Derrick Higgins

Title: Derrick Higgins: Innovator in Automated Scoring Systems

Introduction

Derrick Higgins, an accomplished inventor based in Highland Park, NJ, has contributed significantly to the field of technology with a remarkable portfolio of 15 patents. His work focuses on advancing methods and systems used for automated scoring, which plays a crucial role in educational assessments and beyond.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovative contributions is the patent titled "Deep convolutional neural networks for automated scoring of constructed responses." This invention outlines systems and methods designed to automatically score constructed responses through sophisticated processing techniques. The process involves generating multiple numerical vectors that represent the response. A model is then applied, featuring several layers—including an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer—each connected through various weighted connections. Ultimately, the output layer generates a score for the constructed response, showcasing the efficient and effective evaluation of answers using deep learning approaches.

Career Highlights

Derrick Higgins is presently associated with Educational Testing Service, where he applies his inventive mindset to enhance evaluation methods used in educational institutions. His career reflects commitment to innovation in the assessment industry, ensuring that evaluation processes are both accurate and fair.

Collaborations

Throughout his professional journey, Derrick has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Klaus Zechner and Michael Heilman. These partnerships have fostered an environment of shared knowledge and creativity, further amplifying the impact of their collective work in the field of automated scoring.

Conclusion

Derrick Higgins continues to be a driving force in the realm of educational technology, with a strong focus on developing advanced systems for automated scoring. His contributions not only reflect his inventiveness but also the potential to revolutionize how constructed responses are evaluated in academic settings. His work serves as an inspiration for future innovations within this critical sector.