In this assignment, I would like for you write a review of what you have learned this semester. Please mention the content that we have covered, and give me a description of how you feel these topics are related.

This semester has being such an amazing and memorable experience for me. When I signup to take this class back in April, I didn’t have the slightest inclination as to was embarking on.  I did so, simply because I was trying to fulfill the requirement necessary to attain a minor in training and development.  With that being said, I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to take this class with you Paul. You truly made this semester such a memorable learning experience and I sincerely appreciate your teaching style, informative reading materials, and finally, your accommodation to urgent situation.      

 With the help of this class, I have being introduced to the current technological software used in the training and development environment.   Some of the definition terms, software and web application we’ve utilized include:

Rapid e-Learning

THE ELEARNING GUILD “Exploring the Definition of “Rapid e-Learning” whitepaper raised some convincing points about e-Learning professional understanding and interpretation of “what is Rapid eLearning?”.  Prior to reading the whitepaper by Bill Brandon, my definition of “Rapid e-Learning” simply meant that I have to complete X amount of information that typically takes a longer time to cover and that I should be able to grasp certain level of understand within a specified time. For example, during my aspiration to obtain my Microsoft Certifications, I will order computer base training (CBT) CD videos from www.cbtnuggets that I will used to study before attending class.  To me, the nuggets gave me a clear insight of the topic been discuss by the teacher and it help me digest the information a lot quicker than reading the chapters.    

According to the article, the word “Rapid” is misused and the eLearing Guild is urging practitioners, writers, and vendors to shade some level of clarity when using the work “Rapid e-Learning”. For example, if the reference is to improving quality control for a product, you might want to use a phrase like, “rapid e-Learning process improvement.”

Finally, the primary object of The eLearning Guild is to “led the way to clarity and precision in our shared vocabulary.” They firmly believe that using the term “rapid e-Learning” too loosely creates more perplexity and can diminish the term and meaning of the word e-Learning.

Definition of Formal, Informal and Non-formal learning

According to the Recognition of Non-formal and Informal Learning –Home article, Formal learning is always organized and structured, and has learning objectives. From the learner’s standpoint, it is always intentional: i.e. the learner’s explicit objective is to gain knowledge, skills and/or competences. Typical examples are learning that takes place within the initial education and training system or workplace training arranged by the employer. This class is a good example of a formal learning; our curriculum set for the semester, learning objectives are clearly stated on the course syllabus and I certainly register for this class with the intent that I am going to acquired knowledge and skills that I will be able to apply in my professional and personal life.

            Unlike formal learning, informal learning is never organized; it has no set learning objective outcomes and is never intentional from the learner’s standpoint.  In most instances, it is referred to as learning by experience or just as experience.  An example of an informal learning could be just having a general conversation with someone I met on a flight to London and ended up discussing economical factors that lead to the current economic recession.  

Finally according to the same article, “ non-formal learning is the concept on which there is the least consensus, which is not to say that there is consensus on the other two, simply that the wide variety of approaches in this case makes consensus even more difficult. Nevertheless, for the majority of authors, it seems clear that non-formal learning is rather organized and can have learning objectives. The advantage of the intermediate concept lies in the fact that such learning may occur at the initiative of the individual but also happens as a by-product of more organized activities, whether or not the activities themselves have learning objectives. In some countries, the entire sector of adult learning falls under non-formal learning; in others, most adult learning is formal. Non-formal learning therefore gives some flexibility between formal and informal learning, which must be strictly defined to be operational, by being mutually exclusive, and avoid overlap.”  An example of a non-formal learning would have to be the example I gave earlier when trying to obtain my Microsoft certification. Obtaining the CBT CD videos was totally optional but yet I choose to do so simple because I was trying to create a learning experience for myself

Powering eLearining“

 Define e-Learning

According to the article, “e-Learing refers to any type of learning situation when instructional content is delivered electronically via the internet when and where people need it.” When I started the University of Houston back in 2005, the amount of online classes offered was very limited. Today, because of the continuous technological advancement of software applications, enhance secure network infrastructures, affordability of broadband internet services, and the desire of working professionals wanting to obtain a high level of educations that’s conducive with their work schedule forced the University of Houston and many other traditional universities to reexamine their learning delivery methods. This class exemplifies what e-Learning is all about and I am so please that the University of Houston now offer a lot more online and Hybrid classes then they did four years ago.              

