WO2017098342A1

WO2017098342A1 - Dynamically creating authentic digital skills matrix

Info

Publication number: WO2017098342A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/054145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Damnish KUMAR; Vishal Gupta; Puneet MATHUR; Rajeev Gupta; Tushar VOHRA
Original assignee: Kumar Damnish; Vishal Gupta; Mathur Puneet; Rajeev Gupta; Vohra Tushar
Priority date: 2015-12-08
Filing date: 2016-07-12
Publication date: 2017-06-15

Abstract

In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system and method to dynamically create authentic digital skills matrix of different users of the system. The system and method includes monitoring and collecting accurate data about users learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users to populate skill matrices for users showing their proficiency in different skills, the skill matrices being continuously updated in real time and searchable through an integrated skill matrix based search mechanism with capability for full historical reporting of how users' skills have developed over time.

Description

DYNAMICALLY CREATING AUTHENTIC DIGITAL SKILLS MATRIX FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to system and method for evaluating users' skill sets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for automatically creating, updating and presenting skill sets of various users of a system.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] An employee-hiring process involves substantial devotion of company time and money. Cost for such processes can run into the substantial sums, making a fruitless interview and/or hiring experience a regretful and expensive affair. These expenses include basic hiring expenses, such as employee orientation, legal fees, compliance, employee relations, and employment liability.

[0004] Expenses accrue even in fruitful employee searches. For example, if a company is bombarded with hundreds of candidate applications for an advertised position, the company's human resources division may undergo an extensive weeding-out process to select applicants who they anticipate will provide the requisite or desired level of skill and/or aptitude for the position. Unfortunately, however, after expenditure of much time and money conducting personal interviews with such potential candidates, many employers may either leave empty- handed or hire individuals who they later discover to possess unacceptable inadequacies and/or incompetence. Moreover, in addition to the time and money wasted in the hiring process, an ineffectual employee may directly and/or indirectly cause a company to lose money, such as through salary, benefits, advertising, employee training, overtime, down-time, lost revenue, possible legal fees, and/or various lost opportunities.

[0005] Attracting qualified employees typically entails promoting the company name and/or sending out notification of the company's intent to hire to otherwise uninformed potential employees. As such, searching for promising employee candidates often requires recruiters to travel extensively to job-fair sites, such as college campuses, and to engage in hiring and interviewing processes that are otherwise preferably conducted in-house and on a more formal level. Moreover, although teeming with potential recruits, most job-fairs are inefficient and not conducive to in-depth individual assessment, thus usurping from the recruiter the ability to effectively screen and/or test prospective employees.

[0006] A biodata, also known as CV, curriculum vitae or a resume has been, since almost ever since writing was developed, a tool for a candidate to introduce himself to potential employers. With the advent of Internet, such an introduction now takes place more often than not on resume sites known as "Job Portals" or "Resume Portals" where candidates store their resumes which are then searched on various job related skills and parameters by recruiters looking for the right candidates.

[0007] Realizing the importance of the resume in the selection process, candidates go all out to make their resumes attractive. Generally, the user prepares his/her own resume which has no authentication other than the degrees and percentage of marks obtained in each by the user. Outright lying on resumes is an increasing trend and it is becoming more and more difficult to evaluate to a fair amount of accuracy a candidate's skills just by looking at his resume. Indeed companies now exist that 'tailor' a resume to be more attractive to potential employers.

[0008] Besides, just like a career, the competencies and skill sets of anyone develop over time. These changes cannot be captured to any amount of accuracy by a resume which is, after all, a static snapshot of the candidate at the time it was prepared.

[0009] The need to effectively test and analyze the large pools of candidates for the purpose of talent acquisition or educational assessment has also been long recognized. With increasingly sophisticated workforces of correspondingly increasing accumulated value, the process of testing, analyzing and recruiting a workforce, with effective real-time analytics, can preserve and deliver substantial value to organizations, including employer enterprises and placement agencies.

[00010] Some methods aiming at evaluating and recruiting right workforce provides computer based human capital management systems that collect information from any combination of position applicants, employees, and reserve pool talent reflective of the position skills, performance, and requirements thereof. However, they rely on the information collected from the candidates that need not be authentic as explained above. Besides, they fail to present a system for secure administration of real-time dynamic assessment of candidates in a scalable way.

[00011] Other systems are placed for performing Talent Relationship Management (TRM) of candidates, using target groups formed for specified purposes from candidates constituting a talent pool. Candidate's skill levels, aptitudes etc. are sought to be measured and presented to potential employers. However, they fail to present systems for secure administration of real-time dynamic assessment of candidates at several locations in a scalable way.

