JP7767780B2 - System, computer-implemented method for distributing data, and program for causing a computer to perform the method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to providing information over a network, and more specifically to technology for providing information while increasing user motivation.

Technologies for supporting learning via a network are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-183321 (Patent Document 1) discloses a "learning support system capable of appropriately presenting learning material data in a format appropriate to the learner's level of recognition" ([Problem] in [Abstract]). According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, "each of multiple pieces of learning material data to be presented to a learner is stored in a learning support server 10 along with information for associatively retrieving other related learning material data. A learner operates a client 22 to access the learning support server 10. When a learner requests the presentation of learning material data, the learning support server 10 transmits the learning material data and other related learning material data. The client 22 transmits recognition information indicating the learner's level of recognition of the presented learning material data to the learning support server 10. The learning support server 10 determines the recognition level for each learner based on the received recognition information and reflects this in the presentation format of subsequent learning material data" ([Solution] in [Abstract]).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-183321

At the beginning of class, each teacher makes efforts to increase interest in the subject, teaching materials, teacher, class, etc., and motivation to learn (a type of "communication" such as providing trivia about the subject, teacher and student self-introductions, words of encouragement, etc.). This is difficult to implement when teaching remotely or when students are studying individually, as there is no means of mass communication such as email, and even if there is an email, it may be overlooked, it takes up class time, and students' individual study times vary.

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when learning materials are accessed, the learning material data is presented in a format that corresponds to the learner's level of recognition. As a result, while it is possible to optimize the learning material level, it is not possible to increase interest in the subject, learning materials, teacher, class, etc., or motivation to learn.

Therefore, there is a need for technology that can increase the interest or motivation of data users (learners, conference participants, etc.).

This disclosure has been made in light of the above-mentioned background, and discloses technology that increases the motivation of users of data distributed online.

According to one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a request receiving means for receiving a data request from a terminal, a related information sending means for sending to the terminal related information that has been created in advance and is associated with the data in response to the request, a confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed at the terminal, and a data sending means for sending the requested data to the terminal in response to receiving the confirmation information.

In a system according to another aspect, transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing multiple pieces of related information randomly or in a predetermined order.

In systems according to other aspects, the related information includes content associated with the class in which the data is used, or content associated with the organization in which the class is taught or those involved in the class.

A system according to another aspect further includes storage means for storing related information. The related information is registered by a system administrator or user, or by the system manufacturer.

In systems according to other aspects, the relevant information includes text, still images, or moving images.

In yet another aspect, the system further includes a notification means for notifying other terminals that data has been viewed on the terminal.

According to another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for distributing data is provided. The method includes the steps of: by a computer processor receiving a request for data from a terminal; in response to the request, transmitting pre-created associated information associated with the data to the terminal; receiving confirmation information indicating that the associated information has been confirmed at the terminal; and in response to receiving the confirmation information, transmitting the requested data to the terminal.

In a method according to another aspect, transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of pieces of related information randomly or according to a predetermined order.

In a method according to another aspect, the related information includes content associated with the class in which the data is used, or content associated with the organization in which the class is taught or participants in the class.

A method according to another aspect further includes a step of storing related information. The related information is registered by an administrator or user of the computer, or by the system manufacturer.

In a method according to another aspect, the associated information includes text, still images, or moving images.
A method according to yet another aspect further includes the step of notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed at the terminal.

According to another embodiment, a program is provided that causes a computer to execute any of the methods described above.

According to yet another embodiment, a system is provided that includes a memory that stores the above-mentioned program and a processor that executes the program.

In accordance with one embodiment, information associated with educational materials, class-related information, conference-related information, and other data distributed online can be provided reliably and hassle-free.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system 10. 10 is a diagram showing part of information communicated between servers 31 and 32 and a terminal 40. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer system 300. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in a hard disk 5 of a server 30. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed between the server 30 and the terminal 20. 1 is a flowchart showing part of the processing carried out between a terminal 20 used by a teacher, a server 30, and a terminal 40 used by a student when an online class is held. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a process executed by a server to distribute (deliver) teaching material data. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one manner in which related information is stored in a server 30 according to an embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing the transition of the screen on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of data storage in a hard disk 5 of a server 30 according to another aspect. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 20 used by the teacher. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in a hard disk 5 of a server 30. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one aspect of a screen displayed on a terminal 20 used by a teacher or other administrator. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of related information displayed on a terminal 40 according to another aspect. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a process executed by a CPU 1 of a server 30. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the screens displayed on the terminals 40 of the students and displayed on the terminal 20 used by the teacher. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing facial expressions photographed on the terminals 40 of the students and displayed on the terminal 20 used by the teacher.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

<Overview of the learning support system>
A system 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 10. As an example, the system 10 is a system for supporting online classes or learning, or a system for holding online meetings.

