Abstract:
A system includes a computerized server, a data repository and a processor executing software, a plurality of business enterprises each having a place of business in a specific geographic region, a computerized appliance usable by a person, training courses, interactive interfaces provided on a display of the browser-capable computerized appliance, a registration procedure, an aptitude testing procedure, and a search procedure enabling discovery of a suitable training course in the data repository that is compatible with the person&#39;s stated vocational preference or determined vocational aptitude, and also associated with a business enterprise in the same region as the region in which the person resides.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-in-Part application of co-pending application Ser. No. 14/283,587 filed May 21, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/838,034, filed on Jun. 21, 2013. The disclosures of the parent cases are incorporated at least by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is in the technical field of on-line educational systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vocational education portal. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Since the Internet has become widely available, many on-line educational systems have been put into place. On-line educational systems have experienced fast growth and have started to replace physical education systems. 
         [0006]    One benefit of on-line educational systems is that the courses and training are available at any time in any location. Students no longer need to travel to a specific classroom site. Another advantage is that the cost of providing on-line educational systems is significantly less than the cost of a traditional classroom education. 
         [0007]    As the cost of traditional education continues to rise, many skilled jobs are left unfilled. In the past, vocational schools were available to fill this void. However, vocational schools and training have been continually declining over the last half-century. Consequently, there is a need for an on-line educational system that provides vocational training for unemployed and underemployed persons, as a means for enterprises to prepare and recruit qualified persons. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In one embodiment of the invention a system is provided, comprising a computerized server connected to a wide-area network, coupled to a data repository and having a processor executing software from a non-transitory medium, a plurality of business enterprises each having a place of business in a specific geographic region and computer access on the wide-area network to the computerized server, a browser-capable computerized appliance connected to the wide-area network and usable by a person, training courses stored in the data repository, and associated specifically with individual ones of the plurality of business enterprises, interactive interfaces provided on a display of the browser-capable computerized appliance by a portion of the software, a registration procedure enabling the person to register to services provided by the computerized server, the registration procedure determining at least identification of the person, a geographic region where the person resides, and a vocational preference, if any, for the person, an aptitude testing procedure provided in the interactive interface by a portion of the software, the aptitude testing procedure enabling determination of vocational aptitude for the person, and a search procedure enabling discovery of a training course in the data repository that is compatible with the person&#39;s stated vocational preference or determined vocational aptitude, and also associated with a business enterprise in the same region as the region in which the person resides wherein, if the person, in the registration procedure, states a vocational preference, the search procedure is executed, finding a training course in the data repository compatible with the vocational preference stated, and if the person does not state a vocational preference in the registration procedure, the aptitude testing procedure is executed interactively with the person, determining a vocational aptitude for the person, and the search procedure is then executed, finding a training course in the data repository compatible with the vocational aptitude determined for the person, and the first person is engaged interactively with the training course. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment an evaluation procedure as a part of the training course in which the first person is engaged is provided, the evaluation procedure determining and storing a performance level for the person. Also in one embodiment, if the performance attains a preset threshold level, the person and a business enterprise sharing the same geographic region, and which enterprise is associated with the training course, are connected, enabling the person and a representative of the enterprise to communicate. Also in one embodiment the training courses are developed by and provided by individual ones of the business enterprises. Also in one embodiment the training courses comprise one or more of audio files, videos, and text documents. Also in one embodiment the audio files, videos and text documents may be downloaded from the data repository by the person, and used off-line. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, in the evaluation procedure, a certification is created and stored, attesting to achievement of mastery of the training course by the person, and is made accessible by the person to be downloaded. Also in one embodiment there is a procedure establishing a mentor program between the business enterprise and the person. Also in one embodiment there is a procedure for engaging the person as an employee of the business enterprise. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the invention a method is provided, comprising registering a person using a browser-capable computerized appliance connected to a wide-area network to a service provided by a computerized server connected to the wide-area network, coupled to a data repository and having a processor executing software from a non-transitory medium, the registration acquiring at least an identity for the person, a geographic region where the person resides, and a vocational preference, if any, for the person, if the person in registration does not state a vocation preference, executing an aptitude testing procedure using interactive interfaces provided on a display of the browser-capable computerized appliance, determining a vocation aptitude for the person, executing a search function to find a training course in the date repository having criteria that it is compatible with the vocational preference stated or the vocational aptitude determined, and is also associated with a business enterprise with a business location in the geographic region where the person resides, and upon finding a training course meeting the criteria, engaging the person through the browser-capable computerized appliance connected to the wide-area network, interactively with the training course, following pre-programmed steps to completion of the training course. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the method an evaluation procedure is executed as a part of the training course in which the first person is engaged, the evaluation procedure determining and storing a performance level for the person. Also in one embodiment, if the performance attains a preset threshold level, the person and a business enterprise sharing the same geographic region, and which enterprise is associated with the training course, are connecting the person and the business enterprise, enabling the person and a representative of the enterprise to communicate. Also in one embodiment the training courses are developed by and provided by individual ones of the business enterprises. Also in one embodiment the training courses comprise one or more of audio files, videos, and text documents. Also in one embodiment the audio files, videos and text documents may be downloaded from the data repository by the person, and used off-line. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the method, in the evaluation procedure, a certification is created and stored, attesting to achievement of mastery of the training course by the person, and is made accessible by the person to be downloaded. Also in one embodiment there is a procedure establishing a mentor program between the business enterprise and the person. Also in one embodiment there is a procedure engaging the person as an employee of the business enterprise. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an architectural diagram of an Internet computer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating steps a student may take to utilize the vocational education portal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating steps wherein local businesses may train and recruit qualified skilled workers by utilizing the vocational education portal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an architectural diagram of an Internet computer network system with a plurality of applicants and business enterprises connecting to the network system via an Internet service provider according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the executable processes within the vocational educational portal software according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an expanded flow diagram illustrating steps a student may take to utilize the vocational educational portal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is an architectural diagram of an Internet-connected computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The Internet-connected system comprises one or more servers  102  in Internet network  101 , having one or more processors executing vocational education portal software  100  from non-transitory media. Server  102  is connected to a data repository  103 , which may be any sort of data storage known in the art. The system further comprises a third party Internet-connected server  104  connected to Internet backbone  105 . Although one third party Internet-connected server  104  is shown, it is understood that potentially millions of other similar servers are connected to the Internet via Internet backbone  105 . A number of users (1-n)  106  are connected to the Internet-connected server via an Internet service provider (ISP)  107 , representing all of the ways that persons may connect to the Internet, allowing users  106  to access the vocational education portal. Users may be a variety of entities, including but not limited to, unskilled and semi-skilled persons, students, teachers, governments, guilds, education institutions, content providers, businesses, and non-government organizations (NGOs). 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating steps a student may take to utilize the vocational education portal. At step  201  a student logs in to vocational education portal  100 . The student may be any semi-skilled, unskilled, or marginalized person, chronically unemployed and the like. The portal may be accessible from regional vocational centers or remotely. Remote access is available from a variety of devices and technology platforms, including but not limited to, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This allows students to access the portal from essentially any location. 
         [0022]    In step  202 , which is an optional step, the language of the portal is automatically translated into the regional language of the student. The language selection in some embodiments is based on the geolocation from where the portal is being accessed. The student will also have the ability to select a specific language, and in response the portal will present interfaces to the student in the selected language. In step  203 , the student registers and creates an account, as is well known in the art. If the student has a specific trade or specific skill they wish to expand, they may search courses  204  available for that specific trade or vocation. Alternatively, if the student does not have a specific trade in mind, the portal may recommend a trade and competency level based on the results of an aptitude test  205 . 
