CA3161235A1 - Systems, devices, and methods for a virtual live education and training platform - Google Patents

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods and systems for a virtual meeting platform is disclosed. A
method includes: receiving, at a processor, login data and course identification data, the login data representing an observer user, the course identification data being associated with a participant user; and presenting to the observer user, at an output device, a session corresponding to the course identification data for a pre-determined duration, upon receiving a request for the same. A method includes: receiving, at a processor, scheduling data associated with a user;
performing a search on one or more course data structures for one or more courses matching the scheduling data to return each matching course, the one or more course data structures each storing course data; and presenting to the user, at an output device, each matching course. A
method includes providing a multi-language feature.

Description

SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR A VIRTUAL LIVE EDUCATION AND
TRAINING PLATFORM
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to online platforms and, in particular, to online virtual meeting platforms.
BACKGROUND

[0002] The rapid growth of information technology has brought disruptive innovation to many industries. Among those affected, the education industry has experienced growth in online education services directed to providing remote tutoring or subject matter specific courses.

[0003] In this regard, many public and private colleges and universities have shifted at least in part to an online service delivery model to allow students greater flexibility in planning their academic journey. In doing so, course content directed to subjects like mathematics, engineering, science, technology, humanities, or the arts is made available to students that wish to access the resources of these institutions in an off-campus setting.

[0004] Similarly, many private education service providers are increasingly directed towards online tutoring or virtual skill-based courses. These businesses may seek to augment a student's primary learning, such as by offering private tutoring sessions to improve a student's grades and standing at a university, or offer vocational training to generally improve a user's job prospects.
In view of the significant competition faced by new entrants to the job market, vocational training can be instrumental in distinguishing oneself from other job applicants and securing meaningful employment.

[0005] Furthermore, the global COV1D-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to online education service delivery models for many institutions, with online platforms becoming paramount to the continued operation of colleges and universities in view of social distancing measures and public lockdowns. Consequently, remote learning with colleges, universities, or independent education service providers may become increasingly important as more students Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01 become acclimated to learning outside of brick-and-mortar classrooms and wish to attend college or university or acquire new knowledge or skills in a virtual setting.
SUMMARY
100061 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for providing access to a virtual meeting platform, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, login data and course identification data, the login data representing an observer user, the course identification data being associated with a participant user; and presenting to the observer user, at an output device, a session corresponding to the course identification data for a pre-determined duration, upon receiving a request for the same.
[0007] In some embodiments, the session comprises an audio output and a video output.
[0008] In some embodiments, the pre-determined duration is ten minutes.
100091 In some embodiments, the method further includes presenting a notification to a presenting user associated with the course identification data upon presenting to the temporary user the session, the notification being an alert that the temporary user is presented with the session.
[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes the presenting for two or more successive times.
100111 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for searching a virtual meeting platform, the method including: receiving, at a processor, scheduling data associated with a user; performing a search on one or more course data structures for one or more courses matching the scheduling data to return each matching course, the one or more course data structures each storing course data; and presenting to the user, at an output device, each matching course.
[0012] In some embodiments, the scheduling data includes at least one date and at least one time.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01 [0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving, at the processor, geolocation data associated with the user; and updating the scheduling data based on the geolocation data and before the matching is performed.
[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes: performing a search on the one or more course data structures for each similar course, each similar course within a threshold difference in scheduling than is represented by the scheduling data; and presenting to the user, at the output device, each similar course.
[0015] In some embodiments, the matching is an identical match.
100161 In some embodiments, the matching is an overlapping match.
100171 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for a virtual meeting platform with a multi-language feature, the method including:
receiving from each of at least one user, at a processor, a first user input denoting an audio output language and a second user input denoting a caption output language; receiving from a presenting user, at a processor, a presenting user input denoting an audio input language; for each user, converting an audio input from the presenting user to an audio output in the audio output language of the user and presenting the audio output to the user at an output device; and for each user, converting the audio input from the presenting user to a caption output in the caption output language of the user and presenting the caption output to the user at the output device.
[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes: authenticating each user and at least one presenting user using account login; permitting access by each user and each presenting user to a virtual session of a course; and receiving input from at least one presenting user and transmitting output to each user based on the input.
[0019] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented system for providing access to a virtual meeting platform, the system comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor, login data and course identification data, the login data representing an observer user, the course identification data being associated with a participant user;
and presenting to the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01 observer user, at an output device, a session corresponding to the course identification data for a pre-determined duration, upon receiving a request for the same.
[0020] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a set of machine-interpretable instructions, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform a method for providing access to a virtual meeting platform, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor, login data and course identification data, the login data representing an observer user, the course identification data being associated with a participant user; and presenting to the observer user, at an output device, a session corresponding to the course identification data for a pre-determined duration, upon receiving a request for the same.
100211 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented system for searching a virtual meeting platform, the system comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a method, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, scheduling data associated with a user; performing a search on one or more course data structures for one or more courses matching the scheduling data to return each matching course, the one or more course data structures each storing course data; and presenting to the user, at an output device, each matching course.
100221 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a set of machine-interpretable instructions, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform a method for searching a virtual meeting platform, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, scheduling data associated with a user; performing a search on one or more course data structures for one or more courses matching the scheduling data to return each matching course, the one or more course data structures each storing course data; and presenting to the user, at an output device, each matching course.
100231 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented system for a virtual meeting platform with a multi-language feature, the system comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a method, the method comprising:
receiving from each of at least one user, at a processor, a first user input denoting an audio output Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01 language and a second user input denoting a caption output language; receiving from a presenting user, at a processor, a presenting user input denoting an audio input language; for each user, converting an audio input from the presenting user to an audio output in the audio output language of the user and presenting the audio output to the user at an output device;
and for each user, converting the audio input from the presenting user to a caption output in the caption output language of the user and presenting the caption output to the user at the output device.
[0024] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a set of machine-interpretable instructions, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform a method for a virtual meeting platform with a multi-language feature, the method comprising: receiving from each of at least one user, at a processor, a first user input denoting an audio output language and a second user input denoting a caption output language;
receiving from a presenting user, at a processor, a presenting user input denoting an audio input language; for each user, converting an audio input from the presenting user to an audio output in the audio output language of the user and presenting the audio output to the user at an output device; and for each user, converting the audio input from the presenting user to a caption output in the caption output language of the user and presenting the caption output to the user at the output device.
100251 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for navigating a virtual meeting platform, comprising the steps of: registering an instructor user, wherein the instructor user uploads course content data and course scheduling data to create a course database containing course offerings; registering a student user, wherein the student user enters a search term, a target day, and a target time into a search interface;
determining a student user time zone from student user geolocation data and an instructor user time zone from instructor user geolocation data; converting the target day and the target time to Coordinated Universal Time based on the student user time zone to produce a target universal day and a target universal time; converting the course scheduling data in the course database to Coordinated Universal Time based on the instructor user time zone to produce universal course scheduling data; generating a list of course offerings from the course offerings in the course database based on at least partial matching of the search term to the course content data or of the target universal day or the target universal time to the universal course scheduling data;
registering the student Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

