GB2229030A

GB2229030A - Electronic educational device

Info

Publication number: GB2229030A
Application number: GB8905191A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Geoffrey Scales
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-03-07
Filing date: 1989-03-07
Publication date: 1990-09-12
Also published as: WO1992004700A1; GB8905191D0

Abstract

Current and base stores 13, 14 provide lexions whose words can be displayed on LCD display 3 and are to form the subjects of various tests. The words are stored along with associated information, e.g. stress grammar, meaning. A keyboard 5 enables input of data into the stores 13, 14 of test word selection and of answer data, Means 12 are provided for comparing inputted answers with the correct stored information. The number of correct answers for respective words in the current store 13 is registered and when that number reaches a particular value, the respective word is shifted to the base store 14, on the assumption that the word is now part of the trainee's long term memory. Means may be provided for perusal and/or testing of words held in either store 13, 14 and an indication may be provided of the quantity of data in the stores 13, 14. Provision may be made for shifting words from the base store back into the current store if an incorrect answer for a base store word is inputted. <IMAGE>

Description

ELECTRONIC EDUCATIONAL DEVICE This invention relates to an electronic educational device and has particular, but not exclusive, application to lexical education by means of a readily-transportable device, e.g. so-called pocket or hand-held devices.

Pocket computers are well-known devices that store and manipulate data. There are basically two types; dedicated units and multi-functional units. Both types are used for information reference and most do not involve attempts to influence human learning skills.

Lexical acquisition is a complex process which in significant part involves the recycling of an item to cause transfer from short to long-term memory of the learner.

The basic two types of known device in the hand-held pocket range comprise the dedicated units and the multi-functional units.

The dedicated units comprise various sorts of dictionary, translators or spelling checkers/reference dictionaries/thesauruses. The multi-functional units comprise pocket computers, which include such all-in-one features as calendars, telephone numbers, addresses, memo files, calculators, time-tables, games, diaries, alarms and appointments.Some examples are listed below: Dictionaries: Translator 8000 (inc. test mode - Fr/E, G/E, Sp/E) Fanfare - Pocket translator - E/Fr/Sp/It/G Franklin - Language Master (7"x5") Franklin - Word Master (without thesaurus) Aurora - EZ Spell Pocket Speller Aurora - EZ Spell Spellmaster Multi-functional Units:: Psion organiser Tandy - PC6 Pocket scientific computer Tandy - PC7 Pocket scientific computer Tandy - PC8 - Pocket computer Tandy - Advanced PC6 Pocket computer Tandy - PC8 Pocket computer Tandy - EC319 Appointment directory calculator Casio - Data bank PF3200 Casio - Data bank PF7000 Casio - SF3000BK Unicom - Datacard 8000/4000 According to this invention there is provided an electronic educational device comprising first and second data storage means arranged to act as respective current and base stores for items of data classified in accordance with predetermined criteria, input means arranged to enable input of such items into said current store, said input means enabling selection of a test in relation to any one of the items of data stored in said current store and based on a selected one of said predetermined criteria, means for providing an indication of a test question in response to said test selection, said input means enabling an answer to be entered into the device, means for comparing the answer with the stored correct answer and for recording positive comparison results in association with said item of data and means for transferring the item of data from the current store to the base store in dependence on the occurrence of a predetermined set of positive comparison results.

Preferably, the device enables perusal and testing of items of data held in either the current store or the base store and can provide an indication of the quantity of data, e.g. number of items of data, held in each store.

Advantageously, the device may be arranged for transferring selected items of data from the base store to the current store either In tesptXnse to selection via the input means or in response to negative test results of items of data held in the base store.

In a preferred embodiment the items of data comprise words so that each of the stores provides a lexicon. The predetermined criteria in this case can comprise the meaning and/or translation of the word, information relating to the grammatical role of the word and to pronunciation of the word.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram of the front face of an electronic educational device embodying this invention; Fig. 2 is a map grid diagram of a display of the device shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a block circuit diagram of the device shown in Fig.

1; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of part of the operation of the device shown in Fig. 1; and Figs. 5 to 8 are respective functional flow diagrams illustrating the operation of the device shown in Fig. 1.