System 10 includes servers 31 and 32, terminal 20, and terminals 40a, 40b, ..., 40n. Terminals 40a, 40b, ..., 40n are collectively referred to as terminals 40.

The terminal 20 is used by teachers who provide online classes, conference organizers, etc. Online classes may be either real-time or non-real-time (e.g., recorded). The terminal 20 may be implemented as a desktop personal computer, notebook computer, tablet terminal, or other information and communications processing device having a well-known configuration.

Servers 31 and 32 are operated by businesses that provide learning support services, schools that use the learning support services, or other administrators. Servers 31 and 32 are implemented using computer devices with well-known configurations. Terminal 20 is used by teachers who use the learning support services. Server 31 stores data prepared in advance by teachers as contact information for each student. Server 32 stores teaching material data created in advance by teachers as learning materials to be used in providing online learning support services.

Terminal 40 is used by students using the learning support service or business people expected to participate in the conference. Terminal 20 is realized by a desktop personal computer, notebook computer, tablet terminal, or other information and communications processing device with a well-known configuration.

Servers 31 and 32, terminal 20, and terminals 40a, 40b, ..., 40n are each connected to the Internet or other network 101. Servers 31 and 32 can communicate with terminal 20 and terminal 40, respectively. Note that while Figure 1 illustrates two servers 31 and 32, in other aspects, a single server may fulfill the functions of servers 31 and 32.

In one situation, when a student operates terminal 40a to log in to a pre-prepared screen, the student's login information is sent from terminal 40a to servers 31 and 32. Server 31 authenticates the user number and other identification data included in the login information and confirms that the student is a genuine student registered on server 31, then sends a message to that student to terminal 40a. Upon receiving the message, terminal 40a may display the message on its monitor or output the message aloud. The same applies when another student operates a different terminal 40.

When a student operates terminal 40a to request teaching materials according to the timetable in order to take an online class, the instruction is sent to server 32. Server 32 authenticates the user information included in the instruction and confirms that the student is a genuine student registered on server 32, then sends data on the teaching materials according to the timetable to terminal 40a. Upon receiving the data, terminal 40a may display the content of the teaching materials on a monitor or output the content as audio.

<Communication between the server and the device>
Referring to Figure 2, the communication between the servers 31, 32 and the terminal 40 used by the student will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing part of the information communicated between the servers 31, 32 and the terminal 40. The servers 31, 32 include a receiving unit 220, a generating unit 221, and a related information confirmation detecting unit 222. The terminal 40 includes an input unit 210 and a display unit 211.

In response to the student's operation, the terminal 40 transmits login information, a request to participate in the class, and a request for teaching material data to the servers 31 and 32 (step S210). The transmitted requests are received by the reception unit 220 of the servers 31 and 32. The reception unit 220 is realized by the receiving interface of the servers 31 and 32 and a program executed by the processor.

The generation unit 221 of the server 31, 32 generates screen data for displaying the related information and transmits the generated screen data to the terminal 40 (step S220). Upon receiving the screen data, the terminal 40 displays the related information on the display unit 211.

When the user of terminal 40 confirms the related information, they perform an operation to that effect on the input unit 210. The input unit 210 sends a signal to server 31, 32 notifying that the related information has been opened (viewed) (step S230). The related information confirmation detection unit 222 of server 31, 32 is implemented, for example, by the processor detecting the reception of a signal that detects a change to the monitor of terminal 40. As an example, when a student using terminal 40 performs an operation on input unit 210 indicating that the related information has been confirmed, terminal 40 detects that the related information has been confirmed. This operation is, for example, pressing a confirmation icon displayed alongside the related information or entering information into a checkbox indicating that the related information has been confirmed, but other methods may also be used to confirm the related information.

When servers 31, 32 receive notification from terminal 40 that the related information has been opened, generation unit 221 generates screen data for displaying the teaching material data and transmits the screen data to terminal 40 (step S240). That is, when servers 31, 32 detect that a logged-in student has viewed the related information (message), they read the requested teaching material data from the storage device and transmit the teaching material data to terminal 40. Terminal 40 displays a screen related to the lesson on the monitor based on the teaching material data. The student can then take the online lesson while viewing the monitor.