[00012] All the above-mentioned prior-arts hence fail to disclose a solution that can enable authentic information from candidates regarding their skill sets in a system that is dynamic so that the changes in their skill sets can also be reflected on real time basis in their resumes.

[00013] Thus there is a requirement in the art for a system and method that can dynamically evaluate skill sets of various candidates in real time and authentic fashion, in a scalable system, and present such data to potential employers when required by them.

[00014] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[00015] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. [00016] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00017] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00018] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[00019] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide systems and methods that can authenticate skills of various users.

[00020] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide systems and methods to automatically create authentic and verified digital skills matrix of users based on their actual learning achievements.

[00021] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide systems and methods that can dynamically represent the skills of various users as they update such skills as a result of their experiences and various learning activities.

[00022] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide systems and methods that enable its users to share their skills on a real-time basis with potential employers. [00023] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide systems and methodsthat can have an integrated skills search portal using which authorized users / employers/ recruiters can find candidates with verified skills in accordance with their requirements.

SUMMARY

[00024] The present disclosure generally relates to system and method for evaluating a user's skill sets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for automatically creating, updating and presenting skill sets of various users of a system.

[00025] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for dynamically creating authentic digital skills matrix. In an aspect, the system can include a learning activity selection module that can be configured to enable a user to select at least one learning activity pertaining to at least one skill, and present content related with the selected learning activity to the user, wherein the content can include one or more questions, exercises, assessment mechanism, feedback, interactive discussions, among any other content that can help analyze the skill of the user pertaining to the learning activity. System of the present disclosure can further include a learning activity management module that can be configured to monitor users actions on the present content of the selected learning activity.

[00026] System of the present disclosure can further include a confidence factor association module that can be configured to assign a confidence factor for the user for each selected learning activity, and a confidence factor based skill matrix generation module configured to create skill matrix based on the confidence factor associated with each learning activity of the user.

[00027] In an exemplary implementation, the system can further include a user registration and authentication module that can be configured to allow registration of users and authentication of registered users. System can further include a skill matrix storage and updation module that can be configured to store and update the created skill matrix. System of the present disclosure can further include a skill matrix based search module that can be configured to enable other users such as an organizations, employer, placement agencies etc. to search the users and get the updated skill matrix of users.

[00028] The system can be configured to capture each learning activity of the user and map the activity with one or more assigned parameters, perform evaluation of the user at topic level for selected skill and assigned confidence factor for each of the topic and an overall confidence factor of the particular skill. The skill matrix, which can be created at different hierarchical levels, for example, skills, and topic level can be updated based on the assigned confidence factor.

[00029] In an aspect, system of the present disclosure can be accessed by an authorized user who can access the proposed system using say Internet through his/her Personal Computer or a Tablet or a Mobile Device. In an aspect, user of the proposed system can be a candidate with different skills who also keeps on acquiring new skills. The system enables true and dynamic updation of skill matrix, which can be used as resume for the user to present his/her updated skill set. As the skill matrix is created based on actual learning activity of the user at topic level, the recruiter/organization will have more confidence on such skill matrix.

[00030] In another aspect, the user registration and authentication module can assign a user, on completion of his/her registration login credentials, for example a user name, password and a biometric signature (eye, finger, face, based recognition), using which he/she can access the system to acquire new skills or update his skills. Once the user is registered, he/she can access the system at any time from any device configured to connect to the Internet, using the login credentials. The user registration and authentication module enables authentication of user based on the username, password and biometric signature. As one may appreciate, due to biometric signature required to access the system, proxy can be avoided. The user can be authenticated based on login credentials before acquiring skill sets through the system of present disclosure.

[00031] In an exemplary embodiment, system of the present disclosure can be integrated with any learning management to be configured to acquire the confidence factors and update the skill matrix accordingly.

[00032] In an aspect, system of the proposed disclosure can have a learning activity selection module that can present to a user various activities for his/her selection after he/sheis authenticated. Once user has selected a learning activity using learning activities selection module, relevant content related to the selected learning activity can be presented to the user. Learning activity of the user can then accordingly be monitored based on one or more actions performed by the user on the respective content. [00033] In an aspect, the learning activity management module can monitor usage of a learning activity during login session or a plurality of learning activities during different login sessions for a user. The learning activity management module can monitor usage of learning activities selected during different login sessions by different users. The module can monitor and collect accurate data about users learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users and send it to confidence factor assigning module. The module can also include various tests on learning activities selected by the user, results of which it can send to confidence factor association module. The module can map various learning activities and courses to the skills required to generate the skill matrix of users.

