WO2002001465A1

WO2002001465A1 - Method and apparatus for marketing using compression learning

Info

Publication number: WO2002001465A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/020250
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Gelband
Original assignee: Trueyou.Com
Priority date: 2000-06-27
Filing date: 2001-06-26
Publication date: 2002-01-03
Also published as: AU2001270160A1

Abstract

A method and system (601, 603, 607) for development using compressed learning via a computer communications system (601) is presented. The development method includes presenting multiple subject areas (101). Input is received indicating a chosen subject area (102). A micro-seminar (200, 602) is transmitted (103) over a computer communication network (601) in response to the input. The seminar (200, 602) includes an introduction segment (201), a main body segment (202), a summary segment (203) and an action segment (204). Follow-up products relating to the micro-seminar (200, 602) can also be provided (104). A development program can be prepared that combine multiple micro-seminars (200, 602) to effectively develop a student's specific skill.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARKETING USING COMPRESSION LEARNING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. application no. 09/604,343 filed June 27, 2000.

BACKGROUND

Educational instruction is available in a wide array of sources, such as classes, seminars, and books. These educational tools cover a variety of topics that can improve the way a person functions in both their personal and professional life. A student using any one of these tools effectively, however, must invest a considerable amount of time to succeed. In addition, it is often necessary for the student to travel a great distance to participate in a selected course or seminar. Students often do not complete such classes, seminars, or written materials because they do not have the necessary time available in their busy schedules.

Computer networks, and the Internet in particular, provides a convenient means of conducting education. The Internet can make an educational program available to a larger audience than a live, local educational program could accommodate. In addition, the Internet can be useful in allowing a user to participate who may be otherwise constrained due to geographical limitations. Education over the Internet is typically available to a student via a web site that offers courses at a particular university or related to a particular topic. Students can receive written materials, participate in lectures, and take exams from the convenience of their own home or office. Payment for participation in a program offered over the Internet can be arranged between the vendor and the user either on-line or by prior agreement.

Internet educational programs can provide a student with sufficient information to learn about a chosen subject area. The information is often presented in a variety of formats, for example, as a combination of textual, pictorial, graphical, or audible information. The administration of information, however, is usually left to the user's discretion. The student may receive little guidance regarding how to effectively process the information presented and consequently the student may not learn the subject matter well or commit to memory much of the information sought to be learned. In addition, the available web-based educational programs require a significant investment of a user's time in order for the student to successfully acquire new skills and knowledge. SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and system for personal development using compression learning via a computer communications system. The development method includes presenting multiple subject areas. Input is received indicating a chosen subject area. A micro-seminar is transmitted over a computer communication network in response to the input. The seminar includes an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment. Follow-up products relating to the micro-seminar are also provided.

The micro-seminar can be approximately 2-5 minutes in length. After transmitting the micro-seminar, the micro-seminar can be retransmitted for replay. Micro-seminars can be transmitted over the computer communications network to create a customized program tailored to a student's individual needs. The input can be responded to in real time. The introductory segment, main body segment, summary segment, and action segment can include a multimedia signal made up of text, visual and audio signals.

In another embodiment, a development method using compression learning is presented. A server is accessed via a computer communications network. A subject area is requested from the server. A micro-seminar is then received from the server. The micro- seminar, which includes an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment, is executed. Follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro- seminar are received. The method can include the option to send the micro-seminar to an associate.

In another embodiment, a computer-implemented development method using compression learning is presented. An institution assigns a development program to an entity. The institution presents multiple subject areas to the entity. The institution then receives input from the entity indicating a chosen subject area. The institution responds to this input by transmitting a micro-seminar to individuals of the entity over a computer communications network. The micro-seminar includes an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment and an action segment.

