Patent Application
20090019988
This invention relates generally to learning a subject or skill, such as for example a musical instrument skill, using an internet domain address, or website, and in such a way that multiple observers or users of the same website, but at different locations can communicate with one another regarding what is depicted on the website, for learning purposes. More specifically, the invention concerns a method or methods of learning, in the manner referred to.
There is continued need for improvements in teaching and learning methods, particularly as involving the internet medium. In this regard, there is need for the improved method or methods which are the subject of the present invention, providing superior simultaneous learning and interaction of multiple observers or users of selected teaching websites.
It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved method, or methods, meeting the above needs. Basically, the method of the invention involves using an internet domain or address, i.e. a website, to enhance learning, by multiple observers, to play a musical instrument, and includes the steps:
Typically, said communication is established at the time of the above b) step, and wherein multiple observers or users simultaneously view the website and perform said instrument play, in conjunction with said b) and or c) steps.
Another object is to effect said step c) to include providing video equipment to depict the observer or user in communication in video format transmitted via the internet to another address or website, or websites for viewing by said other observers or users. As an example, the correct, or teachable technique of playing a drum or drums is depicted via the website or websites, in a manner allowing communication between multiple observers or users at different locations, to enhance their learning of correct drumming skills. For this purpose, discussions are typically effected between the one observer, and other observers of such play, as via voice or e-mail, voice communication being effected, for example, by voice over internet protocol (VOIP).
The invention is applicable to teaching skills other than players of musical instruments, as will appear.
Yet another object is to provide the website, or websites, with certain viewable mouse click zones that are selectable by the observer or user, and respectively designating teaching modes, as per step a) above; performance mode or modes as per step b) above; and communications mode or modes, as per step c) above. The observer or user can then select which designatable portion of the learning experience, via the website, is to be depicted. Further, the website may have associated therewith other viewable mouse click zones selectable by the observer or user and respectively designating different lessons to be taught, each of which has associated therewith a set of said certain zones.
Examples of use of the invention include:
The combination of a school (learning) website, a performance website and a community website, is with selectability as between them.
For example, consider a site, which:
Another example is a sports website, which offers:
These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:
Such technology enabling interaction communication or interfacing, using finger pressure (or mouse click) at different website stations are generally known. Once example is MYSPACE technology, or similar technology.
With regard to a) above, “learning” may be depicted on the established website 15 in response to finger use or pressing of selector a) (or mouse click of zone) and may for example include textual description of how to play an instrument, such as a drum.
With regard to b) above, “performance” may be depicted on the website 15 in response to finger use or pressing of selector b) (or mouse click of zone) and may for example include a moving performance or display of play of the instrument (and drummer, correctly and actually playing a drum for example). Each of the observers at website stations 12, 12a, 12b - - - etc. can separately activate a) and b) selectors to enable viewing of the programmed information associated with a) and b).
With regard to c) above, communication between observers or users, at different stations may be established and depicted on the website, in response to finger use or pressing of selector c), for example to enable such communication (voice and/or visual at websites 15). Thus, if two users at 12 and 12b both press selector c), they are thereby placed into mutual communication, as for example by viewing of their respective websites. This is further facilitated by provision of video equipment 20, 20b, - - - 20b etc. at the stations 12, 12a, 12b, etc. That video equipment may include a camera as at 21 directed toward the observer, as at 22, and operatively connected with the website or websites, so that the observers in communication are shown on their website screen or screens 14, for learning enhancement. Communication as at c) may be established by effecting discussions between said one observer or user and other observers of said instrument play, as via voice or e-mail. The internet connection or connections is or are schematically represented at 24.
Another feature is the provision of certain viewable mouse click zones 30-32 selectable by the observer or user and respectively designating teaching modes as per a), performance as per b), and communication as per c) whereby the observer or user can select which designatable portion of learning experience, via the website is to be depicted.
An additional feature of the invention includes provision of other viewable website zones, such as mouse “click-on” zones, as at 30-32, selectable by the observer or user, and respectively designating different lessons to be taught, each of which has associated therewith a set of said certain zones.