Define synchronous and asynchronous learning

            According to the article, synchronous e-Learning “requires simultaneous participation of all learners and instructors at different location”.  A good example of synchronous e-Learning is something a lot of us experience this past Monday.  With the help of “Wimba Classroom”, we were all able to connect to the wimba virtual classroom from different parts of Houston in real-time to attend class.

 Asynchronous learning on the other hand does not involve real-time participation “of learners and instructors. An example of this type of learning can be found in “week 3 Presentation: Technologies Used in Training” or “Week 4 Presentation: An Introduction to Wikis”. In this case, our instructor pre-recorded the learning material and uploaded.  We as students now have the option to decide when we want to learn the presentation material posted on week 3 and week 4. 

What are the benefits of e-Learning?

There are many benefits of e-Learing, the article listed: Time and location flexibility, cost and time saving, self-paced and just- for-me, collaborative learning environment, better access to the instructors and unlimited use of learning materials.

Time and location flexibility: This benefit helps me immensely because of my work schedule and fighting Houston’s traffic. I feel like I am able to utilize my time wisely at the comfort of my home or at my place of work.

Cost and time saving: Driving to campus everyday for classes’ means that I have to pay for parking or fill my car twice as much. With e-Learning, I am accruing any travel or additional expense cost.     

Self-paced and just- for-me: This option can accommodate anyone’s schedules. You have the flexibility to adjust the way you learn the material.

Collaborative learning environment:  This class is a good example of collaborative learning.  The Monday’s meeting encourage questions of problem we may have encounter doing the previous assignment or any other things we might need clarification on during our reading assignment, we also have the options of sending question via emails to other students or our instructor and finally, we have the ability to view other students blogs and make comments.

Better access to the instructors:  This benefit is really a plus in e-Learning. In traditional classroom I am always concern being late for my other class or not wanting other students to hear my conversation with the professor.  E-Learning provides us with the options of having a private live chat with our professor sending them an email.

Unlimited use of learning materials:  All the material offered in this class are available to me 24 hours a day, and I like the fact that we can always reference previous information discuss. A good example of this would be our Wimba Classroom archives.  In the event that a student misses a class, they can always view the material discussed.      

Define Knowledge Management

The article defines Knowledge Management (KM) as process that “involves collecting, managing and sharing knowledge, helps people determine what knowledge is needed and oversees acquisition and distribution of knowledge.”  This process was first discovered in business arena with the intent of providing a mechanism to employees within the organization to assist them in controlling and managing critical productions process.    

 In e-Learning environment, recognizing the value of a knowledge Management system can definitely set you apart from your competitors.  As stated in the article said, “One of the biggest knowledge management challenges in e-Learning is how to efficiently manage and access highly distributed information and knowledge to meet individual learning needs.” 

Introduction to Wikis

What is a Wiki?

Accord to the creator of Wiki’s, Ward Cunningham defines a Wiki as “a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. A Wiki supports hyperlinks and has simple text syntax for creating new pages and crosslink’s between internal pages on the fly.” The article “How To Use Wikis For Business” listed Wikipedia as an example of how a wiki works. Wikipedia as we all know is an online encyclopedia that is written and updated by anyone who has an interest about a specific topic or issue. In the event that the information posted is inaccurate, others have the options to revert the changes or simple modify it with the correct information. A lot of users spend substantial about of time ensuring that the content on the site is accurate.

How can a wiki be used in an organization?

A wiki can be used in an organization to share information such as corporate documents that can be access from virtually anywhere, eliminate multiple copies or different version of a file or a project; addresses file size limitation of an email attachment, encourage team collaboration and provide a secure means of transmitting information within an organization.

With four different locations across the United States, the organization I am currently employed with utilizes a wiki in the form of a Microsoft SharePoint Server. Microsoft SharePoint Server is another example of how an organization utilized the wiki concept. A SharePoint server is simply “an integrated suite of server capabilities that can help improve organizational effectiveness by providing comprehensive content management and enterprise search, accelerating shared business processes, and facilitating information-sharing across boundaries for better business insight. Additionally, this collaboration and content management server provides IT professionals and developers with the platform and tools they need for server administration, application extensibility, and interoperability.” Despite the fact some members of my team members are located in Moffett Field, CA SharePoint enable us to work in a collaborative environment and eliminate all traveling expenses.

When should an organization consider using a wiki and when should it be avoided?

