WO2013188907A1 - Apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013188907A1
WO2013188907A1 PCT/AU2013/000643 AU2013000643W WO2013188907A1 WO 2013188907 A1 WO2013188907 A1 WO 2013188907A1 AU 2013000643 W AU2013000643 W AU 2013000643W WO 2013188907 A1 WO2013188907 A1 WO 2013188907A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
student
reward
result
incentive
sponsor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2013/000643
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Steve CARVELL
Original Assignee
Carvell Steve
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2012902535A external-priority patent/AU2012902535A0/en
Application filed by Carvell Steve filed Critical Carvell Steve
Publication of WO2013188907A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013188907A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/10Services
    • G06Q50/20Education
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to education and in particular to apparatus for education incentivisation.
  • the invention has been developed primarily for use as a apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.
  • an apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student including: a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
  • the processor element being coupleable to a server module for presenting an incentive interface to the student device over a data network and to initiate an incentive program.
  • a student can specify a preferred reward including any one or more of the following:
  • x a monetary reward ; and/or x a specified charity donation; and/or x a tangible non-monetary incentive; and/or x a non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
  • an apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student including: a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database, module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
  • a sponsor can pledge any one or more of the following: x ⁇ a preferred reward selected by the student; and/or x ⁇ a cash contribution toward a preferred reward selected by the student; and/ or x a sponsor specified monetary reward ; and/or x a sponsor specified charity donation; and/or x a sponsor specified, tangible non-monetary- incentive; and/or x a sponsor specified non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
  • a method of providing an educational incentive to a student is provided.
  • the method includes the steps of: receiving, from a student via a student interface, data indicative of a target result (alternatively, a sponsor can provi de data indicative of a target result); receivi ng, from a sponsor via a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge associated with a selected student; and
  • the method further includes the step of using the target result, generating one or more (for example, three) result ranges.
  • the method further includes the step of receiving, from the student, data indicative of preferred reward(s) for each result or result range.
  • the method further includes the step of receivi ng, from the student, data indicative of invited sponsors.
  • the method further includes the step of receiving, from a sponsor via a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a result or result range associated with a selected student.
  • an apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student including:
  • a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsor;
  • the processor element being coupleable to a server module for presenting an . incentive interface to the student device over a data network and to initiate an incentive program;
  • the incentive interface enables recording, in the database, a target result for a student and one or more rewards being associated with
  • the incentive interface enables a student to specify a target result and one or more preferred rewards.
  • the processor element uses the target result to generate a plurality of result ranges; the student specifying one or more preferred rewards for each result range.
  • the processor element uses the target result to generate three adjacent result ranges; the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result; the middle range typically including the target result; the lower range typically including results that are lower than the target result.
  • a student can specify a non-monetary reward.
  • a student can specify a preferred reward including any one or more of the following:
  • the processor element is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor device, the support interface enabling a supporter to pledge a reward associated with the target result.
  • the processor element is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor device, the support interface enabling a supporter to pledge a reward associated at least one of the plurality of result ranges.
  • a sponsor can pledge a non-monetary reward:
  • a sponsor can pledge any one or more of the followi ng:
  • a method of providing an educational incentive to a student including the steps of:
  • the method further includes the step of: using the target result to generate three adjacent result ranges; the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result; the middle range typ ically including the target result; the lower range typically including results that are lower than the target result.
  • the method further includes the step of: receiving, from the student, data indicative of a preferred reward for each result range.
  • the method further includes the step of: receiving, from a sponsor via the support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a result range associated wi th a selected student.
  • the method further includes the step of: receiving, from the student, data indicative of invi ted sponsors.
  • the method further includes the step of: enables registering and ⁇ authenticating each student.
  • the method further includes the step of: enabling registering and authenticating of each sponsor.
  • the reward is a non-monetary reward.
  • the method further includes the step of: provi ding an apparatus according to any one of claims I to 10.
  • the method is being used by a student to incentivise an final result for a subject or course.
  • the apparatus and method enables registration of a player or user as herein described.
  • the apparatus and method enables registration of a supporter as herein described.
  • a user access interface for a processor device the processor device being adapted to prov ide an educational incentive, the processor device being coupleable to database having records of players and supporters; the interface comprising: a control program adapted to perform a method as herein described.
  • the user access interface enables registration of a player or user as herein described.
  • the user access interface enables registration of a supporter as herein described.
  • a computer program product stored on a computer usable medium, the computer program product adapted to provide a method of providing an educational incentive as herein described.
  • the computer program enables registration of a player or user as herein described.
  • the computer program enables registration of a supporter as herein described.
  • FIG. l shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of player registration
  • FI G. 2 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of supporting a player
  • FI G. 3 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of presenting a
  • FI G. 4 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of presenting a
  • FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F show embodiment website pages associated with method steps for player registration
  • FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F show embodiment website pages associated with method steps for supporter registration
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student.
  • FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of an embodiment method of providing an
  • Three Fat Carrots Three Fat Carrots is an interactive, online game designed to reward students studying for a particular qualification, certification or achievement. In the pilot phase, the focus will be on students across Australia studying for the Higher School Certificate/IB, however the game is easily adaptable for students at all levels of education.
  • the Game The premise of the game is that students should be rewarded for their study achievements with cash or other reward incentives. Much in the same way a worker in an organisation is rewarded wi th a bonus when they meet or exceed KPI ' s.
  • the set-up of some bonus systems means that a worker can miss out altogether on a bonus even if they worked hard and came close to meeting their objectives but didn't quite get there. This isn't a particularly motivating or secure way of being rewarded for hard work.
  • the difference with Three Fat Carrots is that the game challenges students to do their best while keeping them safe at the same time, by dangling three carrots. Alternatively a student can go out on a limb and choose to play the game with one reward only for one result (or higher).
  • the two different ways to play the game are detailed below: i. Three different results - three rewards
  • the lower range - the FAT carrot - will contain a reward less lucrative than the FATTER carrot. This range of results is below w-hat the student expects (or hopes) to achieve. I n this range the student will still be rewarded because they worked hard and deserve to be recognized for their achievements.
