Content Authoring Application for Intuitive Course Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web-based instruction tools are not intuitive and user-friendly for instructors, making it difficult for them to create and manage online educational content effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network-enabled content authoring application with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that provides instructors with intuitive tools to create, edit, and manage educational courses, including user interface elements for adding assignments, attaching multimedia materials, and managing student enrollment, allowing for easy course creation and delivery over a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web-based instruction tools are designed with comprehensive functionality for course creation and management, then the system capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because instructors are not computer savvy
Solution Approach 1:
The content authoring application is divided into separate modular components including a page editor for content creation, a materials manager for attaching resources, a sidebar for navigation, and assignment tools. Each module handles specific tasks independently, allowing instructors to work with one function at a time rather than overwhelming them with all features simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary content authoring application that sits between the instructor and the complex web-based instruction system. This intermediary layer provides simplified interfaces and automated processes that translate instructor actions into system operations, shielding instructors from underlying complexity while maintaining full system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the content authoring application includes multiple tools and features for course creation, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The content authoring application serves multiple functions through a unified interface: it can create course content, attach materials, manage assignments, and navigate course structure all within one application. The sidebar provides universal access to different course elements, and the page editor can handle various content types (text, images, videos) through consistent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions into an integrated content authoring application. The page editor, materials manager, sidebar navigation, and assignment tools are merged into a single cohesive system that operates through unified principles and interfaces, reducing the apparent complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application provides comprehensive editing tools for creating and editing pages, then the content creation capability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to the number of tools available
Solution Approach 1:
The editing tools are segmented into distinct functional areas within the application interface. The page editor handles content creation, the sidebar manages navigation and structure, and the materials manager handles attachments. This segmentation allows instructors to focus on one editing task at a time rather than being presented with all editing options simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer program products for authoring content for e-learning courses, such as network-enabled (e.g., Web-based) education courses. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) provide an instructor with user interface elements to manage online course content. Using the GUIs, the instructor can create in-session and self-paced courses that can be delivered over a network to any number of student operated client devices. The instructor is provided a suite of editing tools that can be used to create and edit pages of content for a course, including adding links and multimedia, information pages, posts and course materials. The GUI can include a side bar that can display descriptors that can be used by the instructor to navigate pages of the course.