An organization should consider using a wiki when there is:

• An urgent need to secure their files and data or wanting remote users to have access to sensitive company data when they’re away from the office. This can be accomplished by implementing an intranet site.
   
  The ability to manage and organize company calendar, tasks, minutes from virtually any location
  • The ability to publish any corporate documents or projects that can be viewed from a centralized location.
  • A need to have a project management tool that’s affordable and can be managed from any web browser. 

 On the other hand, an organization should avoid a wiki when:

• It requires the use of complex or proprietary file formats. Most wiki platforms only support text or html files.
• You don’t have someone to manage and maintain its content.
• It doesn’t support a collaborative format for your group or workplace
• You’re expecting for an exchange of views. Wiki’s are generally not a good source for airing opinions or carrying on conversations. Social networking sites are design for such things.

What are the differences between a wiki and a traditional content management system?

Differences between wiki’s and traditional content management system is that wikis are inexpensive, easy to create and don’t requires any type of software deployment.  According to the article “How To Use Wikis For Business”, they describe wikis as “Web-based and thus present little or no learning curve in the adoption cycle, and they allow the user to determine the relevancy of content rather than being dependent upon a central distribution center or a linear distribution chain. After the initial setup, users, not administrators, control a wiki, to the benefit of both.”

Unlike a traditional content management system, wikis have the ability to organize themselves. It gives users the flexibility to create their own site structure rather than have it forced on them by the traditional content management system administrator or developer.

Finally, wikis supports team or workplace collaboration whereas the traditional project management tool cannot accommodate a collaborative working environment.

Outline the suggested best practices for the adoption of a wiki within an organization. 

 Suggested best practices for adoption of a wilki within an organization involve:

• Including the participation of users group in the initial phase of execution and providing formal and informal training on using a wiki.
• Discuss its potential benefits and reasons for implementation.
• Identify a technology solution that will be suitable for everyone involved
• Verify the technology interface is stable and attuned with pre-existing technologies user are already accustomed to.

Interaction eLearning

Some of the qualities that make an interaction engaging for individual including:

1)  They’re confronted with some type of challenge

2)  They must make decisions

3)  They are allowed to explore

4) They are allowed to make mistakes without being disciplined.

5)  They have fun

Define what an interaction is in the context of eLearning.

In interaction in the context of eLearning is a learning activity where an individual is presented with a problem or scenario and must work to achieve a goal.  It should be designed to maintain the learner’s interest rather then gimmicky or without purpose. 

Why are interactions necessary in eLearning?

Interactions are necessary because they are more likely to keep learners interested and mentally stimulated during a learning experience.  The object of this type of learning is to mimic a real-world scenario in the interaction which doesn’t always work.  On a ideal case, if a learners are able to apply their knowledge it could potentially help them process the information more in-depth and in turn help them transfer what they’re learn to a real-world scenario. Attending a CPR class is a good example of why an interaction is necessary.  

List and explain the four levels of interaction.

The four levels of interaction are; passive, limited interaction, complex interaction and real-time interaction. 

According to the article, passive interaction is when the learner act simply as a receiver of information.  This process can easily be accomplished by reading text on the screen, viewing illustration, charts and graphics.  This online class is a good example of passive eLearning interaction. With the help of blackboard vista, we’re able to navigate through course content.  The announcement pop-up is a good example of a passive interaction. We’re automatically notice via the announcement icon immediately when we logon to blackboard regarding grades update, or any information the professor might have for us    

The second level of interaction is limited interaction, this requires certain level of interaction with the learner. The article stated that “level II adds a component of scenario-based multiple choice and column matching related to the text and graphic presentation.” During part one of mid-term exam we were given both instructional cues and graphical presentation that required our response.       

The third level is complex interaction, and according to the article, the learner makes multiple, varied responses to cues in an attempt to test the assessment of the information presented.  A good example of this level of interaction would be the Microsoft certification exams. Over the years, Microsoft has done an outstanding job perfecting interactive tests. Today, if you’re asking to design a network infrastructure in Houston and establish a site-to-site trust to a remote office in London you know longer have the options of selection a,b,c,d,e. Instead, you’ll get an interactive window with the option to virtually design the setup the process. 

Finally, the article states that real-time interaction creates a training session that involves a life-like set of complex cues and responses.  The learner is engaged in a simulation that precisely mirrors the work situation. “Real-time learning and assessment occurs, and the session is most likely held in a collaborative environment with outer learners and a facilitator.

