Patrick Joseph Keating

US Patent:

20010044728, Nov 22, 2001

Filed:

Jun 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/344732

Inventors:

BRIAN M. FREEMAN - SHORT HILLS NJ, US
MAXIMILIAN A. GRANT - CHICAGO IL, US
EDWIN EISENDRATH - CHICAGO IL, US
ANDREW M. ROSENFIELD - LAKE FOREST IL, US
ENIO OHMAYE - HIGHLAND PARK IL, US
PATRICK KEATING - HIGHLAND PARK IL, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/001000, 434/335000

Abstract:

A system and method for enabling an established learning institution, such as a first tier college or university, to leverage intellectual capital through licensing and co-developing course content with a Virtual University. The Virtual University develops and markets educational modules presented via a computer communication system. This invention can increase exposure of a professor, course content, and other intellectual capital, to a larger student population separated by time and distance. It can permit multiple learning institutions to participate, with governance and control afforded to each university according to agreed upon guidelines. A Virtual University according to this invention can provide for flexibility in compensation and permit unlimited business arrangements between a university and an institution proffering the educational modules. Compensation arrangements that provide adequate economic participation and reward can include, but are not limited to, cash payments, royalties, minimum guaranteed income, stock and stock options. They may also provide protections for the participating university, including seats on the Board of Directors and other appropriate measures. The system can provide a means for tracking and measuring the use of modules, measurements can be used to calculate compensation. The present invention can avail a traditional a campus based learning institution to a potential market for intellectual capital that is limited not by distance, but by the constraints of a computer communication network utilized. Consumers, embodied as individual students, corporate clients, charter schools or other learner groups can be from varied geographic locations and access the Virtual University system on a basis timely to their particular needs.

US Patent:

63014629, Oct 9, 2001

Filed:

Jun 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/344659

Inventors:

Brian M. Freeman - Short Hills NJ
Maximilian A. Grant - Chicago IL
Edwin Eisendrath - Chicago IL
Andrew M. Rosenfield - Lake Forest IL
Enio Ohmaye - Highland Park IL
Patrick Keating - Highland Park IL

Assignee:

UNEXT. COM - Deerfield IL

International Classification:

G09B 300

US Classification:

434350

Abstract:

A collaborative learning system and method for implementing innovative criteria fashioned into an electronic learning experience that can be utilized at great distances. Learners can participate in the learning experience asynchronously thereby taking advantage of diverse schedules. A system is provided for offering network based education including software running on a computer or a plurality of computers for delivering educational services online. The network can include an internet protocol network wherein the servers can be accessed via a WEB interface. Software operative with a processor can cause an adaptive assessment tracking the learning style and progress of an individual learner. The system can also be responsive to an online assessment with remediation and guidance. Lessons, implemented by executable software code can be designed to challenge a learner with ever increasing sophisticated levels of encounter and interaction until the learner reaches their limit of knowledge and is forced to acquire additional skills.