         [0023]    Next, in step  206 , the student may register for courses. Once registered, the student has access to a plurality of resources  207 , including training materials, documents, videos, and audio files. The resources further include video lectures, interactive multimedia workbooks, an interactive 3D glossary, simulation training and evaluations. The courses and corresponding resources  207  are created and provided by businesses  208 . This ensures potential employees are trained proficiently. In one embodiment the portal is partitioned by geolocation so that local businesses may create course to be accessed by local students, and later employment features may be used to match students with open employment opportunities locally, such that students may not have to relocate to accept employment opportunities. 
         [0024]    After completion of courses  206 , the student is given an assessment test  209 , which tests the student&#39;s competency levels for the specific trade. Once the student successfully passes the assessment test, the student is provided a certification  210 . The certification allows the student to gain credibility for potential employers. Likewise, the certification allows the standardization of skill levels across multiple communities and countries to meet international standards. 
         [0025]    In the circumstance wherein a student does not pass the assessment test or tests, that student may be invited to register for one or more classes that may be designed to address exactly those areas where the student may have fallen short of competency on the assessment tests. 
         [0026]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the student has access to a network  211 , which connects local businesses  208  to certified students in an employment sub-system. From this network the student may gain internships or employment  213  from local businesses seeking certified students in a specific trade. Likewise, the student may network with peers  212  to further their skills and career by searching for other employment opportunities online. The network includes, in some embodiments, an ability to be interfaced and fully-integrated with existing social media sites, so students may access the functionality of the portal through their own networking space. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating steps wherein local businesses  308  may train and recruit qualified workers by utilizing the vocational education portal. In step  301 , a student logs in to vocational education portal  100 . Next, geographical tools  302  are initiated. Specifically, the language selection as the medium of learning may be provided based on the location from where the portal is being accessed. Once the student registers at step  303 , the student is directed to vocational training  305  based on the results of an aptitude test  304 . The vocational training is provided by local businesses  308  and is specific to their own businesses. The group of available businesses is provided by the geographical tools and the corresponding geolocation of the student. This ensures that employers in need of qualified workers may train students in a specific trade necessary for employment in their businesses. An assessment test  306  is given to students to quantify their competency level for a specific trade. Once a pre-determined competency level is reached, the student will gain certification  307  for that specific trade. 
         [0028]    After a student is certified, they may be recruited for employment  309  from the same local businesses that provided the vocational training, or from other businesses. This ensures an aid to the local economy, as the local region will retain the qualified workers, lowering unemployment rates and boosting the economy. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments The portal will include a robust Learning Management System (LMS) and further a robust Content Management System (CMS), Certification management system, User management System (UMS), Advertisement management system, Job management system, video conferencing and social networking. The CMS allows for community, industry and education providers to add to the content pool by adding their own content that may be rated and reviewed by the community. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is an architectural diagram of an Internet computer network system with a plurality of applicants and business enterprises connecting to the network system via an Internet service provider according to an embodiment of the present invention. The Internet-connected system comprises one or more servers  402  in Internet network  401 , having one or more processors executing vocational education portal software  400  from non-transitory media. Server  402  is connected to a data repository  403 , which may be any sort of data storage known in the art. The system further comprises a third party Internet-connected server  404  connected to Internet backbone  405 . Although one third party Internet-connected server  404  is shown, it is understood that potentially millions of other similar servers are connected to the Internet via Internet backbone  405 . A number of applicants (1-n)  407  are connected to the Internet-connected server via an Internet service provider (ISP)  406 . Applicants  407  may sign up, search for courses, take courses, and take tests to prove their worthiness based on their vocational preference. A number of business enterprises (1-n)  408  are also connected to the Internet-connected server via an ISP  406 . Business enterprises  408  may provide training material or create courses that are accessible to applicants  407 , or search for suitable candidates amongst applicants  407  to fill open positions. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the executable processes within the vocational educational portal software  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The procedures are not limited to run in any particular order. Portal software  400  provides an interface to a user device  507  for a user  508  to interact with portal software  400 . Although only a single device-user set is shown, it is understood that potentially millions of users can be connected concurrently to the portal through their device  507 . Device  507  may be a variety of entities, including but not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop, a mobile phone, or a tablet device. This allows user  508  to access the portal from essentially any location. User  508  may be a variety of entities, including but not limited to, unskilled and semi-skilled persons, students, teachers, governments, guilds, education institutions, content providers, businesses, and non-government organizations. 