The micro-seminar can be transmitted through a co-branded web site. The web site can be presented by the entity and an entity providing the computer-implemented development method. The micro-seminar can also be transmitted through an electronic mail system. The subject areas can include materials selected to benefit a group of individuals within the entity. The entity can include a business and the individuals can include employees of the business. The entity can also include a school and the individuals can include students of the school. The development program can be sold, auctioned, or leased to the entity. The development program can be priced based on factors such as number of individuals, size of the company, length of the assignment, and subject matter selected. The development program can include self-improvement lessons. Self-improvement skills can be taught in a wide variety of areas, which apply to both the student's personal and professional lives. Subjects can cover a wide range of topics, including communication, relationships, health, and spirituality. The development system can also include the institution providing follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

In another embodiment, a computer-implemented development method using compression learning is presented. A curriculum is assigned to an entity. Multiple subjects are presented to the entity based on the curriculum. Input from the entity is received indicating a chosen subject area. A development program is prepared, which includes micro- seminars that include an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment. A first micro-seminar is transmitted to the entity based on the development program. Input is received from the entity indicating the next micro-seminar to transmit. The next micro-seminar is then transmitted to the entity. The development program can be based on the chosen subject area.

The micro-seminars can be transmitted through a co-branded web site, which is presented by the entity and a service providing the computer-implemented development method. The micro-seminars can be transmitted through an electronic mail system. The subject areas can include materials selected to benefit a group of individuals within the entity. The entity can include a business or school and the individuals can include employees of the business or students of the school. The curriculum can be assigned by selling, auctioning, or leasing it to the entity. The curriculum can be priced according to factors such as the number of individuals, size of the company, length of the assignment, and subject matter selected.

The development method can include self-improvement lessons. Follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar can be provided to the entity. The next micro- seminar can include the follow micro-seminar of the previously transmitted micro-seminar in the development program. The next micro-seminar can also include a micro-seminar in the development program that has already been transmitted. The micro-seminar can be 2-5 minutes in length.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Implementations can provide advantages such as an improved learning system that requires less time to learn concepts. A full study course can be marketed by allowing the student to sample a compact version of the course. The system can also help students develop self-improvement skills. The system can also be used to preview a full-course of study that the student can purchase. The system can also benefit businesses that are attempting to develop educational or motivational skills within a subset of its employees.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a flowchart for a method for development using compression learning.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of a micro-seminar.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart for a method for development using compression learning from the student's point of view.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart for a method for a development program using compression learning.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a method for a development program using compression learning.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a system for performing compression learning.

Fig. 7 is an illustration of a device to display a micro-seminar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for personal development using a compression learning system. Compression learning allows a student to learn new skills while investing only a fraction of the time necessary in traditional learning systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a development system using a rapid, modularized education and self-improvement system through the use of a computer communications network.

Referring first to Fig. 1, a method for using a computer communications network for development using compression learning is described. A compression learning server presents multiple subject areas 101. The server then receives input from a student indicating a chosen subject area 102. The server responds to the input by transmitting a micro-seminar over a computer communication network 103. The transmission may be done in real time, i.e., transmitted to the student immediately after the system receives the input. After transmitting the micro-seminar, the compression learning server provides follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar 104.

Fig. 2 illustrates the components of a micro-seminar 200. The micro-seminar 200 includes an introductory segment 201, a main body segment 202, a summary segment 203, and action steps 205. The introductory segment 201 presents a brief introduction into what is going to be covered in the lesson. The main body segment 202 presents the main information that the seminar is trying to explain. The summary segment 203 recounts what has been covered in the main body segment 202. And the action steps 204 present follow-up work to be carried on by the student to implement what the student has learned. These different segments can be presented in a variety of ways, including as multimedia signals, such as text 205, audio 206, and visual parts 207. The visual parts 207 can include still-pictures and moving pictures, such as animation or film. A micro-seminar can be approximately 2-5 minutes in duration.

The micro-seminars can be developed by extracting key information related to a particular topic from the teachings of the top experts in the world's leading programs, courses and training materials and condensing that information into a concise mini-seminar directed to a specific skill or issue. Each micro-seminar can be perceived, whether by reading, viewing or listening, by the student in a matter of minutes. The modules can be made up of different segments, which reinforce the student's understandings. These segments can include an introductory segment 201, main body segment 202, summary segment 203, and action steps segment 204. The action steps 204 contain suggestions that the student may follow in their lives to help them achieve immediate results. Action steps 204 are suggestions for ways to improve one's life immediately by doing certain things or acting in certain ways under certain circumstances. Modules from several areas may be chosen in combination to create a rapid personalized growth system.