Adobe Captivate

What is Adobe Captivate 4?

Adobe Captivate 4 software is an easy-to-use, rapid eLearning content authoring tool that enables virtually anyone to create powerful and engaging simulations, software demonstrations, scenario-based training, and quizzes without programming or multimedia skills. Based on the industry-leading Adobe Flash® Platform, Adobe Captivate 4 can automatically generate interactive Flash Player compatible content without requiring users to learn the Flash authoring tool. Adobe Captivate content can also be embedded in Adobe PDF files and delivered in the AVI format for streaming on the web, publishing to YouTube™, viewing on AVI-compatible devices, and more.

Who should use Adobe Captivate?

Adobe Captivate 4 is ideal for learning professionals, educators, and business and enterprise users who want to rapidly create interactive simulations, software demonstrations, and scenario-based training complete with quizzes and scoring, but who do not want to learn Flash or outsource the task to professional multimedia developers.

Identify the types of training that can be created using Adobe Captivate.

You can create most types of simulation-based or interactive learning content with Adobe Captivate 4. From software simulations and demonstrations to complex, scenario-based, soft-skills training, Adobe Captivate 4 makes it easy to generate powerful, engaging content without any programming, scripting, or Flash authoring knowledge.

Is Adobe Captivate 4 compatible with Learning Management Systems?

Yes. Adobe Captivate 4 generates SCORM 2004– and SCORM 1.2–certified content as well as AICC-compliant content, and offers one-click publishing to leading LMSs. Adobe Captivate 4 automatically generates the manifest file — an XML document that contains all the data required by the LMS to communicate with Adobe Captivate interactive simulations and scenario-based training.

Identify 3 other authoring tools that Adobe Captivate is compatible with.

Adobe Captivate 4 integrates with Acrobat Connect Pro, Flash Professional, and the Questionmark Perception assessment tool, giving users the power to do more with their simulations. Users can export Adobe Captivate 4 projects to Flash Professional for more complex editing and ActionScript® coding. Integration with Acrobat Connect Pro means users can add interactivity as well as quizzes to Adobe Presenter presentations or live meetings and publish directly to Acrobat Connect Enterprise Server to track and manage courses, learners, and scoring data. SWF files generated by Adobe Captivate 4 can be used with other tools that support the insertion of SWF files, such as Adobe Acrobat or Dreamweaver® software.

Can PowerPoint files be imported into Adobe Captivate?

You can import projects created in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 in the PPTX format, as well as the PPT format, in Adobe Captivate 4. You can edit PowerPoint content in Adobe Captivate and keep the projects in sync.

e-Learning Authoring Tools, SCORM and AICC

1. Define the term e-Learning Authoring tool. (1 point)

According to Wikipedia, an e-Learning authoring tool is a software package that developers use to create and package content deliverable to end users.

2. Provide an example of an Authoring tool and add a link to the website for that tool. (1 point)

LectureMaker is an example of an authoring tool. 

3. What is SCORM and what do the letters stand for? (2 points)

According to Wikipedia, SCORM is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning. It defines communications between client side content and a host system called the run-time environment (commonly a function of a learning management system). SCORM also defines how content may be packaged into a transferable ZIP file.

The letters SCORM means, Sharable Content Object Reference Model. 

4. When is SCORM a good fit for your company? (1 point)

According to the SCORM website, SCORM is a good fit for your company when:

• You want to integrate with other vendors.
• You are creating a large library of learning objects
• You are using an LMS to deliver and manage learning content
• You are designing learning content that might be reused in other contexts
• You are designing learning content that tracks learner performance
• You are designing learning content that will monitor the learner and adapt according to the learner’s needs

5. When is SCORM not a good fit for your company? (1 point)

SCORM is only useful in certain situations. Unfortunately, there are occasionally requirements for SCORM where it doesn’t make sense, simply because it is a buzzword. SCORM is likely a poor fit or overkill if:

• You are designing simple, static hyperlinked content (like a web page)
• You just need to publish simple reference material
• Your content is short lived and will only be used one time in one system
• You are using a single internal system that will never change
• You are using an LMS that is not designed to deliver and track online learning (classroom management systems are often termed “LMSs”)
• You are developing non-traditional online learning. Traditional education is not always a good fit for SCORM. Advanced simulations and serious games are likewise difficult to do well using SCORM. SCORM can be applied to all of these scenarios, but it must be applied intelligently to provide benefit without being an obstacle.