  • the followi ng scopes or ranges are established. Noting that the target mark is set in the upper middle range. There are three ranges.
  • a target score of 86 is entered during registration, then the following scope or range will be established. Noting that the target mark is set in the lower end of the range - there is only one range presented. FATTEST 86 or higher
  • General Players Rules can be any one or more of the followi ng: 1. Players registers personal details on the website.
  • Supporters will be able to either contribute cash towards each target mark range - or they may offer the entire carrot. Supporters can also offer their own made up carrots depending on their imagination, to be assigned to each of the three results ranges.
  • general supporter rules can be any one or more of the following: 1. Supporters will either be invited to become a supporter by a student or they will need to search our registered participants to see if who they are looking for is registered wi th us,
  • FIG. 1 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of player registration.
  • FI G. 2 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of supporting a player.
  • FI G. 3 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of presenting a scoreboard.
  • FI G. 4 shows a flow chart for a n embodiment method of presenting a website.
  • FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F method steps are shown for player registration as taught through implementation of an embodiment website (by way of example only) .
  • FIG. 5A shows an example webpage for : Step 1: YOUR DETAI LS To start playing Three Fat Carrots we need to know a little about you so we can get you registered as a player. Enter your details below: x First name
  • FIG. 5B shows an exam ple webpage for : STEP 2: SET A TARGET
  • FIG. 5C shows an example webpage for : STEP 3: SET YOUR REWARDS - Three results, three rewards Now the fun begins! This is where you nominate the rewards you'd love to receive depending on. how well you do in your studies. Using the target score you set yourself in Step 2 we have calculated three scaled ranges for your final result to fall within. These are the reward ranges known as fat, fatter and fattest carrot and you can choose between cash or a reward of your choice for each of the carrot ranges below. The fatter the carrot (that is, the higher your target) the juicier the rewards should be. You might already have specific rewards in mind or perhaps you need a little inspiration. In the next step, you'll invite supporters to pledge to give you the rewards you have nominated however they will also have the option to choose their own rewards if they want to.
  • Cash Reward option Enter the cash amount you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or within the above fat carrot range.
  • Reward of my choice option Enter the name, description and estimated value of the reward you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or within the above fatter carrot range.
  • FIG. 5D shows an example webpage for : an alternative STEP 3: SET YOUR REWARDS - One result, one reward
  • Reward of my choice option Enter the name, description and estimated value of the reward you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or 5 within the above fattest carrot range.
  • FI G. 5E shows an example webpage for : STEP 4- INVI TE SUPPORTERS.
  • FIG. 5F shows an example webpage for :STEP 5: THANK YOU Thank you for registering to play Three Fat Carrots. Your supporters will now be contacted and. sent details on how they can support you. I n the meantime click here to check out your scoreboard. Three Fat Carrots wishes you the best of luck in your study endeavours and may the fa ttest ca rrot be you rs !
  • FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F method steps are shown for supporter registration as taught through implementation of an embodiment website (by way of example only) .
  • FIG. 6A shows an example webpage for : Step 1 : Search To support a student registered with Three Fat Carrots, please enter their details below.
  • Search for a student Enter either the student's first name and last name, email address or school name
  • FIG. 6B shows an example webpage for : Step 2: Your details
  • FIG. 6C shows an example webpage for : Step 3: Provide I nspiration - Three results, three rewards
  • FIG. 6D shows an example webpage for an alternative: Step 3: Provide
  • FIG. 6E shows an example webpage for Step 4: Leave a message
  • FIG. 6F shows an example webpage for Step 5: Thank you. Thank you for choosing to support a player. Not only will your support give your player an added incentive to work hard and motivate them to achieve the very best they can, it is also a fun and visible way for you to be involved in their education. Details of your support have been sent to the player.
  • the il lustrated apparatus and method can provide an educational incentive to a registered student.
  • the granges of results used can be calculated on the basis of the range of available results and the students target result.
  • the followi ng ranges can be defined (using Microsoft Excel language).
  • Target Mark For a Target Mark (TAR) between 13 - 45, the following ranges can be defined (using Microsoft Excel language)
  • FIG. 7 shows an apparatus 100 for providing an educational incentive to a student.
  • the apparatus 100 includes: a processor element 110 coupleable to a database module 112, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
  • the processor element being coupleable to a server module 114 for presenting an incentive interface to the student device 120 over a data network 130 and to initiate an incentive program.
  • the student can transmit incentive data in the form of a target result.
  • the student can then specify a preferred reward for reaching or exceeding this target result.
  • the processor can use the target result to calculate three adjacent result ranges, that are about the target result, that a final result may fall wi thin.
  • the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result, can be associated with a preferred major reward.
  • the middle range typically including the target result, can be associated with a preferred reward.
  • the lower range typically being including results that are lower than the target result, can be associated with a preferred minor reward.
  • each reward can be selected from any one or more of the following:
  • x a monetary reward ; and/or x a specified charity donation; and/or x a tangible non-monetary incentive; and/or x a non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
  • the studeni can use the interface to specify the final result (and any supporting evidence) for claiming any supported rewards.
  • a student can invite sponsors by providing contact details such as email addresses.
  • the server then, send an invitation to each nominated sponsor.
  • the invitation can include (visible and/or embedded) details of the associated student. This association can be pre-established (or pre-associated.) wi th the sponsor at registration.
  • the student can be registered. ⁇
  • FIG. 7 further shows an apparatus too for enabling a sponsor 145 of the student 125 to sponsor an educational incentive.
  • Tbe apparatus 100 includes: a processor element 1.10 coupleable to a database module .112, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
  • the processor element being coupleable to a server 114 that is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network 130 to a sponsor device 140 and to register a sponsor of an incentive program.
  • a sponsor can select an incentive program established by (or associated with) a student, and pledge a reward for that student reaching a target result and or a target range.
  • the sponsor can pledge any one or more of the following: x a preferred reward select ed by the student; and/or x a cash contribution toward a preferred reward selected by the student; and/or x a sponsor specified monetary reward ; and/or x a sponsor specified charity donation; and/or x a sponsor specified tangible non-monetary incentive; and/or x a sponsor specified non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
  • the database retains details of all pledged rewards and associate target result and/or result range.
