CA1172847A - Control micro-didactometre - Google Patents

Abstract

A CONTROL MICRO-DIDACTOMETER

Abstract of the Disclosure A pocket didactometric apparatus for processing answers given to each question of a multiple-choice questionnaire comprises a keyboard for the introduction of coded question references and a selected-answer code, and a pre-recorded truth table in which the answer codes are ordered in successive rows which are deduced by circular permutation from one question to another. The row of a correct answer in the truth table is determined automatic-ally from the coded question reference. A qualitative value of notation is determined by means of a logic-circuit interface module from the row of the selected-answer code with respect to the row of the correct-answer code in the truth table. At least three different values are assigned respectively to at least three proposed answers to each question in the questionnaire.

Description

~ 1 7 ~ 7 This invention relates to a portable (or pocket) didactometer which is an adaptive device and is capable of operating independently in accordance with the user's requirements, the operation being based on utilization of all information media (from the programmed book to audio-visual means and remote data processing) in order to present questionnaires o~ the so-called diferential multiple choice type. The instrument makes it possible to set up a self-regulated interrogation-response process in accordance with the rules of cybernetic teaching, permits correlative determination of a weighted notation and storage of the relevant results for subsequent use as may be required.
Along with the ef~ectiveness of programmed instruction, the advantages of televisual information systems employed in TV teaching are already recognized. In view of the limitations o~ traditional teaching methods, such systems are coming into more and more general use for the spread of knowledge both in industrlalized countries and in developing countries.
In spite of all these technical possibilitiest however, it is also known that a major disadvantage from a teaching standpoint lies in the fact that it is impossible to obtain by these known means :
l) interactive communication,

2) instantaneous assessment o~ the behavioral response of a user,

3) immediate sel~-correction of errors by the user,

4) recordiny of results of t~sts in situ.
This clearly shows the incompatibility which exists between programmed instruction and the mass media.
This invention proposes to overcome these dis-advantages and deftciencies by setting up interactive communication for the user's benefit and enabling him in particular to employ his domestic television set in a self instruction system, this being made possible by the conjoint use of the apparatus according to the invention.
In more precise terms, the invention proposes to improve the conditions of self-instruction and to optimize the didactic utilization of television and televisualization systems, especially in the field of remote data processing.
This result is achieved by means of a practical, economical and reliable device which can be employed at will and in-dependently with respect to all teaching or training program media.
The apparatus according to the inventlon con-stitutes an individual adaptlve deviae which permits compatible u~e, not only of textbook programs, but of all audiovlsual techniques as media for teaching programs and/
or texts. This applies to systems such as videotape recorders, videodisks, teletexts or videotexts (such as :
ANTIOPE and TELETEL in France, TELIDON in Canada, ~3~

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CEEFAX, ORACLE and PRESTEL in the United Kingdom and CAPTAIN in ,Japan, aLl these terms being trade names or registered trademarks). A megnetic tape recorder is synchronized with a diapositive projector 50 far as it is S possible in accordance with any known technique to initiate, control or stop at will the sequential progress of a trans-mision or program in order to check the understanding of a message or to measure the acquisition of knowledge. In consequence, said apparatus permits wider and mvre flexible use than that of comparable equipment units or devices which are at present available on the market.
Descriptions of devices which have been proposed prior to the present invention may be found in particular in British patent No 1,514,790, in U.S. patent No 3,528,181 or in British patent No 1,321,828. In all cases, however, and in contrast to the simplicity of the apparatus according to the present invention, the device described in the cited patents are extremely heavy and complex, entall the need for a computer and for the use of computer programs in order ~o be able to operate. Furthermore, when it has been endeavored in the past to obtain a qualitative evaluation of the results of tests to which the user of the apparatus sub-jects himself or a virtual notation wlth more than t~o values, there has never been found any solution othex than that which consists in multiplylng the number of questions set or the number of answers proposad per question and to ~ ~ 7 2 ~