[00034] In an aspect, the confidence factor association module can receive data from learning activity management module about users learning patterns, learning achievements, results of various tests on learning activities selected by the users and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users. The module can analyze all such data it receives from learning activities storage, monitoring and mapping module and can assign a "confidence factor" to a user for each skill for which the user is performing different learning activities. The "confidence factor" can represent each user's proficiency in that skill. In another exemplary implementation, the confidence factor can be a number from zero to hundred, zero representing no skill and hundred representing total proficiency. The confidence factor can be grades such as "poor", "mediocre", "good" and "excellent" showing any user's proficiency in that industrial skill. Each such grades being mapped to a range of confidence factor values. The module can analyze all the learning data of all the users for a learning activity and assign a confidence factor to a user for a skill mapped to that learning activity, based on the averages of all users for that learning activity. The module can analyze all the learning data of all the users for a learning activity and assign a confidence factor to a user for a skill mapped to that learning activity, based on an absolute grading of that user for that learning activity.

[00035] In this fashion, all users taking the learning activities can be provided with corresponding confidence factors for their respective learning activities depending upon their absolute grading or relative grading for a skill mapped to that learning activity. In this fashion, different confidence factors for any user for the learning activities they have selected can be provided depending upon their absolute grading or relative grading for skills mapped to corresponding learning activities. [00036] In an aspect, as a user undergoes different learning activities, his confidence factor for skills mapped to those learning activities can be dynamically updated by confidence factor assigning module. In this fashion, confidence factor assigning module can dynamically keep track of all users' progress and achievements over time as and when they happen for their skills.

[00037] In another aspect, confidence factor association module can send different skills of a user and his respective confidence factor in each to a skill matrix generation module.

[00038] In another aspect, confidence factor association module can send different skills of all users and their respective confidence factors in each to skill matrix generation module.

[00039] In an aspect, the skill matrix generation module can receive different skills of a user and the respective confidence factors and can create a skill matrix for that user. The module can receive different skills of plurality of users and their confidence factor in each and can create skill matrices for all the users. The skill matrix storage and update module can be configured to update the generated skill set matrix for each user or for group of users once the users update their skills and re-interact with the respective learning activities.

[00040] In an aspect, the skill matrix based search module can include a user interface allowing any authorized user to query skill based matrix on various parameters such as a single skill or a combination of skills, verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning, detailed skill matrix of any user etc. and send the results to the display device of the authorized users. In another aspect, the persons so authorized can be employers or recruiters seeking candidates with different skills. The module can be configured to enable searching of skills of a particular user as well as find out all users with specific skills and present the results to authorized users seeking such information.

[00041] In another aspect, skill matrix based search module can be configured to enable searching, where a person performing the search can define plurality of desired skills, and can associate weightage to each of the desired skills. On receiving such search request, the system can search for those users who possess the desired skills from the plurality of skills, and compare the weightage in each with the confidence factor in such skills of the users so found in order to filter out the results. Results can be displayed in ordered manner. For example, profile of user who meets the requirement can be ranked in descending order factoring in the various skills and the weightage as set by the employer. In such a fashion, the system can quickly present to employers the best candidates for selected skills.

[00042] In another aspect, skills matrix based search module can be configured to present verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning and send the same to the employers. The module can be so configured that an employer can quickly view or receive by e-mail the detailed resumes of the best candidates identified as above, containing details of their academic performance, verified skills and historical learning or any combination of these.

[00043] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00044] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[00045] FIG. 1A and FIG. IB illustrate exemplary representations of an overall architecture of the system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00046] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of the proposed system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00047] FIG. 3 illustrates in flow diagram method for dynamically creating authentic digital skills matrix in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00048] The description hereinafter, of the specific embodiment will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify or adapt or perform both for various applications such specific embodiment without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[00049] Various terms as used herein are defined below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[00050] The expression "skill matrix" in the instant disclosure refers to a grid or table or any other logical representation that clearly and visibly illustrates skills and competence held by various individuals; its primary aim being understanding, developing, deployment and tracking of people and their skills.

[00051] The expression "company server" in the instant disclosure refers to the server or servers being managed by the organization entrusted with implementing, updating and managing the system as described herein.

[00052] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00053] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special- purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.

[00054] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) toperform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).

[00055] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.

[00056] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[00057] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[00058] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.

[00059] The present disclosure generally relates to system and method for evaluating a user's skill sets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for automatically creating, updating and presenting skill sets of various users of a system.

