Electronic Learning System Usage Indicator Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In traditional learning environments, instructors face challenges in assessing the value of course content as they cannot readily determine how or whether students use the materials, leading to incomplete and subjective feedback, which hinders the ability to adjust course materials effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electronic learning system that collects and tracks usage data by generating usage indicators based on event counts adjusted with count parameters and weight factors, providing visual representations to illustrate usage patterns over specified periods, enabling instructors to understand the value and effectiveness of course content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional course assessments are used to estimate the value of course contents, then instructors can obtain feedback, but the feedback is incomplete and subjective, preventing accurate determination of how students use course materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassessment accuracyVSAvoidusage data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms by tracking student interactions with course materials through learning management systems. Usage data including time spent, resources accessed, and activity completion are automatically collected and fed back to instructors, replacing subjective assessments with objective measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual assessment methods with automated electronic tracking systems. Instead of instructors manually evaluating student engagement, the system uses software to automatically collect, process, and analyze usage data from learning management systems, transforming subjective judgment into objective digital measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If instructors cannot determine student usage of course materials, then course content value assessment is hindered, but implementing tracking systems increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecourse content assessmentVSAvoidtracking system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing multi-functional learning management systems that already track student interactions for multiple purposes. The same infrastructure used for grade management, assignment submission, and communication is also utilized for usage tracking, avoiding the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware or software.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The learning management system automatically performs tracking and analysis functions without requiring additional manual intervention from instructors. The system self-collects usage data, automatically processes the information, and generates reports, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If detailed usage data is collected and processed, then accurate usage indicators can be generated, but data processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage indicator accuracyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the most relevant usage metrics from the complete dataset, such as time spent on course materials, number of resources accessed, and activity completion rates. By focusing on key indicators rather than processing every possible data point, the system maintains measurement precision while reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial processing by calculating usage indicators for selected course materials and time periods rather than analyzing all available data comprehensively. This approach provides sufficiently accurate measurements for instructional decision-making without the computational burden of complete data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11615495B2Methods and systems for representing usage of an electronic learning system
Publication Date: 2023.03.28 DESIRE2LEARN
  • US11615495B2 patent drawing
  • US11615495B2 patent drawing
  • US11615495B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for representing usage of an electronic learning system. The method and system involve receiving an input indicative of a selection of a property of the electronic learning system to be represented, the property including a course content provided by the electronic learning system and an activity available for that course content; receiving representation parameters that define a scope of the usage to be represented; determining an event count for the property during the period of interest; and generating a usage indicator for the property based at least on the event count. The usage indicator is generally reflective of at least a usage amount of the property during the period of interest.