6. What is the AICC? (1 point)

According to Wikipedia, The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC), is an international association of technology-based training professionals that develops guidelines for aviation industry in the development, delivery, and evaluation of CBT, WBT, and related training technologies.

AICC specifications are usually designed to be general purpose (not necessarily Aviation Specific) so that learning technology vendors can spread their costs across multiple markets and thus provide products (needed by the Aviation Industry) at a lower cost. This strategy has resulted in AICC specifications having broad acceptance and relevance to non-aviation and aviation users alike.

7. In your opinion, what are the benefits of have a set of standards for the development if e-Learning? (3 points)

In my opinion, I think it is essential to have a set of standards for the development of e-Learning because it ensures that the material being taught can be measured and at the same time allows those involved to provide constructive feedbacks.

Using Adobe Captivate Quiz Tool

1. Where do you find the link to the ‘quiz’ tool on the Captivate interface?

From the main toolbar menu within Captivate, select tab that says Quiz and you will be giving a drop down list to select the various quiz options and preferences. 

2. What is the difference between a ‘Graded Question’ and a ‘Survey Question’?
Graded Question is when you’re scoring the question from the quiz while survey question is when you are creating a quiz that does not require scoring. 

3.  Identify each different question types and provide a brief description for each one that can be added to a presentation.

Multiple Choice: Multiple choice questions ask users to choose one or more correct answers from a list of possible answers. 

True/False:  Questions are similar to multiple choice, but have only the two fixed answers. 

Fill-in-the-blank:  Questions ask users to complete a sentence or phrase by typing in a word or selecting a word from a list.

Short answer:  Question are open-ended and ask users to write a sentence or brief phrase to answer the question. 

Matching:  Questions ask users to associate items in two lists, such as a word and its definition. 

Hot Spot:  Questions ask users to spot the right point/area within the given target, such as Image. 

Sequence:  Question given the user a list of items that must be placed in the correct order to answer the question. 

Rating Scale (Likert):  Questions ask users to express agreement or disagreement with specified statements.  There are no right or wrong answers.

Articulate Presenter

Articulate is an authoring tool that enables what specific type of eLearning development? (1 point)

Articulate enables Rapid e-Learning development.

What presentation software does Articulate Presenter operate off of? (1 point)

Articulate Presenter operates directly off of Microsoft PowerPoint.  

There are four programs that make up Articulate Studio ‘09. Identify each one and give a description of what each program is used for: (8 points)

Articulate Presenter ‘09

 This software program enables users to quickly create compelling Flash-based presentations and e-learning courses directly from PowerPoint. Some of Articulate Presenter 09 benefits are:

• Quickly distribute highly interactive, persuasive materials
• Help subject-matter-experts share their expertise directly
• Spread your message everywhere in a format everyone can view

Articulate Engage ‘09

Articulate Engage 09 is for users looking for compelling learning interaction and stunning visual quality, all without the need for expensive design or programming. Engager is a quick and easy tool that lets you create lean-forward experiences that learners love. The ability to produce dazzling interactions that turn passive viewers into active learners makes.

With Articulate Engage 09, you can now actively encourage discovery by prompting learners to interact:

• Examine in greater detail each step of a process.
• Explore the relationship between timeline events through text, images and sound.
• Drill down into key elements of a diagram to better understand the main points.

Articulate Quizmaker ‘09

Articulate Quizmaker 09 enable users to effortlessly craft Flash-based quizzes, assessment and surveys. With Quizmaker, Quiz creation has never been so quick or so creative.  It gives users unprecedented power and freedom in a new streamlined interface. Whether you are a new or seasoned quiz creator, you will easily create professional, custom Flash quizzes and surveys. Quizmaker ‘09 has two intuitive development modes: 

Form-based editing with form view: Build a professional quiz in minutes—it’s as easy as filling out a form. Just tab from field to field.
Free-form editing with slide view: Create your own vision with the freedom of developing in Flash but with none of the hassles.

Switch between modes at any point—you’re always just one click away.

