Method of employing a computer network for disseminating information to economic development practitioners

Disclosed is a method of employing computer network to disseminate information regarding economic development. The method enables economic development professionals to access a database of various economic development courses. Specific economic development information is stored in a resource index database which individual economic development professionals are allowed to access and review information relevant to a selected course.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention relates to a method of employing a computerized network for disseminating information to economic development practitioners. Economic development practitioners (EDP) are individuals who are engaged in various activities intended to enhance the national, state, or local economy by promoting a communities business environment and investment alignment. The method of the present invention allows EDPs to access a database listing of economic development courses. The EDP is further given access to a resource index database containing various economic development (ED) information. Thereafter, in accordance with the method, the EDPs can take a quiz or test over the computer network after which the quiz is graded comparing the EDP's answers to the answers stored in the resource index database. On the basis of the quiz grade, the EDP is routed to a chat room for an online discussion with a subject matter expert (SME). The various features of the method of the present invention, as well as the additional features, are discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The method of the present invention involves a computer network that is employed in disseminating information to EDPs. In the preferred embodiment, the computer network takes the form of the World Wide Web. The various blocks illustrated in the figures each represent one or more web pages in HTML format. As is known in the art, the HTML code would be resident upon a server and accessible by an individual computer. In accordance with the first step of the method a user of the network is assigned a user name and password which allows the individual EDP to access a database containing a listing of various economic development courses, as well as descriptions of the economic development courses. The logon feature is discussed more fully hereinafter in conjunction with FIGS. 1 - 2 . The development courses, or distance learning, aspect of the method is described more fully hereinafter and illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 13 . After viewing the listing of economic development courses the EDP selects a course they are interested in taking. The database is then updated with the users name an their selected course. Once the course is selected the EDP is given access to a resource index database which contains economic development articles and summaries of relevant economic development websites. The EDP can search the database for information relevant to their selected economic development course. This aspect of the present invention is more fully elaborated hereinafter and is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 9 . The resource index database is also used to store test questions as well as answers to test questions (note FIG. 13 ). These test questions are classified on the basis of the economic development courses. That is, certain test questions are relevant to certain economic development courses. During the course, individual EDPs are permitted to access the test questions and further permitted to provide their own answers. Thereafter the answers of the EDP are graded by comparing the answers provided by the EDP to the answers stored in the resource index database. On the basis of this score a grade is assigned to EDP ( FIG. 13 , location 294 ). On the basis of the assigned grade, a chat room session or newsgroup code is assigned ( FIG. 13 , location 296 ). By way of the session code, the EDP is given access to an online chat session with a relevant subject matter expert (note FIG. 11 ). The subject matter expert then interacts with the EDP over the computer network and answers any questions posed by the EDP which are relevant to the selected economic development course that the EDP is taking. After the course is complete a record is compiled as to which individual EDP has taken which course. This record is then stored in the resource index base. Now that the invention has been described from a broad prospective, the individual subpages which constitute the website of the preferred embodiment will be described in greater detail. 
 Logging on to the System With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3 the logon and data input aspects of the method are described. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the initial steps of the present invention. As with FIG. 1 , FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts with each block depicting one or more web subpages in HTML code that can be accessed by a user. In the new user interview process depicted in FIG. 2 at location 10 , an individual first decides which type of user they are. The most typical user types are listed in FIG. 4 . However, most all users to the site will be classified either as economic developers or site selectors. All visitors to the site are broadly classified as Economic Development Professionals (EDPs). Next at location 20 the visitor chooses the expected outcome of their visit. Namely the user specifies that information which they are seeking or those objectives they which to achieve by employing the site. On the basis of this input a particular “agent” is selected. That is, that area of the web site (as noted in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIGS. 5 through 10 ) which is most capable of assisting the user is selected. Finally, the user creates a user profile and tenders payment for use of the website (location 24 ). Finally, additional user profile information can be requested at location 26 and thereafter the user can logon to the system (location 28 ). The user logon is depicted in the flowchart of FIG. 3 . Logging on is achieved by a user providing their user name password and current membership information as illustrated at location 32 . All this information is checked relative to a user database. As is typical in such situations, the system can prompt the user for any additional login information that is needed (note location 34 ). The user database is then accessed to present the user with navigational options (location 38 ) that are specific to their user profile. Thereafter the user decides what actions they will take during their visit to the website (location 42 ). The desired action is then compared to an agent database and the system suggests a particular agent to use (location 44 ). Again the agent is an indication of which portion of the website is most like to achieve the objectives of the user. The various agents contained within the site are depicted in the lower half of FIG. 1 . Thereafter the user is taken to an appropriate agent (location 48 ). 
