Abstract:
A system and method for enabling an established learning institution, such as a first tier college or university, to leverage intellectual capital through licensing and co-developing course content with a Virtual University. The Virtual University develops and markets educational modules presented via a computer communication system. This invention can increase exposure of a professor, course content, and other intellectual capital, to a larger student population separated by time and distance. It can permit multiple learning institutions to participate, with governance and control afforded to each university according to agreed upon guidelines. A Virtual University according to this invention can provide for flexibility in compensation and permit unlimited business arrangements between a university and an institution proffering the educational modules. Compensation arrangements that provide adequate economic participation and reward can include, but are not limited to, cash payments, royalties, minimum guaranteed income, stock and stock options. They may also provide protections for the participating university, including seats on the Board of Directors and other appropriate measures. The system can provide a means for tracking and measuring the use of modules, measurements can be used to calculate compensation. The present invention can avail a traditional a campus based learning institution to a potential market for intellectual capital that is limited not by distance, but by the constraints of a computer communication network utilized. Consumers, embodied as individual students, corporate clients, charter schools or other learner groups can be from varied geographic locations and access the Virtual University system on a basis timely to their particular needs.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional application entitled “Virtual University,” filed Jan. 15, 1999, bearing the Ser. No. 60/116,120, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    This invention comprises a software learning engine offered online via a network of multimedia nodes. The learning engine can provide an educational experience wherein interactive lessons are utilized and content is designed in cooperation and partnership with academic institutions. Course content can include building blocks of knowledge and be delivered using multiple vehicles. Degrees are granted entirely through online courses. University functions such as registration, administrative tasks, and purchasing course materials are also accomplished online.  
           [0003]    Traditional campus based universities are limited by their physical resources in the number of learners to whom they can market their intellectual property. Classroom and campus constraints dictate a relatively small consumer base embodied as learners.  
           [0004]    In addition, fixed schedules, passive learning and an academic school year have limited traditional education models utilizing a physical campus with one teacher and many learners. One limitation of the prevailing model is manifested by the model being primarily available only to people during the first stages of their life.  
           [0005]    Known methods of offering distance learning have not been able to harness the teaching techniques and material of first tier higher education institutions. Existing methods generally require that a learner become self taught with periodic assessments by the distance learning institution.  
           [0006]    There is a need for an educational forum that provides interactive lessons asynchronously such that a learner can participate in a lesson using an on demand schedule and also reap the benefits of an interactive learning environment. A learner should not be bound by geographical constraints. Preferably the educational forum would provide accredited courses and curriculums leading to a degree being granted. Other desirable embodiments can include learning modules directed to a specific need of a customer, for example, a corporation desiring internal education.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0007]    Accordingly the present invention provides a system and method for enabling an established learning institution, such as a first tier college or university, to leverage intellectual capital through licensing and co-developing course content with a Virtual University. The Virtual University can develop and market educational modules presented via a computer communication system. This invention can increase exposure of a professor, course content, and other intellectual capital, to a larger student population separated by time and distance. It permits multiple learning institutions to participate with governance and control afforded to each university according to agreed upon guidelines.  
           [0008]    The present invention can provide for flexibility in compensation and permit unlimited business arrangements between a university and an institution proffering the educational modules. Compensation arrangements that provide adequate economic participation and reward can include, but are not limited to, cash payments, royalties or other performance based compensation, minimum guaranteed income, stock and stock options. They may also provide protections for the participating university, including seats on the Board of Directors and other appropriate measures. The system can provide a means for tracking and measuring the use of modules; measurements can be used to calculate compensation.  
           [0009]    In one aspect, the present invention avails a traditional campus based learning institution to a potential market for intellectual capital that is limited not by distance, but by the constraints of an asynchronous computer communication network utilized. Consumers, embodied as individual students, corporate clients, charter schools or other learner groups can be from varied geographic locations and access the Virtual University system on a basis timely to their particular needs.  
           [0010]    In another aspect a Virtual University according to this invention can link an established learning institution to a degree granting module provider. This relationship can reduce any risk, including dilution of the learning institution&#39;s reputation, and increase its credibility by presenting itself on a worldwide basis. In addition, the institution can act as a quality control agent to insure that course content and delivery meet the standard of the affiliated institution whereby the reputation of the institution can be protected during its affiliation with the course providing Virtual University.  
           [0011]    In still another aspect, the course provider can be responsible for degree granting, accreditation and issuance of certificates. However, a Learning Institution can also provide certificates, wherein the certificates issued by the Learning Institution signify satisfactory completion of modules containing the intellectual property of that particular institution.  
