches, these may not be undertaken within the same activity at the same time. For example, the feedback loop 500 may then start again at step 502 after the coaching input has been received at step 508. In some examples, such as when further coaching is required, the received coaching input may be provided to the trainee as the coaching activity at step 502. In other examples, such as when the coaching may be complete for a certain coaching activity, a new or different coaching activity may be provided to the trainee at step 502. The loop may continue, for example, each piece of assessment input is then provided to the coach(es), and coaching input received.

[0127] In examples, the feedback loop 500 further comprises one or more authentication steps. As shown in Figure 5, authentication step or steps 510 occurs after the coaching input is received by the learning management module at step 508. As shown in the alternative example of Figure 6, authentication step 510 occurs after the coaching input is received by the learning management module at step 508, and a further authentication step 512 occurs after the assessment input is received by the learning management module at step 504. The assessment module and each of these authentication steps will be described below.

[0128] In some examples, the learning management module uses its own API key to access the coaching activity and assessment inputs stored. The SCORM-compliant package and the learning management module may be configured to communicate with the assessment module independently. The learning management module may use the embedded API key to access the SCORM-compliant package, for example, in order to access the coaching activity, or store the assessment input and / or coaching input.

[0129] The feedback loop may thus allow, using the electronic system of the present disclosure, for a coach to thus review and provide feedback for the trainee on each coaching activity. Each completed coaching activity may be reviewed by the coach and sent back to the trainee using the feedback loop of the learning management module described. The learning management module may allow for coaching activities to be completed by trainees, and reviewed by coaches in real time by each party. Further, in some examples, the learning management module may allow for the linking of digital skill assessment with real-world practical assessment. This may comprise by a coach indicating using the feedback on the coaching activity that they should observe the trainee during this real-world practical assessment, in person. The coach may then confirm as feedback to the coaching activity that the activity has been completed by or with the trainee. The confirmation by the coach may be provided as input to the assessment module provided by the coach, for example in the form of a check box which is used to confirm completion.

[0130] In some examples, the learning management module is further configured to assign a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee. In some examples, the learning management module may be configured to assign a client-side devicerelating to a coach to a plurality of client-side devices relating to trainees. Similarly, the learning management module may be configured to assign a plurality of client-side devices relating to coaches to a client-side device relating to a trainee. The assignment of a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee may allow the received assessment input and received coaching input to be linked to a specific trainee and coach respectively. The assignment of a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee may further allow for the continued coaching of a trainee by a specific coach.

[0131] The assignment of a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee may generate an enrolment identifier. The enrolment identifier may link the client-side device relating to the coach to the client-side device relating to the trainee.

[0132] In some examples, the assignment of a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee is managed by the learning management module. In such examples, the assignment of a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee may be managed by a rule-based system provided by the learning management module. As an example of the rule-based system provided by the learning management module, a trainee's default coach may be Coach A, except in the case of a specific coaching block or coaching activity, which is coached by Coach B. There are also cases where trainees may be grouped in a specific group and may be coached by Coach A, except when the trainee is also a coach themselves, in which case they should be coached by a coach governed by a different rule, for example. These rules (and other rules not discussed) are managed by the learning management module such that for each relevant coaching block or coaching activity, the appropriate client-side device relating to a coach is assigned to the appropriate client-side device relating to a trainee.

[0133] In these examples, the enrolment identifier allows the learning management module to notify a client-side device relating to a coach to provide coaching input, based on the assessment input of the client-side device relating to the trainee which is associated with the coach. In some examples as discussed above, the association between specific a specific coach and a specific trainee may be for certain coaching block or coaching activity.

[0134] Similarly, the enrolment identifier allows the learning management module to notify a client-side device relating to the trainee to provide assessment input, based on the coaching input of the client-side device relating to the coach.