count the correct answers and the incorrect answers since each answer could never assume more than one of the two alternative values, namely true and false. It is accordingly possible to understand the reason why qualitative evaluation necessarily entailed the use of highly complex devices requiring sufficient power levels to store all the true or false answers proposed and to process a large nu~ber of answers given by the user beforé
arriving at a notation.
The simplicity of the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible on the contrary to provide a qualitative evaluation of results of tests by assigning at least three different values to the answers proposed in respect of any one question. In other words, in the case of a predetermined question, the user is given the choice of at least three possible answers to which are assigned respectively at least three different values. There may be proposed, for e~ample, a true answer, a false answer and one or a nu~er o~ answers having levels of intermediate quality between true and alse. The apparatus according to the invention is thus designed to process all these differential values in respect of a series of question3, namely all the questions of a complete questionnaire, without thereby calling for large storage capacities or complex programs.
One aim of the invention consists in providing 2 ~

an adaptive device which i5 easy to use and economical while making it possible by processing all teaching-vocation information media and especially auaiovisual media to obtain instantaneous weighted evaluation of answers given during so-called multiple-choice tes s, as well as storage of results for either immediate or deferred utilization without any need to modify the programming of the apparatus from the data-processing standpoint each time a course or exercise is changed.
A further aim of the invention is to add to the information diffusion function of domestic television sets ~hich may be equipped with remote data-processing systems as mentioned earlier and/or controlled magnetic tape recorders, video-disk reades) a dialogue communication function involving an interrogation-response process by means of an interposed device in cybernetic teaching.
Another aim ls to provide a portable and independent individual apparatus havlng a data input device for generating the logical control information required for performance of an automatic process o~ a logical control operator which is capable of processing and storing sald control information, and an output device for the userls information and for the follow-up control of audiovisual means.
Yet another aim is to provide a general-purpose apparatus which can be employed from the point of view of 2~

didactometry irrespectiYe of the subject matter to be taught in self-instruction and whichl from a technical standpoin~, can readily be connected, associated or incorporated with systems, devices and installations of the prior art by making minor and inexpensive adaptations or modifications.
A further aim is to make it possible to have recourse in a standard manner to the use of the quantized differential-choice cybernetic teaching system which already exists for utilization with known devic~s of the type described in UOS. patent No 3,579,875 granted on ~ay 25th, 1971.

In order to achieve the principal aims mentioned in the foregoingt the invention relates to a method or processing and evaluating answers given to questions of a multiple choice questionnaire by assigning at least three different values to respectively at least three proposed answers to each question in the questionnaireO Further to assigning a series of answer codes to said proposed answers for each question and assignin~ a coded reference to each question in the questionnaire in relation with the order of the answer code in the series corresponding to pro-gressive values of the proposed answers. Further by providing a prerecorded truth table in which the answer code of all possible series are ordered by circular permutation and successive rows corresponding to said ~, ~ 7 _ ~ ~ 7 '~

different values, the reference of a question being answered hy a learner is then compared with said truth table to determine the row of predetermined correct answer for the question. Once the row of the correct answer in the truth table is determined, it is compared with the row of the answer code o a selected answer, selected by the learner for the question and a qualitative value of notation for the answer is determined~
Further, the invention relates to a didactometric appaxatus for processing answers to a multiple~choice questionnaire. The apparatus according to the invention is essentially intended to be employed in conjunction with a questionnaire of the di~ferential multiple-choice type. A questionnaire of this type contains a series of questions, assigns a coded reference such as a digital reference, for example, ~o each question and proposes in each case a number of po~sible answers in which the user must make a choioe. By way of example, the possible answers may be four in number and characterized by the numerals 1, 2, 3 and ~. In order to permit evalua-tion by means of the apparatus according to the invention, the coded reference of each question is intended to contain - 7a -, 1 1 r;~ ~ ~3 D~