 ED Pro Agent One of the agents, or subpages, that the EDP can visit is the ED pro agent. By way of the ED pro agent the user can access various features in the website. For instance, the user can search for economic developer contact information (location 52 ). The contact information can take the form of phone numbers or email addresses of other economic developer professionals. Moreover, the contact information database can be searched to find EDPs with specified background and within a specific geographic location. This searching is done on a user database. The results of any search would be presented to the user in a graphical format (note location 54 ). Likewise the ED proagent enables a user to generate a community profile executive overview such that other economic development professionals can search for relevant community profiles (note location 56 through 62 ). This aspect of the present invention is discussed in the co-pending and concurrently filed patent application entitled A Method of Employing a Computer Network to Regulate Contact Between Economic Officials and Site Selectors. Furthermore the user can access the lead generation system which is also described in the co-pending application (note location 64 ). Furthermore by way of the ED proagent, a user can gain access to the other functionality available through the website. That is the user can gain access to the newsletter function (note location 66 ), other economic development resources (note location 68 ), can gain access to an SME directory (note location 72 ), can gain access to chat room sessions (note location 74 ), or it can use the resume database (note location 76 ). Each of these features is elaborated upon hereinafter. 
 Information Agent The information agent aspect of the method is described next in conjunction with FIG. 6 . By way of the information agent a user can access various information subpages. For example, a user can access a page of frequently asked questions (note location 78 ), a page of news releases relevant to economic development community (note location 76 ), information regarding the system requirements for employing various functionality within the website (note location 94 ), or they can gain access to plug-ins and downloads to update their computer as necessary (note location 102 ). Other information can be included in the various subpages as needed (note location 108 ). Likewise the information agent would also serve as a portal to again gain access to the other functionality located within the site (note locations 84 , 92 , 98 , 106 , 112 ). Again, the functionality described in applicants co-pending application can also be accessed through the information agent portal (note locations 82 , 88 , 96 , 104 , 110 ). 
 Shopkeeper Agent In the shopkeeper agent aspect of the present invention, once the user logs into the system a database is continually updated with the users preferences as well as another relevant information gathered during the interview process. For example, the database an record which websites the user frequently visits as well as any personal information supplied by the user in the interview process. On the basis of this information the user would is presented with items for sale that match their areas of interest (note location 114 ). The user would then be permitted to select the items that they desire (note location 116 ). Thereafter, the use is presented a listing of their selected items (note location 118 ). The user would enter billing and/or credit card information to receive the purchased items (note locations 120 and 122 ). 
 Electronic Newsletter Under the electronic newsletter aspect of the present invention the user would fill out an online newsletter subscription form (note location 124 ). This subscription fee would then be processed by an E-Commerce application (note location 126 ). The subscription data would then be stored in a database and the subscriber assigned a user ID and password (note locations 128 and 132 ). The newsletter would be sent to subscribers on a quarterly or other regular basis (note location 134 ). Although “newsletter” is specified, any electronic publication is within the scope of the present invention including electronic magazines or “e-zines.” In the preferred embodiment, the newsletter is sent out via email via a listserv. A listserv is a compiled database of the email address of subscribers to the newsletter. After being distributed, the newsletter articles and summaries would be added to a resource index database (note location 136 ). The database is indexed by economic development terms and phrases. This database could then be searched (note location 138 ) after the entry of a subscriber ID and password (note locations 142 and 144 ). The search would generate summaries of articles matching the search criteria (note location 146 ). A user could then downloaded selected articles in a PDF (or other preferred) format (note location 148 ). 
 Economic Development Resource Agent The economic development resource aspect of the present invention permits searching of the resource index database. Specifically, a users can search the resource index database by main topic or subtopic (location 152 ) or by a keyword or phrase (location 174 ). As indicated, the resource index database stores both past newsletter articles as well as other articles from various sources such as economic development best practice articles. The resource index database further stores summaries of websites which are of particular relevance to the economic development community. By searching the resource index database, relevant listing is generated of external websites and available articles (location 154 ). More specifically, as a result of a search the user is presented with either summaries of websites matching the search criteria reported (location 156 ), summaries of newsletter articles presented (location 158 ), or summaries of articles from various other sources (location 162 ). If website summaries are displayed the user would be given direct access to that particular Internet site. Alternatively, if articles are displayed the user would be able to download them for a fee processed by an E-Commerce application (note location 168 ). After the fee is processed the article can be downloaded in a PDF or WORD format (location 172 ). Of course, other document formats can be employed. In order to keep the resource index database updated with relevant websites, users would submit their favorite URLs for directory inclusion (note location 176 ). Thereafter website spiders would crawl the Internet and index the external URLs submitted by the EDPs (location 178 ). These websites would be automatically categorized by search phrases found on the webpages (location 182 ). The website would then be automatically summarized by document summary by a document summary engine (note location 184 ). This information would then be provided to the resource index database. Again, the other functionality described herein as well as the functionality described in the applicant's co-pending patent application would all be accessible through the economic development resources agent. 
 SME Directory The SME directory is a database containing information regarding subject matter experts (SME) with knowledge relevant to the economic development field. This SME database can searched by criteria to find relevant experts (location 186 ). As a result of the search, a user is presented with various search results (location 188 ). The search results would contain the following information: the SME's profile, their area of specialization, their rate sheet for services, examples of their work and best practices or references (note location 192 ). 
