Agent for guiding children in a virtual learning environment

Abstract

A method for guiding a young child, “user” (410), in a controlled virtual environment (400) is disclosed. The controlled virtual environment (400) is constructed by software when executed in a computer. A guardian establishes parameters and a user (410) is thereafter presented with the controlled environment which is governed, in part, by the guardian-provided parameters. Data is accumulated concerning interactions and movements of the user's selector device within the controlled environment. The user (410) is provided with guidance on the basis of the accumulated data (415), within the constraints of the parameters provided by the guardian. The guardian can be provided with reports concerning at least a portion of the accumulated data, for example, by electronic mail. The user can select a virtual environment to be displayed in the controlled environment, a visible “buddy” which can be used to provide the aforesaid guidance by communicating to the user, information processed by an intelligent agent software component; and engage in an activity that satisfies constraints or goals provided by the guardian.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.