           [0012]    In one embodiment the invention includes a computer communications system for managing a configuration of learner modules. The modules care co-developed by a learning institution and an online module provider. The system can include a computer communication network with a computer server having a first processor and a storage medium connected to the communications network. A network access device also having a processor as well as a display and an input device can be used to connect to the computer network. Executable software can be stored on the server storage medium and executed on demand via the network access device. The software can be operative with the processors to cause learning modules included in a learning engine to display on the network access device. The learning modules according to this invention will include intellectual capital owned by the learning institution. In one aspect, the intellectual capital can be licensed from the learning institution.  
           [0013]    In one aspect the network access device can include a computer. The computer communication network can conform to the transmission control protocol/internet protocol and include the internet or an intranet. Accordingly, WEB interface can be used to access the executable software stored on the server storage medium. In addition, a co-host server can be utilized, accessing a local area network.  
           [0014]    In another aspect, a new learner accessing a module can cause a counter to increment such that a cumulative tally is recorded of the number of learners who have accessed a module. The amount of time a learner accesses a particular module and the number of learners to complete a module can also be tracked. Compensation to a learning institution can be based on factors including the number of learners to access modules containing intellectual capital or the number of learners to complete the modules containing intellectual capital furnished by a learning institution.  
           [0015]    This invention can also embody a computer system, a programmed computer, a computer program residing on a computer-readable medium, a computer data signal or a method of interacting with a computer and embodying the concepts described above.  
           [0016]    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 the capability to leverage intellectual capital and provide learning modules online. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a computer system.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 illustrates a computer communications network according to this invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between learning institutions, a Virtual University and network access devices.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of intellectual property through course design into module versions.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 illustrates tracking learner access to intellectual capital.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 illustrates the formation of courses and the issuance of certificates or degrees. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]    A learning institution can further leverage its intellectual capital and reach a broader market by linking with a Virtual University. The Virtual University can provide educational services via a computer communications network to learners who access the services with network access devices.  
         [0024]    Referring to FIG. 1, physical resources of a computer system  100  are depicted. The computer  100  has a central processor  101  connected to a processor host bus  102  over which it provides data, address and control signals. The processors  101  may be any conventional general purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessor such as a Pentium® series processor, a K6 processor, a MIPS® processor, a Power PC® processor or an ALPHA® processor. In addition, the processor  101  may be any conventional special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signal processor or a graphics processor. The microprocessor  101  can have conventional address, data, and control lines coupling it to a processor host bus  102 .  
         [0025]    The computer  100  can include a system controller  103  having an integrated RAM memory controller  104 . The system controller  103  can be connected to the host bus  102  and provide an interface to random access memory  105 . The system controller  103  can also provide host bus to peripheral bus bridging functions. The controller  103  can thereby permit signals on the processor host bus  102  to be compatibly exchanged with signals on a primary peripheral bus  110 . The peripheral bus  110  may be, for example, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus. Additionally, the controller  103  can provide data buffering and data transfer rate matching between the host bus  102  and peripheral bus  110 . The controller  103  can thereby allow, for example, a processor  101  having a 64-bit 66 MHz interface and a 533 Mbytes/second data transfer rate to interface to a PCI bus  110  having a data path differing in data path bit width, clock speed, or data transfer rate.  
         [0026]    Accessory devices including, for example, a video display controller  112  and network controller  114  can be coupled to the peripheral bus  110 . The network controller  114  may be a modem, an Ethernet networking card, a cable modem, or other network access device. The system  100  may also include a secondary peripheral bus  120  coupled to the primary peripheral bus  110  through a bridge controller  111 . The secondary peripheral bus  120  can be included in the system  100  to provide additional peripheral device connection points or to connect peripheral devices that are not compatible with the primary peripheral bus  110 . For example, in the system  100 , the secondary bus  120  may be an ISA bus and the primary bus  110  may be a PCI bus. Such a configuration allows ISA devices to be coupled to the ISA bus  120  and PCI devices to be coupled to the PCI bus  110 . The bridge controller  111  can also include a hard disk drive control interface to couple a hard disk  113  to the peripheral bus  110 .  
         [0027]    The computer  100  can also include non-volatile ROM memory  122  to store basic computer software routines. ROM  122  may include alterable memory, such as EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), to store configuration data. For example, EEPROM memory may be used to store hard disk  113  geometry and configuration data. BIOS routines  123  are included in ROM  122  and provide basic computer initialization, systems testing, and input/output (I/O) services. For example, BIOS routines  123  may be executed by the processor  101  to process interrupts that occur when the bridge  111  attempts to transfer data from the ISA bus  120  to the host bus  102  via the bridge  111 , peripheral bus  110 , and system controller  103 . The BIOS  123  also includes routines that allow an operating system to be “booted” from the disk  113  or from a server computer using a local area network connection provided by the network adapter  114 .  