[00060] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for dynamically creating authentic digital skills matrix. In an aspect, the system can include a learning activity selection module that can be configured to enable a user to select at least one learning activity pertaining to at least one skill, and present content related with the selected learning activity to the user, wherein the content can include one or more questions, exercises, feedback, interactive discussions, among any other content that can help analyze the skill of the user pertaining to the learning activity. In another aspect, the content can take any form factor including but not limited to textual, image based content, video based content, audio based content, and can include questions, assignments, forum posts, or any other activity that is expected to evaluate the users competency for the relevant skill in context. System of the present disclosure can further include a learning activity management module that can be configured to monitor users actions on the present content of the selected learning activity.

[00061] System of the present disclosure can further include a confidence factor association module that can be configured to assign a confidence factor for the user for each selected learning activity, and a confidence factor based skill matrix generation module configured to create skill matrix based on the confidence factor associated with each learning activity of the user.

[00062] In an exemplary implementation, the system can further include a user registration and authentication module that can be configured to allow registration of users and authentication of registered users. System can further include a skill matrix storage and updation module that can be configured to store and update the created skill matrix. System of the present disclosure can further include a skill matrix based search module that can be configured to enable other users such as an organizations, employer, placement agencies etc. to search the users and get the updated skill matrix of users. [00063] The system can be configured to capture each learning activity of the user and map the activity with one or more assigned parameters, perform evaluation of the user at topic level for selected skill and assigned confidence factor for each of the topic and an overall confidence factor of the particular skill. The skill matrix, which can be created at different hierarchical levels, for example, skills, and topic level can be updated based on the assigned confidence factor.

[00064] In an aspect, system of the present disclosure can be accessed by an authorized user who can access the proposed system using say Internet through his/her Personal Computer or a Tablet or a Mobile Device. In an aspect, user of the proposed system can be a candidate with different skills who also keeps on acquiring new skills. The system enables true and dynamic updation of skill matrix, which can be used as resume for the user to present his/her updated skill set. As the skill matrix is created based on actual learning activity of the user at topic level, the recruiter/organization will have more confidence on such skill matrix.

[00065] In another aspect, the user registration and authentication module can assign a user, on completion of his/her registration login credentials, for example a user name, password and a biometric signature, using which he/she can access the system to acquire new skills or update his skills. Once the user is registered, he/she can access the system at any time from any device configured to connect to the Internet, using the login credentials. The user registration and authentication module enables authentication of user based on the username, password and biometric signature. As one may appreciate, due to biometric signature required to access the system, proxy can be avoided. The user can be authenticated based on login credentials before acquiring skill sets through the system of present disclosure.

[00066] In an exemplary embodiment, system of the present disclosure can be integrated with any learning management to be configured to acquire the confidence factors and update the skill matrix accordingly.

[00067] In an aspect, system of the proposed disclosure can have a learning activity selection module that can present to a user various activities for his/her selection after he/sheis authenticated. Once user has selected a learning activity using learning activities selection module, relevant content related to the selected learning activity can be presented to the user. Learning activity of the user can then accordingly be monitored based on one or more actions performed by the user on the respective content. [00068] In an aspect, the learning activity management module can monitor usage of a learning activity during login session or a plurality of learning activities during different login sessions for a user. The learning activity management module can monitor usage of learning activities selected during different login sessions by different users. The module can monitor and collect accurate data about users learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users and send it to confidence factor assigning module. The module can also include various tests on learning activities selected by the user, results of which it can send to confidence factor association module. The module can map various learning activities and courses to the skills required to generate the skill matrix of users.

[00069] In an aspect, the confidence factor association module can receive data from learning activity management module about users learning patterns, learning achievements, results of various tests on learning activities selected by the users and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users. The module can analyze all such data it receives from learning activities storage, monitoring and mapping module and can assign a "confidence factor" to a user for each skill for which the user is performing different learning activities. The "confidence factor" can represent each user's proficiency in that skill. In another exemplary implementation, the confidence factor can be a number from zero to hundred, zero representing no skill and hundred representing total proficiency. The confidence factor can be grades such as "poor", "mediocre", "good" and "excellent" showing any user's proficiency in that industrial skill. Each such grades being mapped to a range of confidence factor values. The module can analyze all the learning data of all the users for a learning activity and assign a confidence factor to a user for a skill mapped to that learning activity, based on the averages of all users for that learning activity. The module can analyze all the learning data of all the users for a learning activity and assign a confidence factor to a user for a skill mapped to that learning activity, based on an absolute grading of that user for that learning activity.

[00070] In this fashion, all users taking the learning activities can be provided with corresponding confidence factors for their respective learning activities depending upon their absolute grading or relative grading for a skill mapped to that learning activity. In this fashion, different confidence factors for any user for the learning activities they have selected can be provided depending upon their absolute grading or relative grading for skills mapped to corresponding learning activities. [00071] In an aspect, as a user undergoes different learning activities, his confidence factor for skills mapped to those learning activities can be dynamically updated by confidence factor assigning module. In this fashion, confidence factor assigning module can dynamically keep track of all users' progress and achievements over time as and when they happen for their skills.

[00072] In another aspect, confidence factor association module can send different skills of a user and his respective confidence factor in each to a skill matrix generation module.

[00073] In another aspect, confidence factor association module can send different skills of all users and their respective confidence factors in each to skill matrix generation module.

[00074] In an aspect, the skill matrix generation module can receive different skills of a user and the respective confidence factors and can create a skill matrix for that user. The module can receive different skills of plurality of users and their confidence factor in each and can create skill matrices for all the users. The skill matrix storage and update module can be configured to update the generated skill set matrix for each user or for group of users once the users update their skills and re-interact with the respective learning activities.

[00075] In an aspect, the skill matrix based search module can include a user interface allowing any authorized user to query skill based matrix on various parameters such as a single skill or a combination of skills, verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning, detailed skill matrix of any user etc. and send the results to the display device of the authorized users. In another aspect, the persons so authorized can be employers or recruiters seeking candidates with different skills. The module can be configured to enable searching of skills of a particular user as well as find out all users with specific skills and present the results to authorized users seeking such information.

[00076] In another aspect, skill matrix based search module can be configured to enable searching, where a person performing the search can define plurality of desired skills, and can associate weightage to each of the desired skills. On receiving such search request, the system can search for those users who possess the desired skills from the plurality of skills, and compare the weightage in each with the confidence factor in such skills of the users so found in order to filter out the results. Results can be displayed in ordered manner. For example, profile of user who meets the requirement can be ranked in descending order factoring in the various skills and the weightage as set by the employer. In such a fashion, the system can quickly present to employers the best candidates for selected skills.

[00077] In another aspect, skills matrix based search module can be configured to present verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning and send the same to the employers. The module can be so configured that an employer can quickly view or receive by e-mail the detailed resumes of the best candidates identified as above, containing details of their academic performance, verified skills and historical learning or any combination of these.

[00078] In an aspect, the skill matrix can be used for automatically creating and/or updation the curriculum vitae of the user.

[00079] FIG. 1A and FIG. IB illustrate exemplary representations of an overall architecture of the system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a plurality of Users 102-1, 102-2, 102-3... 102-n can access the system of the proposed disclosure that can reside on say a server. In an aspect, users can be candidates with different skills. The users can access the system through the Internet using an internet-enabled device such as a Personal Computer, Laptop, Tablet or Mobile/SmartPhone. Each user can participate in different learning activities of his/her choice, each learning activity mapped to a skill. The system of the proposed disclosure can monitor and collect accurate data about user's learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in various learning activities selected by him and then assign confidence factors for each skill mapped to such learning activities, the confidence factors representing the user's proficiency in various skills mapped to various learning activities being performed by him. In such fashion, a skill matrix for a user and similarly for all users can be created. As shown, the cells of the table can contain the confidence factor (and hence the proficiency) of a user in a skill. For example, Ul S2 can be the confidence factor of user 1 in skill 2, U3S4 can be the confidence factor of user 3 in skill 4 and so on for all users. Such skill matrices can be queried in various ways by authorized users or employees or recruiters to generate lists of candidates most suited to their skill requirements.

[00080] As any user undergoes different learning activities his learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in those activities can be continuously monitored by the system of the proposed disclosure and the relevant confidence factors can be changed to reflect changes in his different competencies. In this fashion, the system of the present disclosure can provide authentic, real time, automated and digital skill set matrix for all users based upon their actual learning achievements that can then be used by potential employers.

[00081] FIG IB illustrates the skill set matrix, which can also be used as resume, for user 1 in order to further explain the system and method of the present disclosure. User 1 can choose different learning activities and depending upon his learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in those activities the system can assign confidence factors to his different skills. As shown, his confidence factor on a scale from 0-100 in skill 1 can be 12, in skill 2 it can be 25, in skill 3 it can be 80 and likewise in different skills. In some skills for which he has not chosen any learning activity, for example skill 4, his confidence factor can be 0 indicating no proficiency in that skill. In a likewise manner skill set matrix for all the users can be automatically created and updated by the system and method of the present disclosure.

[00082] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of the proposed system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system can include a user registration and authentication module 202 that can be configured to allow registration of users and authenticate the registered users, a learning activity selection module 204that can be configured to enable a user to select learning activities and present the content related with the selected learning activities to the user, a learning activities management module 206 that can be configured to monitor interaction of the user with the selected learning activities and create mapping for learning activities based on responses/interactions/feedback of the user to the selected learning activities, a confidence factor association module 208 that can be configured to assign a confidence factor for each learning activity at say a topic level, and a confidence factor based skill matrix generation module 210 that can be configured to create a skill matrix based on the learning activities of the user and associated confidence factors.

[00083] In an exemplary implementation, system can further include a skill matrix storage and updation module 212 that be configured to store and update the created skill matrix, and a skill matrix based search module 214 that can be configured to enable other users, such as an organizations, employer, placement agencies etc. to search the users and get the updated skill matrix of users. User registration and authentication module 202

[00084] In an aspect, the proposed system can be configured with a user registration and authentication module 210 that any user can access using say the Internet and a Personal Computer or a Tablet or a Mobile Device. The module 202 allow creation of login credentials, including username, password and biometric signature during registration, wherein the login credential can be used by the user for accessing the system 200. The user can access the system at any time from any device configured to connect to the Internet, using user registration and authentication module 202. The login credentials can be stored and used for verification/authentication of user. Once the user is registered he/she can access the system at any time from any device configured to connect to the Internet, using the login credentials. The user registration and authentication module 202 can enable authentication of user based on the username, password and biometric signature. As one may appreciate, due to biometric signature required to access the system, proxy can be avoided. The user can be can be authenticated based on the login credentials before acquiring skill sets through the system of present disclosure.

Learning Activity Selection Module 204

[00085] Once authenticated, the user can access the system and the learning activity selection module 202 can enable a user to select one or more learning activities, and present content relating to the selected one or more learning activities to the user. In an aspect, after a user has logged in, the learning activities selection module 202 can present various learning activities that the user can select. After the user has selected a learning activity using learning activities selection module 202, associated content can be presented to the user. Different users can login to the system from different devices using the Internet and can select their learning activities for that session.

[00086] In an aspect, a learning activity can be a set of objective/subjective questions, situations, feedback mechanism, or any other content that can help evaluate the skill of the user. For instance, in the user is a software developer and is to be evaluated on C++ as a skill, multiple learning activities for the skill C++ can be incorporated, wherein one learning activity can give a problem to be coded, whereas another one can ask theoretical questions, whereas another one can give multiple answer choices. Any other learning activity can therefore be incorporated, all of which are well within the scope of the present disclosure. [00087] In an aspect, it is to be appreciated that learning activity and skill can have many to one mapping or one to many mapping. For instance, a skill such as C++ can have multiple learning activities, and similarly, a learning activity to evaluate IQ/English of a user can be used for multiple skills. All such variations are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

Learning Activity Management Module 206

[00088] In an aspect, the learning activities management module 206 can monitor usage of a learning activity during login session or a plurality of learning activities during different login sessions for a user. The learning activities management module 206 can monitor usage of learning activities selected during different login sessions by different users. The module 206 can monitor and collect accurate data about users learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users, and send it to confidence factor association module. The module 206 can also include various tests on learning activities selected by the user, results of which it can send to confidence factor association module 208. The module 206 can map various learning activities and courses to the skills required to generate the skill matrix of users. In an aspect, learning activities can be responded to, answered to, interacted with by the user, based on which the level of accuracy/correctness of answers/responses/feedback/interaction can enable the system to associate a confidence factor for the respective learning activity for the user in context.

Confidence Factor Association Module 208

[00089] In an embodiment, the confidence factor association module 208can receive from learning activities management module 206, data about users learning patterns, learning achievements, results of various tests on learning activities selected by the users and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users. The module 208can analyze all such data it receives from learning activities storage, monitoring and mapping module and can assign a "confidence factor" to a user for each skill for which the user is performing different learning activities. The "confidence factor" can represent each user's proficiency in that skill. In another aspect, the confidence factor can be a number from zero to hundred, zero representing no skill and hundred representing total proficiency. The confidence factor can be grades such as "poor", "mediocre", "good" and "excellent" showing any user's proficiency in that skill, each such grades being mapped to a range of confidence factor values. The module 208can analyze all the learning data of all the users for a learning activity and assign a confidence factor to a user for a skill mapped to that learning activity, based on the averages of all users for that learning activity. The module 206 can analyze all the learning data of all the users for a learning activity and assign a confidence factor to a user for a skill mapped to that learning activity, based on an absolute grading of that user for that learning activity.

[00090] In this fashion, all users taking the learning activities can be provided with corresponding confidence factors for their respective learning activities depending upon their absolute grading or relative grading for a skill mapped to that learning activity. In this fashion, different confidence factors for any user for the learning activities they have selected can be provided depending upon their absolute grading or relative grading for skills mapped to corresponding learning activities.

[00091] In an aspect, as a user undergoes different learning activities, his confidence factor for skills mapped to those learning activities can be dynamically updated by confidence factor association module. In this fashion, confidence factor association module 208 can dynamically keep track of all users' progress and achievements over time as and when they happen for their skills.

[00092] In another aspect, confidence factor association module 208 can send different skills of a user and his respective confidence factor in each to skill matrix generation module 210. In another aspect, confidence factor assigning module can send different skills of all users and their confidence factors in each to skill matrix generation module 210.

Skill Matrix Generation Module 210 and Skill Matrix Storage and Updation Module 212

[00093] In an aspect, skill matrix generation module 210 can be configured to receive, from confidence factor association module 208, different skills of a user and respective confidence factors and can create a skill matrix for the user. The module 210 can receive different skills of plurality of users and their confidence factors in each and can create skill matrices for all the users. The module 210 can be configured to present an updated skill set matrix for each user or for group of users.

[00094] In an aspect skill matrix generation module 210 can be configured to receive various requests for information from skill matrix based search module 214, extract that information from the data stored in it and send the extracted information to skill matrix based search module 214.1n another aspect, skill matrix generation module 210 can be configured to extract and send a verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning if so requested by skill matrix based search module 214.

[00095] In an aspect, updation module 212 can be configured to enable a user to update his/her skill set by adding a new skill and getting evaluated for the same using one or more learning activities for the new skill, or can even upgrade his/her skill for an already existing skill, wherein once the confidence factor(s) associated with existing skills or with new skills are updated/modified/revised, updation module 212 can be configured to take the same into account and store the modified/updated skill matrix in a remote storage, say in a server/cloud of the proposed system.

Skill Matrix Based Search Module 214

[00096] In an aspect, the skill matrix based search module 214 can include a user interface allowing any authorized user to query skill based matrix on various parameters such as a single skill or a combination of skills, verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning, detailed skill matrix of any user etc. and send the results to the display device of the authorized users In another aspect the persons so authorized can be employers or recruiters seeking candidates with different skills. The module 214 can be configured to enable searching of skills of a particular user as well as find out all users with specific skill and present the results to authorized users seeking such information.

[00097] In another aspect, skill search module 214 can be configured to enable searching, where a person performing the search can define plurality of desired skills, and can associate weightage to each of the desired skills. On receiving such search request, the system can search for those users who possess the desired skills from the plurality of skills, and compare the weightage in each with the confidence factor in such skills of the users so found in order to filter out the results. Results can be displayed in ordered manner. For example, profile of users who meets the requirement can be ranked in descending order factoring in the various skills and the weightage as set by the employer. In such a fashion, the system can quickly present to employers the best candidates for selected skills. [00098] In another aspect, skills search module 214 can be configured to present verified summary of any user's skills via digital access to their historical learning and send the same to the employers. The module 214 can be so configured that an employer can quickly view or receive by e-mail the detailed resumes of the best candidates identified as above, containing details of their academic performance, verified skills and historical learning or any combination of these.

[00099] In an aspect, skill matrix based search module can be configured to enable one or more entities such as organizations, HR firms, individuals, to search for users based on their respective skill matrices. In another aspect, the one or more entities associate weightages to one or more skills along with criteria for selection, and wherein the one or more entities associated weightages and criteria are processed with confidence factors associated with the respective skills to enable accurate selection/shortlisting of the user. For instance, in case an organization is looking for an individual with 4 skills, having a weightage of 50% on coding, 20% on personality, 20% on communication, and 10% on team player capability, the organization can be associate thresholds/criteria such as 40 (on a scale of 100) for coding, 70 on personality, 90 on communication, and 60 on team player capability, the thresholds can be processed with skill matrices of multiple users and automatically users with skill confidence values above these threshold values can be selected/shortlisted for further process. Any or manner/mode of use of confidence factor in skill matrices can be incorporated, all of which are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

Working of the System

[000100] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each user can register with the system using user registration and authentication module 202 and then login using login credentials. A user can select a learning activity using learning activity selection module 204that can present content associated with the selected learning activity to the user. In an aspect learning activity management module 204 can monitor and collect accurate data about users learning patterns, learning achievements and time spent in various learning activities selected by the users and send it to confidence factor association module 206 that can then assign a confidence factor to each skill for which a user is performing different learning activities. This confidence factor can be sent to skill matrix generation module 208 that can store this confidence factor for the user for the skill for which he has performed different learning activities. Likewise, a user can select learning activities for a plurality of skills and for each his confidence factor can be determined. In a similar fashion, all the users can select and perform different learning activities and their confidence factors for the skills mapped to those learning activities can be determined and stored in skill matrix generation module 210 and storage and updation module 212. Skill matrix created by the module 210 can be searched and queried via skill matrix based search module 214based on various parameters by authorized users to find best candidates according to their skill set requirements.