[0135] As such, it will be appreciated that when a trainee completes a coaching activity or coaching block by providing the required assessment input, then the coach may be notified that the assessment input has been received. The coach may then be prompted to review the assessment input and provide coaching input. When the coach completes review of the previously provided assessment input by providing the required coaching input, then the trainee may be notified that the coaching input has been received, and is available for them to review, and that, if necessary thatfurther input is required. This loop continues until the assessment module determines that a coaching block or coaching activity is complete, and / or that no further input is required, as will now be explained. iv. Assessment Module

[0136] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, the host system 104 of the electronic coaching system 100 of the present disclosure further comprises an assessment module 110. The assessment module 110 is configured to determine completion of the one more coaching activities based on the received assessment and coaching input.

[0137] As discussed, the assessment module 110 is configured to receive the assessment input and coaching input received at the learning management module from client-side devices 102 using the AP1 114 provided by the learning management module 108. The learning management module 108 transmits the received assessment input and coaching input to the assessment module 110 using the SCORM-compliant package 116.

[0138] In examples, the content for each of the coaching activities is stored on the assessment module. In such examples, each of the API keys may also be stored on the assessment module. In these examples, the content for each of the coaching activities and / or each of the API keys may be stored in a JSON object on the assessment module.

[0139] As will be explained below, the assessment module 110 is configured to authenticate the assessment and coaching input received. The assessment module 110 may use the API key to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received.

[0140] Additionally, the assessment module 110 may also be configured to determine whether a coaching block or coaching activity is complete, based on the received assessment input and coaching input. If the assessment module 110 determines that a coaching block or coaching activity is incomplete, then the assessment module 108 determines that the learning management module 108 transmit notification to the client-side device relating to the trainee and the client-side device relating to the coach that further input is required.

[0141] Figure 7 shows the steps comprising the authentication step 510 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0142] At step 602, the authentication module may be configured to receive the assessment input from step 504, and / or the coaching input from step 508 from the learning management module. The assessment input and / or coaching input received at this step may be the most recently received input at the learning management module, or it may further comprise all previous assessment input and coaching input received. The assessment and coaching input received may be linked to a specific pairing of trainee and coach using the stored enrolment identifier.

[0143] As previously discussed in relation to Figure 3, the learning management module 108 may be configured to send and / or store the received assessment input and the received coaching input in the assessment module. The SCORM-compliant package 116 may contain a pointer to the received assessment input and coaching input.

[0144] The SCO is configured to run inside the learning management module 108. The SCORM compliant package is configured to communicate directly with the assessment module 110. The SCO is configured to transmit data to the assessment module. In some examples, the transmission of data to the assessment module may be provided using XHR JavaScript requests.

[0145] The transmission of data via the SCORM-compliant package to the assessment module may comprise an API call to the assessment module. The API call to the assessment module may include the API key, and / or the enrolment identifier previously discussed.

[0146] At step 604 of Figure 7, the assessment module 110 is then configured to authenticate the assessment and coaching input received. The embedded API key allows for authentication of the assessment and / or coaching input received in order to run the described feedback loop functions. The assessment module 110 may use the API key to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received. More specifically, in some examples, the assessment module 110 may use a bearer authentication header and XHR JavaScript requests along with the API key to authenticate the received assessment input and / or coaching input.

[0147] In examples, if the authentication step fails, the trainee will not see the coaching activity in the course and they will be able to continue without acknowledging the coaching block. Further, the same authentication step may be used for showing the content of a coaching activity in order for submitting assessment input. In such examples, a trainee will not have the opportunity to provide input if the authentication step failed when fetching the content of the coaching activity. If, however, the authentication step succeeded when fetching the content of the coaching activity, but failed when submitting the assessment input, the trainee will be notified and / or may be prompted to reload the page before continuing.

[0148] Further, at step 606, the assessment module 110 may also be configured to determine whether a coaching block or coaching activity is complete, based on the received assessment input and coaching input.

[0149] The assessment module may be configured to receive an approval of the assessment input or a component thereof from the coach as a component of the coaching input received. If the approval of the assessment input is received in the coaching input, then the assessment module may determine that the coaching activity is complete. The assessment module may thus be configured to prevent progress through the coaching activity until an approval status of the assessment input is received as coaching input.

