WO1992004700A1

WO1992004700A1 - Electronic educational device

Info

Publication number: WO1992004700A1
Application number: PCT/GB1990/001406
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Geoffrey Scales
Original assignee: Gle Technology Limited
Priority date: 1989-03-07
Filing date: 1990-09-11
Publication date: 1992-03-19
Also published as: GB8905191D0; GB2229030A

Abstract

Current and base stores (13, 14) provide lexicons whose words are to be displayed on LCD display (3) and are to form the subjects of various tests dependent on classification of the words in accordance with predetermined criteria. A keyboard (5) enables input of data into the stores (13, 14) of test selection and of answer data. Means (12) are provided for comparing answers with the predetermined criteria and for storing numbers of correct answers in association with the respective words in the current store (13). When testing has given rise to a predetermined set of correct answers the words are shifted to the base store (14). 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.

Description

ELECTRON! C EEKJCATT ONAL DEVI CE

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, eg. 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 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 sxgnificant 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.

According to the present 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 a predetermined criterion, input means enabling selection of a test in relation to an item of data stored in said current store and based on said predetermined criterion, means for providing an indication of a test question in response to said test selection, said input means enabling an answer to said test question to be entered into the device, means for comparing the answer with a 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, eg. number of items of data held in each store.

The device may provide for the selection of a test based on an item stored in the base store. Means may be provided for transferring items between the base store and current store on a random basis as well as based on answers to test questions.

Advantageously, the device may be 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 (incorrect answer) test results on items of data held in the base store.

More than one predetermined criterion may be stored in relation to an item of data and the input may allow selection of the criterion on which the test is to be based.

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

In a particularly preferred form the device has four main functions "Learn", "Practice", "Write" and "Refer". It may carry a pre-programmed set of vocabulary in an on-board ROM and also have capacity to for the user to input additional vocubulary of his choice. This vocabulary is stored in the base store.

The current store may comprises three levels. Items of data are initially transferred to a ground level, and then move to a first level when a first correct test answer for that item is given, to a second level when a second correct test answer is given and finally to the base store when a third correct test answer is given.

In the Learn mode the user transfers, say, ten items of data (a word and say its associated definition or other criteria) into the ground level of the current store. Means may be provided for the user to view each item and its associated criteria in the current store. Items may be transferred into the current store on start-up according to their frequency of use or other selection criteria - such as word type - set by the user. When the user desires to perform a test he selects the test function and the device then displys a criteria, such as the definition, of the word. The user inputs the "word" and the device determines whether the answer is correct. If an incorrect answer is input, the device offers the user the opportunity of viewing the correct answer. The device cycles through all ten items of data. The user may then be tested again on those items, or on the items on which wrong answers were given plus further new items. Also, the user may elect to be tested on items in the first or second level of the current store or in the base store. If an incorrect answer is given then the item may be moved back to the ground level of the current store.

The practice function may be in the form of a game such as "HANGMAN" and allow the user to select the level from which an item is to be chosen at random by the device.

The Write function allows the user to enter an item of data. This may be done manually via a keyboard or via an optical character reader.

The Refer function allows the user to reference an item in the base store and that may then be loaded into the current store if the user wishes.

In practice, rather than "move" items between different memory areas, each item may be flagged to indicate within the device which level of store it occupies.

Various application ROM cards may be provided, giving special lists of vocabulary such as legal english or electronics, problematic areas such as idioms, and language cards providing the foreign language equivalent. With a language card, for example, the foreign language equivalent may be displayed as the test question rather than the definition.

The invention will now be described further, 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 the 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. A number of soft function keys may be provided, the current function of a key being displayed on the display 3.

The keyboard 5 comprises push-button keys enabling the input of alphabetical characters including a SPACE key. A port (not shown) may be provided for connection of an optical character reader, and a slot provided for insertion of ROM cards or the like.

Referring also to Fig. 2, the display 3 comprises an LCD 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 (or 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, eg. 3 consecutive correct sets of answers each covering one or more 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 (eg. 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.

WRITE MODE (Fig. 5)

The user turns on the device and the display 3 displays ' Choose mode' and ' Write?' . On pressing ENTER the screen dispalys 'Write word' the user uses the LETTER keys to write the word. When the word is complete the user presses ENTER.

The DELETE key allows editing of the input.

The instruction ' Choose stress' then replaces ' Write word' and a stress symbol (' ) appears in subscript and the user presses CHOOSE to move the symbol from left to right, and delete to move the symbol from right to left. Once the symbol is appropriately positioned, the user presses ENTER.