6 user for a preferred course offering from the list of course offerings;
attending a virtual session for the preferred course offering, wherein at least the student user attends the virtual session at a session timeslot based on the universal course scheduling data for the preferred course offering;
and translating the virtual session into a language of fluency.
100261 In some embodiments, the geolocation data is an IP address.
100271 In some embodiments, the list of course offerings presents a prioritized display based on a matching algorithm that determines a degree of matching between the search term and the course content data or the target universal day or the target universal time and the universal course scheduling data.
100281 In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of suggesting a popular search term to the student user.
[0029] In some embodiments, the search term, the target day, or the target time are entered into the search interface using a dropdown search term menu, a dropdown target day menu, or a dropdown target time menu.
[0030] In some embodiments, the list of course offerings is filtered based on a key term filter, a day filter, a time filter, or a level of complexity filter.
100311 In some embodiments, both the student user and the instructor user attend the virtual session at the session timeslot in real-time.
[0032] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of the instructor user or the student user selecting the language of fluency using a dropdown language menu.
100331 In some embodiments, translating the virtual session into the language of fluency occurs by translating audio or text from the virtual session into the language of fluency.
[0034] In some embodiments, translating the virtual session into the language of fluency uses SubRip Subtitle files or Web Video Text Tracks Format.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

7 [0035] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of providing descriptive audio or descriptive text in the language of fluency for the virtual session.
[0036] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of the student user grading the instructor user based on the virtual session.
100371 In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of:
registering an administrator user and registering an observer user, wherein the observer user has permission-based access to observe the virtual session at the session timeslot for an observation duration set by the administrator user; and ejecting the observer user from the virtual session upon expiry of the observation duration.
100381 In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of the observer user grading the instructor user based on the virtual session.
[0039] In some embodiments, the observer user surreptitiously accesses and observes the virtual session.
100401 In some embodiments, the observation duration is a maximum of 10 minutes.
[0041] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of the observer user leaving and rejoining the virtual session.
100421 In some embodiments, the virtual session includes whiteboard functionality, audio or video support, text-based messaging, audio messaging, emojis, coursework options, examination or testing functionality, educational grading options, downloadable files, adaptive learning resources, or online security measures.
100431 In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a non-transient computer-readable medium containing computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computer processor, perform a method for navigating a virtual meeting platform, comprising the steps of:
registering an instructor user, wherein the instructor user uploads course content data and course scheduling data to create a course database containing course offerings;
registering a student user, wherein the student user enters a search term, a target day, and a target time into a search interface; determining a student user time zone from student user geolocation data and an Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

8 instructor user time zone from instructor user geolocation data; converting the target day and the target time to Coordinated Universal Time based on the student user time zone to produce a target universal day and a target universal time; converting the course scheduling data in the course database to Coordinated Universal Time based on the instructor user time zone to produce universal course scheduling data; generating a list of course offerings from the course offerings in the course database based on at least partial matching of the search term to the course content data or of the target universal day or the target universal time to the universal course scheduling data; registering the student user for a preferred course offering from the list of course offerings;
attending a virtual session for the preferred course offering, wherein at least the student user attends the virtual session at a session timeslot based on the universal course scheduling data for the preferred course offering; and translating the virtual session into a language of fluency.
[0044] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a computer system for navigating a virtual meeting platform, comprising: an instructor device; a student device;
a session routing server; a computer communication network; and wherein the instructor device is configured to communicate with the session routing server over the computer communication network to register an instructor user, provide instructor user geolocation data, and upload course content data and course scheduling data to create a course database containing course offerings; wherein the student device is configured to communicate with the session routing server over the computer communication network to register a student user, provide student user geolocation data, and enter a search term, a target day, or a target time into a search interface; wherein the session routing server is configured to determine a student user time zone from the student user geolocation data and an instructor user time zone from the instructor user geolocation data, convert the target day and the target time to Coordinated Universal Time based on the student user time zone to produce a target universal day and a target universal time, convert the course scheduling data in the course database to Coordinated Universal Time based on the instructor user time zone to produce universal course scheduling data, and generate a list of course offerings from the course offerings in the course database based on at least partial matching of the search term to the course content data or of the target universal day or the target universal time to the universal course scheduling data; wherein the student device is configured to register the student user for a preferred course offering from the list of course offerings; wherein at least the student device is configured for the student user to attend a virtual session for the preferred Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

9 course offering at a session timeslot based on the universal course scheduling data for the preferred course offering; and wherein the session routing server is configured to translate the virtual session into a language of fluency.
[0045] In an embodiment, there is a virtual meeting platform that provides users with access to a variety of virtual education resources.
100461 According to an embodiment, there is provided a computer-implemented method for navigating a virtual meeting platform wherein instructors offer courses through virtual sessions that may be attended by students. Students can search the virtual meeting platform using any combination of key terms, a day, or a time. The virtual meeting platform uses a Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) conversion and matching algorithm in conjunction with geolocation data to match a target day and target time identified by a student in a search to the time at which a course is offered by an instructor. In this regard, scheduling is provided in a manner that accounts for the student and instructor possibly operating from different time zones. Language-free training is provided by a user selecting a language of fluency that a session or materials are then translated into. According to an embodiment, there is provided a non-transient computer-readable medium containing computer readable instructions which, when executed by a computer processor, perform the same computer-implemented method. According to an embodiment, a computer system comprising an instructor device, a student device, a session routing server, and a computer communication network is provided to perform the same computer-implemented method.
100471 According to further embodiments, geolocation data may be an IP address of a user and course offerings may be displayed to a user conducting a search in a manner that prioritizes the visibility of courses with a higher degree of similarity to a searched key term, day, or time.
Popular search terms may be suggested to users in the search interface and the search term, the day, or the time entered in a search may be entered using dropdown menus.
Search results may be filtered based upon various criteria, including text, day, time, or level of complexity of a course. A session may be offered in real-time wherein both student and instructor attend a virtual session, prerecorded by an instructor for access at the student's convenience, or a combination of real-time instruction and prerecorded content. Selecting the language of fluency may be done Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

