The computer system displays a user interface that represents text information by an improved method of phonics-based approach for teaching reading, especially for those with dyslexia or other neurological disorders. The interface enlarges a line of text to be read by a user and places the cursor/pointer under the first word in the line of text in a direction of reading on the computer screen. The user interacts with the interface by a cursor/pointer. The system calculates the cursor/pointer position and highlights font and background of the traversed part of the text line/element under which the cursor is located. The elements can be letters, syllables and words. In the voiceover mode, the pointer/cursor moves automatically and the user follows the cursor/pointer at the speed suggested by the system and the system voices the word/syllable being read. In the non-voiceover mode, the user drags the cursor along the text line.

A method for providing personalized reading assistance using visual modifications. The method includes forecasting a complexity of a text corpus for a user. The text corpus includes a plurality of words. Visual modifications may be provided to at least some words of the plurality of words in the text corpus based on the forecast complexity of the text corpus for the user.

Systems and methods for education instrumentation can include one or more servers configured generate a plurality of models for modeling various aspects of an education process using training data related to academic performance of students. The one or more servers can collect data from client devices associated with various education institutions or stakeholders throughout a life cycle of the education process. The one or more servers can use the generated models and the collected data to assess the addressing of education standards and predict or estimate performance metrics associated with the education process. The one or more servers can provide computed metrics or assessments of how well education standards are addressed to one or more client devices for display.

The present invention is directed to interactive training, and in particular, to methods and systems for computerized interactive skill training. An example embodiment provides a method and system for providing skill training using a computerized system. The computerized system receives a selection of a first training subject. Several related training components can be invoked, such as reading, watching, performing, and/or reviewing components. In addition, a scored challenge session is provided, wherein a training challenge is provided to a user via a terminal, optionally in video form.

A toy has one or more LED light sources positioned on the toy so the light source illuminates beyond the toy. A toy to be worn on the human finger comprises a body includes an anchoring portion for receiving or locating a finger or fingers. A LED or other light source is operated on the toy to interact with photo- luminescent ink and other inks pre-printed or included in a decoration on the surface of another item such as a book or other toy. The toy is a reading tool or a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. The LED light sources include a black light and/or other LED lights of other colors. The lights are connected to a circuit board and an integrated power source, which are connected to a switch encased on the toy.

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

Various embodiments of a pointer for focused reading of a word or character are disclosed. For example, the pointer may include a frame, a reading pane defined inside the frame, a marker formed on the frame for pointing to a particular location of the reading pane, and an elongated handle attached to the frame at a non-zero angle.

Various embodiments of a pointer for focused reading of a word or character are disclosed. For example, the pointer may include a frame, a reading pane defined inside the frame, a marker formed on the frame for pointing to a particular location of the reading pane, and an elongated handle attached to the frame at a non-zero angle.

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

A toy has one or more LED light sources positioned on the toy so the light source illuminates beyond the toy. A toy to be worn on the human finger comprises a body includes an anchoring portion for receiving or locating a finger or fingers. A finger puppet toy permits for at least one of a reading tool and a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. A LED or other light source is operated on the toy to interact with photo-luminescent ink and other inks. A photo-luminescent ink and other inks are pre-printed or included in a decoration on the surface of another item such as a book or other toy. The toy is a reading tool or a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. The LED light sources include a black light and may include other LED lights of other colors. The lights are connected to a circuit board and an integrated power source, which are connected to a switch encased on the toy. The mechanism, number and location of LED lights, the circuit board, wiring, power source and switch are further defined based on the shape of the character of the toy.