  • Multiple sponsors can sponsor a student and/or target result (or result range).
  • the target result (or result range) can typically be student or sponsor specified.
  • a sponsor can sponsor multiple students.
  • the suppoit interface can identity all associated students (for exam ple, any one or more of the following: currently sponsored,; previ ously sponsored, previously visited or previously selected) which is recorded in the database.
  • the apparatus can be used in provi ding a method of providi ng an educational incentive to a student. It will be appreciated that a plurality of registered sponsors 145 can access the suppoit interface.
  • any pledged rewards associated wi th a result (or result range) that is satisfied by the final result can be claimed.
  • an interface is presented through a web interface that is vi ewable on a: laptop, netbook, personal computer, tablet devi ce, mobile phone, a cell phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant or other electronic interface devices.
  • a software application can be provi ded for facilitating presentation of the respective interface.
  • an interface can be tailored for mobile or handheld devices, for example using style sheets.
  • an interface can be a custom interface presented by the respective interface element.
  • the processor element can use a web server 114 to present .
  • A. registered member typically accesses the respective interface in the form of a web interface presented by a server (or web server) 114.
  • a member can be authenticated prior to accessi ng a respective interface.
  • FIG. 7 teaches a client-server environment distributed across a data network, such as the World Wide Web (the Web), in which an online portion of each interface may take place.
  • the architecture of the data network follows a conventional client-server model.
  • client and “serv er” are used to refer to a computer's general role as a requester of data (the client) or provider of data (the server)-
  • a web client 120,140 and Web servers 1.10 and web server module 114) communicate using a protocol such as HvperText Transfej- Protocol (HTTP).
  • HTTP HvperText Transfej- Protocol
  • Web browsers can reside on clients and render Web documents (pages) served by the Web servers.
  • the client-server model is used to communicate
  • FIG. 8 shows a method 200 of providing an educational incentive to a student. The method includes the steps of:
  • STEP 2io a student, vi a a student interface, specifies a target result
  • STEP: 220 optional: using the target result, the apparatus generation of one or more (for exam pie, three) result ranges;
  • STEP 230 the student specifies a preferred reward for each result or result range
  • STEP 240 the student invites sponsors
  • STEP 250 a sponsor, via a support interface, make a reward pledge for a result or result range associated with a selected student;
  • FIG. 8 shows a method 200 of providing an educational incentive to a student.
  • the method includes the steps of:
  • STEP 210 receiving, from a student via a student interface, data indicative of a target result
  • STEP: 220 optional: using the target result, generating one or more (for example, three) result ranges;
  • STEP: 230 receiving, from the student, data indicative of preferred
  • STEP 240 receiving, from the student, data indicative of invited sponsors
  • STEP 250 receivi ng, from a sponsor vi a a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a result or result range associated with a selected student;
  • STEP: 260 receiving, from the student, data indicative a final result and determining earned rewards.
  • the data indicative of a preferred reward can indicate a non-monetary reward (tangible or intangible).
  • the method can further include registration and authentication of each student and/ or sponsor. Typically each student and/ or support will also be authenticated prior to using a respective interface.
  • a student and/or sponsor can maintain and/or receive a secure online scoreboard for viewing, sharing and tracking progress.
  • earned rewards are automatically determined and identified to the student and/or supporter.
  • the disclosed method and apparatus provides an ed ucational incentive to a student by way of maintaining records of one or more pledged rewards that can be earned.
  • the method and apparatus can be used by a student to incentivise achieving an final result or mark for a subject, course or degree.
  • the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in serv er-client network envi ronment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment
  • a server or a client machine in serv er-client network envi ronment or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment
  • a server or a client machine in serv er-client network envi ronment or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment
  • each of the methods described herein is in the form of a com puter-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors.
  • processor may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory.
  • a "computer” or a “computing machine” or a “computing platform” may include one or more processors.
  • the methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine- readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwi se) that specify actions to be taken is included.
  • Coupled when used in the claims, should not be interpreted, as being limitative to direct connections only.
  • the terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.
  • the scope of the expression a device A coupled, to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devi ces or means.
  • Coupled may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.
  • embodiment means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.
  • appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment.
  • the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
  • an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein.
  • an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein.
  • the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive to a student. The apparatus including: a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsor; the processor element being coupleable to a server module for presenting an incentive interface to the student device over a data network and to initiate an incentive program; wherein the incentive interface enables recording, in the database, a target result for a student and one or more rewards being associated with achieving the target result. The apparatus uses the target result, to generate a plurality of result ranges. The student, or a sponsor, can specifying one or more rewards for each result range.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN EDUCATIONAL
INCENTIVE
FI ELD OF THE I NVENTI ON The present invention relates to education and in particular to apparatus for education incentivisation. The invention has been developed primarily for use as a apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.
BACKGROUND OF THE I NVENTI ON
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.
OBJECT OF THE I NVENTI ON
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disad vantages of the prior art, or to provi de a useful alternative.
It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide an apparatus and method for provi ding an educational incentive.
SUMMARY OF THE I NVENTI ON
According to a aspect of the invention there is provi ded an apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provi ded an apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student, the apparatus including: a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
the processor element being coupleable to a server module for presenting an incentive interface to the student device over a data network and to initiate an incentive program.