an ltem of information defining the rank of the correct answer in these poss1ble choices. It is also ensurea that incorrect answers are ordered ln sequence a~ter the correct answer in a series of values of decreasing magnitude which are assigned thereto in accordance with the rules of cir-cular permutation. The corresponding items of information are contained in the pre-recorded truth table in the apparatus or selected at the time of turn-on by introducing a coded reference which is specific to the questionnaire.
According to the invention, the apparatus advant-ageously comprises three modules such as those defined hereina~ter which can be integrated within the same casing in order to constitute a pocket-size device in much the same manner as pocket calculators.
The first module is an input module which is advantageously provided with a plurality o keyboards or with at least one digital keyboard ~or the introduction of the question reference and a docimological-choice keyboard for the introduction o~ the row o~ the answer and compris-ing a number of selection keys corresponding to the number of possible answers to each question of the questionnaire.
The digital keyboard also permits the possibility of composing and recording general references of the questionnaire or of the user and may also be provided with function keys for controlling devices associated with the apparatus. The docimological keyboard employed for .

,, , , ~ . , 1 1~2~

introducing the choice of the answ~r may be designed with a small number of keys in the variant in which the number of combinations of keys corresponds to the number of possible choices. Furthermore, the input module may also comprise a device for displaying input data and other references. This module can be so designed as to create logical control information for the performance of an automatic process : interrogation-response-evaluation-storage of results in addition to the follow-up control function of the audiovisual means mentioned earlier.
A second module is an interface module constit-uted in a preferred embodiment by :
a) a logic memory with pre-recorded truth table for defining in coded form the digital addresses of the successive questions, their level of difficulty and the row of the exact choice associated with each question, it being understood that the number of series of addresses corresponds to the number of possible choices;
b) a logical control operator for the performance of decision logic by quantlzed circular permutation in which said logical control information is trans~erred in order to enable said logical operator to perform the logical control operations as a function on the one hand of the choices of answers introduced from the docimologic-al keyboard and on the other hand of the referenceinformation derived from the logic memory ;

c) a clock for controlling the time taken to perform tests and thus for comparing -the results between different users.
The qualitative value of the answer determined in the foregoing is transmitted to an output msdule which advantageously comprises :
a) light indicators and/or graphical indicators for displaying the information emitted by the logical control operator ;
b) a logical control circuit dedicated to follow-up control of devices or equipment located externally with respect to the device, on the basis of the control logic information ;
c) a device for recording and storage of results in a magnetic and/or electronic memory for transfer of said results to a processing center or for telephone trans-mission to a centralizing com~uter ln accordance with all known means which exist ln this technology.
In accordance with the invention, the logic memory of the interace module mentioned earlier and the multiple-choice keyboard are connected to the logical operator in order to determine on the one hand whether the answer is true or false by comparison between the row o the exact answer defined by the truth table and the row of the chosen answer selected by the keyboard user and on the other hand in order to obtain by discrimination between .. , ~

the degrees of accuracy of the proposed answer and in accordance with the truth table the weighted evaluation of said answer as a function o the number of proposed choices and of the level of di~ficulty considered on the basis of predetermined criteria, which in fact corresponds to a notation based on discrete values and not on binary values alone.
The apparatus advantageously comprises means for turning-on an output module control circuit on the basis of control logic information produced by the control logical-decision operator as a function of the answers given in order to ensure follow-up control of any audiovisual or televisualization system in which the sequential per-formance of an information or instruction program may be modified or interrupted in order to check the acquisition of knowledge as the program is being transmitted.
These and other features of the invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art upon con-sideration of the following descrlption and accompanying drawings, wherein :
- Fig. 1 is a general diagram of the device according to the invention showing the elementary sub-assemblies ;
- Fig. 2 illustrates one possible em~odiment of the control multikeyboard for achieving the aims of the invention ;

~ .