10 using a dropdown menu and translation of a virtual session may include translating audio or text into the language of fluency and may be accompanied by descriptive audio or descriptive text or guiding imagery. Translation may incorporate the use of SubRip Subtitle files or Web Video Text Tracks Format. Users may grade one another based on virtual sessions, especially students or parents of students grading the quality of an instructor based on a virtual session provided by the instructor.
[0048] According to an embodiment, observer users may have permission-based access to observe the virtual session provided to another user. For example, an observer user may be a parent who wishes to observe the virtual session of their child.
Administrators may set a maximum observation duration for a virtual session or a type of virtual session that limits how long an observer user can observe such a session before being automatically ejected from the session. Observer users may grade an instructor based on their performance in a virtual session.
Observer users may surreptitiously join and observe virtual sessions, such that no other user attending the virtual session is aware of the observer user's presence. In this regard, observer users may assess a session without their act of observation biasing how any other attending party acts. Observer users may leave and rejoin a session multiple times, and administrator users may set the maximum observation duration to be approximately 10 minutes. A maximum observation duration may be set by an administrator user based on the virtual session in its entirety (e.g. a 10 minute maximum for the entire virtual session) or a single round of an observer user accessing a session (e.g. a 2 minute maximum per access, wherein the session may be accessed multiple times).
100491 According to embodiments, the virtual meeting platform may feature whiteboard functionality, audio or video support, text-based messaging, audio messaging, emojis, coursework options, examination or testing functionality, educational grading options, downloadable files, adaptive learning resources, or online security measures.
100501 Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

11 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] Embodiments may better be understood with reference to the accompanying figures provided by way of illustration of an exemplary embodiment, or embodiments, and in which:
100521 FIGs. 1(a) to 1(c) show a search interface featuring a key term search box, a dropdown menu of days, and a dropdown menu of timeslots, according to an embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 1(d) shows how search results may be displayed and filtered, according to an embodiment;
100541 FIG. 2 shows how instructor users may assign timeslots to a course, according to an embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart detailing the steps for a teacher user in adding and scheduling a course and for a student user in searching for a course, according to an embodiment;
100561 FIG. 4 shows a flowchart detailing the steps for a teacher user in adding and scheduling a course and for a student user in searching for a course wherein a Coordinated Universal Time conversion is incorporated to match the student user's search with the teacher user's course scheduling, according to an embodiment;
100571 FIGs. 5(a) to 5(c) show video players with dropdown menus that permit users to select a preferred language option, according to an embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart detailing how an administrator user may set an observer duration such that a parent user can observe a webinar provided by a teacher user to a student user for no longer than the observer duration, according to an embodiment; and FIG. 7, 8(a), 8(b), 9, 10(a), 10(b), 11(a), 11(b), 11(c), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are illustrations of example implementations of aspects of example virtual meeting platforms, according to some embodiments.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments.
These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more clearly to depict certain features.
[0061] Online platforms are not without their challenges and limitations.
Learning in a virtual environment can be impeded where the online platform fails to provide the same quality of substantive education that would otherwise be available through attending a brick-and-mortar learning session. For example, students may be inattentive during online lectures and online instructors may more easily avoid supervisory checks on competence.
100621 The online platform itself may also be unwieldly for users and instructors alike. In this regard, even if the instructors and course content being offered are of the same quality as that offered through in-person sessions, prospective students may not be able to access such content.
This may result in prospective students not discovering learning opportunities, such as online lectures, that are pertinent to their interests or academic needs or may inadvertently result in students constructing unwieldy timetables because of a lack of transparency into course offerings or scheduling options.
[0063] In some embodiments, the virtual meeting platform can be referred to as a virtual live education and training platform.
100641 In some embodiments, a virtual meeting platform implements a computer-implemented method for providing access to the virtual meeting platform, the method including receiving, at a processor, login data and course identification data, the login data representing an observer user, the course identification data being associated with a participant user. The observer user can be a parent user, for example. The participant user can be a child of the parent user, for example. This can allow a parent user to enter into a session of a course that their child, represented by the child user, is attending or registered in. An association between the course identification data and the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

13 participant user includes an association stored in a non-transient memory or other data storage that represents that the participant user is registered in the course or is presently attending the course, for example. The virtual meeting platform can be referred to as a learning platform. The virtual meeting platform is configured to accommodate any virtual meeting, such as clients in walk-in virtual clinic. Examples described herein may refer to parent, child, instructor, student, or other users. However, in various embodiments, these labels are not intended to be limiting. For example, a presenting user can be referred to herein as an instructor, an observer user can be referred to herein as a temporary entry user or a parent user, and a participant user can be referred to herein as a student or child.
100651 In some embodiments, the observer user can only enter into a session of a virtual meeting that another user is participating in. The relationship between the observer user and such other user can be defined in the respective account(s).
100661 The method further includes presenting to the observer user, at an output device, a session corresponding to the course identification data for a pre-determined duration, upon receiving a request for the same. The output device can be a speaker, a visual display, or a combination of same. A session can include an audio output and a video output or, in some embodiments, one or the other. A session can include text output. The outputs can be derived from inputs received from another user, such as from a presenting user providing inputs in association with a particular course represented by course identification data. For example, a presenting user can login, select a particular course, and provide audio, video, and/or other input to be transmitted to participant users registered in and/or attending the course. The input(s) can be processed and, after processing if processed, are transmitted to the participant users and any observer users who have requested to enter the presentation (e.g., be presented with a session comprising the output from the course).
[0067] Video output can include a whiteboard feature. A presenter user can select user interface elements accessible via an application permitting access to the virtual meeting platform and draw on or otherwise update a virtual whiteboard. The virtual whiteboard is presented to each participant user (and any temporary entry users attending) with the updated virtual whiteboard in real time. The users can view the virtual whiteboard as it is being drawn on or otherwise updated in real time.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

