WO2005024758A1

WO2005024758A1 - Apparatus and method for computer-assisted vocabulary list acquisition

Info

Publication number: WO2005024758A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/003859
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shem Levy
Original assignee: Prep2Go Pte. Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-09-09
Filing date: 2003-09-09
Publication date: 2005-03-17
Also published as: AU2003260814A1

Abstract

A novel apparatus and method, which improves and enhances the learning of a conceptual relationship between at least two associated terms, objects or data, is disclosed. Such associated terms could comprise a word in one language familiar to the user and the equivalent thereof in another language. The apparatus used to study a vocabulary list in a first language, by providing the definitions and/or meanings of the words in the second language.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPUTER-ASSISTED VOCABULARY LIST ACQUISITION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for computer-assisted learning in general, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for the enhanced acquisition of a vocabulary list via the provision of diverse word-memorizing techniques and the monitoring of the progress of the word-memorizing process through controlled transfer of the relevant words between word lists.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer Aided Learning systems are known in the art. In a computing environment teaching materials and user information such as the history of learning and past results achieved by the learners are typically stored on a storage device of a computer. The user learns from the teaching materials via a display device in a passive or an active manner by communicating interactively with the computer utilizing input means. All the learning-related operations such as the administration of the teaching materials, the guidance of the learner, and the management of the history of learning are controlled, directed and processed by specifically developed computer programs.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention regards an apparatus for the learning of terms. The apparatus comprises: a master vocabulary database storing at least one term record and a users personal database. The master vocabulary database comprises: an at least one term to be learned by a user, an at least one term definition to associate the at least one term with the meaning thereof, an at least one full sentence including the at least one term to be learned by the user, an at least one partial sentence including a sequence of blank spaces to be replaced by the user with the at least one term to be learned, an at last one pointer value to indicate the location of an at least one sound file associated with the at least one term to be learned by the user, and an at least one sound file associated with at least one term, the sound file is designed to be played to the user in order to provide for the learning of the sound by the user. The users personal database comprises a first list of terms the elements of which are terms marked to indicate that the terms are set to be learned by the user, the list is constructed as input to an at least one memorization module, and a second list of terms the element of which are terms, the terms are marked to indicate that the terms are set to review the learning of term by the user, the list is constructed as input to an at least one memorization module. A second aspect of the present invention regards a method for the learning of terms. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining an at least one term record from a first list of terms and an at least one associated term definition, increasing the value stored in an at last one counter associated with the at least one term in order to indicate a successful association of the at least one term with the at least one term definition, comparing the value stored in the at least one counter with a pre-defined threshold value, and transferring the at least one term record from the first term list to the second term list in response to the result of the comparison where the value stored in the at least one counter is not less than the threshold value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a computing environment in which the method for the computer-assisted vocabulary list acquisition is operative, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram of the master vocabulary database, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. IB is a schematic block diagram of the users personal database, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the main interface screen, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is an exemplary study mode exposure screen, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4, 5, and 6 are exemplary study mode testing screens, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a novel apparatus and method, which improves and enhances the learning of a conceptual relationship between at least two associated terms, objects or data. Such associated terms could comprise a word in one language familiar to the user and the equivalent thereof in another language. For example, the apparatus could be used to study a certain vocabulary list in a certain language (a first language), by providing the definitions and/or meanings of the words in the user's mother tongue (the second language). The apparatus includes a master vocabulary database, and a users personal database. The master vocabulary database contains a plurality of records where each record (referred to herein under as a word record) is associated with a target word that is to be memorized. In the word record the target word appears in association with related information. The information includes the word's definition and/or meaning, a sentence that contains the target word in order too demonstrate the proper use thereof, a version of the sentence where the word is replaced by a sequence of blank spaces, and a sound file containing the correct pronunciation of the word. For each user of the apparatus, a personal database is created with reference to the vocabulary list to be learned and stored in the master vocabulary database. The personal records of the user hold control information about each of the words in the vocabulary list. The control information includes the number of times the user has been able to correctly match the target word with the meaning thereof. For each correct match, the counter of that specific word is augmented, thus keeping record of the user's learning status for each of the words. A counter value threshold is determined and set for the counter, where any stored value lower than the threshold indicates that the word yet has to be fully memorized (referred to herein under as a study-word), and any value above the threshold indicates that the word had been fully memorized (referred to herein under as a review- word). The threshold can be set at any predefined value depending on the length of the period dedicated to learn the specific vocabulary list. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Vocabulary List Acquisition (VLA) method includes diverse memorizing techniques (referred herein under as activities), where each activity is performed in three distinct activity modes: a study-mode, a review-mode, and a rehearsal-mode. During the performance of the study-mode a set of words is selected in a random manner from a study- word-list of words. The study- word-list is a set words stored in the user's personal database where the value of the counter associated with the word is below the memorizing threshold. In the review-mode a set of words is selected in a random manner from the review- word-list of words. The review-word-list is a set of words stored in the user's personal database where the value of the counter associated with the word is equal to or higher than the value set for the memorizing threshold. The rehearsal-mode uses the entire list of words in the master vocabulary table. The master vocabulary database is by definition the combined list of the study- word-list that includes the entire set of study-words in the user personal database, and the review-word-list that includes the entire set of the review-words in the user personal database. Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a computing environment in which the apparatus for the enhanced acquisition of vocabulary list (VLA apparatus) is constructed and operative, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The computer system 10 includes a processor device 12, a memory device 14, an input/output device 16, an audio device 18, a communication device 20, a display device 22, and a storage device 24. The storage device 24 is preferably a hard disk utilized to store the operative diverse data structures, such as database tables, computer programs, such as the operating systems, utilities, and software applications. Storage device 24 includes an operating system 26, a user interface 28, a master vocabulary database 30, a users personal database 32, and a vocabulary list acquisition (VLA) application 34. Application 34 is a set of logically inter-related computer programs the functionality of which is to provide for the enhancement of a vocabulary list acquisition process for a user. Application 34 comprises an application driver 36, and a set of vocabulary list acquisition interface modules that provide for the improved learning of a set of words appearing in the vocabulary list to a user. The interface modules 38 comprise a study-mode component 40, a review-mode component 42, a rehearsing-mode component 44, and a set of activity modules 45. Referring now to Fig. 1 A the master vocabulary database 402 includes a set of word records, such as word record 1 (404), and word record N (414). Note should be taken that although on the drawing under discussion only two word records are shown it would be easily perceived that in a realistic environment the database 402 could include a multitude of word records. Word record 1 (404) includes a word field 406, a definition/meaning field 408, a full sentence 420 that includes the word 408, a partial sentence 410 including a sequence of blank spaces that replace the word 406, and a pointer to a sound file 412 associated with the word 406. The pointer to the sound file 406 provides the option of playing the pointed-at sound file in order to provide for the precise pronunciation of the word. Word record N (414) includes a word field 416, a definition/meaning field 418, a full sentence 420 that includes the word 416, a partial sentence 422 including a sequence of blank spaces that replace the word 406, and a pointer to a sound file 424 associated with the word 416. The pointer to the sound file 424 provides the option of playing the pointed-at sound file in order to provide for the precise pronunciation of the word. Referring now to Fig. IB, the users personal database 502 includes a set of user records, such as user record 1 (504), and user record N (530). Note should be taken that although in the drawing under discussion only two user records are shown it would be easily perceived that in a realistic environment the database 502 could include a multitude of user records. User record 1 (06) includes a study-word-list 506, and a review-word-list 508. Study-word-list 506 includes a set of word records, such word record 510, and word record 512. Each word record 510, 512 includes a word field 518, 522, respectively, and a counter 520, 524, respectively. Note should be taken that although in the drawing under discussion only two word records are shown it would be easily perceived that in a realistic environment the study-word-list 506 could include a multitude of word records. Review-word-list 508 includes a set of word records, such as word record 514, and word record 516. Each word record 514, 516 includes a word field 515, 526, respectively, and a counter record 517, 528, respectively. Note should be taken that although in the drawing under discussion only two word records are shown it would be easily perceived that in a realistic environment the review-word-list 508 could include a multitude of word records. The structure of the user record N (530) is substantially the same like that of user record 1 (504). Referring to Fig. 2 the main interface screen 52 of the VLA application includes a row of activity mode descriptors 54, 56, and 58, where each activity mode descriptor 54, 56, 58 identifies a specific activity mode within a specific memorizing technique or activity. Each activity mode descriptor 54, 56, 58 is associated with a column of text boxes that hold and display a set of dynamic counter values associated with the respective activity modes identified by the activity code descriptors 54, 56, 58. The screen 52 of the VLA application further includes a column of activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76 where each activity descriptor identifies a specific memorizing technique implemented via a specifically designed and developed software module. Each activity descriptor 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76 is associated with several of text boxes displaying the values of associated counter. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a set of three text boxes each associated with a specific activity code 54, 56, 58 are implemented. The text boxes hold and display three dynamic counter values. The first column text boxes 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, and 94 hold and display counter values that are associated with the memorizing techniques (activities) identified by the activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 74, and 72, respectively, and represent the number of the words in the study-pool. The second column of text boxes 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112 hold and display counter values that are associated with the activities identified by the activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76, respectively, and represent the number of the words in the review-pool. The third column of text boxes 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130 hold and display counter values that are associated with the activities identified by the activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76 respectively arid represent the number of the words in the rehearse-pool. Thus, the activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 and the activity mode descriptors 54, 56, 58 constitute the indexes of a two-dimensional array. A text box holding and displaying a dynamic counter value is identified by an activity descriptor and by an activity code descriptor. Thus, for example, text box 78 is associated with the activity descriptor 60 and with the activity mode descriptor 54 while text box 106 is associated with activity descriptor 70 and activity mode descriptor 56. The dynamic counter value displayed in text box 78 represents the number of words in the study-word-list generated in the study-activity-mode while performing the activity 60, and the dynamic counter value displayed in text box 106 represents the number of words in the review-activity-mode 56 while performing the activity 72. . The counter values reflect at any specific point in time the personal learning status of a user interacting with the screen 52. The user can select in combination any of the several activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76 in combination of any of the activity mode descriptors 54, 56, 58 and thereby activate the selected memorizing technique (activity) associated with the selected descriptor in the selected activity mode associated with the selected activity mode descriptor 54, 56, 58. The screen 52 further includes a bedtime stories 132 control button, a buswords control button 134, and a dictionary control button 136. The functionality of the control buttons 132, 134, and 136 will be described herein under. The above-mentioned set of activities are specific memorizing techniques, memorizing tools, memorizing games, or other memorizing modules implementing various computer-based methods that provide the user with a variety of pre-designed interfaces operative in the enhancement of the required memorization process. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the activity descriptors include specific activity code names, such as "Brainwash" 60, "Define Me" 62, "Word4Word" 64, "Which Word Is It Anyway?" 66, "Your Sentence Is:" 68, and the like. Such activity code names are appealing, memorable, intuitive, and include a contextual hint to the principal aspect of the activity. Similarly, the activity mode descriptors include activity mode code names, such as "study", "review", and "rehearse". In manner similar to the activity code names the activity mode code names are, memorable, intuitive, and include a contextual equivalence to the principal aspect of the activity mode. When the user selects the combination of the "Brainwash" activity 60 and the "Study" activity mode 54 one or more inter-related software modules (referred to herein under as "brainwash-study modules") are loaded from the storage device into the memory device of the computer. Then the modules are activated and executed in an order that is pre-defined but could be modified by interactive commands of a user. The brainwash-study modules are the principal tools for leaning new words from the vocabulary list. During the running of the modules, the user is exposed to words from his personal study-word-list. Subsequently, the user is tested concerning the knowledge of the words in the study-word-list. The modules will update the personal database of the user by augmenting the value of the counters associated with the words that the user has been able to mach successfully with their definition/meanings. Referring now to Fig. 3 the brainwash-study word exposure screen 142 includes a first text box 144 for the display of a word to be memorized by the user, a second text box 146 for the display of the meaning of .the word to the user, and a control button 148 to enable the user to terminate the operation of the brainwash-study word exposure screen 142 and to activate a set of study-mode test screens. The brainwash-study module, activated by the suitable selection of the activity and the activity mode via the operation of the main interface screen 52 of Fig. 2, selects in a random manner a pre-defined number of word records from the study-word-list stored in the personal database of the user. The study- word-list includes words where the value of an associated word-specific counter is below the pre-defined counter value threshold. The sequence of the selected words and the associated meanings are exposed to the eyes of user repeatedly and successively. For each study-word-list record the word is displayed in the text box 144 and simultaneously the meaning of the word is displayed in the text box 146. The source language of the words and the associated meanings is determined by the master vocabulary list and may include any possible combination of existing languages, including such that the word and the meaning are in the same language. The user passively views the successive display of the sequence of word records. The