 Moderated Chat Room Sessions Under the moderated chat room sessions aspect of the present invention those SMEs wishing to be a chat session moderator would be given appropriate instructions (location 194 ). The SME would then fill out an online chat session application form (location 196 ). The application constitutes a request by an SME to the operator of the site to host on on-line dialog or “chat” on a specific ED topic. The proposal for a chat session is then reviewed (location 198 ) by the appropriate operators. If it is not approved the SME is so notified (note location 202 ). Otherwise a session code is assigned and stored in the SME database (note location 204 ). Furthermore, the chat room session aspect of the invention allows any SME to submit online biographies form in a who's who format (note locations 206 and 208 ). The biographies are reviewed by operators of the site (location 210 ). If the biography is approved, the relevant biographical information is provided to the SME database (location 212 ). If the biography is not approved, the SME is so notified (location 214 ). Further in accordance with the chat room session aspect of the invention, there are one or more subpages displaying a chat session calendar (location 216 ). The calendar displays which SMEs are hosting chat sessions as well as the chat topic. Those non-SME users who desire a particular chat session are given access to a subscription form (location 218 ). The subscription involves a program fee which is processed by an E-Commerce application (location 220 ). After the fee is processed the user is assigned a password and ID, and with information being supplied to the SME database (location 222 ). Thereafter a specific session code is given to the user and the user is reminded of their upcoming chat session via email (note locations 224 and 226 ). Once the particular date for the chat session arrives, the user logs on to the web page (location 228 ) and supplies their user ID and password. The user is routed to the particular chat room for which they signed up (location 230 ). At the conclusion of the chat session, the user is given access to a message board URL and a password which enables the user to post comments concerning the chat session for up to 30 days (location 232 ). 
 Resume Posting Service/Job Posting Listserv In the resume posting aspect of the present invention, users are given access to a website subpage displaying the terms and conditions for the resume service (location 234 ). Thereafter, the candidate fills out a profile and registration form (location 236 ). This profile and the associated resume, are then added to the resource index database (location 238 ), and the user is assigned an ID and password (location 242 ). Next, the user fills out a subscription form whereby they are notified via email of relevant job postings (location 244 ). The subscription fee for such job posting listserv is processed by an appropriate E-Commerce application (location 246 ). Thereafter the candidate is added to the listserv (location 248 ). The listserv would be the listing of all email addresses of candidates who have subscribed to the job posting subscription service. Subscribers are sent regular renewal notices prior to their job posting subscription expiring (location 252 ). The particular candidate can subsequently access their profile and resume with their assigned user ID and password (location 254 ). This would allow them to update their resume or profile with new information (location 256 ). The updated resume and/or profile is then added to the resource index database (location 258 ). From the recruiter side of the resume posting service, the recruiter can fill out a candidate profile search form (location 262 ). The recruiter then submits the form which indicates which type of candidates they were interested in hiring. The system allows recruiters to conduct a search of the resource index database based upon their desired candidate characteristics (location 264 ). As a result of this search profiles and/or resumes matching the search criteria are reported to the recruiter (location 266 ). 
 Professional Distance Education System In the distance education system, a particular EDP fills out a registration form (location 272 ). As a result of the registration, a user name and password are assigned (location 274 ) and a professional development record established (location 276 ). The user is then given a course enrollment form (location 278 ). Upon payment of an appropriate fee, a student course ID is assigned (locations 282 and 284 ). The student ID assigned to the particular EDP is then stored in the resource index database. Once the registration is complete, the user can access the system to take a course by presenting their user name and password (location 286 ). Based upon their particular course selection. The user is given appropriate reading assignments (location 288 ). The reading assignments is carried out by reference to the resource index database discussed in conjunction with FIG. 9 . After the appropriate reading assignment are completed the user is given an automated quiz (location 292 ). The quiz is scored by referencing the answers provided by the EDP student relative to the resource index database (location 294 ). On the basis of the score a chat room session is authorized (location 296 ). The chat room enables the student to interact with a SME to discuss any of the answers that were missed during the quiz. The site may also be used to administer a final exam or certification exam at the conclusion of the course (location 298 ). Once the course is complete, a record of such is provided to the resource index database. As indicated the professional distance education system could also be employed in the manner similar to the course module for the purposes of certifying a student for a particular task (locations 302 , 304 and 306 ). As indicated the course module may conclude with a final exam. This exam may take place on a particular test date during which the user would log on to the system by presenting their user name and password (location 308 ). The test could consist of both multiple choice and essay portions (locations 310 and 312 ). The exam would be scored and graded and again with reference to the resource index database (locations 314 and 316 ). This course would then be reported to the student and stored in the database and a certificate of completion could be sent to the student (locations 318 and 320 ). The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Now that the invention has been described,