14 [0068] The session presented to the observer user is separate from a session accessible by the participant user. For example, an observer user accesses an output device that provides audio output and/or video output separately from an output device that provides audio output and/or video output to a participant user. One or more participant users can be associated with the course identification data, such that a course can have multiple participants registered and/or attending at a given time. The course identification data includes data representing an identification of a course, such as a unique identifier or course code. The processor is configured to use the course identification data to retrieve/receive and/or transmit input data corresponding to the corresponding course (e.g., instructor user or participant user audio input and/or video input). The course identification data is used to identify the relevant input data. The processor is configured to transmit the input data (e.g., after processing) over a session accessible by one or more participant users and/or one or more observer users. The participant user is referred to herein as a student user, but may not be a student. The observer user can participate in a session, according to some embodiments. The observer feature can be referred to herein as a barge-in feature, and the observer duration can be referred to herein as a barge-in duration.
[0069] Transmission of data can be over a network, such as a local network or a network connecting remote computers. References to a processor include one or more processors operating collectively to perform the described function. References to an output device or to an input device include one or more devices operating collectively to perform the described function.
[0070] The virtual meeting platform is configured to provide logins for separate account access, receipt and authentication of login data, and differing functionality accessible by different accounts.
[0071] In some embodiments, the pre-determined duration is ten minutes. In some embodiments, the pre-determined duration is another duration of time, such as the duration of the course or presentation. A pre-determined duration can be referred to herein as an observer duration.
[0072] In some embodiments, the method further includes performing the presenting for two or more successive times. For example, the observer user can request that a session be presented to themselves more than once, such as while a course is being presented to participant user(s).
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

15 [0073] In some embodiments, the method further includes presenting a notification to a presenting user associated with the course identification data upon presenting to the temporary user the session, the notification being an alert that the temporary user is presented with the session.
The presenting user is referred to herein as an instructor user, but may not be an instructor. The notification can be a visual alert, an audio alert, and/or combination of same. The notification type can be configured by the presenting user or an administrator user via virtual meeting platform. An association between the course identification data and the presenting user includes an association stored in a non-transient memory or other data storage that represents that the presenting user is authorized to present during the course, for example.
100741 In some embodiments, the virtual meeting platform implements a computer-implemented method for searching the virtual meeting platform, the method including:
receiving, at a processor, scheduling data associated with a user; performing a search on one or more course data structures for one or more courses matching the scheduling data to return each matching course, the one or more course data structures each storing course data; and presenting to the user, at an output device, each matching course. In some embodiments, instead of courses, there are meetings (which can include a course) and references to a course herein are to be understood in other embodiments as instead a reference to a meeting, such as an appointment, a presentation, or a live training session.
100751 The scheduling data can include date(s) and/or time(s). A date can be denoted expressly as a specific date, range of dates, or selection of dates; or as one or more particular weekdays or weekends, for example. Similarly, a time can be denoted expressly as a specific time, range of times, or selection of times, for example. A course data structure includes a database or other computer storage system. The course data structure can be local or remote. The course data can include course identification data, such as a unique course identifier, representing a course or other offering of a session(s) where a presenter user and a participant user can join.
100761 The matching refers to: (i) an identical match where the scheduling data includes a date or a date and time that exactly matches a date or a date and time that a course is offered; or (ii) an overlapping match where the scheduling data includes a date or a date and time that overlaps with a date or a date and time that a course is offered.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

16 [0077] In some embodiments, the method implemented by the virtual meeting platform further includes: receiving, at the processor, geolocation data associated with the user; and updating the scheduling data based on the geolocation data and before the matching is performed.
[0078] An association of scheduling data or of geolocation data with a user includes storage in a data structure of an association between same, receiving scheduling data or geolocation data from the user, receiving scheduling data or geolocation data about the user, and the like. For example, in some embodiments, virtual meeting platform is configured to generate geolocation data from the user's IP address and/or location.
100791 The updating of the scheduling data based on the geolocation data is the conversion of the scheduling data (or part thereof) to a standardized time, such as UTC. The scheduling data, in converted form, is then used in the matching to locate one or more courses matching the scheduling data, such as a course that is offered at the same time as a date and time specified by the user.
100801 In some embodiments, such as where no matching course is found, the virtual meeting platform is configured to perform a search on the one or more course data structures for each similar course, each similar course within a threshold difference in scheduling than is represented by the scheduling data; and presenting to the user, at the output device, each similar course. In some embodiments, this search can be done with the search for matching courses. In some embodiments, both matching course(s) and similar course(s) are returned. In some embodiments, similar course(s) are only returned where no matching courses are found.
[0081] A similar course refers to a course that is within a threshold difference in scheduling than is represented by the scheduling data. The threshold difference in scheduling can be represented by an offset in date(s) and/or time(s) from date(s) and/or time(s) represented by the scheduling data. For example, a user can provide a date and a time for a search of courses offered during that date and time. A search for similar courses returns each course that is offered at a near or similar date and time as the date and the time specified by the user. For example, a similar course can be offered on the same date, but an hour later.
[0082] In some embodiments, the scheduling data includes data denoting a course. For example, a user can provide keyword terms to be matched with a course (e.g., course name or course type Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

17 or course subject) in the course data structure(s), as well as date(s) and/or time(s) to be used in the matching in matching date(s) and/or time(s) that courses are offered. Matching courses are those having identical or overlapping date(s) and/or time(s) as well as having identical or similar data matching the keyword terms.
100831 In some embodiments, at least some of the scheduling data (e.g., date and/or time data) can be retrieved from the user's schedule as being date(s) and/or time(s) that the user is not already scheduled.
[0084] As another example, the virtual meeting platform is configured to start a search based on a time requested by the user and, if that time is not available for that course, the search is broadened to suggest other available times but to the nearest proximity of the requested time.
[0085] In some embodiments, for example, the virtual meeting platform allows a user to search courses based on day and time according to their time zone. The user can select course(s) based on their available times. The time zone is matched according to UTC. The search can use IP and location data from the user. In particular, the search uses the IP address of the user and, based on that, adjusts the search to their time zone as per UTC. Then, the search looks at the available courses based on Course+Day+Time criteria provided by the user.
100861 In some embodiments, the virtual meeting platform implements a computer-implemented method with a multi-language feature, the method including: receiving from each of at least one user, at a processor, a first user input denoting an audio output language and a second user input denoting a caption output language; and receiving from a presenting user, at a processor, a presenting user input denoting an audio input language. For example, one or more users can each select or input data representing a language in which they wish to hear audio and/or a language in which they wish to read text. The languages can be the same or different between users, as well as the same or different between the desired language for audio and text for a particular user. The user can be a participant user or an observer user, for example. For each user, the method further includes converting an audio input from the presenting user to an audio output in the audio output language of the user and presenting the audio output to the user at an output device. For example, each presenting user (or the one presenting user, where there is only one), can each select or input data representing one or more languages that they will be presenting in, such as through audio Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