         [0028]    An operating system may be fully loaded in the RAM memory  105  or may include portions in RAM memory  105 , disk drive storage  113 , or storage at a network location. An operating system can provide functionality to control computer peripherals and to execute user applications. Examples of high-level operating systems are, the Microsoft Windows 98™, Windows NT™, a UNIX™operating system, the Apple MacOS™ operating system. The operating system can provide functionality to execute software applications  150 , software systems and tools of software systems. Software functionality can access the video display controller  112  and other resources of the computer system  100  to provide educational modules on a computer screen and through other multimedia aspects of the computer  100 . User applications  150  may be commercially available software programs such as a collaborative apprenticeship software, word processor, spreadsheet, database, internet access software and many other types of software.  
         [0029]    Referring now to FIG. 2, a collection of computers  100  can serve as components of a computer network  200 . A computer network  200  can include a host computer system  250  and client computers  201 - 207 . The client computers  201 - 207  can communicate with the host  250  to obtain data stored at the host  250  on servers  241 - 244 . The client computer  201 - 207  may interact with the host computer  250  as if the host was a single entity in the network  200 . However, the host  250  may include multiple processing and database sub-systems that can be geographically dispersed throughout the network  200 .  
         [0030]    In addition, client computers may include a tightly coupled cluster  205 - 207  of computers  100  at a first location that access data systems  2241 - 244  at remote locations. Each data system  241 - 244  may include additional processing components.  
         [0031]    Client computers  201 - 207  can communicate with the host system  250  over wired or wireless mediums, for example, a private network or a combination of public switched telephone network dial-up connections and packet network interconnections. For example, client computers  201 - 203  may each include a modem coupled to voiceband telephone line  261 - 263 . To communicate with the host  250 , the client computers  201 - 203  establish a data connection with a local terminal server  225  by dialing a telephone number assigned to the local terminal server  225 . A local terminal server  225  may have both dial-up and packet network interfaces allowing the server  225  to receive data from client computers  201 - 203 , segment the received data into data packet payload segments, add overhead information to the payload segments, and send the resultant data packets over a link  221  to a packet data network  220  for delivery to the host system  250 . Terminal servers  231  and  232  may also be referred to as a network service provider&#39;s point-of-presence (POP).  
         [0032]    The overhead information added to the payload segments include a packet header. A packet header includes a destination address assigned to the host system  250  and a source address assigned to a local terminal server  231 . Other overhead information may include information associating the data packet with a specific client  201 - 203 . Similarly, the host system  250  may send data to a client  201 - 203  by segmenting the data into data packet payload segments, and adding overhead information to send the data packet to a client  201 - 203  at the terminal server  225 . Client computers  205 - 207  may similarly exchange data with the host  250  over communications link  264  to terminal server  231 .  
         [0033]    Data packet formats, switching equipment within the network  220 , and networking protocols used within the network  220  may conform to the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). In a TCP/IP implementation, the host  250 , packet network terminal server  231  is assigned a unique internet protocol (IP) network address. TCP/IP switching equipment within the network  220  can direct a TCP/IP packet to an intended recipient based on the packet&#39;s destination IP address. Implementations may use other networking protocols and packet formats.  
         [0034]    In one embodiment of the present invention a “co-host” server  204  is utilized to provide more expedient responses. In a co-host environment  270 , a server  204  or cluster of servers can be connected to a local area network (LAN)  210  to serve course content and provide Virtual University administrative services such as e-mail, chat sessions, accounting, admissions and login, as well as educational services including conferences and course content. An in-house connection to the LAN can provide greater speed and reliability in delivery of server content to a workstation. In addition, in-house servers can be used to localize technical support services.  
         [0035]    Client workstations  201 - 207  can comprise a computer as described above or another WEB access device that adheres to a protocol such as the Internet protocol. Other examples include for example, TV WEB browsers, terminals, and wireless access devices. Preferably an access device comprises a display capability, an input device and an electronic storage device.  
         [0036]    Referring now to FIG. 3, a Virtual University can be structured such that learning institutions  301 - 303 , including first tier colleges and universities, interact with a Virtual University course provider to co-develop learning engines that will be used to educate. Learning institutions can offer material for course modules, personnel, educational consultants, quality assurance experts and other resources. The Virtual University entity  110 , can transform input from a learning institution  101 - 103  into modules for instruction. Modules and software program code relating to each module, can be stored on a storage medium  315  such as a disk drive or other storage device suitable for maintaining data. Network access devices  130 - 138 , accessing a computer communications network  120  and linked to the Virtual University  110  can be granted access to the modules stored on the storage medium  115 .  