<Server and client terminal configuration>
3, the configuration of a computer system 300 that realizes terminal 20, servers 31 and 32, or terminal 40 will be described.

Computer system 300 mainly comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 that executes programs; a mouse 2 and keyboard 3 that receive input instructions from users of computer system 300 (such as online class service providers, teachers or students, conference organizers using the online conference system, and conference attendees); RAM 4 that volatilely stores data generated by program execution by CPU 1 or data input via mouse 2 or keyboard 3; a hard disk 5 that nonvolatilely stores data; an optical disk drive 6; a communications interface (I/F) 7; and a monitor 8. Each component is interconnected by a data bus. A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) 9 or other optical disk is inserted into optical disk drive 6.

Processing in computer system 300 is realized by software executed by each piece of hardware and CPU 1. Such software may be pre-stored on hard disk 5. Alternatively, the software may be stored on CD-ROM 9 or other recording medium and distributed as a computer program. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable application program by an information provider connected to the Internet. Such software is read from the recording medium by optical disk drive 6 or other reading device, or downloaded via communication interface 7, and then temporarily stored on hard disk 5. The software is read from hard disk 5 by CPU 1 and stored in RAM 4 in the form of an executable program. CPU 1 executes the program.

The components that realize computer system 300 shown in FIG. 3 are common. Therefore, one of the components that relate to the essential part of the technical concept of this disclosure can be said to be software stored in RAM 4, hard disk 5, CD-ROM 9, or other recording media, or software that can be downloaded via a network. Recording media may include non-transitory computer-readable data recording media. Note that the operation of the hardware of computer system 300 is well known, so a detailed description will not be repeated.

Recording media are not limited to CD-ROMs, FDs (Flexible Disks), and hard disks, but may also include media that permanently carry programs, such as SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic tapes, optical disks (MOs (Magnetic Optical Discs) / MDs (Mini Discs) / DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)), IC (Integrated Circuit) cards (including memory cards), optical cards, mask ROMs, EPROMs (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROMs (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash ROMs, and other semiconductor memories.

The term "program" here refers not only to programs that can be executed directly by a CPU, but also to programs in source program format, compressed programs, encrypted programs, etc.

<Data structure>
The data structure of the server 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of data storage on the hard disk 5 of the server 30. The hard disk 5 holds tables 410, 420, and 430.

Table 410 holds data related to the history of online classes. This allows each student to resume their studies from the point where they left off, even if they interrupted their studies midway. More specifically, table 410 includes a student ID 411, a class ID 412, a teaching material ID 413, a viewed page 414, a last viewing date 415, and a related information ID 416.

Student ID 411 identifies the student taking the online class. Class ID 412 identifies the subject of the online class. Teaching material ID 413 identifies the teaching material used in the online class. Viewed page 414 indicates the last page of the teaching material viewed in the online class. Last viewed date 415 indicates the date and time the teaching material was last viewed in the online class. Related information ID 416 identifies related information presented at the start of the online class. In some situations, the presented related information is randomly selected from multiple pieces of related information prepared in advance. In other situations, related information designated in advance by the teacher in charge of the online class may be presented.

Table 420 manages information about students taking online classes. Table 420 includes student ID 421, student name 422, grade 423, and contact information 424. Student ID 421 identifies a student. Student name 422 represents the name of the student. Grade 423 indicates the grade of the student. Contact information 424 represents the contact information for the student. Contact information may include an email address, phone number, SNS (Social Network Service) account, address, etc.

Table 430 manages information about teaching materials used in online classes. Table 430 includes a teaching material ID 431, a teaching material name 432, a creator 433, and a last update date 434.

The teaching material ID 431 identifies the teaching material used in the online class. The teaching material name 432 indicates the name of the teaching material. The creator 433 indicates the teacher or other creator who created the teaching material. The last update date 434 indicates the date the teaching material data was last updated.

<Control structure>
A method for registering teaching materials will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing carried out between server 30 and terminal 20.

[Registering teaching data]
In step S510, the CPU 1 of the server 30 transmits a creation screen for teaching material data to the terminal 20 used by the user (teacher). The timing of transmission is when the "Start creating teaching material" menu is selected from the menu list screen displayed on the terminal 20, or when a predetermined deadline for starting creation of teaching material arrives.