18 input (e.g., speech via a connected microphone) or video input (e.g., video captured via a camera;
video generated to depict a virtual whiteboard that the presenting user can draw on; etc.) or text input. The languages can be the same or different between each input type, as well as between different presenting users.
100871 As an example according to some embodiments, a student or participant user selects the language in which they wish to hear the audio from the instructor or presenter user, as well as the language in which they which to read captions. The presenter or instructor user selects the language in which they wish to present.
100881 For each user, the method further includes converting the audio input from the presenting user to a caption output in the caption output language of the user and presenting the caption output to the user at the output device. In some embodiments, other language conversions between various types of inputs to various types of outputs are possible.
100891 Each user can hear and/or read translated versions of the audio input provided by a presenting user in the user's chosen language(s).
[0090] In some embodiments, there is provided a virtual meeting platform wherein students can search for courses based on a Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) conversion and matching algorithm, wherein course content is translated into a language of fluency selected by a user, and wherein some users have permission-based access to surreptitiously observe learning sessions between an instructor and student.
[0091] According to an embodiment, this description relates to a computer-implemented method for navigating a virtual meeting platform, comprising the steps of registering an instructor user, wherein the instructor user uploads course content data and course scheduling data to create a course database containing course offerings; registering a student user, wherein the student user enters a search term, a target day, and a target time into a search interface;
determining a student user time zone from student user geolocation data and an instructor time zone from instructor user geolocation data; converting the target day and the target time to Coordinated Universal Time based on the student user time zone to produce a target universal day and a target universal time;
converting the course scheduling data in the course database to Coordinated Universal Time based Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

19 on the instructor user time zone to produce universal course scheduling data;
generating a list of course offerings from the course offerings in the course database based on at least partial matching of the search term to the course content data or of the target universal day or the target universal time to the universal course scheduling data; registering the student user for a preferred course offering from the list of course offerings; attending a virtual session for the preferred course offering, wherein at least the student user attends the virtual session at a session timeslot based on the universal course scheduling data for the preferred course offering; and translating the virtual session into a language of fluency.
100921 According to embodiments, the present description relates to the geolocation data being an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The list of course offerings may be a prioritized display based on a matching algorithm that determines a degree of matching between the search term and the course content data or the target universal day or the target universal time and the universal course scheduling data. Embodiments may be further comprised of the step of suggesting a popular search term to the student user.
[0093] According to embodiments, the present description relates to the search term, the target day, or the target time being entered into the search interface using a dropdown search term menu, a dropdown target day menu, or a dropdown target time menu. The list of course offerings may be filtered based on a key term filter, a day filter, a time filter, or a level of complexity filter. Both the student user and the instructor user may attend the virtual session at the session timeslot in real-time. The virtual session may be comprised of prerecorded content for access at the student's convenience or may be comprised of a combination of real-time instruction and prerecorded content. The student user may grade the instructor user based on the virtual session, such as by grading the instructor on their communication skills, the quality of the teaching provided in the virtual session, or other comparable criteria.
100941 According to embodiments, the present description relates to the instructor user or the student user selecting the language of fluency using a dropdown language menu.
Translating the virtual session into the language of fluency may occur by translating audio or text from the virtual session into the language of fluency and may use SubRip Subtitle files or Web Video Text Tracks Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

20 Format. Embodiments may be further comprised of the step of providing descriptive audio or descriptive text in the language of fluency for the virtual session.
[0095] According to embodiments, the present description relates to the further steps of registering an administrator user and registering an observer user, wherein the observer user has permission-based access to observe the virtual session at the session timeslot for an observation duration set by the administrative user and ejecting the observer user from the virtual session upon expiry of the observation duration. Embodiments may be further comprised of the step of the observer user grading the instructor based on the virtual session or the observer user leaving and rejoining the virtual session. The observer user may surreptitiously access and observe the virtual session, such that the instructor user or student user are not notified that the observer user has joined the virtual session, and the observation duration may be a maximum of 10 minutes.
[0096] According to embodiments, the virtual session may include whiteboard functionality, audio or video support, text-based messaging, audio messaging, emojis, coursework options, examination or testing functionality, educational grading options, downloadable files, adaptive learning resources, or online security measures.
[0097] According to an embodiment, this description relates to a non-transient computer-readable medium containing computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computer processor, perform a method for navigating a virtual meeting platform, comprising the steps of registering an instructor user, wherein the instructor user uploads course content data and course scheduling data to create a course database containing course offerings;
registering a student user, wherein the student user enters a search term, a target day, and a target time into a search interface;
determining a student user time zone from student user geolocation data and an instructor time zone from instructor user geolocation data; converting the target day and the target time to Coordinated Universal Time based on the student user time zone to produce a target universal day and a target universal time; converting the course scheduling data in the course database to Coordinated Universal Time based on the instructor user time zone to produce universal course scheduling data; generating a list of course offerings from the course offerings in the course database based on at least partial matching of the search term to the course content data or of the target universal day or the target universal time to the universal course scheduling data; registering Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

21 the student user for a preferred course offering from the list of course offerings; attending a virtual session for the preferred course offering, wherein at least the student user attends the virtual session at a session timeslot based on the universal course scheduling data for the preferred course offering; and translating the virtual session into a language of fluency.
100981 According to an embodiment, this description relates to a computer system for navigating a virtual meeting platform, comprising an instructor device; a student device;
a session routing server; a computer communication network; wherein the instructor device is configured to communicate with the session routing server over the computer communication network to register an instructor user, provide instructor user geolocation data, and upload course content data and course scheduling data to create a course database containing course offerings; wherein the student device is configured to communicate with the session routing server over the computer communication network to register a student user, provide student user geolocation data, and enter a search term, a target day, or a target time into a search interface; wherein the session routing server is configured to determine a student user time zone from the student user geolocation data and an instructor user time zone from the instructor user geolocation data, convert the target day and the target time to Coordinated Universal Time based on the student user time zone to produce a target universal day and a target universal time, convert the course scheduling data in the course database to Coordinated Universal Time based on the instructor user time zone to produce universal course scheduling data, and generate a list of course offerings from the course offerings in the course database based on at least partial matching of the search term to the course content data or of the target universal day or the target universal time to the universal course scheduling data; wherein the student device is configured to register the student user for a preferred course offering from the list of course offerings; wherein at least the student device is configured for the student user to attend a virtual session for the preferred course offering at a session timeslot based on the universal course scheduling data for the preferred course offering; and wherein the session routing server is configured to translate the virtual session into a language of fluency.
Course Navigation and Standardizing Scheduling [0099] Accessibility is an invaluable part of a quality education.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