i 172~

- Fig. 3 is a descriptive diagram o~ the control logic circuits and of the associated Boolean functions with a view to explaining the characteristic operation of these latter ;
- Fig. 4 is a representation of one embodimant of a truth table in accordance with the "SAPIENS" system which displays both the digital addresses o~ each reference choice and the test level indicator ;
- Fig. 5 is a general view of one possible embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention ;
- Fig. 6 is an intersystem operational diagram showing the possible interactions in accordance with the user's requirements arising from the practical application of the device and of the controlled equipment.
In Fig. 1, the diagram makes a distinction between three basic modules : 100, 200, 300 in the device according to the invention.
The so-called input module 100 has two types of keyboard, namely a digital keyboard 101 and a docimo-logical keyboard or choice keyboard 104, both of theselatter being intended to receive information which is coded in di~ital form. The input module further comprises so-called function keys which will hereinafter be discussed in greater detail. Depending on whether the user has actuated either of these unction keys, the keyboard 101 serves to perform at will the functions 102 or 103. The 8 ~ ~

function 102 permits remote control of a televisualization terminal of the type designated commercially as "ANTIOP~"
or a terminal 403 of any other type, of a videotape recorder 401, or of a videodisk reader 402, in accordance with all the known methods applied to those systems which are connected to a domestic television set 404 equipped with a peripheral television connector. The function 103 serves to increment the device with data which are specific to its characteristic function such as, for example, the code number of the user, the reference of a course, the number of the question to which an answer is to be given by means of the choice keyboard 104. In the case under consideration, the keyboard is provided with four choice selection keys but permits the action of only one key at a time. The user depresses the key whose reference numeral 1, 2, 3 or 4 corresponds to the row code of the answer which he has chosen from four possible answers proposed in the questionnaire.
The so-called interace module 200 i5 provlded on the one hand with a preprogrammed logic memory 201 contain-ing a truth table which operates ~rom four logic function~, and a logical operator 202 in which are introduced a variable m designating the row RRp of the right answer and a variable f which indicates the row of the answer really given (materialized by the position of one of the four keys of the answer choice keyboard 104). Four possible alternative5 may arlse in respect of each value of m, depending on whether the answer supplied is the correct answ~r or any one of the other three answers which are necessarily incorrect. For the practical application of the invention, the four answers are ordered as a function of their level of qualitative value in an order which is obtained by circular permutation after the row of the correct answer. The different posslbilities are set out in the following ~able in which A deslgnates the row of the correct answer and B, C, D designate the rows of the incorrect answers of progressively decreasing value.

: f r __________________________________ : m : 1 ; 2 : 3 : 4 _______________i____ _________~_________ -----_________ ~ ach logic function A, B, C, D can be expressed by means of notations of Boolean algebra. If Xl, X2, X3 and X4 designate four binary variables such as Xl = 1 in respect of i = m and Xi = 0 in respect of i ~ m (with 1 ~ i ~ 4), and if Yl, Y2, Y3 and Y4 designate four other hinary variables such that Yj = 1 in respect of j = and ~ 1~2~

Yj = O in respect of j ~ f, the four Logic unctions con-sidered can be written :
Correct answer XlYl + X2Y2 ~ X3Y3 + X4Y4 Incorrect answers : B = XlY2 + X2Y3 + X3Y4 X4 2 C = XlY3 + X2Y4 ~ X3Yl + X4 2 D = XlY4 + X2Yl ~ X3 2 4 3 In the equations given above, the incorrect answers B, C
and D are qualitatively undifferentiated at this stage.
A comparison between the variables m and f is made in the logical decision operator 202 in which they are transferred after decoding and in which discrimination is carried out between the degrees of truth of the answers supplied in order to obtain a weighted evaluation of the related values. One expedient which has thus been contem-plated for the achievement of this objective consists incharacterizing each variable m by a digital code which defines the exact choice and in locating the other choices correlatively on the basis of their degree of correctness.
For exampl~, the correct answer will be arbitrarily designated by the letter A in respect of a value 100 ; the incorrect answer nearest the correct answer will be designated by the letter B in respect of a ~alue 75 ; the intermediate incorrect answer will be designated by the letter C in respect of the value 5Q ; and the lowPst in-correct answer will be designated by the letter D corre-sponding to the value 25. In order to satisfy these 28~

docimological criteria, the logical operator orders the functions and variables in accordance with the ~olLowing table :