In step S520, the CPU 1 of the server 30 receives a creation operation in response to the teacher's operation on the creation screen for teaching material data on the terminal 20. More specifically, when the creation screen is displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 20, the user of the terminal 20 can create teaching material by touching the creation screen with a stylus or finger. The created teaching material may include word problems and calculation problems. The teaching material may also include still images or moving images. A signal corresponding to the input operation performed by the user on the terminal 20 is transmitted from the terminal 20 to the server 30.

In step S530, the CPU 1 of the server 30 registers the teaching material data for the specified lesson. More specifically, when a signal is received indicating that the teacher has performed an operation to end the creation of the teaching material data on the creation screen displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 20, the created teaching material data is registered.

In step S540, CPU 1 of server 30 determines whether a message has been specified. This determination is made, for example, based on whether a flag specifying a message has been associated with the specified lesson. The flag association is set by the teacher using terminal 20 through operations on the creation screen. If CPU 1 determines that a message has been specified (YES in step S540), it switches control to step S550. If not (NO in step S540), CPU 1 ends processing.

In step S550, the CPU 1 of the server 30 sends to the terminal 20 a notification prompting the user to register a message and a message registration screen. The notification is output from the terminal 20 as text or audio, and a registration screen is displayed on the monitor of the terminal 20. When the teacher recognizes the notification, he or she inputs a message to convey to the students on the registration screen. The message can be input using a stylus or touch operation. When input in this way, the message is displayed on the terminal 40 as a freehand message. Alternatively, the message can also be input using a keyboard or audio. In this case, the message can be displayed using a preset font. The input message is received by the server 30 and registered as a message for the teaching material.

[Class begins]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing part of the processing that is carried out between the terminal 20 used by the teacher, the server 30, and the terminals 40 used by the students when an online class is held.

In step S610, the CPU 1 of the server 30 executes the teaching material distribution process. Details of the teaching material distribution process will be described later.

In step S620, the CPU 1 of the server 30 initiates a call using audio and video between the terminal 20 and the terminal 40. The call is realized, for example, using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), but the format of the call is not particularly limited.

In step S630, the CPU 1 of the server 30 sends a list of the terminal screens of students who are logged in to the same class to the terminal 20 used by the teacher. When the terminal 20 displays the list on the monitor 8, the teacher can understand the attendance status of each student.

In step S640, the CPU 1 of the server 30 receives a signal representing an annotation to the teaching materials from each terminal 40 used by each student. Furthermore, the CPU 1 reflects the annotation in the teaching material data associated with each student's account held on the server 30, updating the data. The server 30 stores the teaching material data reflecting the annotation on the hard disk 5. Therefore, for example, if a student interrupts an online class and then resumes it, the server 30 reads from the hard disk 5 the teaching materials that reflect the student's annotations up until the online class was interrupted, and transmits the teaching materials to the student's terminal 40. This allows the student to resume the class from the point where it was interrupted, even if the online class was interrupted. The teaching material distribution process, described below, is also performed when transmitting the teaching materials upon resumption.

In step S650, the CPU 1 of the server 30 determines whether or not to end the lesson. This determination is made, for example, based on whether the server 30 has received a signal indicating the end of the lesson from the terminal 20. The signal indicating the end of the lesson is sent when the teacher operates the terminal 20 to instruct the end of the lesson, or when a predetermined class time has elapsed. If the CPU 1 determines that the lesson is to end (YES in step S650), it switches control to step S660. If not (NO in step S650), the CPU returns control to step S630.

In step S660, the voice and video call between CPU 1 of terminal 20 and CPU 1 of terminal 40 ends.

[Distribution of teaching materials]
7 is a flowchart showing part of the process executed by the server to distribute (deliver) teaching material data. In some cases, this process can be implemented as an interrupt process for the main program executed by the server. More specifically, the teaching material data is distributed after each student logs in and selects the subject for which they wish to take online classes.

In step S710, CPU 1 determines whether a request for distribution of teaching material data has been received. This determination is made when CPU 1 receives an interrupt signal. As an example, when CPU 1 detects the reception of an interrupt signal, CPU 1 determines whether information including the student's identification information, the identification information of the lesson selected by the student, and a request for distribution of teaching materials for that lesson has been received from each terminal 40. This information may be transmitted irregularly from each terminal 40. Therefore, this determination is made when CPU 1 of server 30 receives an interrupt signal. If CPU 1 determines that a request for distribution of teaching material data has been received (step S710), it switches control to step S720. If not (NO in step S710), CPU 1 returns control to step S710 and returns to standby mode.