[0150] If the assessment module determines that the coaching activity is not complete, for example that there are further coaching activities present to be completed, the assessment module may then determine that the feedback loop should continue, at step 608. Following this, the assessment module may determine that a notification should be sent to the client-side device based on further input being required to complete the coaching activity. The client-side device for the notification to be sent to may be based on whether the further coaching activity requires assessment input or coaching input. Based on the determination, the assessment module may determine notification to be sent to the client-side device relating to the trainee, and / or the clientside device relating to the coach.

[0151] If the assessment module determines that the coaching activity is complete, the assessment module may then determine whether a further coaching activity is present that the trainee should complete. If no further coaching activity is present, then the assessment module may determine that the trainee has completed the coaching activity and the feedback loop may end, at step 610.

[0152] In this way, the learning management module and the assessment module are configured to cycle the coaching activities between a trainee and coach until approved by the coach. In some examples, the coaching activities may be sent to the trainee and the coach by the learning management module sending one or more of: email, push notifications and / or webhooks that drive other automations, where necessary. The learning management module may be configured to generate a notification for the coach of the availability of each assessment input for review.

[0153] The SCORM-compliant package may specify the order in which the client-side device relating to the trainee may experience the plurality of discrete components each comprising the coaching activity or activities.

[0154] In an example, a trainee may provide assessment input to the learning management module in response to a coaching activity via the API provided on the client-side device relating to the trainee. The assessment input may be provided from the learning management module to the assessment module using the SCORM-compliant package. The learning management module, using the SCORM-compliant package, may send an API request to the assessment module. The API request may contain the received assessment input, the enrolment identifier, and the API key.

[0155] The assessment module may then authorise the received assessment input using the received API key. The assessment module may then determine whether coaching input is required. If the assessment module determines that coaching input is required from a coach based on received assessment input from a trainee, then the assessment module may send an API request back to the learning management module that coaching input is required from the coach.

[0156] As previously described, the enrolment identifier may allow the learning management module to notify the client-side device relating to the coach to provide said coaching input, based on the assessment input of the client-side device relating to the trainee. The assessment input may be presented to the coach using the API on the client-side device relating to the coach. In some examples, the assessment input and / or coaching input may further comprise guidance from the coach.

[0157] The coach may then provide coaching input to the learning management module in response to the assessment input, via the API provided on the client-side device relating to the coach. In some examples, the coaching input may be provided directly to the assessment module using the learning management module's API key. In other examples, the coaching input may be provided from the learning management module to the assessment module using the SCORM- compliant package. The learning management module (in some examples using the SCORM- compliant package) may send an API request to the assessment module. The API request may contain the received coaching input, the enrolment identifier, and the API key. In some examples, the learning management module's API key may have elevated permissions that allows it to assess a coaching activity as completed.

[0158] The assessment module may then authorise the received coaching input using the received API key. The assessment module may then determine whether further assessment input is required from the trainee. This may comprise firstly determining whether the coach has provided approval input to the assessment input. If the coach approves the received assessment input from the trainee, then the assessment module may determine whether further coaching activities are available or required to complete the coaching activity or coaching block. If further coaching activities are available, the assessment module may determine that further assessment input is required, the loop may start again, this time presenting the further coaching activity to the trainee. If the assessment module determines that further assessment input is required from, then the assessment module may send an API request back to the learning management module that the assessment input is required from the trainee.

[0159] Similarly, the enrolment identifier allows the learning management module to notify the client-side device relating to the trainee to provide the assessment input, based on the coaching input of the client-side device relating to the coach.

[0160] If it is determined that no further coaching activities are required or available, the learning management module may determine that no further assessment input is required. As previously mentioned, the learning management module's API key may allow the learning management module to assess a coaching activity as completed. At this point, the feedback loop may stop. The assessment module may be configured to send an API request to the learningmanagement module with the enrolment identifier and an assessment result indicating that the coaching activity has been completed.

[0161] The learning management module may then be configured to the update the coaching program comprising the one or more coaching activities, and, if appropriate, change an enrolment status to "completed." In some examples, the learning management module may update an SCO object that represents the trainee's enrolment in the coaching program to indicate that the coaching block or coaching activity has been completed.