In another embodiment, the micro-seminars can be retransmitted to the student for further study. Furthermore, a group of micro-seminars can be transmitted to the student over a time sequence to create a customized program tailored to the student's individual needs. This can be accomplished by automatic lesson plans, such as a preprogrammed group of lessons aimed to improve a weakness of the student, or by a student selected lesson plan.

Fig. 3 describes the method for using a computer communications network for compression learning from the student's point of view. The student accesses a compression learning server 301. The student requests a subject area from the server 302. The student can make this request after going through a list of choices, or as part of a lesson plan that the computer has prepared, the student has chosen, or an instructor has outlined. The student receives a micro-seminar from the server 303. The student then executes the micro-seminar on a computer 304. After executing the micro-seminar, the student receives information on follow-up products for purchase that relate to the micro-seminar 305. These follow-up products can present more in-depth lessons appropriate to the subject matter of the micro- seminar.

In another embodiment, the student can receive an option from the server to send the micro-seminar to an associate to share what the student has learned.

Fig. 4 describes another embodiment of this invention. A curriculum is assigned by an institution to an entity 401. The entity can include a business, educational institution, or group of individuals. The institution can include a web-site or company that is in the business of providing developmental programs to businesses, educational institutions, or groups of individuals. The curriculum can be assigned to the entity by selling it, leasing it, auctioning it, or otherwise allocating the program to the entity. The curriculum includes programs of study that the institution will make available to the entity.

Multiple subject areas are then presented to the entity 402. These subject areas are subsets of the curriculum assigned to the entity. The subject areas can include a self- improvement program that is targeted toward a group in the entity. Self-improvement skills can be taught in a wide variety of areas, which apply to both the student's personal and professional lives. Subjects can cover a broad range of topics, including communication, relationships, health, and spirituality.

Input from the entity is received indicating a chosen subject area 403. This input can be received over the duration of the assigned program. A development program based on the chosen subject area is then prepared for the entity 404. This program can be developed by the institution or custom developed by the entity. By combining different micro-seminars, the entity or institution can provide a program that is tailored to a specific need of the entity. For example, a program designed to teach a sales group in a company how best to treat customers can be designed by putting together micro-seminars on personal communications, attaining a positive attitude, and effective sales techniques.

A first micro-seminar based on the development program is then transmitted to the entity 405. Input is received from the entity indicating the next micro-seminar to transmit 406. The entity can receive any micro-seminar in the development program that has already been transmitted and the next micro-seminar in series of the development program. This ensures that the development program is properly followed. The chosen micro-seminar is then transmitted to the entity over a computer communications network 407. The entity can then choose to transmit another or do so at a later time 408.

The micro-seminar can be transmitted to individuals in the entity. The individuals can include employees, partners, friends, or students of the entity. The micro-seminar can be transmitted by electronic mail, traditional mail, voice messages over a phone or computer system, or any related transmission medium. The micro-seminar can also be transmitted through a co-branded web-site, which presents the individual with micro-seminars on a site sponsored jointly by the entity and the institution. Advertisements may or may not be used on the jointly sponsored web-site.

Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a development program. Each step in the diagram represents a micro-seminar in the development program. The first step 501 is the first micro- seminar transmitted. From there, the entity can choose to have the second step transmitted 502. Once the entity receives the second step, the entity can then transmit either the first step 501 again, or the third step 503. This allows the entity to review previous micro-seminars, but does not allow the entity to jump over important steps in the development program. For example, it is desirable that the entity not choose to view the fourth step before the first three have been viewed. Once the third step is viewed 503, the entity can choose to view the first 501, second 502, or fourth 504 step. The entity can also choose to review the third step 503.

Fig. 6 shows a network diagram of the compression learning system. The compression learning system can include a communications network 601. Communications are sent between the entity's terminals 603 and the compression learning server 607. This network 601 can include an Intranet, an Internet, a local LAN or WAN, or any other type of network system that would allow signals to pass between computers, including a combination of network systems. The entity's terminals 603 and the compression learning host's server 607 all have access to the network 601.