In step S720, CPU 1 searches for related information for the specified lesson. For example, CPU 1 references related information ID 416 in table 410, reads the identification data of the related information last used for the lesson for the student, and identifies that related information.

In step S730, CPU 1 determines whether there is a designation regarding the manner in which the related information will be distributed. The designation regarding the manner in which the related information will be distributed indicates whether the related information will be distributed to a specific class, a specific student, or the entire grade, and for which subject the related information will be used. Information regarding this designation is stored on the hard disk 5 of server 30. If CPU 1 determines that there is a designation regarding the related information (YES in step S730), CPU 1 switches control to step S740. If not (NO in step S730), CPU 1 switches control to step S750.

In step S740, CPU 1 causes the relevant terminal 40 to present the related information based on the specification. More specifically, CPU 1 generates data (for example, data in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format) for displaying the related information on the relevant student's terminal 40, and transmits the generated data to each of the relevant terminals 40. Therefore, terminals 40 that receive this data can display the related information. On the other hand, if other students who have selected the same class do not meet the specified conditions (for example, they are in a different class, are in a different grade, or are at a different level of progress), the terminals 40 used by those other students will not display the related information.

In step S750, CPU 1 causes the related information to be displayed on the terminals 40 used by all students who have selected the class. That is, CPU 1 generates data for displaying the related information and transmits the generated data to each terminal 40. Each terminal 40 displays the related information based on that data, allowing all students who have selected the class to view the related information. When a student who has viewed the related information performs an operation indicating that they have viewed the related information, information indicating this is transmitted from the terminal 40 used by that student to the server 30, along with the ID of the terminal 40 used by that student and the student's identification data (student ID).

In step S760, CPU 1 determines whether it has received information that a student has confirmed the related information. This determination is made, for example, based on whether the information has been received for each student to whom the related information was sent. CPU 1 also makes this determination at predetermined time intervals. If CPU 1 determines that the information has been received (YES in step S760), it switches control to step S770. If not (NO in step S760), CPU 1 returns control to step S760 and waits to receive the information.

In step S770, CPU 1 distributes the teaching material data to terminal 40 of each student.
Online classes may be either classes with real-time explanations by a teacher or self-study without a teacher. If self-study is used, a teacher AI (Artificial Intelligence) that has been trained in advance to provide answers and explanations for questions included in the teaching materials may provide feedback to students in place of a real teacher.

<Related Information>
An example of related information will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of storage of related information in server 30 according to an embodiment.

In one aspect, the server 30 stores table 810 on the hard disk 5. Table 810 includes areas 811, 812, 813, and 814. Area 811 stores a number that identifies the related information. Area 812 stores message content. Area 813 stores information indicating the format of the related information. The format of the related information may include text, still images, moving images, audio, etc. Area 814 stores information specifying the recipients of the related information. The recipients may include, for example, ALL (all students), a specific grade, a specific class, students taking a specific class, specific students, etc.

When a request for distribution of teaching materials is received (step S710), the CPU 1 of the server 30 refers to table 810 to confirm the destination of the related information, and transmits the related information to the specified destination.

When a teacher creates teaching materials, they specify related information and register it in association with the teaching materials. This allows the CPU 1 to determine which content to display when a request for teaching material data is received from a student. Each time a request for teaching materials is made, related information may be sent randomly from 1 to N to the terminal 40 and displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40, or it may be displayed in order from 1 to N.

<Screen display>
Referring to FIG. 9 , the screen display mode on the terminal 40 used by the student will be described. These screens are screen data (e.g., HTML data) created by the server 30. The terminal 40 displays the screen data using a display application (browser) installed on the terminal 40. FIG. 9 shows the transition of screens on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40. As shown in state (A), when a student operates the terminal 40 to access the online class service and log in, a screen for accepting class selection is displayed on the monitor 8. This screen includes an area for accepting input of a class code to specify the online class. The class code may be entered by the student or may be selectable from a pre-prepared list. When the student enters the class code and presses the "Confirm" button, the terminal 40 communicates with the server 30 to obtain data related to the class selected by the student. Furthermore, the monitor 8 displays an image indicating the class corresponding to the entered class code (e.g., the subject name, the front page of the textbook being used, or the page of the textbook that was previously open) and the name of the teacher in charge of the class.