22 [00100] With the growth of information technology infrastructure, many colleges, universities, and other teaching service providers have shifted to online means of scheduling and registering for courses. However, online search and scheduling interfaces offer limited search functionality that can make it difficult for prospective students to canvas, identify, and register for courses of interest. The inability to navigate an education service provider's web site in a way that directs users towards relevant courses materially interferes with the accessibility of such educational services. Furthermore, users may be unable to find subject-specific courses that fit their timetables despite courses being offered at compatible timeslots strictly because of poor user interface design and search functionality.
1001011 This can be especially problematic where courses are offered remotely, since parties interested in educational services may be in different time zones or may be most fluent in a language that the online platform does not inherently offer as a language option in browsing and navigation or for which there is no course content.
1001021 According to an embodiment, a virtual meeting platform allows users to search courses based on the specific day and time per the time zone a user resides in or is operating from. A user can input search terms or select a preferred or particular day and time for a course of interest and then receive search results corresponding to the day and time search input, thus giving the user the power to select courses based on their available timings.
[00103] According to an embodiment, the search uses the IP address of the user to adjust the search to the user's time zone per Coordinated Universal Time. According to an embodiment, the IP address or location corresponding to a user may be used in determining a user's time zone.
According to a further embodiment, a user's location may be identified from geo-location data inputted by or automatically collected from a user.
[00104] According to an embodiment, a search of learning materials is based on key terms, day, or time. In this regard, a user's search may be based in part on the IP
address or location of the user and the search may be adjusted to the user's time zone as per UTC, thereby providing learning options based on a combination of descriptive key terms for a course, universal day criteria, or universal time criteria.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

23 [00105] The use of descriptive key terms in conjunction with day and time data provides users with more control in planning their timetable, since a user can assess in the earliest stages of their search whether courses offering subject matter of interest are available at a time compatible with the user's other duties and routines. Allowing users to include day and time search terms permits users to avoid timing conflicts, since conflicting or otherwise undesirable timeslots would either not be shown among the search results or be displayed as a lower priority option.
[00106] According to a further embodiment, a search may be broadened if a requested day or time is unavailable for specific subject matter or if there is a scheduling conflict. In this regard, a search for a specific day and time may be broadened to suggest other available days or times corresponding to subject matter of interest or similar subject matter.
According to a further embodiment, the other available days or times suggested to a user may be days or times near or nearest to the requested day and time. Such a search permits users to navigate learning materials more meaningfully, in that if an initial search returns no results compatible with a user's timetable, the virtual meeting platform can direct the user towards other suitable courses or timeslots that may be available, compatible, or convenient in view of a user's schedule.
[00107] In some embodiments, a user is able to search for desired courses, such as by typing in search terms. A user can select specific days or times (e.g., weekdays) in combination with keyword terms selected or otherwise provided in a search area. A user can search for the best suitable timeslot, such as based on their own schedule. These timeslots can be provided and include a time range, for example.
1001081 According to an embodiment shown in FIGs. 1(a) to 1(d), a search box 1100 may be provided to a user for entering subject-specific key terms with popular search suggestions 1200 possibly being provided to help with course navigation. A dropdown menu of days 1300 may be selected by a user to refine search criteria based on a preferred day of the week, whereas a dropdown menu of timeslots 1400 may be selected to refine search criteria based on a preferred timeslot. As shown in FIG. 1(d), search results may be shown and filtered based on the days 1500 on which a course is available, the level of complexity 1600 of a course, or other criteria.
[00109] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2, instructors may add courses and set available timeslots 2100. Such input from instructors is then used to set up a matching algorithm Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

24 that directs users towards courses that are not only relevant to subject matter of interest, but which also correspond to preferred dates and times.
[00110] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a teacher user 3100 may add course data 3110, like a course name and description, along with scheduling data 3120, like a date and time.
A student user 3200 may then conduct a search 3210 using a course name input 3220 and day and time input 3230. A matching decision 3300 may then be made to either confirm 3310 a match and provide search result data in the form of a course at a suitable time 3320 or identify 3330 that no appropriately matching course has been found 3340.
100111] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, teacher user input 4100 may be comprised of a location-based registration 4110, timings and time zone 4120, and course details 4130 to create a time and course database 4200. Student user search input 4300 may be used in a search 4400 wherein data pertaining to a student's IP address from browsing 4310 is converted into location data 4320 and used in conjunction with a day and time query 4330 to generate a UTC conversion 4340, which is used in conjunction with a course text query 4350 to generate an HTTP request 4500 and the search 4400. A matching decision 4600 is then made based on the search 4400 and the time and course database 4200 to either confirm 4610 a match and provide search result data in the form of a course list 4620 or identify 4630 that no appropriately matching course has been found 4640.
Language-Free Training [00112] Bridging language barriers is an ongoing challenge in offering educational content with a global reach. While a virtual meeting platform may be visited by users from around the world, the accessibility of substantive learning materials made available through such a platform will nonetheless be limited by a user's fluency in the language such materials are provided in.
[00113] Thus, in making virtual meeting platforms more accessible to a broader audience it is paramount to provide language-free training.
1001141 According to an embodiment, language-free training is provided wherein a user selects a language of fluency that a session or materials are to be translated into.
Such a user may be an instructor or a student, in that either may select a language that learning materials or teaching Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

25 sessions are translated into. In this regard, a student who wishes to take a course offered in a language the student is not fluent in can select a language of fluency and the virtual meeting platform translates learning materials or session content into the student's selected language of fluency. Conversely, an instructor may wish to reach a broacher audience of prospective students and make themselves available to students whose fluency is in a language other than a language of fluency for the instructor. The instructor may then select a language of fluency and the virtual meeting platform translates learning materials or session content into the instructor's selected language of fluency.
1001151 For example, in some embodiments, the virtual meeting platform includes a multi-language feature. When a student user begins a course, they will have the option to select the language they want to hear as well as the language shown in captions. The virtual meeting platform can convert speech from audio input, such as from an instructor user, to text in a different language. Similarly, an instructor user can select a language other than the language they are providing instruction in, and the virtual meeting platform is configured to convert speech and/or text input from the instructor to one or more different languages and provide same to student users, according to some embodiments.
1001161 According to an embodiment, translation of learning materials or session content may occur by converting audio input provided in one language into audio output in another language.
According to an embodiment, translation of learning materials or session content may occur by converting audio input provided in one language into visual text output in another language, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, translation of learning materials or session content may occur by converting any combination of audio or visual text input provided in one language into any combination of audio or visual text output in another language. According to an embodiment, guiding commentary or imagery may accompany translated learning materials or session content to assist with a user's understanding thereof.
1001171 According to an embodiment, application program interfaces (APIs) are used to incorporate a multi-language translation feature into the virtual meeting platform.
[00118] According to an embodiment, the virtual meeting platform is compliant with all guidelines set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Americans with Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