Preferably, a student can specify a preferred reward including any one or more of the following:
x a monetary reward ; and/or x a specified charity donation; and/or x a tangible non-monetary incentive; and/or x a non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student, the apparatus including: a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database, module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
the processor element being coupleable to a server that is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor devi ce and to register a sponsor of an incentive program. Preferably, a sponsor can pledge any one or more of the following: x · a preferred reward selected by the student; and/or x · a cash contribution toward a preferred reward selected by the student; and/ or x a sponsor specified monetary reward ; and/or x a sponsor specified charity donation; and/or x a sponsor specified, tangible non-monetary- incentive; and/or x a sponsor specified non-tangible non-monetary incentive. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing an educational incentive to a student. The method includes the steps of: receiving, from a student via a student interface, data indicative of a target result (alternatively, a sponsor can provi de data indicative of a target result); receivi ng, from a sponsor via a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge associated with a selected student; and
receiving, from the student, data indicative a final result for determining earned rewards. Preferably, the method further includes the step of using the target result, generating one or more (for example, three) result ranges. Preferably, the method further includes the step of receiving, from the student, data indicative of preferred reward(s) for each result or result range. Preferably, the method further includes the step of receivi ng, from the student, data indicative of invited sponsors. Preferably, the method further includes the step of receiving, from a sponsor via a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a result or result range associated with a selected student.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student, the apparatus including:
a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsor;
the processor element being coupleable to a server module for presenting an . incentive interface to the student device over a data network and to initiate an incentive program;
wherein the incentive interface enables recording, in the database, a target result for a student and one or more rewards being associated with
achievi ng the target result. Preferably, the incentive interface enables a student to specify a target result and one or more preferred rewards.
Preferably, the processor element uses the target result to generate a plurality of result ranges; the student specifying one or more preferred rewards for each result range.
Preferably, the processor element uses the target result to generate three adjacent result ranges; the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result; the middle range typically including the target result; the lower range typically including results that are lower than the target result.
Preferably, a student can specify a non-monetary reward.
Preferably, a student can specify a preferred reward including any one or more of the following:
a monetary reward ;
a specified charity donation;
a tangible non-monetary incentive; and
a non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
Preferably, the processor element is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor device, the support interface enabling a supporter to pledge a reward associated with the target result.
Preferably, the processor element is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor device, the support interface enabling a supporter to pledge a reward associated at least one of the plurality of result ranges.
Preferably, a sponsor can pledge a non-monetary reward:
Preferably, a sponsor can pledge any one or more of the followi ng:
a preferred reward selected by a student;
a cash contribution toward a preferred reward selected by a student; any specified monetary reward;
any specified charity donation;
any specified tangible non-monetary incentive; and
any specified non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing an educational incentive to a student, the method including the steps of:
receivi ng, from a student vi a a student interface, data indicative of a target result;
receiving, from a sponsor vi a a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge associated with a selected student;
receiving, from the student, data indicative a final result for determining earned rewards.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of: using the target result to generate three adjacent result ranges; the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result; the middle range typ ically including the target result; the lower range typically including results that are lower than the target result.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of: receiving, from the student, data indicative of a preferred reward for each result range.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of: receiving, from a sponsor via the support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a result range associated wi th a selected student.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of: receiving, from the student, data indicative of invi ted sponsors.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of: enables registering and ^ authenticating each student.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of: enabling registering and authenticating of each sponsor.
Preferably, the reward is a non-monetary reward. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: provi ding an apparatus according to any one of claims I to 10.
Preferably, the method is being used by a student to incentivise an final result for a subject or course.
Preferably, the apparatus and method enables registration of a player or user as herein described.
Preferably, the apparatus and method enables registration of a supporter as herein described.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a user access interface for a processor device, the processor device being adapted to prov ide an educational incentive, the processor device being coupleable to database having records of players and supporters; the interface comprising: a control program adapted to perform a method as herein described.
Preferably, the user access interface enables registration of a player or user as herein described.
Preferably, the user access interface enables registration of a supporter as herein described.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product stored on a computer usable medium, the computer program product adapted to provide a method of providing an educational incentive as herein described.
Preferably, the computer program enables registration of a player or user as herein described.
Preferably, the computer program enables registration of a supporter as herein described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. l shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of player registration;
FI G. 2 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of supporting a player;
FI G. 3 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of presenting a
scoreboard;
FI G. 4 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of presenting a
website;
FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F, show embodiment website pages associated with method steps for player registration;
FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F, show embodiment website pages associated with method steps for supporter registration;
FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment apparatus for providing an educational incentive to a student; and
FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of an embodiment method of providing an
educational incentive to a student. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The invention will be described with respect to an interactive incentivisation apparatus and method "Three Fat Carrots" (or three incentive rewards) presented as an online game designed to reward students.
Three Fat Carrots Three Fat Carrots is an interactive, online game designed to reward students studying for a particular qualification, certification or achievement. In the pilot phase, the focus will be on students across Australia studying for the Higher School Certificate/IB, however the game is easily adaptable for students at all levels of education.
Registering as a player on the website, a student sets themselves up by choosing one of two ways in which they may play the game and nominate the cash and other reward incentives they want to get depending on the result they achieve. Once a player is registered they will then invite family members and friends to formally sponsor them by wagering cash or other rewards depending on the result they actually achieve.
Sponsorship gives students an added incentive to work hard and motivates them to achieve the very best they can. It's also a tun way for family and friends to become involved in the student's education.
The Game The premise of the game is that students should be rewarded for their study achievements with cash or other reward incentives. Much in the same way a worker in an organisation is rewarded wi th a bonus when they meet or exceed KPI 's. The set-up of some bonus systems means that a worker can miss out altogether on a bonus even if they worked hard and came close to meeting their objectives but didn't quite get there. This isn't a particularly motivating or secure way of being rewarded for hard work. The difference with Three Fat Carrots is that the game challenges students to do their best while keeping them safe at the same time, by dangling three carrots. Alternatively a student can go out on a limb and choose to play the game with one reward only for one result (or higher). The two different ways to play the game are detailed below: i. Three different results - three rewards
When registering wi th this game option, students will enter a target score (what they can reasonably expect to achieve). Once entered, the target score will automatically be scaled by the website into three possible scopes of scores for the student's final score to fall within, and each scope is represented by a carrot name: The highest range - the FATTEST carrot - will typically feature the most lucrative reward. This range is a result beyond what the student hopes to achieve.
> The middle range - the FATTER carrot - will contain a reward less lucrative than the FATTEST carrot. The result the student expects (or hopes) to achieve wi ll fall within this range.