user could also be provided with the aural exposure of the word via the playing of a sound file attached to the word. The exposure time of the word record is pre-determined but could be modified by the user within a certain permitted exposure time range, such as a range of a few seconds. When the display sequence of the word records is completed, the display sequence begins again in the same order until the user commands to terminate the display by activating the control button 148. Following the activation of the control button one or more study-mode test modules are activated that allows for the testing of the user's knowledge concerning the previously presented word records. Referring now to Fig. 4 a first study-mode test screen 152 is utilized for testing the results of the exposure process performed via screen 142 of Fig. 3. Screen 152 includes a column of sound buttons 154, 162, 170, 178, 186, 194, and 202 for providing the user with the option of aural exposure via the playing a sound file associated with the tested word, a column of hint buttons 156, 164, 172, 180, 188, 196, and 204 to enable the user to view a sentence that contains the tested words. Screen 152 further includes a column of text boxes 158, 166, 174, 182, 190, 198, and 206 that hold and display the words the knowledge of which is to be tested, and a column of text boxes 160, 168, 176, 184, 192, 200, and 210 that hold and display the word definitions. Screen 152 further includes a check control button 212 to enable the user to check the results of the test. Screen 152 provides the user with a set of word records to which the user was exposed to in the study-mode exposure screen. The words are displayed in the column of text boxes 158, 166, 174, 182, 190, 198, 206 and are arranged in an order that is identical to the prior exposure order. The definitions are displayed in the text boxes 160, 168, 176, 184, 192, 200, 210 arranged in a random order. The user operates the screen 152 in an interactive manner. The user is required to match each word displayed in the text boxes 158, 166, 174, 182, 190, 198, 206 with the definition thereof displayed in the text boxes 160, 168, 176, 184, 192, 200, 210. The matching of the word with the definition thereof is performed by the selection of a text box holding the word and then the selection of a text box holding the proper definition of the word. The selection could be achieved via the operation of a pointing device (mouse), a function key on a keyboard (up-arrow, down-arrow), a light pen, or the like. At any point in time during the operation of the study-mode test screen 152 the user is provided with the option of activating a word-specific sound file in order to be aurally exposed to the sound of a specific word. The activation of the sound file is achieved by the user via the selection and activation of a sound button 154, 162, 170, 178, 186, 194, and 202 associated with a text box 158, 166, 174, 18, 190, 198, and 206. At any point in time during the operation of the study-mode test screen 52 the user may activate a hint button 156, 164, 172, 180, 188, 196, and 204 associated with a text box 158, 166, 174, 18, 190, 198, and 206 in order view a sentence that contains the word as a contextual hint to the meaning of the word. Subsequent to the termination of the matching process the user could select and activate the check button 212 in order to examine the matching actions. Referring to Fig. 5 that shows the structure and operative elements of the study-mode test screen 152 consequent to the activation of the check control button 212 of Fig. 4. Screen 152 is enhanced into screen 214. Consequent to the selection and activation of the check control button 212 of Fig. 4 the user may still view the column of text boxes 224, 236, 248, 260, 272, 284, and 296 displaying the words, and the column of the text boxes 226, 238, 250, 262, 274, 286, and 298 displaying the word definitions. The user may still listen to the sound files associated with the words by the activation of the sound buttons 218, 230, 242, 254, 266, 278, and 290, and may still presented with contextual hints following the activation of the hint buttons 222, 234, 246, 258, 270, 282, and 294. In addition, the screen 214 includes a column of feedback indicators 220, 232, 244, 256, 268, 280, and 292 where the content of each feedback indicator is a feedback code concerning the correctness or the incorrectness of a match between a word entry displayed in a word text box in the text box column 224, 236, 248, 260, 272, 284, and 296 and a linked definition entry in a word text box in the text box column 226, 238, 250, 262, 274, 286, and 298. A "V" code indicates a correct match while an "X" code indicates an incorrect match. For each of the correct matches the counter for the specific word in the users personal database will be augmented by the value of one. Each augmentation affects the approach or the reach of the counter value to the threshold value. The user may match a word correctly not because he managed to memorize the word through the brainwash- study process but because he may have already known the word prior to the process. In order to provide flexibility the apparatus allows the user to mark specific words as "already known" even though the required threshold may not been reached for the specific words. The ability of the apparatus to mark previously known words provides for a more effective study process by saving time and effort the user would have put into matching correctly previously known words. For those words that the user have matched correctly at least once a column of special check boxes 216, 228, 240, 252, 264, 276, and 288 is provided. The user may mark one or more of the check boxes 216, 228, 240, 252, 264, 276, and 288 and thereby effect the transferring of the specific words from the study- word-list to the review-word-list. The transferring of the words is accomplished by setting the value of the word counter to a value above the counter value threshold. Consequently the user could select and activate the control button 230 to submit the answers and check box markings to the personal database thereof and view the correct matches for the entire set of words through the visual links automatically connecting the column of text boxes 224, 236, 248, 260, 272, 284, and 296 displaying the words, and the column of the text boxes 226, 238, 250, 262, 274, 286, and 298 displaying the word definitions.

