Teaching device and method of using same

Abstract

A small console containing a keypad such as an elastomeric array keypad and a microprocessor which is preprogrammed with a number of simple algorithms. The individual keys (switches) are preferably, although not necessarily, hidden to the user and are arranged in sets providing, for example, 8 data lines each having a plurality of keys associated therewith some lines of which, for a particular algorithm, are redundant, and other dedicated keys. The user directly programs the device at the keypad by inputting the solution to the particular question. The data inputting is provided secretively by using an overlay placed over the keypad on the console. The overlay provides some pictorial and text description of the game. The overlay is basically demarcated into a programming region which provides a visual instruction to the user for the temporary programming of the device by pressing an indicated sequence of keys in an indicated order, and a play region which visually indicates the selection of possible notations, each associated with a key, including correct and incorrect notations. The correct keys in the play region simply correspond to those previously inputted during the program step. Because the overlay hides the keypad and because of the preferred random spacial distribution of keys of each set, the user is unaware of which keys input the same code as the ones previously used to program the device.