The lower range - the FAT carrot - will contain a reward less lucrative than the FATTER carrot. This range of results is below w-hat the student expects (or hopes) to achieve. I n this range the student will still be rewarded because they worked hard and deserve to be recognized for their achievements.
For example, if a target score of 8o is entered during registration then the followi ng scopes or ranges are established. Noting that the target mark is set in the upper middle range. There are three ranges.
> FAT 68-73
FATTER 74-80
FATTEST 81-86 By havi ng three ranges for the final score to fall within, students are challenged in a non-threatening way because the reward ranges are set based on the result the student believes they can achieve, but they can still be rewarded even if they don't achieve the result they bad hoped to achieve. Supporters of a student will have the opportunity to show their support in one of three ways:
> Promise to provi de in full the FAT, FATTER & FATTEST carrots the student has chosen as their reward;
> Make a cash contribution to the three carrot ranges; or
> Create their own rewards for each of the three carrot ranges. The carrot that the final score falls within will entitle the student to receive what each supporter has promised to give them.
2. One results - one reward This game playing strategy is for students who believe they know what their final score will be and like to play with an 'all or nothing' attitude. Students will be required to set a target score, and what they would like to receive as a reward if they achieve that score or above.
For example, if a target score of 86 is entered during registration, then the following scope or range will be established. Noting that the target mark is set in the lower end of the range - there is only one range presented. FATTEST 86 or higher
As with the three different results, three different rewards game playing option, supporters can choose to offer the student the reward they want in full, offer a cash contribution or nominate a reward of their own choosing. Only if the score is achieved wi ll the student receive what each supporter has promised them.
Of course it is inspiring and motivati ng to be tempted wi th cash and other reward incentives for the level of achievement reached but the point is not that the student achieves what they set out to achieve, but that they were inspired to learn and strived to do their best in their area of study. The real reward is the gift of education, and. the many avenues of opportunity good education can bring. What is also important is the visible support a student receives from their family and friends, underscoring the. belief the supporters have in the student.
General Players Rules By way of example, general player rules can be any one or more of the followi ng: 1. Players registers personal details on the website.
2. Enter what qualification/ certification they are studying towards.
3. Enter the date of study com pletion and the date that the results are
published.
4. Set a target score equal to or between 40 - too.
5. Once a target score has been entered, three target mark ranges will be automatically calculated for the player to assign rewards to. These three ranges will have FAT, FATTER & FATTEST carrots assigned to them.
6. Players have the opportunity to invite potential supporters to support
them. It is also possible for potential supporters to search for players through a search function on the website and begin the official supporters process. All supporters engaging the official supporter process this way will need to have their details verified by the student, before they can complete the supporter process and assign cash or gift incentives to them. 7. When a player is advised by us that they have a supporter waiting to be . verified they will have seven days to allow them access or the request to support them will be cancelled. After seven days the supporter process will need to start again, and can be done by either the supporter or the player can invite supporters by invi ting supporters from their scoreboard. 8. Once the three fat carrots ranges have been set on the website, a cash
reward or a gift of the player's choice can be assigned to each range.
Supporters will be able to either contribute cash towards each target mark range - or they may offer the entire carrot. Supporters can also offer their own made up carrots depending on their imagination, to be assigned to each of the three results ranges.
Students need to enter their actual results on our site and upload a photograph of their official results as evidence. This needs to happen wi thin 28 days of results being published or the player profile wi ll be deleted and all supporters' rewards will automatically be cancelled.
When students successfully prove through our website that they have reached one of their three pre-set targets, Three Fat Carrots will notify supporters of the results achieved and their obligation to fulfil their end of their contract with the player and furnish them with the cash or gift incentive as agreed by them.
General Supporter Rides
By way of example, general supporter rules can be any one or more of the following: 1. Supporters will either be invited to become a supporter by a student or they will need to search our registered participants to see if who they are looking for is registered wi th us,
2. All supporters who wish to sponsor a student which they have searched for and found on our site will need to have their details verified by the student before they can complete the supporter registration process.
3. Once a supporter has been verified and allowed access to a student
profile, they wi ll be able to choose how they would like to configure their rewards from the followi ng three options:
o Offer the student one or all of their carrots in full (depending on what target is achieved)
o Make a cash contribution (depending on what target is achieved) o Set rewards of their own choice (depending on what target is achieved) 4. Supporters wi ll leave a message of encouragement for the student to see.
5. Three Fat Carrots will notify the supporter when the student has
completed his/her study and they have uploaded their results on our website. It will then be up to the sponsor to ensure they fulfill their end of the contract by furnishing the player wi th the Carrot they are obligated to provi de them with i.e. provide the play wi th either Fat, Fatter, or Fattest Carrot depending on how high their result is.
Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, embodiment methods for implementing aspect of the reward apparatus are taught by way of example only. FI G. 1 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of player registration. FI G. 2 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of supporting a player. FI G. 3 shows a flow chart for an embodiment method of presenting a scoreboard. FI G. 4 shows a flow chart for a n embodiment method of presenting a website.
Three Fat Carrots Interface
Player Registration
Referring to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F, method steps are shown for player registration as taught through implementation of an embodiment website (by way of example only) .
FIG. 5A shows an example webpage for : Step 1: YOUR DETAI LS To start playing Three Fat Carrots we need to know a little about you so we can get you registered as a player. Enter your details below: x First name
x Middle name
x Last name
x Sex x Age
x Email
x Confirm Email
x Type a password
x Confirm password
x Secret question
x Secret answer
x Are you a student from: Within Australia or Outside Australia? x: What year are you in?