         [0032]    A registration procedure  501  prompts the user for identification, vocational preference if any, and region of residence. Alternatively, the region can be auto-detected using methods that are well-known in the art. A search procedure  502  uses the regional, and vocational preference from registration process  501  as search criteria to direct the user to recommended courses, training material, or business enterprise listings for open positions. A training procedure  503  manages presentable media files that user  508  may access via device  507 . Training material is stored on and read from data repository  403 . The media files may consist of, but are not limited to, audio files, videos, and text documents. Training procedure  503  may arrange training material in a logical order as to allow a user  508  to build up skill gradually. In some cases, training material may be saved (downloaded) for off-line usage. A testing procedure  504  serves interactive tests and exercises to user  508  via device  507 . Testing procedure  504  may be executed after registration in absence of a vocational preference. Aptitude is calculated through comparison to pre-stored definitions. An evaluation procedure  505  determines the performance level of user  508 . Certification may be granted to attest for mastery of a training course, and is made accessible to be downloaded. A matchmaking procedure  506  provides an interface for user  508  and business enterprises to connect. Matchmaking procedure  506  may be used to set up and conduct a mentoring relationship, or to provide employment opportunities, among potentially other purposes. A data archival procedure  509  records and stores user activity history onto data repository  403 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is an expanded flow diagram illustrating steps a student may take to utilize the vocational educational portal according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step  601  a student logs in to vocational education portal  400 . The student may access the portal remotely via device  507 , or from regional vocational centers. 
         [0034]    At step  602 , geographical location is determined automatically using any one of a wide range of tools known in the art for this purpose. One example would be IP geolocation lookup. At step  603 , the language setting may be automatically determined through language settings commonly broadcasted from devices and web browsers upon connection to a web server. At step  604 , vocational education portal  400  interfaces are automatically translated into the language acquired from the language setting. The user may also pick any other supported language of their choosing. At step  605 , the user may be greeted with a registration form. The user is expected to fill out their identification information. The location may be filled in automatically if the data is available, otherwise, the user can fill it in themselves or change it to their region of choice. At step  606 , the user is to make a choice on whether they have a skill or job in mind before proceeding. If the user answers “No” they are directed to step  607  to complete an aptitude test. After completion and submission of their responses, the system calculates an aptitude score based on pre-stored definitions. The aptitude score is passed on to step  608 , and the user is presented with a list of courses to prepare them for a job they have been determined to match well with by the vocational education portal software  400 . 
         [0035]    Returning to step  606 , if the user responds with “Yes” they are taken directly to step  608 , where they may enter a set of search criteria to find their desired courses. At step  610 , the user may access the courses that have been narrowed down by step  608 . The course material  611  is provided by a number of local businesses  617 , that is, businesses in the same region as the student. Course material may consist of, but is not limited to, text documents, videos, and audio files. After completion of a course curriculum, the user is given a chance to take an assessment test at step  612 . In the event of an unsatisfactory grade, vocational education portal software  400  evaluates the completed test at step  613  and provides the user with another list of recommended courses to work on the areas that they in which they underperformed. 
         [0036]    Returning to step  612 , in the event of a passing grade, at step  614  the user will be granted a certificate, attesting to their achievement of mastery of the training course. At step  615 , the user has access to a network in which they may connect with any number of peers  616 , or any number of local businesses  617 . At step  618 , the user finds employment. 
         [0037]    It will be apparent to one with skill in the art, that the embodiments described above are specific examples of a single broader invention which may have greater scope than any of the singular descriptions taught. There may be many alterations made in the descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.