When the student confirms these displays and selects "Yes," the terminal 40 sends information including the class's identification ID to the server 30 as a request for teaching materials. When the server receives the request (YES in step S710), it checks whether related information has been specified for the class, and sends data to the terminal 40 to display the related information based on the confirmation results (steps S740, S750).

As shown in state B, when terminal 40 receives related information from server 30, it displays the related information on monitor 8. For example, monitor 8 displays message content (area 812) such as "Let's do our best today!" By viewing the displayed message content, the student can increase their motivation for the class. When the student then presses icon 910 to end the message display, terminal 40 transmits information to server 30 indicating that the student has acquired the related information.

When the server 30 receives information from the terminal 40 indicating that the student user of the terminal 40 has acquired related information (YES in step S760), it determines that the related information has been confirmed by the user and transmits the teaching material data for the selected lesson to the terminal 40 (step S770).

When the terminal 40 receives the teaching material data from the server 30, the monitor 8 displays the content of the teaching material. Students can take the lesson while viewing the displayed content. Furthermore, if the lesson is not taken in real time but at a different time, students can receive instruction from the teacher AI instead of a real teacher.

<Data structure>
The data structure of server 30 according to another aspect will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of data storage on hard disk 5 of server 30 according to another aspect.

In another aspect, the server 30 stores table 1010 on the hard disk 5. Table 1010 includes areas 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014. Area 1011, like area 811, stores a number that identifies the related information. Area 1012, like area 812, stores message content. Area 1013, like area 813, stores information indicating the format of the related information. The format of the related information is also similar. Area 1014, like area 814, stores information specifying the recipients of the related information. The recipients can include, for example, ALL (all students), a specific grade, a specific class, students taking a specific class, specific students, etc., as well as specific classes.

Similarly, in the other phases, when a request for distribution of educational materials is received (step S710), the CPU 1 of the server 30 refers to table 810 to confirm the distribution destination of the related information, and transmits the related information to the specified distribution destination. The order in which message content is displayed on the terminal 40 is also the same.

<Creating teaching materials screen>
Now, the creation of teaching materials will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on monitor 8 of terminal 20 used by a teacher. Monitor 8 displays areas 1110 to 1170. Area 1110 accepts input of the lesson name.

Area 1120 accepts input of the name of the teacher in charge of the class. Area 1130 accepts input of the grade level of students targeted by the class. Area 1140 accepts input of the subject taught in the class. Subjects include Japanese, arithmetic, science, social studies, English, etc. Area 1150 accepts input of each unit that makes up the subject. The unit may be entered arbitrarily by the teacher or may be selected from a list of units prepared in advance. Area 1160 accepts operations for creating or editing worksheets. For example, a screen for creating arithmetic problems is launched from area 1160. Area 1170 accepts creation or editing of message content.

Those wishing to register message content, such as teachers or conference organizers, can click on area 1170 to enter specific message content, which will be associated with the settings for where the teaching material will be published.

<Data structure>
The data structure of server 30 in yet another aspect will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of data storage on hard disk 5 of server 30. Hard disk 5 holds table 1210.

Table 1210 includes fields 1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214. Field 1211 stores a number that identifies the related information. Field 1212 stores the message content. Field 1213 stores information indicating the format of the related information. The format of the related information may include text, still images, moving images, audio, etc. Field 1214 stores information specifying the distribution destination of the related information. The distribution destination may include, for example, ALL (all students), a specific grade, a specific class, students taking a specific class, or a specific student. If the distribution destination for multiple message contents is ALL, the server 30 randomly or sequentially sends data for displaying the message content to each student's terminal 40 each time a request for teaching materials is made from that terminal 40. The message content may be registered in the manner described in FIG. 11.

<Registration screen for related information>
The registration of related information will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing one aspect of a screen displayed on the terminal 20 used by a teacher or other administrator. This screen is displayed when logged in with an administrator account. The monitor 8 includes multiple areas.

Each user of terminal 20 logs in using an account such as a teacher, principal, board of education, or student. Each user can register related information with all accounts in the related information registration database managed on hard disk 5. Accounts for teachers, principals, board of education, etc. are registered using the same method as described below.

In another aspect, a learner may register related information. In this case, a learner wishing to register clicks on area 1340, displays a registration screen on monitor 8, and can register related information from that registration screen. For example, a message created by the learner can be shared with other users. When a learner registers related information, access control can be used to prevent the learner from being granted some of the authority to operate screens that can be operated by an administrator. This prevents teaching material data from being inadvertently changed or deleted.