The embodiment described here provides a device having a dedicated set of programmes causing the device to accept and store lexical information. This information is stored in two separate but interconnected lexicons; a current and a base lexicon. The programmes then allow for the stored information to be presented in the form of a test of either lexicon. On the third instance of a correct answer to an item being tested in the current lexicon, that item will be automatically sent to the base lexicon. On the instance of an incorrect answer to an item being tested in the base lexicon, that item will be automatically sent to the current lexicon. There is also a facility which enumerates the content of either lexicon, and another facility which presents the current total number of entries in either lexicon.In brief, the device can enable data entry, test, peruse and count units of information.

Referring to Fig. 1, an electronic educational device 1 has a front face 2 divided into a display 3, mode selection area 4 and keyboard 5.

The mode selection area 4 comprises push-button keys 6 to 11 providing functions ON/OFF, PASS, DELETE, CHOOSE, ENTER and EXIT which will be described below in relation to examples of use of the device.

The keyboard 5 comprises push-button keys enabling the input of alphabetical characters including a SPACE key.

Referring also to Fig. 2, the display 3 comprises an LCD display which is sub-divided into a grid with columns 1 to 20 and rows A to G, each grid square providing display of a single character. The rows A to G are associated with display messages relating respectively to INSTRUCTIONS; STRESS; WORD; GRAMMAR and CHOICES; MEANING; MEANING; MODE and ANSWER. Examples of these various types of message are given below in the description of examples of use of the device.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the device 1 comprises a central processor 12 interconnecting the keyboard 5 and the display 3 to first and second random access memories (RAM) 13,14 providing current and base stores for respective lexicons each comprising words and associated criteria relating to the word such as stress in pronunciation, grammar and meaning or translation. The processor 12 is also connected to an input/output interface and associated expansion bus 15 for connection of the device to external devices.

In operation, the device 1 may (or may not be) provided with a basic lexicon in the base store 14 and further tor all) entries can be made by the user (L) via the current lexicon. An item of data in the current lexicon on which a predetermined set of consecutive correct answers has been recorded, e.g. 3 consecutive correct sets of answers each covering all the criteria associated with the item, is shifted from the current lexicon to the base lexicon on the basis that the user L appears to have established the item in his or her long-term memory.

The device is also advantageously arranged to transfer selected items of data from the base store 14 to the current store 13 either in response to selection via the keyboard (e.g. as a revision" function possibly recycling items to the current store in batches selected in accordance with predetermined criteria which may themselves be entered or selected via the keyboard) or in response to negative test results of items of data held in the base store 14.

Examples of the use of the device will now be described.

MODES - 1 Write 2 Test 3 Peruse 4 Number (#) of words When reading this section, refer to Figs. 1 to 3 O Learner (L) presses ON/OFF button and the screen displays 'Choose mode' (Al-11) and 'Write ?' at (D6-12).

1 If L wants Write, s/he presses ENTER. The instruction changes to 'Write word' (A1-lO). The cursor appears at the beginning of the word position (Cl-). The mode 'Write' reappears at (Gl-5), without the question mark.

If L doesn't want Write, then s/he presses CHOOSE, and the screen displays the next choice 'Test ?' (D6-11).

2 If L wants Test, s/he presses ENTER. The instruction changes to 'Choose lexicon' (Al-l4). The screen displays 'Current lexicon ? (D6-22). The mode 'Test' reappears at (G1-4) without the question mark.

If L doesn't want Test, then s/he presses CHOOSE, and the screen displays the next mode 'Peruse ?' (D6-13).

3 If L wants Peruse, s/he presses ENTER. The instruction changes to 'Choose lexicon' (A1-14). The screen displays 'Current lexicon ? (1.DE- 22). The mode '# of words' reappears at (G1-10), without the question mark.

If L doesn't want Peruse, s/he presses CHOOSE, and the screen displays the next mode '# of words ?' (D6-17).

4 If L wants &num; of words, s/he presses ENTER. The instruction 'Choose lexicon' appears at (A1-14). The screen displays 'Current lexicon ?' (D6- 22). The mode '# of words' reappears at (G1-lO), without the question mark.