FIG. 5B shows an exam ple webpage for : STEP 2: SET A TARGET
Now that you're a player, we need to know what you are studying for. It might be the HSC bu t you can play even if you are studying for somethi ng else. When you set your target, be sure you have given it some thought beforehand. Your target should be what you hope and believe you can achieve. Then you choose how y ou want to play the game. x What are you studying for? ATAR OP OBDP or Other
x Set your target score between i & 99.95
x Expected date of completion of your exams
X When will your official results be available?
x How do you want to play the game?
o Three results, three rewards: Choose this option if you would like to have the target score you entered calculated into three scaled ranges for your ft nal result to fall within
o One result, one reward: Choose this option if you would like to be rewarded only if you reach the target mark you enter or higher. This option is suitable for those students who wi sh to challenge themselves with an all or nothing modus operandi
FIG. 5C shows an example webpage for : STEP 3: SET YOUR REWARDS - Three results, three rewards Now the fun begins! This is where you nominate the rewards you'd love to receive depending on. how well you do in your studies. Using the target score you set yourself in Step 2 we have calculated three scaled ranges for your final result to fall within. These are the reward ranges known as fat, fatter and fattest carrot and you can choose between cash or a reward of your choice for each of the carrot ranges below. The fatter the carrot (that is, the higher your target) the juicier the rewards should be. You might already have specific rewards in mind or perhaps you need a little inspiration. In the next step, you'll invite supporters to pledge to give you the rewards you have nominated however they will also have the option to choose their own rewards if they want to.
Cash Reward option : Enter the cash amount you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or within the above fat carrot range.
Reward of my choice option: Enter the name, description and estimated value of the reward you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or within the above fatter carrot range.
User then enters Reward name, reward description and estimated cash value.
FIG. 5D shows an example webpage for : an alternative STEP 3: SET YOUR REWARDS - One result, one reward
Now the fun begins! This is where you nominate the reward you'd love to receive depending on how well you do in your studies. Using the target score you set yourself in Step 2 only one reward range has been set. This is one fat carrot and the reward should be just as juicy if you achieve your target score or above. You can choose between cash or a reward of your choice. You might already have a specific reward in mind or perhaps you need a little inspiration. I n the next step, you'll invite supporters to pledge to give you the reward you have nominated however they will also have the option to choose their own reward if they want to. Cash Reward option: Enter the cash amount you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or within the above fattest carrot range.
Reward of my choice option: Enter the name, description and estimated value of the reward you'd like to receive should you achieve a result that is equal to or 5 within the above fattest carrot range.
User then enters Reward name, reward description and estimated cash value.
FI G. 5E shows an example webpage for : STEP 4- INVI TE SUPPORTERS.
Here's where you invite the people in your life to formally sponsor and support you while you're studying. Your supporters will receive an email on your behalf
I o i nviting them to become your supporter and they will have the opportunity to support you by agreeing to reward, you with your nominated carrots depending on what your final result is or they can choose to support you by nominating their own carrots. What's more you can choose as many supporters as you want to have, and the more supporters you have the more rewards will be on offer and is the greater the incentive to study.
Enter supporter details below: First name
Last name
> Email
20 Relationship
Leave a message here for your supporters The box on the right "My supporters" will display the list of supporters the player creates.
FIG. 5F shows an example webpage for :STEP 5: THANK YOU Thank you for registering to play Three Fat Carrots. Your supporters will now be contacted and. sent details on how they can support you. I n the meantime click here to check out your scoreboard. Three Fat Carrots wishes you the best of luck in your study endeavours and may the fa ttest ca rrot be you rs !
Supporter Registration
Referring to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F, method steps are shown for supporter registration as taught through implementation of an embodiment website (by way of example only) .
FIG. 6A shows an example webpage for : Step 1 : Search To support a student registered with Three Fat Carrots, please enter their details below.
Search for a student: Enter either the student's first name and last name, email address or school name
Click on "support me" next to the player's name you searched for in the results below, to start to have your details verified with them (this must be done to complete the supporter registration process. If the student's name that you're searching for does not show in the results below, they have not yet registered with Three Fat Carrots. Click here to inform them of our website.
FIG. 6B shows an example webpage for : Step 2: Your details
Before you can support a player we need to know a little about you. It is the policy of Three Fat. Carrots that every supporter must be verified by the player before registration can be completed. Once you have been verified you wi ll be invited to complete your support for the student. Enter your details below: x First name
x Last name
x Sex
x Age
x Email
x Confirm Email
x Relationship to student
x Country you live in: Australia or outside Australia
x Verification: Click the button below to notify the student that you wi sh to support them. You will be notified by email once your details have been verified by them and provided with a link to complete the supporter verification process. VERTFY MY DETAILS
FIG. 6C shows an example webpage for : Step 3: Provide I nspiration - Three results, three rewards
When students register with Three Fat Carrots they set themselves a target score. This target score is then used to calculate three scaled ranges for the student's fmal result to fall within. These become the reward ranges known as fat carrot, fatter carrot and fattest carrot. So the fatter the carrot, the higher the result needs to be. And the higher the result a student can achieve, the more they should, be rewarded. The table below shows the rewards your student has nominated to receive based on the result they will actually achieve, along with the dollar val ue of each .
Now it is up to you to choose how you would like to support and reward the student for their study achievements. You have three support options within each of the three reward ranges. How would you like to inspire this student? x Support player with whole carrot: Choose this option if you want to support the student by offering to give them in full the reward they have nominated, if their final result falls within this fat carrot range,
x Offer a rash incentive: Choose this option if you want to inspire the student by offering them a cash reward if thei r final result falls within this fat carrot range.
x Choose my own carrot: Choose this option if you're feeling creative and
would like to inspire the student with a reward you have personally chosen for this fat carrot range. Keep in mind that the aim is to encourage students to do their very best. So make sure the carrot you dangle is juicy enough to inspire and keep the student focused on their studies.
Let other supporters of this player see my incentives OR Keep my incentives between me and the player only
FIG. 6D shows an example webpage for an alternative: Step 3: Provide
Inspiration - One result, one reward
When a player registers, they set themselves a target score. The target is what they hope and believe they can achieve. I n this instance only one reward range has been set because the player chosen to play for one result, one reward. Yoirr player has already chosen the reward they want to receive according to the result they achieve. You may choose to sponsor the player wi th their chosen reward (if another supporter has not already snapped it up) or you may choose your own incentive. When choosing your own incentive, remember the aim is to encourage and inspire students to do their very best. So make sure the carrot you dangle is juicy enough to inspire a player and keep them focused on their studies. How would you like to inspire this player? x Support player with whole carrot: Choose this option to provide the student with what they've chosen as their reward if they achieve their target score or higher.
x Provide a cash incenti ve: Choose this option if you want to inspire the student by offeri ng them a cash reward if they achieve thei r target score or higher.
x · Choose my own carrot: Choose this option if you're feeling creative and would like to i nspire the student with a reward you have personally chosen, Keep in mind that the aim is to encourage students to do their veiy best. So make sure the car rot you dangle is juicy enough to inspire and keep the student focused on their studies.