         [0037]    In addition to WEB access to the course content it is possible to download onto a personal computer or other electronic device interactive material so that lesson modules can be conducted off-line.  
         [0038]    Referring now to FIG. 4, a learning institution can provide resources including course content, syllabus and personnel into a course design process. The resources  410  and  411  are transformed in a course design  415  facilitated by the Virtual University. After the resources  410  and  411  have been transformed in the course design  415  resultant modules  421 - 424  can be used as the learning vehicle of the Virtual University  310 .  
         [0039]    The resultant modules  421 - 424  can embody dynamic resources  410  and  411 . As the content, syllabus or personnel evolve and are updated, the course design process  415  can issue new versions of the course modules  421 - 424  responsive to such changes. Therefore, a module version one,  421  can embody an earlier generation of resources  410  and  411 , and a module version two,  422  can contain updated intellectual property.  
         [0040]    In one embodiment, intellectual property submitted as resources from a first learning institution  410  can be kept segregated from intellectual property belonging to a second learning institution  411 . Segregation of the intellectual property of a particular learning institution  410 , can be useful in determining the compensation to be rendered to the contributing learning institution. In addition, a learning institution  301 - 303  may better perform quality control over learning modules  421 - 424  that will be associated with the learning institution  301 - 303  if there is a clear delineation between modules  421 - 424  that contain the intellectual property of a contributing institution. Quality control measures can include mandating course content, editing course presentation, assuring a delivery vehicle functions properly and any other aspect that may compromise the reputation of the learning institution.  
         [0041]    In another embodiment, a Virtual University  310 , can combine resources  410 - 411  from multiple learning institutions  301 - 303 . A combination of intellectual property from multiple sources, can allow a Virtual University  310  to fashion a unique product during the course design stage  415  such that the learning modules  421 - 424  contain material not available in any other one place.  
         [0042]    Intellectual property contributed by a learning institution can include copyrighted text, copyrighted videos, trademarks, tradenames, trade secrets and other materials. Learning institution personnel can appear in video or audio segments to present contributed course material. Reference materials including text and graphic documents can also be made available.  
         [0043]    Combining the utilization of a computerized communications network and software modules enables Virtual University instruction to be accomplished through asynchronous learning. Asynchronous learning allows a learner to access educational material at a time convenient to the learner. It relieves a learner of scheduling conflicts often inherent in traditional learning institutions.  
         [0044]    The use of modules can also allow a breaking of linearity that is often associated with traditional instructor lead courses. Modules can be located, experienced, referenced, and refreshed online, by a learner. Tools used to convey knowledge elements can include video clips, audio clips, simulations, animated concepts, multimedia presentations and passive illustrations.  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIG. 5, an education module that has been developed and stored in the Virtual University  512  can be accessed by a learner  513  via a computer communications network  320 . The module can be presented to the learner on a network access device  330 - 338 . Software code operative on a Virtual University server  311 - 313  can determine if the learner accessing the module is a new learner  514  accessing this particular module for the first time. In one embodiment, a positive response to the determination step testing for a new learner  514  can increment a cumulative learner counter  515 . After a learner has entered a module, the software code can be operative to track learner participation  516  as the learner progresses through the module. Progression will be further discussed below. In addition, the system can determine whether a module is completed by a learner  517 . In one embodiment, completion of a module by a learner  517  will cause the system to increment a successful exposure counter  518 .  
         [0046]    A Virtual University can track performance of individual modules and courselets to calculate performance based compensation to a learning institution. For example, counters  515  &amp;  518  can be used to monitor the number of new learners who commence a course and are thereby given access to intellectual property traceable to a learning institution. In addition, the counters can tally the number of learners who complete a particular learning module. A learning institution can be compensated according to the number of learners to whom their intellectual capital is marketed. Additional compensation can be awarded according to the number of learners who complete a related module.  