: m : A = 100 : B - 75 : C = 50 : D = 25 :

: XlY~ XlY2 XlY3 XlY4 : 2 : X2~2 X2Y3 X2Y4 X2 o : 3 : X3Y3 X3Y4 X3Yl ~ X3Y2 : 4 : X4Y4 X~Yl ~4Y2 X4Y3 as will be explained and demonstrated with the aid of the description relating to Fig. 3 and to Fig. 4 in regard to the truth table and in regard to digital coding of the question references.
Apart from the memory 201 and the logical operator 202, the module 200 comprises a clock 203 which is intended to measure and record the time o~ performance o~ te~ts, and a correct cholce lndicator 204 which can be interrogated only after having delivered an answer and whlch cont.rols an indicator lamp 306.
The last module 300 or so-called output module serves to display the reference numbers of the questions and the correlative level at 301, to display the value (A, B, C or D) of the answer supplied at 302, to dlsplay 2 ~ c ~

the answer row number according to the choice made at 303, for checking purposes. Finally, the output module is pro-vided firstly wlth a memory 304 for storage of reference information and results. Said memory is designed either in the form of a modular electronic memory for transfer to a central computer via a telephone channel in accordance with a known technique or in the form of a cartridge or minicassette which can be despatched in an envelope by post to a processing center. Said output module 300 further comprises a device for controlling a magnetic tape recorder or a videodisk reader 305 which operates in known manner according to the degree of correctness of the answer supplied (value A, B, C or D) so as to cantrol jumps, fast forward motion, reverse motion and conditional stopping of a videotape recorder 401 or a videodisk reader 402 connected in addition to a teletext de~ice 403 in peritelevision to the domestic recelver 404. The teletext device 403 is controlled directly rom the keyboard 101.
Fig. 2 is a pos~ible representation of the digital keyboard 101 and of the docimological-choice key-board in a unit which further comprises a display panel for the elements 301, 302, 303 and 306 described earlier.
As has already been explained in the description with reference to Fig. 1, the digital keyboard 101 can be employed either in an external configuration flO2 or in an internal configuration flO3. In the configuration flO2 -17~

obtained by depressing the key corresponding to the "DIST"
function, the keyboard is in the operating position relatively to a teletext device of the ANTIOPE type developed in France by C.C.E.T.T., both from the digital standpoint as well as in regard to its function keys and their respective codes. Thus the function keys "C"
(choice), "p" (page), "M" (magazine), "AT" (teletext-program), "V'~ (standby-watch), 1l ," and "~" (page turning) correspond to the control functions of the ANTIOPE
teletext system as defined by the manufacturer of this system. In regard to the sequence following the "DIST"
key, the key "VD" is actuated, the apparatus is in a control position via its keyboard for controlling a video disk reader from a specific-control circuit unit in accordance with a known technique. Similarly, the use of the "MG" key subsequently to the "DIST" key places i.t in position for controlling a videotape recorder in the same manner. Finally, in the so called internal con~iguration, the use of the "LOC" key makes it possible in a first step to set the coded registration number on the keyboard or identi~ication of the user and to record thls number temporarily on one sector of the display panel 300 (th~
same applies to the reference number of a course, an exercise, and so on). In order to answer a so-called differential-choice question, it is then only necessary to actuate the "Q" key, ~hen to set in sequence the code 7 ~