Let other supporters of this player see my incentives OR Keep my incentives between me and the player only FIG. 6E shows an example webpage for Step 4: Leave a message
Here, you can leave a few words of encouragement for your player to see when they receive your sponsorship. SUBMIT
FIG. 6F shows an example webpage for Step 5: Thank you. Thank you for choosing to support a player. Not only will your support give your player an added incentive to work hard and motivate them to achieve the very best they can, it is also a fun and visible way for you to be involved in their education. Details of your support have been sent to the player.
You may now check out the player's scoreboard or you may wash to support another student. it wi ll be appreciated that the il lustrated apparatus and method can provide an educational incentive to a registered student.
Ranges of results
By way of example, the granges of results used can be calculated on the basis of the range of available results and the students target result.
For a Target Mark between 30 - 100, the followi ng ranges can be defined (using Microsoft Excel language).
Figure imgf000022_0001
For a Target Mark (TAR) between 13 - 45, the following ranges can be defined (using Microsoft Excel language)
Figure imgf000023_0001
FIG. 7 shows an apparatus 100 for providing an educational incentive to a student. The apparatus 100 includes: a processor element 110 coupleable to a database module 112, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
the processor element being coupleable to a server module 114 for presenting an incentive interface to the student device 120 over a data network 130 and to initiate an incentive program.
I n this embodiment, the student can transmit incentive data in the form of a target result. The student can then specify a preferred reward for reaching or exceeding this target result.
In an embodiment, the processor can use the target result to calculate three adjacent result ranges, that are about the target result, that a final result may fall wi thin. The highest range, typically being including results that are higher than the target result, can be associated with a preferred major reward. The middle range, typically including the target result, can be associated with a preferred reward. The lower range, typically being including results that are lower than the target result, can be associated with a preferred minor reward.
it will be appreciated that, by way of example only, each reward can be selected from any one or more of the following:
x a monetary reward ; and/or x a specified charity donation; and/or x a tangible non-monetary incentive; and/or x a non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
The studeni can use the interface to specify the final result (and any supporting evidence) for claiming any supported rewards.
A student can invite sponsors by providing contact details such as email addresses. The server then, send an invitation to each nominated sponsor. The invitation can include (visible and/or embedded) details of the associated student. This association can be pre-established (or pre-associated.) wi th the sponsor at registration.
To maintain security and/or accuracy in the incentive data, the student can be registered. \
FIG. 7 further shows an apparatus too for enabling a sponsor 145 of the student 125 to sponsor an educational incentive. Tbe apparatus 100 includes: a processor element 1.10 coupleable to a database module .112, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsors;
the processor element being coupleable to a server 114 that is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network 130 to a sponsor device 140 and to register a sponsor of an incentive program.
I n use, by way of example only, a sponsor can select an incentive program established by (or associated with) a student, and pledge a reward for that student reaching a target result and or a target range. The sponsor can pledge any one or more of the following: x a preferred reward select ed by the student; and/or x a cash contribution toward a preferred reward selected by the student; and/or x a sponsor specified monetary reward ; and/or x a sponsor specified charity donation; and/or x a sponsor specified tangible non-monetary incentive; and/or x a sponsor specified non-tangible non-monetary incentive. The database retains details of all pledged rewards and associate target result and/or result range. Multiple sponsors can sponsor a student and/or target result (or result range). The target result (or result range) can typically be student or sponsor specified.
A sponsor can sponsor multiple students. The suppoit interface can identity all associated students (for exam ple, any one or more of the following: currently sponsored,; previ ously sponsored, previously visited or previously selected) which is recorded in the database. The apparatus can be used in provi ding a method of providi ng an educational incentive to a student. It will be appreciated that a plurality of registered sponsors 145 can access the suppoit interface.
Once the student specifies the final result (and any supporting evidence), any pledged rewards associated wi th a result (or result range) that is satisfied by the final result can be claimed.
It will be appreciated that the interfaces are typically presented through a data communication network. For example, an interface is presented through a web interface that is vi ewable on a: laptop, netbook, personal computer, tablet devi ce, mobile phone, a cell phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant or other electronic interface devices. A software application can be provi ded for facilitating presentation of the respective interface. In an example embodiment, an interface can be tailored for mobile or handheld devices, for example using style sheets. Alternatively, an interface can be a custom interface presented by the respective interface element.
I n this embodiment, the processor element can use a web server 114 to present . the student interface and/ or support interface via a web interface. A. registered member (student or sponsor) typically accesses the respective interface in the form of a web interface presented by a server (or web server) 114.
It will also be appreciated that software applications can be provided for presenting (or displaying) an interface, whereby the applications can make requests to the processor element no via an interface module 114 or
alternatively directly access the database 112. A member can be authenticated prior to accessi ng a respective interface.
It will be appreciated that FIG. 7 teaches a client-server environment distributed across a data network, such as the World Wide Web (the Web), in which an online portion of each interface may take place. The architecture of the data network follows a conventional client-server model. The terms "client" and "serv er" are used to refer to a computer's general role as a requester of data (the client) or provider of data (the server)- By way of an example only, a web client 120,140 and Web servers 1.10 (and web server module 114) communicate using a protocol such as HvperText Transfej- Protocol (HTTP). I n the Web environment, Web browsers can reside on clients and render Web documents (pages) served by the Web servers. The client-server model is used to communicate
information between clients and servers. Web servers are coupled to the data network (for example the Internet) and respond to document requests and/or other queries from Web clients. When a user selects a document by submitting its Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a Web browser opens a connection to a server and initiates a request (e.g., an HTTP get) for the document. The server delivers the requested document, typically in the form of a text document coded in a standard mark-up language such as HvperText Markup Language (HTML). FIG. 8 shows a method 200 of providing an educational incentive to a student. The method includes the steps of:
STEP: 2io a student, vi a a student interface, specifies a target result;
STEP: 220 optional: using the target result, the apparatus generation of one or more (for exam pie, three) result ranges;
STEP: 230 the student specifies a preferred reward for each result or result range;
STEP: 240 the student invites sponsors;
STEP: 250 a sponsor, via a support interface, make a reward pledge for a result or result range associated with a selected student;
STEP: 260 the student specifies a final result and can collect earned
rewards.