If L doesn't want &num; of words, s/he presses CHOOSE, and the screen displays the next mode 'Write' (D6-1O).

The above cycle is repeated until either ENTER is pressed or the device is switched OFF.

WRITE mode 1 When reading this section, refer to Figs. 1 to 3 end 5.

O Learner (L) presses ON/OFF button and the screen displays 'Choose mode' (Al-li) and 'Write ?' (D6-12).

1.1 L wants Write, so s/he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write word at (Al - Alto). The cursor appears at the beginning of the word position (Cl-). The L then uses the LETTER keys to write the word (C1-20).

When the word is complete, L presses ENTER If L makes a mistake with a letter, s/he presses DELETE, and the current letter, working from right to left, is replaced by the cursor.

1.2 The instruction 'Choose sress' replaces 'Write word' at (A1-13). A stress symbol (') appears in subscript at (B1). L presses CHOOSE to move the symbol from left to riSht, and DELETE to move the symbol from right to left. Once the symbol is appropriately positioned, L presses ENTER.

If L wants to avoid this state s/he presses PASS, and the program moves to the next stage 1.3., and the symbol disappears.

1.3 The instruction 'Choose grammar' appears at (A1-4). The part of speech, 'verb ?', appears at (D6-12). If 'verb' is appropriate L presses ENTER and moves on to next stag. If 'verb' is inappropriate, L presses CHOOSE and 'noun ?' appears at (D6-12). This process Is repeated in the sequence verb, noun, adj., adv., until ENTER is pressed.

If L wants to avoid this stage s/he presses PASS, and the program moves on to the next stage, 1.4, and the part of speech disappears.

1.4 The instruction 'write meaning' appears at (Al-l3). The cursor appears at (El-). The L then uses the LETTER keys to write the meaning (E1 - F20). When the cursor reaches (E20), a word-wrap feature comes into operation to (F1). When the meaning is complete, L presses ENTER and the program both saves this entry and returns to stage 1.1.

If L makes a mistake with a letter, s/he presses DELETE, and the current letter, working from right to left, is replaced by the cursor.

Nb: If L wants to exit at any point in the above cycle, s/he presses EXIT, and the display returns to the original: 'Choose mode' (A1-11) and 'Write ?' (D6-12). S/he then chooses mode or switches off.

TEST MODE 2 - Refer here to Figs. 1 to 4 When the learner wants to use the test facility, s/he chooses either the current or the base lexicon.

In a test of current lexicon items, the device selects the ten oldest standing entries (this involves items being chronologically numbered as they are entered) irrespective of their alphabetical listing. These items are then displayed one after another on the screen, with the selected information missing, that is, either the word itself or the definition/translation. The learner has to enter the missing information to get a correct answer.

If the answer is correct, the device displays the word "correct" on the instructions row A. It will also keep account of this result in its scoring facility for each test, to be displayed as "score x/10" at the end of the test. And it will display the next item in the test's sequence.

In addition to this, each correctly answered item is noted as such in the following way. On the first occasion of a correct answer, the device puts this word into the first level of the current lexicon. A correct answer on the second occasion will put the word into the second level. A correct answer on the third occasion results in the item being transferred from the current to the base lexicon.

It should be noted that when a word goes to another level it is reclassified as the most recently entered item, in other words, it will be the last one to be selected for a subsequent test.

Test Mode 2 - Contd If the answer is incorrect, the learner can choose either to see the correct answer or to pass on to the next item. The programme will retain this word in the current lexicon at the lowest level (i.e. an incorrect answer causes a drop in level to the next lowest level), but reclassify it as the most recently entered item.

In a test of base lexicon items, the programme follows the same procedure as above except that the ten items are selected randomly.

The programme also follows the above procedure in response to a correct answer, except that as there are no different levels in the base lexicon, the item is merely retained as before the test.

In the case of an incorrect answer, the learner has the same choices as above, but the item is automatically transferred from the base to the current lexicon and classified as a first level entry.