The compression learning server 607, which includes a memory and a processor, provides executable software residing in the server's memory. The software is operative with the processor. It can present multiple subject areas to an entity and receive the entity's input indicating a chosen subject area of interest. It can respond to the chosen subject area by transmitting a micro-seminar 602 over the network to the entity, and it can provide follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar to further the entity's education. The micro-seminars can be executed on the entity's computer 603 to present a multimedia lesson 604. The micro-seminars can be stored in a database 602 or any other medium, such as a web page or magnetic disc file system. Entities can access these micro-seminars 602 through their terminals 603. More than one entity can access one or more micro-seminars 602 at one time. A micro-seminar 603 can be executed on the entity's terminal 603. The entity can use different types of computers to execute the micro-seminar 502. For example, a standard desktop PC or a portable MP3 player may be used. Fig. 7 shows an illustration of a machine that can be used to execute a micro-seminar. The device 700 can display text 702, graphics 701, such as movies or still frames, and sound 703.

The invention may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Apparatus of the invention may be implemented in a computer program tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. Method steps of the invention may be performed by a programmable processor executing instructions designed to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output.

The invention may also be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.

Computers 503 and 507 in a compression learning system may be connected to each other by one or more network interconnection technologies. For example dial-up lines, token-ring and/or Ethernet networks, Tl lines, asynchronous transfer mode links, wireless links and integrated service digital network (ISDN) connections may all be combined in the network 501. Other packet network and point-to-point interconnection technologies may also be used. Additionally, the functions associated with separate processing and database servers in the host 506 may be integrated into a single server system or may be partitioned among servers and database systems that are distributed over a wide geographic area.

The portability of various Internet access devices, as well as the ability to download from the Internet to a printer, allows a student to attend a micro-seminar while sitting on a bus, train or airplane or even while out for a walk or while waiting in line at the grocery store. A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, computers 503 and 507 can comprise a personal computer executing an operating system such as Microsoft Windows™, Unix™, or Apple Mac OS™, as well as software applications, such as a web browser. Computers 503 and 507 can also be terminal devices, a palm-type computer WEB access device that adhere to a point-to-point or network communication protocol such as the Internet protocol. Other examples can include TV WEB browsers, terminals, and wireless access devices (such as a 3 -Com Palm organizer). A client computer may include a processor, RAM and/or ROM memory, a display capability, an input device and hard disk or other relatively permanent storage. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computer-implemented development method using compression learning, the method comprising: presenting multiple subject areas; receiving input indicating a chosen subject area; responding to the input by transmitting over a computer communications network a micro-seminar comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; and providing follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the micro-seminar additionally comprises a presentation of approximately 2-5 minutes.

3. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising re-transmitting the micro-seminar for replay.

4. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising transmitting over the computer communications network a plurality of micro-seminars in time sequence to create a customized program tailored to a student's individual needs.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the input is responded to in real time.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the introductory segment, main body segment, summary segment, and action segment comprise multimedia signals including text, visual, and audio signals.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the micro-seminar additionally comprises a seminar on self-improvement.

8. A computer-implemented development method using compression learning, the method comprising: accessing a server via a computer communication network; requesting a subject area from the server; receiving a micro-seminar from the server; executing the micro-seminar, wherein the micro-seminar comprises an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; and receiving follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

9. The method of claim 8 additionally comprising receiving an option to send the micro- seminar to an associate.

10. A computer system for providing development using compression learning, the system comprising: a computer server accessible via a computer communications network, wherein the server comprises a memory and a processor; executable software residing in the server memory wherein the software is operative with the processor to: present multiple subject areas; receive input indicating a chosen subject area; respond to the input by transmitting over a computer communications network a micro-seminar comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; and provide follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the input is responded to in real time.

12. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the software is executable on demand via the network access device.

13. The computer system of claim 12, wherein the network access device comprises a computer.

14. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the computer communication network conforms to the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol.

15. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the computer communication network additionally comprises an intranet.

16. The computer system of claim 10, additionally comprising a web interface for accessing the executable software stored on a server storage medium.