[000101] In an aspect, as a user undergoes different learning activities, his/her confidence factor for skills mapped to those learning activities can be dynamically updated by the confidence factor association module 208. In this fashion, confidence factor association module 208 can dynamically keep track of all users' progress and achievements over time as and when they happen for their skills and can send the latest confidence factors to skill matrix storage and updation module 212 that can accordingly update the confidence factor for different users.

[000102] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for dynamically creating authentic digital skills matrix in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the method can include the steps of receiving login credential such as username, password or a biometric signature, as shown at step 302, authenticating the user based on the login credential, as shown at step 304, presenting the user options to select one or more learning activities, as shown at step 306, evaluating the user for selected learning activity and assigning confidence factor for each of the selected learning activity, as shown at step 308, and creating an authentic skill set matrix representing one or more learning activities taken by the user and corresponding confidence factor assigned to the one or more learning activities, wherein the learning activities can be a course or topics covered by the user for any course.

[000103] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean "communicatively coupled with" over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[000104] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[000105] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[000106] The present disclosure provides systems and methods that can automatically create digital skill set matrices of all users based on their actual learning achievements. [000107] The present disclosure provides for systems and methods that create authenticated and verified skill matrices for all users, eliminating the discrepancy between what users type in their resumes vs their actual skills.

[000108] The present disclosure provides systems and methods that enable users to share their skills on a real-time basis.

[000109] The present disclosure provides systems and methods that include an integrated skills search portal that can reduce the time to generate resumes with verified skills and can increase the trust of the potential employers in the skills being claimed by different users.

[000110] The present disclosure provides systems and methods that eliminate the need for the users to manually write about their skills and achievements in their resumes, making the verified summary of achievements and skills available to the potential employers digitally.

[000111] The present disclosure provides systems and methods that provides for digitally providing the historical details of users' learning achievements and corresponding skills.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A system for creating a digital skill matrix for evaluating a users' skill, said system comprising:

a learning activity selection module configured to enable the user to select at least one learning activity pertaining to at least one skill, and present content pertaining to the selected at least one learning activity to the user;

a learning activity management module configured to monitor one or more actions of the user with respect to the selected at least one learning activity;

a confidence factor association module configured to associate a confidence factor with the selected at least one learning activity for the user based on the one or more actions of the user, and compute a skill confidence factor for the skill of the user by aggregating confidence factors of the at least one learning activity of the skill; and

a confidence factor based skill matrix generation module configured to create a skill matrix for the user based on the skill confidence factor and the skill, wherein the skill matrix is used for evaluating the users' competence on the at least one skill.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a skill matrix storage and updation module configured to enable updation of the skill matrix based on any or a combination of a new skill acquired by the user and evaluation of the user with respect to one or more learning activities of the new skill, and actions on one or more learning activities of the at least one skill.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the content is selected from one or a combination of question, assignment, feedback, exercise, interaction discussion, and an assessment mechanism.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the content is in the form or any or a combination of textual format, audio format, video format, image format.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a registration and authentication module configured to enable registration of the user based on at least one credential, and authentication of the user based on at least one biometric means.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the skill matrix is configured to generate a curriculum vitae of the user.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises skill matrix based search module configured to enable one or more entities to search for users based on their respective skill matrices.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more entities associate weightages to one or more skills along with criteria for selection, and wherein the weightages and criteria are processed with skill confidence factors associated with the respective skills to enable accurate selection/shortlisting of the user.

9. A method for creating a digital skill matrix for evaluating a users' skill, said method comprising the steps of:

enabling the user to select at least one learning activity pertaining to at least one skill, and present content pertaining to the selected at least one learning activity to the user;

monitoring one or more actions of the user with respect to the selected at least one learning activity;

associating a confidence factor with the selected at least one learning activity for the user based on the one or more actions of the user, and compute a skill confidence factor for the skill of the user by aggregating confidence factors of the at least one learning activity of the skill; and

creating a skill matrix for the user based on the skill confidence factor and the skill, wherein the skill matrix is used for evaluating the users' competence on the at least one skill.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises the step of enabling updation of the skill matrix based on any or a combination of a new skill acquired by the user and evaluation of the user with respect to one or more learning activities of the new skill, and actions on one or more learning activities of the at least one skill.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the step of enabling one or more entities to search for users based on their respective skill matrices, wherein the one or more entities associate weightages to one or more skills along with criteria for selection, and wherein the weightages and criteria are processed with skill confidence factors associated with the respective skills to enable accurate selection/shortlisting of the user.