For example, area 1310 accepts the specification of the grade of students to which the related information applies. The grade specification is not limited to one grade, and multiple grades may be selected. Area 1320 accepts the specification of the subject to which the related information applies. Area 1330 represents the content of the teaching material that is displayed before the related information is displayed. Teachers can create teaching materials by entering information into area 1330 using a touch pen, keyboard, touch operation, or other input means.

Another aspect of related information will be described with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of related information displayed on terminal 40 according to another aspect. Monitor 8 displays related information 1400. Related information 1400 includes area 1410. Area 1410 is an additional message. The additional message is displayed according to information related to the lesson to which the related information applies. In addition to the students using terminal 40, the example in Figure 14 includes information about person A, who studied using the same teaching materials, and person B, who is currently studying using the same teaching materials at the same time.

A student using terminal 40 can be motivated by learning about the learning progress of other students in the same class as the student. Furthermore, when the student clicks on area 1410, terminal 40 establishes separate communications with other terminals 40 used by other users included in area 1410, forming a communication session between users studying the same learning material. The communication session includes chat, online message boards, and the like. Online message boards may be editable. This allows each user studying the learning material to ask questions or offer advice, potentially improving learning effectiveness.

<Control structure>
Referring to Fig. 15, a control structure of server 30 according to another aspect will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by CPU 1 of server 30. Note that the same processing as previously described is assigned the same step number. Therefore, description of the same processing will not be repeated.

In step S760, CPU 1 determines whether it has received information that a student has confirmed the related information. This determination is made, for example, based on whether the information has been received for each student to whom the related information was sent. CPU 1 also makes this determination at predetermined time intervals. If CPU 1 determines that the information has been received (YES in step S760), it switches control to step S1510. If not (NO in step S760), CPU 1 returns control to step S760 and waits to receive the information.

In step S1510, CPU 1 determines whether there is information about another learner who uses the same teaching materials as the student in question. This determination is made, for example, based on the contents of table 410 stored on hard disk 5. If CPU 1 determines that the learner information in question exists (YES in step S1510), it switches control to step S1520. If not (NO in step S1510), CPU 1 switches control to step S770.

In step S1520, CPU 1 reads information about learners who will be using the same teaching materials from hard disk 5 and generates a message (area 1410) to be displayed in conjunction with the related information.

In step S770, the CPU 1 transmits data for displaying the generated message to the terminal 40, and displays it on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40 as related information.

<Student list display>
The list display of students will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the screen displayed on each student's terminal 40, which is displayed on terminal 20 used by the teacher. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the facial expressions captured on each student's terminal 40, which are displayed on terminal 20 used by the teacher.

In some cases, the terminal 40 used by the student may be equipped with a camera (not shown), such as near the display area of the monitor. The camera captures an image of the student's face and sends the image data to the server 30 or the terminal 20 used by the teacher. The terminal 20 may then display the face image in addition to the screen of the teaching materials displayed on each student's terminal 40.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in one aspect, the terminal 20 used by the teacher may display the screen displayed on the monitor 8 of the terminal 40 used by each student. In this case, the icon 1610 may be displayed in a different color from the other areas, with an emphasized font, or in other ways to indicate that a list of students is being displayed.

When the teacher then presses icon 1620, terminal 20 may display images of each student that have been acquired up to that point, as shown in FIG. 17. In this way, the teacher can check each student's progress with the learning material (FIG. 16) while also seeing each student's facial expression, making it easier to provide feedback tailored to each student.

As described above, when the server 39 of a system according to an embodiment receives a data transmission request from each user's terminal 40, it transmits related information (e.g., message content) that has been pre-associated with the data to the terminal 40 before transmitting the data. When the user of the terminal 40 (e.g., a student or conference attendee) views the related information, information notifying the user that the related information has been viewed is transmitted from the terminal 40 to the server 30. Upon receiving this information, the server 30 transmits the data requested by the user to the terminal 40. Because the related information is transmitted to the user before transmitting the data, the user can be motivated before using the data.

<Summary>
Some of the technical features disclosed above can be summarized as follows:

(1) In a system 10 according to one embodiment, a CPU 1 of a server 30 receives a request for data (e.g., teaching material data, lesson data, conference materials, etc.) from a terminal 40a. In response to the request, the CPU 1 transmits to the terminal 40 related information that has been created in advance and associated with the data (e.g., a message to motivate users of the data (e.g., students, conference attendees, etc.)). The CPU 1 then receives confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed on the terminal 40a. In response to receiving the confirmation information, the CPU 1 transmits the requested data to the terminal 40a.