         [0047]    Compensation arrangements to learner institutions can include, but are not limited to cash payments for resources, royalties for intellectual property such as trademarks or copyrighted material and minimum guaranteed income. In addition, a learning institution can be awarded stock in the Virtual University course provider or stock options. Other protections to the learner institutions can be garnered from guaranteed seats on a board of directors or other appropriate measures.  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 6, a Virtual University  310  can receive course content  611 - 613 , educational personnel  614 - 616  as well as the rights to utilize trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property  617 - 619  from various learning institutions  601 - 603 . Virtual University contributions  620  can include information systems staff, educators, education counselors, help desk services, marketing of the Virtual University products, delivery of the Virtual University products, technology infrastructure, infrastructure maintenance and other support services, personnel and hardware. Modules  631 - 639  co-developed by the Virtual University  620  and the learning institutions  601 - 603  can be organized into learning engines  640  and  641  wherein each learning engine contains the resources necessary to complete a course. The learning engine courses  640 - 641 , can include one or more modules  631 - 639 . In one embodiment, a course includes modules  631 - 633  that are co-developed with a single learning institution  601 . In another embodiment, a course  641  includes modules co-developed with multiple learning institutions  601 - 603 .  
         [0049]    Software operative on a Virtual University server  311 - 313  can track module completion and determine if a learner has completed specified modules required for a certificate  645 . In one embodiment, a learning institution can grant a certificate for completion of a course that includes modules containing intellectual property of that particular learning institution  651 . In addition, the Virtual University can grant a degree and/or a certificate upon satisfactory completion of required course work  651 - 652 .  
         [0050]    Referring now to FIG. 7, application software modules  715 - 716  operative with the processor  101  can be developed into a learning engine  717 . A learning engine can contain material equivalent to one course. Elements  711 - 714 , also referred to as courselets, in turn can make up learning modules  715 - 716 . Each learning engine  717  can include one or more modules  715 - 716 . Individual modules can be edited as a course becomes more refined over time, or as content changes with new scientific discoveries without disturbing the entire application. In one embodiment, a module can be accessed from more than one learning engine. In addition, alternative learning modules can be referenced to adapt and remediate to a particular learners needs  513 . Completion of required learning modules can lead to certification with the granting of an online degree  720 .  
         [0051]    In one embodiment, elements or courselets can be utilized in various modules. An object oriented structure can be used to facilitate adapting the elements into multiple scenarios. In addition, the use of elements can allow a course provider, such as a Virtual University, to update dynamic course content as required without recreating an entire module. Only the elements that require updating need to be replaced.  
         [0052]    In addition to learning engines, this invention can utilize real time team exercises facilitated through the communications network  200 . Team exercises can include multimedia based projects implemented via the network  200  to facilitate learners working collectively and cooperatively during the performance of projects. These exercises provide personal interactions and simultaneously teach virtual teaming, an additional skill useful in a business or other environment. The combination of a learning engine and a real time team exercise can provide a learner with flexibility in scheduling and the benefits of interacting with other learners. For example, an on-line business program can prepare learners to understand and use essential business concepts and, in addition, it can teach the learners to reason and communicate effectively using those concepts.  
         [0053]    Periodically, learners can engage in synchronous group activities that run on a fixed schedule, such as labs. In lab activities, a learner can work with others to synchronize discussions and prepare deliverables to mentors, team members, or other members of the lab. In one embodiment, a learner can participate with a group of approximately 4-6 learners who serve as lab partners. Other embodiments include the use of chat rooms. Chat rooms dedicated to a specific team can be particularly effective.  
         [0054]    Learning engine resources, including modules and labs can be presented online through a WEB interface. A network interface device  201 - 207  can access a resource through an interactive network interface, such as a WEB interface. A WEB based interface can include, for example, a hypertext markup language (HTML) document presented as a network site and accessible with a uniform resource locator or TCPIP address. Other markup languages may also be utilized such as extended markup language (XML). Through a WEB based interface, such as a My.Campus screen, a learner can communicate with others, create and update an individual work plan, access needed resources, store work, and stay up to date. While online, learners may create work groups with other learners, use a suite of business tools, check with a registrar, or open a library data base. In addition, learners can store a project, present the project to others, or review work of fellow learners.  
         [0055]    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 product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps of the invention may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output.  
         [0056]    Software for organizing and delivering information stored on the server computers can include for instance Learning Space™ by Lotus Development Corporation or Oracle™ database products. The invention may advantageously 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.  
         [0057]    Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).  
         [0058]    The course content for delivery over the WEB can be developed in conjunction with qualified learning institutions. An institution can provide professors or other institution affiliates to act as consultants in developing course content. In addition the professors can create video clips, audio clips, simulations, animated concepts, multimedia presentations and passive illustrations to be used during the instructional sessions. The institution can act as a quality control agent to insure that course content and delivery retain quality representative of institutions standards.  
         [0059]    The course provider can be responsible for degree granting and accreditation. Affiliated institutions can also provide certificates. The certificates can acknowledge successful completion of the modules developed by the affiliated institution.