Referring to Fig. 6 the study-mode test screen 232 includes a column of sound buttons 234, 244, 254, 264, 274, 284, and 294, a column of hint buttons 238, 248, 258, 268, 278, 288, and 298, a column of feedback indicators 236, 246, 256, 266, 276, 286, and 296, a column of text boxes 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, and 300 displaying a set of previously tested words, and a column of text boxes 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, and 302 displaying a set of definitions. The screen 32 further includes a control button 304. Subsequent of the submission of the answers, the user is presented with the correct matches for the entire set of tested words. The definitions are re-arranged in the column of text boxes 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292, and 302 such as to match spatially the associated words displayed in the column of text boxes 224, 236, 248, 260, 272, 284, and 296. The visual links connecting the words and the definitions thereof are also re-drawn. The user could still view the feedback indicators concerning the previously submitted answers. The user may still listen to the sound files associated with the specific words by selecting and activating the sound buttons and may view hints by selecting and activating of the hint buttons. If desired the user may terminate the operation of the brainwash-study module or may select and activate the control button 304 to initiate the memorizing of additional set of randomly chosen words from the recently updated study-word-list. Although the exclusive utilization of the brainwash-study module may suffice to memorize the entire set of words and the gradual transfer of the words to the review-word-list, the users are encouraged to enhance the memorizing process by utilizing additional cognitive means of memorizing words. A series of games and modules (referred to as activities) are provided to the user for the purpose of exposing the user to the same words in different contexts. The activity descriptors 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76 of Fig. 2 represent the above- mentioned diverse activities. The activities are software-based cognitive methods such as formatted tests, word games, word puzzles, textually oriented brain teasers, and the like, that select a set of random words from the study- word-list of a user, and enable the user to memorize the set of words via interaction with the various activities.

Referring back to Fig. 2 the "Define Me" activity 62 descriptor is associated with a software module implementing a specifically formatted test. The module (referred to herein under as the "define-me module") selects a random word and the correct definition thereof from the study- word-list of a user. In addition the define-me module selects two additional incorrect or near-correct definitions from the same word list. The module then structures and presents a multiple choice question, where the user is required to select the correct definition of the word out of the possible answer choices. Consequent to the selection of an answer, the user receives an immediate feedback and is provided with the option of re-executing the define-me module instantly with a randomly selected set of a word, a correct definition, and several incorrect or near-correct definitions. Still referring to Fig. 2 the "Word4Word" activity descriptor 64 is associated with a software module implementing a specifically formatted test. The module (referred to herein under as the "word4word module") selects a random word and the correct definition thereof from the study- word-list of a user. In addition the define-me module selects four additional incorrect or near-correct definitions from the same word list. The module then structures and presents a multiple choice question, where the user is required to select the correct definition of the word out of the possible answer choices. Consequent to the selection of an answer, the user receives an immediate feedback and is provided with the option of re-executing the word4word module instantly with a randomly selected set of a word, a correct definition, and several incorrect or near-correct definitions.

Still referring to Fig. 2 the "Which Word Is It Anyway?" activity descriptor 66 is associated with a software module implementing a word game. The module (referred to herein under as the "which- word") selects a random word and the correct definition thereof from the study-word-list of a user. The module presents the user with the definition as well as with a sequence of blank spaces that denote the letters of the word. The user is required to type over the sequence of the blank spaces the missing letters of the word based on the given definition and on the number of the blank spaces. The user may be provided with hints, such as revealing certain letters in the word, provided with an instant feedback subsequent to the completion of the process, and provided with the option of re-executing the which-word module that will select in a random manner an additional set of data. Still referring to Fig. 2 the "And Your Sentence Is?" activity descriptor

68 is associated with a software module implementing a word game. The module (referred to herein under as the "your-sentence" module) selects a random manner a word from the study-word-list and a sentence that utilizes selected word. The your-sentence module selects several additional words from the study-word-list. The module structures and presents a multiple-choice sentence-completion question, where the user is presented with the selected sentence in which the word has been replaced with a sequence of blank spaces. The user is required to select the correct word that can be fitted into the sequence of the blank spaces out of the several possible answer choices. Consequent to the selection of the word, the user gets a feedback and is provided with the option of re-executing the you-sentence module with a randomly selected set of new data from the study-word-list. Still referring to Fig. 2, the "Hangman" activity descriptor 70 associated with an activity module implementing a word game. The module selects in a random manner a word from the study-word-list and the definition thereof from the study-word-list. The definition is presented to the user along with a sequence of empty spaces that denote the letters of the word. The user has to type letters on a virtual keyboard, where the selection of the letters should be based on the presented definition and on the number of blank spaces. Via the selection of the letters the user is attempting to expose the hidden word, letter by letter. The user gets positive and negative points for correctly and incorrectly selected letters, respectively, and provided with the option of an instant feedback when the activity terminates. Consequently, the user is provided with the option of instant re-execution of the module with the random selection of a new data set. Still referring to Fig. 2, the "LittleMatchMaker" activity descriptor 72 is associated with a memorizing technique module. The module implements a game that selects a predefined number of random words and their definitions from the study- word-list, and presents the user with two columns of items: in the first column the selected words are displayed, and in the second column - in a random order - the definitions. The user is required to match each word with the definition thereof. After matching all the items, the user gets a feedback and can instantly play another round, selecting randomly a new data set. Still referring to Fig. 2, the "Crossword puzzle" activity descriptor 74 is associated with a software module implementing a word game that generates a crossword according to predefined available templates. The entire set of words and definitions are obtained from the study-word-list. The user is required to solve the puzzle. The user may get a feedback and view the correct solution at any point in time. The user can instantly play another round, generating a new puzzle with a new data set. Still referring to Fig. 2, the "Mixer" activity descriptor 76 is associated with a software module implementing a word game that randomly plays rounds of other available modules, such as the define-me module, the word4word module, and the like. Each round makes use of a random set of data from the user's study- word-list. Still referring to Fig. 2 as the user memorizes more and more words in his study-word-list, words start to reach the counter's threshold gradually and are automatically transferred to the user's review-word-list. As the memorizing process progresses, the user will want to review the already memorized words. The user is provided with option of reviewing by utilizing one of the review modules represented by the check boxes 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 12 of Fig. 1. For example, when selecting and activating the check box 96 the user affects the loading and activation of the "brainwash-review" module. The brainwash-review module is the principal tool through the utilization of which the user may want to ensure that the previously memorized words are efficiently embedded in the user's long-term memory. The module functions in a similar manner to the brainwash-study module, as described through Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. The input data to the module is selected randomly from the review-word-list. As the counter values of all words in the review-word-list are, by definition, above the required memorizing threshold value, the counters are no longer affected by the user's correct matches. However, to enable full flexibility, when desired the test screen provides the user with the option of selecting and marking check boxes that affect the transfer of one or more words back to the study-word-list. This enables the user to decide, for example, that although a certain word has already been memorized and reached the required threshold value, the word was already forgotten and requires to be studied again. By marking the check box of a word, the user resets the counter of the word back to zero, thus automatically moving it to its starting state - in the study-word-list. Although the exclusive use of brainwash-review module may suffice to review all the words previously memorized, the users are encouraged to help the process my using other cognitive means of memorizing words. A whole arsenal of games and modules (Fig. 2, items 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, and 76) that select random words from the review-word-list may be used by the user for the purpose of user-exposure to the same words in different contexts. The entire set of review modules function identically to the study modules, except for the list of words they use.

Thus, the main part of the memorizing process involves the intensive use of study modules and then the review modules. At a certain point in time, typically in a relatively advanced stage of the process, the user may wish to rehearse the entire vocabulary list, and verify the acquired knowledge of those words. For this purpose, the third layer of the apparatus, the rehearsal modules are available for the user. By using any of the rehearsal modules (Fig. 2, items 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130), the user is exposed to the entire vocabulary, regardless of the various user-specific counters of individual words. The rehearsal modules are substantially similar in the manner of operation to their counterparts: the study modules, and the review modules. The rehearsal modules select the random sets of data from the entire vocabulary word list. In addition, in order to encourage the use of rehearsal modules, many of these modules are competition versions of the various games, and users' scores in each game are recorded in the database, to be presented in high score charts available to all users of the system. Still referring to Fig. 2 the BedTime Stories control button 132 is associated with a software module that contains a plurality of custom-made stories. The stories are selected or constructed such as to use a plurality of words from the master vocabulary list. The appropriate words are highlighted within the displayed text of a story. While reading a story, the user may position the cursor over any of the highlighted words, and reveal the definition thereof. After reading the story, the user is presented with a "fill-the-blanks" version of the story, where all the highlighted words are replaced with sequence blank spaces, and the highlighted words are displayed in a separate list next to the story. By using the pointing device in a drag-and-drop mode, the user required to locate each of the words in the appropriate sequence of blank spaces. After locating all the words, the user gets a feedback concerning the solution, as well as views in respect to the correct locations of the words. Bus Words control button 134 is associated with a module that extends the memorization process beyond the computer-based process. A user may choose to print a list of either 50, 100 or 150 items from the study-word-list thereof. Thus, the user is provided with a hard copy of words that could be memorized in a location where no suitable computing device is available. Dictionary is a module that enables the user to type in a word or any part of it and gets a list of all matching words from the master vocabulary list, including their definitions. This module is useful in case the user wants to be reminded of the definition of a specific word, since all other modules are based on random selection of words. It is important to note that the novelty of the system is not in each of the individual modules comprising it, but rather in the system as a whole - a means to memorize any given vocabulary in a highly-flexible yet carefully- planned manner. By dividing the given vocabulary into study-word lists, review- word-lists and rehearsing-word-lists and by moving words from the study-word- lists to the review-word-lists and back, by automated processes as well as by the decisions of the users, the proposed apparatus system creates a unique method of coping with large numbers of items in relatively short study periods. It will be easily perceived that in another embodiment of the present invention, the computing environment described could be a part of a data network. The computer platform containing the vocabulary list acquisition (VLA) application and databases could be employed as a learning server system. The learners could connect from the client system thereof via various communication devices such as modems and communication lines to the learning server containing the VLA application and databases. The users could utilize the server system by employing diverse predefined operating methods such as downloading the learning application or parts of the terms database to the client platforms and the like. The system is ideal for memorizing vocabulary items, either in the user's mother tongue itself or in any other language. However, it is by no means limited to vocabulary and words. The core of the master vocabulary table in the database is words and their definitions. Easily, the described system can be deployed for other purposes, such as memorizing icons, signs, and any other textual or graphical item that can be defined by another textual or graphical definition.