FIG. 8 shows a method 200 of providing an educational incentive to a student. The method includes the steps of:
STEP: 210 receiving, from a student via a student interface, data indicative of a target result;
STEP: 220 optional: using the target result, generating one or more (for example, three) result ranges;
STEP: 230 receiving, from the student, data indicative of preferred
reward(s) for each result or result range;
STEP: 240 receiving, from the student, data indicative of invited sponsors;
STEP: 250 receivi ng, from a sponsor vi a a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a result or result range associated with a selected student;
STEP: 260 receiving, from the student, data indicative a final result and determining earned rewards. It will be appreciated that the data indicative of a preferred reward can indicate a non-monetary reward (tangible or intangible).
It will be appreciated that the method can further include registration and authentication of each student and/ or sponsor. Typically each student and/ or support will also be authenticated prior to using a respective interface.
A student and/or sponsor can maintain and/or receive a secure online scoreboard for viewing, sharing and tracking progress.
Upon receivi ng data indicative a final result, earned rewards are automatically determined and identified to the student and/or supporter.
It would be appreciated that the disclosed method and apparatus provides an ed ucational incentive to a student by way of maintaining records of one or more pledged rewards that can be earned. The method and apparatus can be used by a student to incentivise achieving an final result or mark for a subject, course or degree.
Interpretation
It would be appreciated that, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carry ing out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment'ts an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.
In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in serv er-client network envi ronment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a com puter-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions. it is appreciated that throughout the specification, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining" or the like, can refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.
In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors. The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine- readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwi se) that specify actions to be taken is included.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".
Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term, "coupled", when used in the claims, should not be interpreted, as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled, to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devi ces or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.
As used herein, unless otherwi se specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred, to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of d ifferent embodiments are meant to be wi thin the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the ait. For example, in the followi ng claims, any of the claimed- embodiments can be used in any combination.
In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.
However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. I n other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTI ON ARE AS FOLLOWS:
An apparatus for provi ding an educational incentive to a student, the apparatus including: a processor element coupleable to a database module, the database module being adapted to retain a record of registered students and registered sponsor;
the processor element being coupleable to a server module for presenting an incentive interface to the student device over a data network and to initiate an incentive program;
wherein the incentive interface enables recording, in the database, a target result for a student and one or more rewards being associated with achieving the target result. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the incentive interface enables a student to specify a target result and one or more preferred rewards. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element uses the target result to generate a plurality of result ranges; the student specifying one or more preferred rewards for each result range. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element uses the target result to generate three adjacent result ranges; the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result; the middle range typically including the target result; the lower range typically including results that are lower than the target result. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a student can specify a non-monetary reward.
6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a student can specify a preferred reward including any one or more of the following: a monetary reward ;
a specified charity donation;
a tangible non-monetary incentive; and
a non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor device, the support interface enabling a supporter to pledge a reward associated with the target result.
8. The apparatus according to claim 3 or claim: 4, wherein the processor
element is adapted to present a support interface for presenting incentive data over a data network to a sponsor device, the support interface enabling a supporter to pledge a reward associated at least one of the plurality of result ranges.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wrberein a sponsor can pledge a non -monetary reward:
10. The apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein a sponsor can pledge any one or more of the following: a preferred reward selected by a student;
a cash contribution toward a preferred reward selected by a student; any specified monetary reward;
any specified charily donation;
any specified tangible non-monetary incentive; and
any specified non-tangible non-monetary incentive.
11. A method of providing an educational incentive to a student, the method including the steps of: receiving, from a student via a student interface, data indicative of a target result;
receiving, from a sponsor via a support interface, data indicative of a reward pledge associated, with a selected student;
receiving, from the student, data indicative a final result for determining earned rewards.
12. The method according to claim u, further including the step of: using the target result to generate three adjacent result ranges; the highest range typically being including results that are higher than the target result; the middle range typically including the target result; the lower range typically including results that are lower than the target result.
13. The method according to claim 12, further including the step of: receiving, from the student, data indicative of a preferred reward for each result range.
14. The method according to claim 12 or claims 13, further including the step of: receivi ng, from a sponsor via the support i nterface, data indicative of a reward pledge for a. result range associated with a selected student.
15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further including the step of: receivi ng, from the student, data indicative of invited sponsors.
16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further including the step of: enables registering and authenticating each student.
17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, further including the step of: enabling registering and authenticating each sponsor.
18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the reward is a non-monetary reward.
19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, further including the step of: provi ding an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to to.
20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, when used, by a student to incentivise an final result for a subject or course.
PCT/AU2013/000643 2012-06-18 2013-06-18 Apparatus and method for providing an educational incentive WO2013188907A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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AU2012902535A AU2012902535A0 (en) 2012-06-18 Apparatus and Method for Providing Educational Incentive
AU2012902535 2012-06-18

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030028425A1 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-02-06 Zane Adam S. Method for increasing patronage to a sales enterprise through utilizing an award system
US20040091846A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-05-13 Via Training, L.L.C. E-learning incentive system, apparatus and methodology
US20100076776A1 (en) * 2008-09-22 2010-03-25 Michael Kopko Fundraising and Recruitment Methods

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030028425A1 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-02-06 Zane Adam S. Method for increasing patronage to a sales enterprise through utilizing an award system
US20040091846A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-05-13 Via Training, L.L.C. E-learning incentive system, apparatus and methodology
US20100076776A1 (en) * 2008-09-22 2010-03-25 Michael Kopko Fundraising and Recruitment Methods

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