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 - 80 . (canceled)  
   
   
       81 . A diagnostic and prescriptive curriculum assessment method, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a computer;    providing an expert system for planning a curriculum, wherein said expert system is operable on said computer;    storing a criterion referenced test (CRT) on said computer, wherein said CRT is adapted to test a pupil using said computer to study said curriculum;    administering said CRT to said pupil;    scoring said administered CRT; and    adapting said curriculum with said expert system.    
   
   
       82 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein said computer providing step further comprises the steps of: 
 providing a computer network, which includes 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; and    connecting a database to said computer network.    
   
   
       83 . The method according to  claim 82 , further comprising the steps of: 
 storing within said database a 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 plurality of text files, each of which is adapted to teach a given part of said lesson to said user, and a plurality of image files, each of which is adapted to supplement said given part of said lesson;    operating the computer system to render said plurality of browser windows on the display; and    providing an interactive module, which is adapted to be run over said network and manage the administration of said CRT.    
   
   
       84 . The method according to  claim 83 , further comprising the steps of: 
 creating a plurality of assessment items for said CRT;    storing said plurality of assessment items in said database, grouped by subject matter; and    assembling selected ones of said plurality of assessment items at runtime, prior to said administering step.    
   
   
       85 . The method according to  claim 84 , wherein said storing of said plurality of assessment items further comprises the steps of: 
 storing a plurality of math items;    storing a plurality of language arts items;    storing a plurality of science items;    storing a plurality of history items;    storing a plurality of art items; and    storing a plurality of music items.    
   
   
       86 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein said adapting step further comprises the steps of: 
 identifying gaps in said pupil's mastery of individual lessons, units, or subjects;    dropping out units in subjects which said pupil has mastered; and    filling in said gaps identified by said CRT with additional lessons.