With this configuration, the user of terminal 40a can view the related information before viewing the data, thereby increasing the user's motivation.

(2) In another aspect, CPU 1 transmits data displaying multiple pieces of related information to terminal 40a randomly or in a predetermined order. For example, CPU 1 transmits messages of related information to terminal 40a sequentially according to the identification numbers assigned to the messages. In this way, terminal 40a displays a different message on monitor 8 each time educational material data is requested, thereby increasing the motivation of the user of terminal 40a.

(3) The related information is linked to the lesson in which the teaching material data or lesson data is used. Alternatively, the related information is linked to the meeting in which the meeting materials are used. Alternatively, the related lesson is linked to the organization in which the lesson is held (e.g., school, vocational school, preparatory school, cram school) or the people involved in the lesson (teachers, students, school principals, boards of education, etc.).

(4) The related information is stored on the hard disk 5 of the server 30 that constitutes the system 10. In other aspects, the related information may be stored in an external storage device different from the server 30. The related information is created by an administrator or user of the system 10 (for example, a teacher who creates teaching material data, a teacher in charge of a class, a creator of conference materials, etc.), or is registered by a provider of the system 10 (for example, a system integrator).

(5) Related information includes text, still images, or moving images. Therefore, in yet another aspect, audio may be linked to the related information. The audio is not limited to audio of a message being read aloud, but may also be, for example, environmental sounds or sound effects that can evoke the content of the related information. This may increase the motivation of users (e.g., students or conference attendees) who have viewed the related information by appealing to their hearing in addition to their vision.

(6) In yet another aspect, the server 30 notifies another terminal 40n that data has been viewed on terminal 40a. The viewing of data may include, for example, the reading of the contents of the teaching materials, the submission of an assignment included in the teaching materials, or the advance reference of meeting materials. The user of terminal 40n (a student or a meeting attendee) will know that the data has been viewed by the user of terminal 40a, which can increase the motivation of the user of terminal 40n to study or attend the meeting.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning to and within the scope of the claims.

The disclosed technical features can be applied to technologies that provide content over a network, such as online educational or conferencing systems.

20, 40, 40a, 40b, 40n terminal, 2 mouse, 3 keyboard, 4 RAM, 5 hard disk, 6 optical disk drive, 7 communication interface, 8 monitor, 9 ROM, 10 system, 30, 31, 32 server, 101 network, 201 reception means, 202 presentation means, 203 related information opening detection means, 300 computer system, 410, 420, 430, 810, 1010, 1210 table.

Claims (16)

a request receiving means for receiving a data request from a terminal;
related information transmitting means for transmitting, in response to the request, related information that is created in advance as information for increasing the motivation of the user of the terminal to use the data and that is associated with the data, to the terminal;
confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed at the terminal;
and data transmission means for transmitting the requested data to the terminal in response to receiving the confirmation information. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said related information transmitting means transmits to said terminal, in addition to said related information, information indicating the status of other users who are using said data. The system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of pieces of related information randomly or in a predetermined order. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the related information includes content linked to the class in which the data is used, or content linked to the organization in which the class is held or to people involved in the class. further comprising a storage means for storing the related information;
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the related information is registered by an administrator or user of the system, or by a manufacturer of the system. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the related information includes text, still images, or moving images. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a notification means for notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed on the terminal. 1. A computer-implemented method for distributing data, comprising:
a processor of the computer receiving a request for data from a terminal;
In response to the request, transmitting to the terminal related information that is created in advance and associated with the data as information for increasing motivation of the user of the terminal to use the data ;
receiving confirmation information indicating that the related information has been confirmed at the terminal;
and transmitting the requested data to the terminal in response to receiving the confirmation information. The method according to claim 8 , wherein transmitting the relevant information includes transmitting, to the terminal, in addition to the relevant information, information indicating the status of other users who are using the data. The method of claim 8 , wherein transmitting the related information includes transmitting data representing a plurality of the related information randomly or according to a predetermined order. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10 , wherein the related information includes content linked to the class in which the data is used, or content linked to the organization in which the class is held or to people involved in the class. further comprising the step of storing the related information;
The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the related information is registered by an administrator or a user of the computer. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12 , wherein the related information comprises text, still images or moving images. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13 , further comprising the step of notifying other terminals that the data has been viewed on the terminal. A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13 . a memory storing the program according to claim 15 ;
and a processor for executing the program.