The device may be arranged to operate in various different ways to that described above and in general may provide transfer of data items in either direction between the base and current stores depending on the occurrence of a predetermined number (one or more) Test Mode 2 - Contd correct (current to base) or incorrect (base to current) answers being recorded. Also the device may be arranged to select items in either store for testing in a variety of ways which can be predetermined such as described above (i.e. the ten oldest items or randomly in either store) or dependent on input via the keyboard (e.g. in dependence on the number of incorrect answers given for a particular item or input of item numbers) and may be confined to a selected level (levels may also be provided in the base store).

Alternative item selection for testing to the selection of the ten oldest items could thus avoid the need for the reclassification referred to above. It will be understood that the levels in the stores are provided by means of programme. software and do not necessarily involve actual shifting of data. This latter point also applies to the distinction between the base and current stores which may be combined in the same random access memory unit.

TEST mode 2 When reading this sectfon, refer to Figs. 1 to 3 and 6.

O Learner (L) presses ON/OFF button and the screen displays 'Chcose mode' (At-li) and 'Write ?' (D6-12).

2. 1 L wants TEST, so s/he presses CHOOSE once and the screen displays 'Test ?' at (D6-11), and then s/he presses ENTER. The screen displays 'Choose lexicon' at (A1-14) and 'Current lexicon ?' at (D6-22).

2.2. If L wants Current lexicon s/he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Choose method' at (A1-13) and 'word ?' at (D6-115.

If L wants Base lexicon, s/he presses CHOOSE once and the screen retains 'Choose lexicon' at (At-14), and displays 'Base lexicon ?' at < D6-19). L then presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Choose method' at (A1-13) and 'Word ?' at CD6-li).

2.3.1 If L wants (test by) word, s/he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write word' at (A1-lOv, and the cursor appears at (Cl-). The trans/def appear at (El-), and the stress and the grammar (if used), also appear. L then uses the LETTER keys to write the word, and ENTER when s/he has finished.

If L doesn't want (test by) word, s/he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays 'Choose method' (A1-13), and 'Trans/def. ?' at (D6-17).

2.3.2 If L wants (test by) trans/def., s/he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write trans/def' at (Al-l6), and the cursor appears at (El). The word appears at (Ct-) with the stress and grammar (if used). L then uses the LETTER keys to Write trans/def, and ENTER when s/he has finished.

If L doesn't want (test by) trans/def, s/he presses CHOOSE and the screen reverts to the display in 2.3.1.

2.4.1 If the answer is wrong, the screen retains the completed entry and displays 'WRONG' at (G16-20). The instruction changes to 'Choose next move' at (Al-), and 'Try again ?' at (D6-).

Test Mode 2 (Contd) If L wants to try again, s/he presses ENTER, and the word or trans/def that has just been written disappears ie. the display reverts to the same entry in 2.3.1/2 above.

If L doesn't want to try again, s/he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays 'See answer ?' at (D6-17).

If L wants to see answer, s/he presses ENTER and the answer is displayed, as in 2.4.2. below.

If L doesn't want to see answer, s/he presses CHOOSE and 'Pass ? is displayed at (D6-1l).

If L wants to pass, s/he presses ENTER or PASS and the display moves on to the next entry in 2.3 above.

2.4.2 If the answer is right, the screen retains the completed entry, displays 'Press PASS' at (Al-lO) and 'RIGHT' at (G16-20). When L presses PASS, the display reverts to 2.3 above.

Nb: If L wants to exit at any point in the above cycle, s/he presses EXIT, and the display returns to the original: 'Choose mode' (Al-ll) and 'Write ?' (D6-12). S/he then chooses mode or switches off.

PERUSE mode 3 When reading this section, refer to Figs. 1 to 3 and 7.

O Learner (L) presses ON/OFF button and the screen displays 'Choose mode' (Al-ll) and 'Write ?' (D6-12).

3.1 L wants Peruse, so s/he presses CHOOSE twice until the screen displays 'Peruse ?', and the presses ENTER. The screen displays 'Choose lexicon' at (A1-14) and 'Current lexicon ?' at (D6-22).

3.2.1 If L wants 'Current lex'con' s/he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write first letter' at (A1-18). The cursor also appears at (D6).

L then uses LETTER key to write the chosen letter. When the letter has been written, L presses ENTER and the program then moves on to stage 3.3.