If the user wants to avoid this stage, he presses PASS, and the program moves to the next stage, 1.3. , and the symbol disappears.

The instruction ' Choose grammar' then appears. The part of speech ' verb?' is displayed, . If ' verb' is inappropriate, the user presses CHOOSE and ' noun?' appears. This process is repeated in the sequence verb, noun, adjective, adverb, until ENTER is pressed.

If the user wants to avoid this stage, he presses PASS, and the program moves on to the next stage.

The instruction ' write meaning' appears. The user then uses the LETTER keys to write the meaning. When the meaning is complete, the user presses ENTER and the program both saves this entry and returns to stage 1.1.

If the user wants to exit at any point in the above cycle, he presses EXIT, and the display returns to the original: ' Choose mode' and ' Write ?' .

TEST MODE

When the learner wants to use the test facility, 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 more usually the definition or 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.

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 (ie. 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) of 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 (ie. the ten oldest items or randomly in either store) or dependent on input via the keyboard (eg. 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 referrred 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.

Referring now to Fig. 5, the user presses ON/OFF button and the screen displays ' Choose mode' and ' Write?' .

The user wants TEST so he presses CHOOSE once and the screen displays ' Test ?' , and the user then presses ENTER. The screen displays ' Choose lexicon' and ' Current lexicon ?' .

If the user wants the Current lexicon he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Choose method' and 'word ?' . If the user wants the Base lexicon, he presses CHOOSE once and the screen retains ' Choose lexicon' and displays ' Base lexicon ?' the user then presses ENTER and the screen displays ' Choose method' and ' Word ?' .

If the user wants (test by) word, he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write word' . The translation, say, appears and the stress and the grammar (if used), also appear. The user then uses the LETTER keys to write the word, and ENTER when he has finished. If the user doesn' t want to test word, he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays ' Choose method' , and ' Trans/def ?' . The user presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write trans/def . The word appears and the user uses the LETTER keys to write the translation or definition, and ENTER when he has finished.

If the answer is wrong, the screen retains the completed entry and displays ' WRONG' . The instruction changes to ' Choose next move' , and ' Try again ?' .

If the user wants to try again, he presses ENTER, and the word or translation/definition that has just been written disappears.

If the user doesn't want to try again, he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays ' See answer ?' .

The user presses ENTER and the answer is displayed, or presses PASS.

If the answer is right, the screen retains the completed entry, displays ' Press PASS' and ' RIGHT' . When the user presses PASS, the device recycles to begin another test.

PERUSE MODE (Fig. 7)

The user presses the ON/OFF button and the screen displays ' Choose mode' and ' Write ?' . The user presses CHOOSE twice until the screen displays ' Peruse ?' , and then presses ENTER. The screen displays ' Choose lexicon, ' ' Current lexicon ?' .

If the user does not want the ' Current lexicon' he presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Write first letter' . The user then inputs the chosen letter. When the letter has been written , the user presses ENTER and the program then moves on to stage 3.3.

If the user want the 'Current lexicon' , he presses CHOOSE and the screen displays ' Base lexicon ?' , and so on. For the base lexicon the user is prompted to input at least two letters.

The display screen then alphabetically displays the entire first entry under that letter (Current lexicon) or those letters (Base lexicon).

If the user wants to continue he presses PASS and the screen then alphabetically displays the next entire entry under the chosen letter, and so on.

If the user wants to remove the displayed entry, he presses DELETE and the screen reverts to the previous or next entry. NUMBER OF WORDS MODE (Fig. 8)

If the user wants NUMBER OF WORDS, he presses CHOOSE three times on turning on and the display displays ' # of words ?' the user then presses ENTER and the screen displays 'Choose lexicon' and "Current lexicon ?' .

If the user wants Current lexicon, he presses ENTER and the screen displays the number of words in the current lexicon.

If the user wants Base lexicon he presses CHOOSE once and the screen displays ' Base lexicon ?' . The user then presses ENTER and the screen displays the number of words in the base lexicon.

The device described above has 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, eg. medicine, law, science and technology etc. The device described above differs conceptually from known devices whose function is to reference information, since the device is specifically designed to affect the user' ε lexical memory as well.

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 a predetermined criterion, input means enabling selection of a test in relation to an item of data stored in said current store and based on said predertermined criterion, means for providing an indication of a test question in response to said test selection, said input means enabling an answer to said test question be entered into the device, means for comparing the answer with a 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.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, including means for providing an indication of the quantity of data held in each store.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein means are provided 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 (incorrect) results to test of items of data held in the base store.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the items of data comprise words so that 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 owrd and/or to pronunciation of the word.

6. 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.