Patent GB-1115661-A (GB)
Title: Teaching machines
IPC: G09B7/04
Filed: 1963-09-27
Abstract: 1,115,661. Teaching machines. C. E. M. HANSEL. 16 Dec., 1964 [27 Sept., 1963; 17 March, 1964], Nos. 38284/63 and 11282/64. Heading G5G. [Also in Division H2] In a teaching machine in which a series of questions in a main programme are presented to a pupil in sequence, if a pupil indicates that he does not know the answer to a question or gives an incorrect answer, the machine presents the correct answer followed by a subsidiary " reinforcement " programme of questions. This reinforcement programme includes the question unanswered or incorrectly answered mingled with some of the easier questions from the main programme. The machine shown in Fig. 1 is for teaching simple arithmetic, e.g. multiplication tables, and a programme comprises a series of twelve questions which, with the corresponding answers, are recorded on a stencil inserted in the machine so as to be selectively illuminated by question lamps 3B1- 3B12 and answer lamps 2H1-2H12; corresponding commutators PS1-PS3 consisting of preset electrical connections are also inserted. The machine is automatically controlled by circuits (Figs. 4A-4D, not shown) including electromagnetic relays and two multi-contact stepping selector switches (SUS) and (RUS) for the main and reinforcement programme respectively. The selector switch (SUS) passes through three successive cycles or " routines." During routine 1, the twelve questions are displayed by the lamps 3B1-3B12 first in logical order or sequence and then again in haphazard order. During routine 2, the questions are represented in two further orders. Routine 3 is similar to routine 2 except that the pupil has to respond to each question in a time determined by the setting of switches S6-S9. Each question is displayed until the answer is given, the answer being a number of three or less digits which the pupil must enter in correct order on columns of keys O, P, Q. If the pupil does not respond correctly or presses the " don't know " key BK, an " error " lamp T6 is lit and the correct answer is displayed by illumination of the appropriate lamp 2H1- 2H12. The pupil should then enter the correct answer on the keys whereupon the machine automatically switches to the reinforcement programme. At the end of this reinforcement programme (whose length may be varied by selector switch S1) the machine switches back automatically to the first routine of the main programme. During routine 3, if the pupil makes a correct response to a question but after the time allowed, a lamp T7 is lit and the question remains displayed until the pupil makes a quick enough response, whereupon a reinforcement programme is initiated. The time is determined by condensers (C1-C4) which are selectively charged according to the setting of the switches S6-S9 and are discharged through a relay (SUR). At the end of each main routine, the pupil's performance is indicated, e.g. " error free but not fast enough," by illumination of one of the lamps T1-T5. Error-counting apparatus and a clock for recording the time taken to complete a programme may be connected at PS5, PS6 respectively. Each commutator PS1-PS3 may comprise a fixed support Z, Fig. 2, and a removable selector plate Z4 of insulating material. When the plate is in position, straight conductive strips Z5 on one side contact pairs of fixed input contacts Z1 and L-strips Z6 on the other side contact pairs of output contacts Z2, the required connections being determined by the location of rivets Z7 passing through the plate. A multi-socket device (V) (Fig. 4B) allows connection of auxiliary apparatus including recording apparatus (Figs. 5 and 6, not shown) having a twelve-track tape on which the questions may be recorded and audibly reproduced and a similar tape for the answers. Questions may be repeated until the correct answer is given. This arrangement enables blind pupils to be taught, characters in braille then being provided on or beside the manual keys. Reference is made also to teaching spelling, the identification of objects displayed pictorially and the identification of musical sounds.