17. A computer system for providing development using compression learning, the system comprising: a host computer server accessible via a computer communications network, wherein the host computer server comprises a memory and a processor; a client computer communicating with the host computer server via the communications network, wherein the client computer comprises a memory, a processor, and a multimedia device capable of portraying a micro-seminar; and executable software residing in the host computer server memory, wherein the software is operative with the processor to present multiple subject areas; receive input indicating a chosen subject area; respond to the input by transmitting over a computer communications network a micro-seminar comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; and provide follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the client computer is portable.

19. A computer data signal embodied in a digital data stream, wherein the computer data signal is generated by a method comprising the steps of: presenting multiple subject areas; receiving input indicating a chosen subject area; responding in real time to the input by transmitting over a computer communications network a micro-seminar comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; and providing follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

20. A computer data signal as in claim 19, wherein the signal generated adheres to the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol.

21. A computer readable medium containing computer executable software wherein the software causes a computer to: present multiple subject areas; receive input indicating a chosen subject area; respond in real time to the input by transmitting over a computer communications network a micro-seminar comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; and provide follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

22. A computer-implemented development method using compression learning, the method comprising: assigning a curriculum to an entity; presenting multiple subject areas to the entity; receiving input from the entity indicating a chosen subject area; preparing a development program, the development program comprising a plurality of micro-seminars, the micro-seminars comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; transmitting to the entity a first micro-seminar based on the development program; receiving input from the entity indicating a next micro-seminar to transmit; and transmitting the next micro-seminar to the entity.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the development program is based on the chosen subject area.

24. The method of claim 22, additionally comprising transmitting the micro-seminars through a co-branded web site, wherein the web site is presented by the entity and a service providing the computer-implemented development method.

25. The method of claim 22, additionally comprising transmitting the micro-seminar through an electronic mail system.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the subject areas additionally comprise materials selected to benefit a group of individuals within the entity.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the entity comprises a business and the individuals comprise employees of the business.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the entity comprises a school and the individuals comprise students of the school.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of assigning the curriculum to an entity additionally comprises selling the program to the entity.

30. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of assigning a development program to an entity additionally comprises auctioning the program to the entity.

31. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of assigning a development program to an entity additionally comprises leasing the program to the entity.

32. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of assigning the curriculum to an entity additionally comprises pricing the program based on factors selected from the group comprising a number of individuals, a size of the company, a length of the assignment, and the subject matter selected.

33. The method of clam 22, wherein the development program comprises self-improvement lessons.

34. The method of claim 22, additionally comprising providing follow-up products for purchase relating to the micro-seminar.

35. The method of claim 22, wherein the next micro-seminar comprises the following micro- seminar of the previously transmitted micro-seminar in the development program.

36. The method of claim 22, wherein the next micro-seminar comprises a micro-seminar in the development program that has already been transmitted.

37. The method of claim 22, wherein the micro-seminar additionally comprises a presentation of approximately 2-5 minutes.

38. The method of claim 22, wherein the introductory segment, main body segment, summary segment, and action segment additionally comprise multimedia signals including text, visual, and audio signals.

39. The method of claim 22, wherein the action step comprises 2-4 action steps.

40. A computer system for providing development using compression learning, the system comprising: a computer server accessible via a computer communications network, wherein the server comprises a memory and a processor; executable software residing in the server memory wherein the software is operative with the processor to: assign a curriculum to an entity; present multiple subject areas to the entity; receive input from the entity indicating a chosen subject area; prepare a development program based on the chosen subject area, the development program comprising a plurality of micro-seminars, the micro-seminars comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; transmit to the entity a first micro-seminar based on the development program; receive input from the entity indicating a next micro-seminar to transmit; and transmit the next micro-seminar to the entity.

41. A computer data signal embodied in a digital data stream, wherein the computer data signal is generated by a method comprising the steps of: assigning a curriculum to an entity; presenting multiple subject areas to the entity; receiving input from the entity indicating a chosen subject area; preparing a development program based on the chosen subject area, the development program comprising a plurality of micro-seminars, the micro-seminars comprising an introductory segment, a main body segment, a summary segment, and an action segment; transmitting to the entity a first micro-seminar based on the development program; receiving input from the entity indicating a next micro-seminar to transmit; and transmitting the next micro-seminar to the entity.

42. A computer data signal as in claim 41, wherein the signal generated adheres to the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol.