Michael H Downs

US Patent:

60863811, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Sep 2, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/922214

Inventors:

Patrick J. Downs - Rancho Santa Fe CA
Michael J. Downs - La Jolla CA
Gerald P. McLaughlin - Rancho Santa Fe CA
Brian Mihalka - Cardiff CA

Assignee:

LearnStar, Inc. - Irving TX

International Classification:

G09B 300
G09B 700

US Classification:

434322

Abstract:

An interactive learning system has an interactive control unit that displays competition or quiz questions in multiple-choice or other format. Students using the system enter answer choices on a wireless keypad. A base station connected to the interactive control unit receives answer choices from and communicates with the wireless keypads. The interactive control unit keeps track of the scores for all users, and scores of different groups of users (i. e. , classes). A receiver connected to the interactive control unit receives content for competitions by satellite broadcast. The competitions are then stored for later use. The system can conduct competitions from those that have been stored or broadcast, or from those that can be created by individual teachers. Previously broadcast and stored competitions can be played simultaneously by a plurality of remote locations, in a "live competition" setting. At the conclusion of the simultaneous competition (or after any previously broadcast and stored competition has concluded), the interactive control unit can connect to the central broadcast facility via modem to transmit scores from classes at the remote location.