System and method of virtual schooling

Abstract

A system and methods of virtual schooling, which provide an Internet-based elementary and secondary school that is committed to offering a complete and comprehensive education to all pupils. The curriculum used in the system and methods is Web-deployed and database-driven. Its subjects include, but are not necessarily limited to History/Civics/Geography, Language Arts, Math, Music, Science, and Visual Arts. Preferably, lessons should integrate on-line and off-line instructional materials for a well-rounded learning experience.

1 - 58 . (canceled)  
   
   
       59 . A method of operating a virtual school, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a computer network, including server means and a plurality of clients each of which is adapted to be connected to said server means over said network;    loading a means for operating said server means and said plurality of clients, said operating means supporting a run-time environment for a virtual school application on said network;    providing graphical user interface means adapted to be displayed on said plurality of clients;    connecting a database to said computer network;    storing within said database a first plurality of browser windows, each of which is adapted to display to a user on one of said plurality of clients individual parts of a lesson, a first plurality of text files, each of which is adapted to teach a given part of said lesson to said user, and a first plurality of image files, each of which is adapted to supplement said given part of said lesson;    operating the computer system to render said first plurality of browser windows on the display;    providing a first interactive module, which is adapted to be run over said network and be used by said user to plan a curriculum comprising a plurality of lessons; and    providing a second interactive module, which is adapted to be run over said network and interface with said first interactive module for sequencing said plurality of lessons based on an assessment of said user and said curriculum.    
   
   
       60 . The method according to  claim 59 , further comprising the steps of: 
 storing within said database a second plurality of browser windows, each of which is adapted to display to a user on one of said plurality of clients an assessment test, a second plurality of text files, each of which is adapted to test said user on a given part of said curriculum, and a second plurality of image files, each of which is adapted to supplement said test, and content created as an assembly of said second plurality of browser windows, said second plurality of text files, and said second plurality of image files; and    storing said content as a plurality of objects defined by the group consisting of content objects, user objects, and role objects.    
   
   
       61 . The method according to  claim 60 , further comprising the steps of: 
 creating, from said content, a diagnostic test for assessing an initial performance of said user;    administering said diagnostic test with said first interactive module; and    adjusting said curriculum with said second interactive module, based on the results of said diagnostic test.    
   
   
       62 . The method according to  claim 60 , further comprising the steps of: 
 creating, from said content, a lesson test for assessing a performance of said user at an end of said lesson;    administering said lesson test with said first interactive module; and    adjusting said curriculum with said second interactive module, based on the results of said lesson test.    
   
   
       63 . The method according to  claim 60 , wherein said curriculum further comprises a plurality of units, each of which comprises a plurality of lessons, said method further comprising the steps of: 
 creating, from said content, a unit test for assessing a performance of said user at an end of each said unit;    administering said unit test with said first interactive module; and    adjusting said curriculum with said second interactive module, based on the results of said unit test.    
   
   
       64 . The method according to  claim 60 , wherein said curriculum further comprises a plurality of courses, each of which comprises a plurality of units, said method further comprising the steps of: 
 creating, from said content, a mid-course test for assessing a performance of said user at a point in time substantially midway through each said course;    administering said mid-course test with said first interactive module; and    adjusting said curriculum with said second interactive module, based on the results of said mid-course test.    
   
   
       65 . The method according to  claim 60 , wherein said curriculum further comprises a plurality of courses, each of which comprises a plurality of units, said method further comprising the steps of: 
 creating, from said content, a final test for assessing a performance of said user at an end of each said course;    administering said final test with said first interactive module; and    adjusting said curriculum with said second interactive module, based on the results of said final test.    
   
   
       66 . The method according to  claim 60 , wherein said curriculum further comprises a plurality of courses, said method further comprising the steps of: 
 creating, from said content, a proctored test for assessing a performance of said user at upon completion of said plurality of courses;    administering said proctored test with said first interactive module; and    awarding a certificate based on the results of said proctored test.    
   
   
       67 . The method according to  claim 59 , further comprising the step of selecting said user from the group consisting of a pupil, a caring adult, a system teacher, a system proctor, a system administrator, a system principal, and a system superintendent.  
   
   
       68 . The method according to  claim 67 , further comprising the step of assigning a caring adult to one or more pupils.  
   
   
       69 . The method according to  claim 68 , further comprising the step of facilitating user access and communication among a plurality of caring adults who share a selected interest.  
   
   
       70 . The method according to  claim 69 , wherein said selected interest comprises a virtual charter school.  
   
   
       71 . The method according to  claim 67 , further comprising the step of assigning a system teacher to a plurality of pupils.  
   
   
       72 . The method according to  claim 71 , further comprising the step of facilitating user access and communication among a plurality of system teaches who share a selected interest.  
   
   
       73 . The method according to  claim 72 , wherein said selected interest comprises an academic grade level.  
   
   
       74 . The method according to  claim 72 , wherein said selected interest comprises a virtual charter school.  
   
   
       75 . The method according to  claim 67 , further comprising the step of assigning a system principal to a plurality of system teachers.  
   
   
       76 . The method according to  claim 75 , further comprising the step of facilitating user access and communication among said system principal and said plurality of system teachers.  
   
   
       77 . The method according to  claim 67 , further comprising the step of assigning a system superintendent to a plurality of system principals.  
   
   
       78 . The method according to  claim 77 , further comprising the step of facilitating user access and communication among said system superintendent and said plurality of system principals.  
   
   
       79 - 86 . (canceled)