If L doesn't want 'Current lexicon', s/he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays 'Base lexicon ?' at (D6-i9).

3.2.2 If L wants Base lexicon s/he presses CHOOSE once and the screen displays 'Base lexicon ?' L then preeses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write first letter' at < A1-18). The cursor also appears at (D6). L then uses LETTER key to write the chosen letter.

When the first letter has been written, the screen displays 'Write second letter' at (A1-l9). The cursor reappears at (D6). L then uses LETTER key to write the chosen letter. When the second letter has been written L presses ENTER and the program moves on to3 .3.

If L doesn't want 'Base lexicon', s/he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays 'Current lexicon ?', and the cycle is repeated from the appropriate step in 3.1.

3.3 The screen then alphabetically displays, the entire first entry under that letter (Current lexicon) or those letters (Base lexicon). The instruction 'Pass or Delete' appears at (A1-18).

If L wants to continue s/he presses PASS and the screen then alphabetically displays the next entire entry under the chosen letter. The instruction 'Pass or Delete ' reappears at (A1-14), and the cycle is repeated If L wants to remove the current entry, s/he presses DELETE and the screen reverts to the previous entry. The instruction 'Pass or Delete' reappears at (A1-14), and the cycle is repeated.

Nb: If L wants to exit at any point in the above cycle, s/he presses EXIT, and the display returns to the original: 'Choose mode' (Al-ll) end 'Write ?' (D6-12). S/he then chooses mode or switches off.

NUMBER of WORDS mode 4 When reading this sectIon, refer to Figs. 1 to 3 and 8.

O Learner (L) presses ON/OFF button and the screen displays 'Choose mode' (At-il) and 'Write ?' (D6-12).

4.1 L wants it OF WORDS, so s/he presses CHOOSE three times and the screen displays 'S of words ?' at (D6- 7. L then presses ENTER. The screen displays 'Choose lexicon' at (A1-14) and 'Current lexicon ?' at (D6-).

4.2 If L wants Current lexicon, s/he presses ENTER and the screen displays the number of words in the current lexicon at (G16-).

If L wants Base lexicon. s/he presses CHOOSE once and the screen displays 'Base lexicon ?' at (D6-19). L then presses ENTER and the screen displays the number of words in the base lexicon at (G16-).

Nb: If L wants to exit at any point in the above cycle. s/he presses EXIT, and the display returns to the original: 'Choose mode' (A1-11) and 'Write ?' (D6-12). S/he then chooses mode or switches off.

The device described above has as its function to accept and store specific lexical information and then use it in three ways; in a test, enumeration and total number of items. Provision of these functions facilitates a transference of items from short- to long-term human memory of the operator.

Other technical features which can be included are various lexical games, a spelling checker and versions which already contain basic lexicons according to specialisation, e.g. medicine, law, science and technology etc.

The device described above differs conceptually from known devices whose function is to reference information, since the device 1 is specifically designed to affect the user's lexical memory as well.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic educational device comprising first and second data storage means arranged to act as respective current and base stores for items of data classified in accordance with predetermined criteria, input means arranged to enable input of such items into said current store, said input means enabling selection of a test in relation to any one of the items of data stored in said current store and based on a selected one of said predetermined criteria, means for providing an indication of a test question in response to said test selection, said input means enabling an answer to be entered into the device, means for comparing the answer with the stored correct answer and for recording positive comparison results in association with said item of data and means for transferring the item of data from the current store to the base store in dependence on the occurrence of a predetermined set of positive comparison results.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for perusal and/or testing of items of data held in either the current store or the base store and for providing an indication of the quantity of data held in each store.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein means are arranged for transferring selected items of data from the base store to the current store either in response to selection via the input means or in response to negative test results of items of data held in the base store.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the items of data comprise words so th2t each of the stores provides a lexicon, the predetermined criteria comprising the meaning and/or translation of the word and/or information relating to the grammatical role of the word and/or to pronunciation of the word.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a visual display of input data and said predetermined criteria is provided, the display being subdivided into regions respectively assigned to the display of said input data and said predetermined criteria.

6. An electronic educational device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.