number of said "Q" key which will appear for checking on the display panel 300 and then, after due thought, to actuate one of the choice keys in order to cause the practically instantaneous display of the value A, B, C or D of the answer which has been given. A "CEX" key makes it possible only after an answer to display the row of the correct answer in the event of error. Finally, an "L" key makes it possible if necessary to transfer the contents of the electronic memory by telephone channel by means of an acoustic coupler in accordance with a method which is also known. The "RZ" key permits erasure of the items of information written on the electronic display panel during previous operations, on completion of a cycle.
Fig. 3 shows both the structural arrangement of the device and the operation of its essential elements, especially its logical decision operator, starting from electronic components. It should be noted that, where the structural design of different electronic control and loglc elements of the device i~ already known, such elemenks àre not illustrated physically. In the diagram, thexe are shown ~our logic circuits associated respectively with each of the four possible rows for one correct answer.
When the memory containing the truth table 201 is incremented from the keyboard 101 by a numerical value o a question number which defines an accuxate choice as control logic information, the relevant logic circuit is ~ `
~ ~2~7 excited and applies this excitation to the inputs of a column of four AND-gates each havi.ng two inputs. It is readily apparent that each AND~gate produces an output signal if all the inputs are excited and only on this condition.
Fig. 4 is the representation of a truth table representing an application of the "SAPIENS" system comprising on the one hand a two-input digital matrix for the definition of correct choices 1, 2, 3 or 4. One input (numerals placed in horizontal alignment) corresponds to the row of tens and another input (numerals arranged in vertical succession) corresponds to the row of hundreds in order to set two-digit numbers at leisure while avoiding the creation of series of identical choices. Furthermore, the units column (on the right-hand side of the matrix in the figure) is assigned to the test levels distributed in three categories : initial test (TI) which makes use of the digits O and 2, ~inal test (FT) which makes use o -the digits 7 and 9 and lastly the so-called progre~sion tests involving several lev~ls of dlf~iculty ; Nl = 6, N2 - 5, N3 = 4 and 8 as well as a so-called synthesis level ~ - 1 and 3. If coding of a progression test having the level 3 and the choice row 4 is decided upon, it is only necessary to associate a tens numeral with a hundreds numeral corresponding to a choice row 4 and to combine the two-digit number thus obtained with the digit corresponding 2 ~

to the test level for the units and thus to obtain a thre~-digit number which permits coding from 000 to 999 ;
This is both necessary and sufficient to meet requirements of diversity of codes and addresses, which holds true S irrespective of the subject taught since this is a uni-versal code.
It will now be supposed that the user sets the number 903 on the digital keyboard. In accordance with the digital code of the truth table in Fig. 4, this number arbitrarily defines a test level given by the units and a correct choice defined by the combination of the tens and hundreds. In the case under consideration, the test level is indicated for the digit 3 in Fig. 4 whilst the digit g to be read in hundreds at the bottom of the column in the lS figure and the digit O to be read in tens at the beginning of a line define together the row m = 2 for the correct answer. On the one hand, the lntroduced number 903 will be displayed at 301 by any known means whil~t on the other hand the circuit o~ the variable X2 will be energized and will excite one of the two inputs of each of the four AND-gates 211, 212, 213 and 214 which form part of the circuit.
Let us now suppose that the user actuates the choice key C2 corresponding to the variable Y2 on the docimological selection keyboard 104. The digit 2 will appear on the indicator 303 whilst voltage will in turn :~. 1 7 ~

be app.~ied to the circuit o~ the variabl~ Y2 a~ the second input of the AND-gate 212 (X2Y2). Having thus been activated, this gate will excite the OR~ gate 215 of row A (X2Y~) which produces an output signal if only one o~
its inputs is excited, and only on this condition. Said gate then produces a number of specific operations :
1) the output signal of row A is transferred to memory 302 ;
2) the same information is transmitted to the control device 305 ;
3) said signal activates the indicator 219 of row A ;
4) similarly; said signal may turn-on a green indicator 223 ~TRVE) if necessary ;