Claims

CLAIMS I/WE CLAIM:

1. A computerized system having an input device, an output device a central processing system and a storage device, and an apparatus for the learning of terms, the apparatus is operated by the computerized system and is controlled by a user through the use of the input, output and display devices, the apparatus comprising the elements of: a master vocabulary database storing at least one term record the term record comprising: an at least one term to be learned by a user; an at least one term definition to associate the at least one term with the meaning thereof; an at least one complete sentence including the at least one term to be learned by the user; an at least one partial sentence including a sequence of blank spaces to be replaced by the user with the at least one term to be learned; and an at last one pointer value to indicate the location of an at least one sound file associated with the at least one term to be learned by the user; an at least one sound file associated with at least one term, the sound file is designed to be played to the user in order to provide for the learning of the sound by the user; and a user's database comprising: a first list of terms the elements of which are terms marked to indicate that the terms are set to be learned by the user, the list is constructed as input to an at least one memorization module; and a second list of terms the element of which are terms, the terms are marked to indicate that the terms are set to review the learning of term by the user, the list is constructed as input to an at least one memorization module.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a term in the first list of terms comprises: a term name to be associated by the user with the term definition in the master vocabulary database; a counter to indicate the number of times the user successfully associated the term with the term definition in the master vocabulary database.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a term learning application, the application comprising: a term learning application driver to control the execution of the application; at least one activity module implementing a memorization technique; a study mode component implementing a term learning process; a review mode component implementing a term learning review process; and a rehearsal mode component implementing a term learning rehearsal process.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a threshold value storing a value at which the counter associated with the term causes the term to be transferred from the first list of terms to the second list of terms.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at last one activity module executes a word game method.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at least one activity module executes a crossword method.

7. A method for the learning of terms, operating within a computerized system having an input device, an output device a central processing system and a storage device, and an apparatus for the learning of terms, the method is controlled by a user through the use of an input, output and display devices, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining an at least one term record from a first list of terms and an at least one associated term definition; increasing the value stored in an at last one counter associated with the at least one term in order to indicate a successful association of the at least one term with the at least one term definition; comparing the value stored in the at least one counter with a pre-defined threshold value; and transferring the at least one term record from the first term list to the second term list in response to the result of the comparison where the value stored in the at least one counter is not less than the threshold value.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprises the steps of: exposing a user to the at least one term and the at least one associated term definition; and displaying an at least one set of test data associated with an at least one term to the user in order to allow the user to associate the at least one term with the at least one associated term definition.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprises manually setting the value stored in the at least one counter to the pre-defined threshold value in order to effect the transfer of the at least one term record from the first term list to the second term list.

10. The method of claim 7 further comprises the step of manually setting the value stored in the at least one counter to below the threshold value in order to effect the transfer of the at last on term record from the second list of terms to the first list of terms.