26 Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C.
794d), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, particularly versions 2.x and above. In embodiments, this applies for both descriptive audio and closed captioning or subtitles for those who are visual or hearing impaired. According to an embodiment, if an audio file is to be made accessible, a transcript may be provided and used by the creator of the audio file.
1001191 According to an embodiment, translated audio and subtitles may be created by adding subtitle or translated audio files to learning materials, including videos.
Multilingual audio may be recorded and mixed within a video or provided as an option to select a language of choice as embedded captions. Embodiments may use video players like JW Player or Brightcove, which both support descriptive and multilingual audio and closed captioning.
[00120] According to an embodiment, multilingual features may be provided by using SubRip Subtitle (SRT) files and Web Video Text Tracks Format (WebVTT) to display subtitles in different languages which are supported by modern HTML5 video and others.
Subtitle parts may be included with the source video file into files with language options (like English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, etc.) which a video player can support. With this, the user can click on a configurable menu for audio and video such that the user can select the language of the subtitles in a dropdown menu. For multilingual audio, a similar process is applied to create files but with audio, with such files ultimately being included with the video so users can choose from various language options, like English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, etc. According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 5(a) to 5(c), video players 5100, 5200, and 5300 are used to provide learning materials and each may have a dropdown menu 5110, 5210, or 5310 that permits users to select a preferred language option for learning content to be translated into.
According to an embodiment, the virtual meeting platform may use a custom video player that may be scalable.
Incorporating Parental Supervision and Review 1001211 A high-quality education depends greatly upon having high quality instructors.
[00122] Traditionally, a brick-and-mortar institution like a college or university may use a vetting procedure that includes reviewing an applicant's education, work experience, references, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

27 and various other materials in conjunction with interviews to determine whether an applicant should be retained as an instructor. While virtual meeting platforms may incorporate some similar vetting procedures, many virtual meeting platforms can lack the capacity to vet each applicant with the same degree of granularity as a college or university.
Accordingly, virtual meeting platforms may place greater weight on other factors, like the relevance and extent of an applicant's work experience, to supplement the vetting process. It may also not be cost effective for a virtual meeting platform to invest the time and resources into vetting each applicant so thoroughly when other more efficient means of identifying and retaining high-quality instructors are available.
1001231 According to an embodiment, a virtual meeting platform provides a means of reviewing the quality of an instructor. According to a further embodiment, the means of reviewing the quality of an instructor is based at least in part on the instructor's performance in a learning session as observed by a user.
1001241 In preventing misuse of audio and video features during a learning session, permitting a user to observe a learning session for the purpose of evaluating the quality of an instructor can be an effective means of identifying and removing poor quality or abusive instructors. Widespread observation of instructors across learning sessions allows observers to provide meaningful feedback pertaining to the instructor's abilities and how to correct shortcomings in instructor performance.
[00125] According to an embodiment, a user can enter into an ongoing learning session without disturbing the session. Such an observer feature permits the observer user to see and watch the session, providing comfort and an idea of how the session is being conducted.
Such sessions may include video and audio feeds, such that an observer user has access to the same video and audio content that a student is receiving in a learning session. In embodiments where a user can enter into an ongoing session, instructors may be aware that their activity is monitorable and, consequently, may be motivated to provide higher quality teaching services or otherwise avoid misusing the virtual meeting platform.
[00126] According to an embodiment, an observer feature permits an observer user to observe a learning session without notifying an instructor or student that the session is being observed. If Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

28 an instructor is aware that their actions are being monitored in real-time, they may change their conduct while being observed to avoid being reprimanded. Such instructors may nonetheless provide lower quality teaching services or abuse the audio or video features of a virtual meeting platform when not being observed. Thus, embodiments wherein an observer feature does not notify session attendees of the presence of the observer user can be an invaluable tool in accurately assessing the performance of an instructor and ensuring instructors provide a consistent quality of service.
[00127] According to an embodiment, an observer feature may be subject to a maximum duration. Such a maximum duration may be defined in terms of an overall maximum observer duration for a particular learning session or as a maximum observer duration for a single use of the observer feature, such that a user wishing to observe a learning session may enter a session multiple times with each instance being subject to a separate maximum duration. According to a further embodiment, an observer user can observe a session for a maximum of 10 minutes, possibly in multiple accesses for a virtual session.
[00128] According to an embodiment, an observer user may be a parental user.
Since many students may be less than 18 years of age, parental observation of learning sessions can be an important tool in ensuring student success. In embodiments where the observer feature permits observer users to surreptitiously observe a learning session, such users can assess an instructor's teaching style and determine whether the instructor is meeting their child's learning needs or if any adjustments to the instructor's teaching style or content are appropriate.
The observer feature may be embodied by providing parents with a separate login, with such a login being for a parent-user account providing observer access to the learning sessions of the parent's child.
[00129] According to an embodiment, an observer user may provide feedback or grade an instructor based at least in part on a virtual session. According to a further embodiment, such feedback or grading may be used to at least partly determine an instructor's compensation.
1001301 According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a teacher user 6100 may add a course 6110, set up a webinar 6120, and issue a notification 6130 to a student user 6200 to decide whether to join 6210 a live webinar 6140 initialized 6150 by a teacher 6100.
If a student user 6200 confirms 6220 intent to join a live webinar 6140, the teacher user 6100 and student user Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

29 6200 may chat 6160 via text-based messages, talk 6170 using audio, or otherwise express 6180 themselves through other means of communication or view 6190 course content until automatically exiting 6300 the live webinar 6140. An administrator user 6400 may set an observer duration 6410 applicable to a live webinar 6140 and after the expiry of which a user will automatically exit 6300 the live webinar 6140. Such a user may be a parent user 6500 who may also receive a notification 6130 from a teacher user 6100 to decide 6510 whether to join a live webinar 6140. If the parental user 6500 wishes to join 6520 a live webinar, they can access the live webinar 6140 and may view 6190 course content. In setting permissions for a parental user 6500 relative to a student user 6200 for whom the parental user 6500 may enter into a live webinar 6140, it may be decided 6530 whether the student user 6200 is under 18 years of age and, if the student user 6200 is confirmed 6540 as under 18 years of age, a parental user 6500 may be granted permission to decide 6510 whether to join a live webinar 6140.
1001311 According to an alternative embodiment, a parental user or other party wishing to review learning materials that are not offered in real-time may enter into a learning session to observe how a student is interacting with learning materials.
Virtual meeting platform Features 1001321 According to an embodiment, the virtual meeting platform provides users with access to a variety of virtual education resources to reproduce the feeling of in-class learning and interaction. According to embodiments, learning sessions may include interactive whiteboard functionality, audio or video support for content delivery, direct group interaction, directed and taught coursework options, or examination or testing functionality with or without grading options. Learning content may be downloaded by users to local storage and privacy and online security measures may be provided to ensure safe use of the virtual meeting platform.
[00133] According to an embodiment, the virtual meeting platform may generally focus on providing vocational training with expert teachers and with a global reach.
Embodiments may emphasize real-time instruction or parental monitoring of student performance.
In this regard, the virtual meeting platform can emphasize the acquisition of real-world skills pertinent to occupations of interest for users. Courses may also be directed to general skill or knowledge acquisition pertinent to a user's hobbies or personal interests. According to an embodiment, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