5) the signal positi.ons a correct answer summing device 225.
On the working assumption considered in the fore-going, if the user does not make use of the key C2 but usesthe key C3 instead, this will have the effect of energizing the circuit Y3, of activating the ~ND-gate 213 (X2Y3), of activating the OR~ gate 216 (X2Y3) of row B, and the following sequence : storage in memory 304~ control unit 305, indi~ator 220, error indicator 224, error summing device 226.
I~ the user chooses the key C4, the circuit Y4 is energized, thus activating the AND-gate 214 (X2Y4) and the OR+ gate 217 of row C (X2Y4) an~ the following sequence : storage in memory 304~ control unit 305, indicator 221, error indicator 224, register 2~6. Finally, if the user selects the key Cl, he energizes the circuit Yl, thus activating the AND-gate 211 (X2Yl), the OR~ gate 218 of row D (X2Yl), and the follow-ing sequence : storage in memory 304~ control unit 305, 1 ~72~3~

indicator 222, error indicator 224 and error summlng device 226.
The same process will be repeated ~or each combination of the variables X and Y by quantized circular permutation. In accordance with an essential feature of the invention, this means that the definition and continu-ous storage of series of question codes in the form of a truth table and the correlative designation of the row of the correct choice are carried into effect once and for all and remain valid in their numerical form for all teaching programs in any subject matter, starting from a reference directory. This explains the essential fact that the apparatus does not call for any program modification each time a test or subject matter is changed since the logical lS control operator operates systematically and correlatively with the arrangement and order of the row o choices in a standard questionnaire of any type.
A push-button 204 (shown in Fig. 3) serves to display the row o~ the correct answer at 306 by mean~ o~ an AND-gate which permits transmission o the command only in respect of the que~tion which is being processed, one of the keys Cl to C4 having already been depressed in order to introduce the selected answer and in order to provide the results of evaluation.
Fig. 5 illustrates a possible embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, which is capable of independent operation with dry cells or rechargeable 4i ~

storage batteries but which can also operate from the malns supply (plug 53) if necessary. By means of a connector 51, the apparatus shown in the figure can be connected to a televisualization terminal of the "ANTIOPE" type, for example, with a videodisk reader or with a videotape recorder as explained earlier in this specification. In addition, the apparatus is equipped with an acoustic coupler 52 for transferring the information stored in the temporary memory of the apparatus by teletransmission via a telephone receiver to a computer or data-processing center, in accordance with all known methods.
Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of different possible procedures, the choice of which is left to the user's own discretion in the didactometric utilization of the apparatus according to the inventlon, that is, in regard to the acquisition of didactic data, the processing, storage in temporary memory and utilization of ~uch data, either locally or at a distance and either immediately or after a time delay.
As shown in this figure, the user 60 records interrogation data and references on the basis of items of information and/or instructions which have been seen, read or heard, on the basis of a test book 61, of a tape recorder 62 w~ich may be synchronized if necessary with a diapositive projector tnot shown), or of a television set404.
Recording is effected by means of the keyboard of the i. 1 7 ~

apparatus. The user gives his or her answer by means of the choice keyboard 104 a~ter having give~ a detailed explanation of the answer on a personal exercise sheet 63 if required to do so. The device then immediately glves an indication of the value of the user's answer. This accordingly produces a first interaction 64 between the user and the information via the apparatus which has already recorded and stored the previous elements at 304 (cartridge, magnetic cassette or modular electronic memory).
There then follows an alternative procedure in which the user can either refer to the instructions of his test booklet as a function of his answer or use his equip-ment to initiate an automatic process by follow-up control of a videotape recorder 401, a videodisk reader 402 or a teletext terminal 403 (in this case the device performs the function of "page-turner" according to the answer given).
The same effect can be obtained with the synchronized magnetic tape recorder 62 and the command can be carried out by teletransmission between the units 70 and 71. The interactive process 64 i9 thus maintalned by feedback on the one hand as a function of the user's response and on the other hand as a function of the retroaction or positive feedback of the device.
On completion of the different steps of the procedure outlined in the foregoing, and dependlng on the 2 8 ~