[0162] As such, it will be appreciated that when the trainee completing a coaching activity or coaching block by providing the required assessment input, then the coach may be notified that the assessment input has been received. The coach may then be prompted to review the assessment input and provide coaching input. When the coach completes review of the previously provided assessment input by providing the required coaching input, then the trainee may be notified that the coaching input has been received, and is available for them to review, and that, if necessary that further input is required. This loop continues until the assessment module determines that a coaching block or coaching activity is complete, and / or that no further input is required.

[0163] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0164] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the preferred embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, and also the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being comprised in the present disclosure.

[0165] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0166] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0167] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.T1

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronic coaching system for configuring and facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a coach and a trainee, the electronic coaching system comprising: a plurality of client-side devices each comprising a user interface and communication module, and configured to receive and transmit input from a user; a host system configured to receive said input from the plurality of client-side devices, wherein the host system comprises: a content management module for configuring one or more electronic coaching programs, the content management module configured to receive input from a client-side device relating to one more coaching activities, and output a SCORM- compliant package containing at least the one or more coaching activities; a learning management module for facilitating one or more electronic coaching programs between a client-side device relating to a coach and a client-side device relating to a trainee, the learning management module configured to: receive the SCORM-compliant package from the content management module; present a coaching activity to a client-side device relating to the trainee; receive assessment input from the client-side device relating to the trainee in response to a coaching activity; present the assessment input to the client-side device relating to the coach; receive coaching input from the client-side device relating to the coach in response to the assessment input; and transmit notification to the client-side device relating to the trainee based on assessment input being required, and to the client-side device relating to the coach based on coaching input being required; and an assessment module for determining completion of the one more coaching activities based on received input, the assessment module configured to: receive assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module; authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received; and determine whether the learning management module should transmit notification to the client-side device relating to the trainee and the clientside device relating to the coach that further input is required, based on the received assessment input and coaching input;wherein the plurality of client-side devices receive input from the user and transmit the input to the host system using an application programming interface (API) provided by the host system, and wherein the SCORM-compliant package has associated with it an API key which enables the assessment module to authenticate the assessment input and coaching input received, and wherein transmission of the assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module to the assessment module is within the SCORM- compliant package.

2. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the client-side device is configured to run a web-based program for receiving input and displaying prompts and / or information.

3. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the learning management module is further configured to assign a client-side device relating to a coach to a client-side device relating to a trainee.

4. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the assignment of assign of the client-side device relating to a coach to the client-side device relating to a trainee generates an enrolment identifier linking the client-side device relating to the coach to the clientside device relating to the trainee.

5. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the enrolment identifier allows the learning management module to notify the client-side device relating to the coach to provide coaching input, based on the assessment input of the client-side device relating to the trainee, and / or to notify the client-side device relating to the trainee to provide assessment input, based on the coaching input of the client-side device relating to the coach.

6. The electronic coaching system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission of the assessment input and coaching input from the learning management module to the assessment module comprises an API call to the assessment module.

7. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the API call to the assessment module includes the API key and the enrolment identifier.

8. The electronic coaching system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more coaching activities include a plurality of discrete components each having content associated therewith, the content configured to be delivered to a user.

9. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the content comprises a plurality of assessments, including assessments requiring only virtual interaction between the trainee and the coach and / or assessments requiring in person interaction between the trainee and the coach.

10. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the content for each coaching activity is stored in the assessment module, and the SCORM-compliant package comprises a pointer to the stored content.11 . The electronic coaching system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the SCORM-compliant package specifies the order in which the client-side device relating to the trainee may experience the plurality of discrete components each having content associated therewith.

12. The electronic coaching system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the assessment input and coaching input are stored in the assessment module, and the SCORM- compliant package comprises a pointer to the assessment input and the coaching input.

13. The electronic coaching system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein upon the recording of an assessment input to the coaching activity, the learning management module is configured to generate a notification for the coach of the availability of each assessment input for review.

14. The electronic coaching system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the assessment module is configured to receive feedback and / or an approval of the assessment input from the coach.

15. The electronic coaching system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the SCORM- compliant package is configured to prevent progress through the package until feedback and / or an approval of the assessment input from the coach is received.

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