30 courses may focus on topics such as learning software QA automation, lesson planning, anti-racism, cooking, Python programming, artificial intelligence, PHP scripting, WordPress, mental health, app development, science, engineering, law, learning a language, social studies, math, animal care, marketing, programming, computer technology, or history, among others.
1001341 According to an embodiment, the virtual meeting platform may incorporate an instructor grading system, wherein student and parental feedback is at least partly determinative of the quality of an instructor. According to a further embodiment, a determination of the quality of an instructor may be used in determining at least in part an instructor's compensation.
1001351 According to yet a further embodiment, compensation to an instructor may be monetary or provided by way of promotional benefits on the virtual meeting platform, such that a high-quality instructor is provided with more exposure to prospective students, such as by increasing the visibility of the instructor's profile or course offerings on the virtual meeting platform.
1001361 According to an embodiment, the virtual meeting platform may offer knowledge or skill-based courses. Embodiments may feature a fixed curriculum or provide adaptive learning using paced learning, live webinars, or other learning materials that match user learning style.
Learning materials may be provided for businesses, corporate training, post-secondary learning, or general knowledge or skill acquisition.
1001371 FIG. 7, 8(a), 8(b), 9, 10(a), 10(b), 11(a), 11(b), 11(c), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are illustrations of example implementations of aspects of example virtual meeting platforms, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the virtual meeting platform can be implemented similarly as that shown. In some embodiments, the virtual meeting platform can be implemented to carry out the same or equivalent steps shown by the example implementations depicted in each of FIGs. 7 to 20, using equivalent implementation(s).
[00138] FIGs. 7-17 show example implementations of aspects of an example virtual meeting platform relating to performing searches (e.g., of courses given scheduling data), adding participant user(s), enrollment in a course or other virtual meeting, retrieving and/or displaying course data (e.g., participant users enrolled, progress in a given course or virtual meeting, etc.), implementing course enrollment, implementing course registration, implementing course Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

31 payment and discounts, implementing currency conversion and handling, and retrieving and/or generating a participant user list with course progress data, for example.
[00139] FIG. 18-20 show an example implementation relating to language translation for translating audio from a presenter user to audio and/or captions for a participant user in an example virtual meeting platform, according to some embodiments.
1001401 In some embodiments, as an example, the virtual meeting platform is configured to implement the following.
Parent Portal Language used (example) PHP, Laravel Framework = Study basic requirements for parents.
= Study how they can manage their child(ren)'s account(s) so child(ren) can also operate their account and parents can also manage child(ren)'s accounts.
= Can purchase courses for their child(ren).
Steps implemented = Can save card detail for fast payment Virtual meeting platform is configured to perform an age check on users and implement account(s) for parent(s) having child(ren) younger than, for Features example, 18 years.
= Parent registration and account set-up = Email verification for parents = Child registration using separate email addresses, no e-mail verification for child accounts.
Child(ren) can log-in to their account and mark courses in their purchase list. Virtual meeting platform is configured to send an email to the corresponding parent(s) to pay for the course.
= Parents can pay for the course for their child(ren).
= Parents can purchase courses for themselves too.
= Parents can monitor child(ren)'s progress.
= Parents can manage courses, view calendars for future webinars and past webinars, can play past webinars so they can get an idea how instructors teach their child(ren) and their child(ren)'s behaviour in class.
They can manage their child(ren)'s profile, and can reset passwords for them.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

32 [00141] Various embodiments have been described in detail. Equivalent changes in and/or additions to the above description can be appreciated.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01

Claims (16)

What is claimed is:

1. A computer-implemented method for providing access to a virtual meeting platform, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, login data and course identification data, the login data representing an observer user, the course identification data being associated with a participant user; and presenting to the observer user, at an output device, a session corresponding to the course identification data for a pre-determined duration, upon receiving a request for the same.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the session comprises an audio output and a video output.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-determined duration is ten minutes.

4. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising presenting a notification to a presenting user associated with the course identification data upon presenting to the temporary user the session, the notification being an alert that the temporary user is presented with the session.

5. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the presenting for two or more successive times.

6. A computer-implemented method for searching a virtual meeting platform, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, scheduling data associated with a user;
performing a search on one or more course data structures for one or more courses matching the scheduling data to return each matching course, the one or more course data structures each storing course data; and Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01 presenting to the user, at an output device, each matching course.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the scheduling data comprises at least one date and at least one time.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6 or 7, further comprising:
receiving, at the processor, geolocation data associated with the user; and updating the scheduling data based on the geolocation data and before the matching is performed.

9. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising:
performing a search on the one or more course data structures for each similar course, each similar course within a threshold difference in scheduling than is represented by the scheduling data; and presenting to the user, at the output device, each similar course.

10. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the matching is an identical match.

11. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the matching is an overlapping match.

12. A computer-implemented method for a virtual meeting platform with a multi-language feature, the method comprising:
receiving from each of at least one user, at a processor, a first user input denoting an audio output language and a second user input denoting a caption output language;
receiving from a presenting user, at a processor, a presenting user input denoting an audio input language;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01 for each user, converting an audio input from the presenting user to an audio output in the audio output language of the user and presenting the audio output to the user at an output device; and for each user, converting the audio input from the presenting user to a caption output in the caption output language of the user and presenting the caption output to the user at the output device.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further comprising:
authenticating each user and at least one presenting user using account login;
permitting access by each user and each presenting user to a virtual session of a course; and receiving input from at least one presenting user and transmitting output to each user based on the input.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, further comprising the computer-implemented method of claim 1.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising the computer-implemented method of claim 6.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, further comprising the computer-implemented method of claim 6.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-01