technique adopted ~or the storage of results o~ tests, the user can put the recorded cartridge or cassette 65 in an envelope 66 together with its exercise sheet 63 if necessary and send it by post to the processing center S concerned. Alternatively, the contents of the incorporated electronic memory may be transferred in accordance with any known method and technique, via an acoustic coupler 72 and a telecommunications set 67, to a data-processing center 68 for instructional and/or statistical analysis and processing at 69, either on an individual or group basis as the case may be.
Finally, the functions of an individual calculator can be incorporated in the apparatus and this latter may accordingly be completed by an arithmetic module together with its related function keys lOS (as shown in Fig. 2). A general utility function may thus be conferred upon the apparatus in addition to its speciic functions.
It will have been noted in the foregoing descrlption that the user can employ either succes~ively or simultaneously different types of information media, especially a printed program and audio~ visual or audio-visual programs. For instance, the student's answer may be either visual or audiovisual and the questionnaire may be printed, or conversely. In any case this permits an extended range of possibiliti~s and teaching means. The ~ .~ 7~$34 ~

user can employ the apparatus in any language since the code employed is solely numerical and is therefore readily adaptable from one mode to another.
Although the essential features of th~ invention have been brought out by means of a preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to this embodiment and extends on the contrary to all alternative forms within the purview of the appended claims.

Claims (7)

1. What is claimed is:
   I.A method for processing and evaluating answers given to questions of a multiple choice questionnaire , assigning at least three different values to respectively at least three proposed answers to each question in the questionnaire, assigning a series of answer codes to said proposed answers for each question,assigning a coded reference to each question in the questionnaire in relation with the order of the answer codes in the series corresponding to progressive values of the proposed answers, providing a prerecorded truth table in which the answer codes of all possible series are ordered by circular permutation and successive rows corresponding to said different values, comparing the reference of a question being answered by a learner, with said truth table to determine the row of predetermined correct answer for said question, and comparing the row of the answer code of a selected answer, selected by the learner for said question, and the row of the correct answer in the truth table and determining therefrom a qualitative value of notation for said answer.
2. 2. A pocket didactometric apparatus for processing and evaluating answers given by a learner to each question of a miltiple-choice question-- naire wherein at least three different values are assigned to respectively at least three proposed answers to each question and a digital coded reference is indicated in association to each question and a series of answer codes are indicated for the different answers to each question, said apparatus comprising a truth table circuit ordering said answer codes by circular permutation in successive rows corresponding to said different values, keyboard means for introduction by the learner of the reference of a selected question and the answer code of a selected answer for said question, means for determining automatically from said selected question reference the row of a predetermined correct answer to said selected question in said truth table, means for comparing in said truth table the row of the code for the selected answer to said correct answer row, and means for calculating from said comparison and said different values a qualitative value of notation for said selected answer.
3. 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, comprising three modules incorporates in a multikeyboard casing said modules comprising an input module,a hybrid keyboard for controlling a televisualization or peritelevision terminal and for introducing said question references in digital form and optionally a user reference and a docimological keyboard for introducing a digital code of said selected answer, said docimological keyboard being provided with a number of selection keys corresponding to the number of possible answers to each question of the questionnaire; and a logic circuit interface module comprising said truth table, said means for determining rows of answers and said evaluation means, and an output module for visual display of said calculated qualitative value.
4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, comprising means for activating a single circuit among different logic circuits of said interface module, assigned respectively to each one of the possible rows for the answers to each question, said single circuit being selected as a function of the correct answer row determined in the interface module from said truth table and from the digital reference of said selected question.
5. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 comprising means for activating a single circuit along different control circuits of the output module which are respectively assigned to each one of the possible qualitative values equal in number to the possible answers to each question, said single circuit being selected as a function of said selected logic circuit and of the selected answer code introduced by said selection keys.
6. 6. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for displaying the row of the correct answer in said truth table for said selected question.
7. 7. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said output module comprises means for displaying the qualitative values of notation for the selected answers to successive questions, a device for recording and storing the results ,and a system for logical control of remotely controlled data -processing means using logical controlled data delivered by said modules.