  Articulate Video Encoder ‘09

 With Articulate Video Ebcoder 09, users will be able to easily convert videos into their popular Flash video format.  Some of its benefits include:

• Importing almost any video format
• Converting just part of a video
• crop video images
• quickly make improvements
• Brand videos with a logo or watermark
• Enjoy fine control over publishing options
• Apply changes to all videos in a batch

Using Articulate

1.  When publishing your presentation, what are the 6 different options that you can select?

The six different options that can be selected when publishing a presentation from Articulate are: the Web, Articulate online, LMS, Project files, CD, and Microsoft Word.

1. What audio file types can be imported into an Articulate presentation?

.MP3 and WAV

1. Please give a description of what function the “Slide Properties Manager” serves?

The “Slide Properties Manager” enable users the options to perform the following functions:  change your slide in your player menu, create a Slide Hierarchy by changing the slide level, claim more screen real estate by changing slide views, use multiple presenters in your e-learning course by changing the presenter at the slide level, add background audio to your e-learning course, control the slide navigation by setting them to advance by user or automatically, and lastly, right clicking reveals some extras tricks

1. Where do you edit animation timings in a presentation?

In the Timeline Audio Editor.

1. When publishing an Articulate Presentation for the Web, what file type will be created?

A rich media flash file is generated.

Articulate Quizmaker

What are the question types that are available in Quizmaker?

Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, Fill in the Blank, Word Bank, Matching Drag and Drop, Matching Drop-down, Sequence Drag and Drop, Sequence Drag and Drop, Sequence Drop-down, Numeric and Hotspot

Where do you add feedback for an answer to a question?

To add feedback for an answer to a question simply click on the Quiz Properties button and it will default you to the Question Defaults tab window. Under the Default Feedback section check the Provide Feedback by default option and type in the appropriate feedback when the answer is correct, or when the answer is incorrect.

When you want to set a passing score for a quiz, where do you make this selection?

 You will first click on the Quiz Properties button, then click on Quiz info tab to set a passing score for your quiz. What are the publishing options that are available in Quizmaker? Articulate Presenter, Web, Articulate Online, LMS, Cd, MS. Word.

 When publishing a quiz from Quizmaker, what option should you select when trying to add it to a presentation?

 When trying to add it to a presentation, click on the Publish tab, then select the Articulate Presenter option, and then specify the Publish Location of a current running PowerPoint Presentations or click on the browse icon to find a different PowerPoint you would like to use.

Articulate Engage

1. Please give a brief description of how using Articulate Engage can benefit an online course. (2 points)

I think Articulate Engage can benefit an online course because it provides so many different elements of interaction that gets the students or end-user involved. 

2. Identify each of the interaction types and provide a brief description or explanation of how each can be used. (6 points)

Articulate Engage 09 has ten interaction types and they are:

Creating a Process Interaction: Engage 09 Process Interaction lets you quickly demonstrate step by step procedures or workflows. The Process Interaction is made up of sequential steps in a process. 

Creating a Labeled Graphics Interaction: This Interaction allows users to insert an image and assign labels to it so users can present detail information.  An example would be demonstrating the features of a new software application.  The software allows us to load an image and then place label on top of it. The end user will then have the options to click on the label.       

Creating a Tabs Interaction: Let’s you create interactive tabs to explore group of related items

Creating a Circle Diagram: Let’s you display the relationship of items in a circular hierarchy. It’s a good way to show strategies or business relationships

Creating a Timeline Interaction: Let’s you display events in a timeline It’s a grate way to highlight key milestones in a schedule. 

Creating a Media Tour Interaction:  Let’s you create a tour of multimedia files. Such as images flash animation and video.    

Creating a FAQ Interaction: Helps you provide answers to frequently ask questions.  It’s a great way to empower your users to find solutions and answers to their questions.   

Creating a Pyramid Diagram:  Let’s you display the relationship of items in a pyramid shaped hierarchy.   It’s a great way to show strategies or business relationships

Creating a Guided Image Interaction:  Let’s you examine and highlight important part of an image or diagram.  The guided Image Interaction is based on showing an image an them placing arrow labels on it that point to specific parts of the image and allow the users to see more information.   

Creating a Glossary Interaction: Is a dynamic and engaging way to define common terms, technical information and challenging acronyms.   

3. Outline the steps involved in inserting an Engage interaction into a presentation. (2 points)

 To insert an interaction click “Engage Interactions” from the articulate menu.

You will then see two display options for your interaction. The first option is to insert them on a slide and the second option is to insert them as drop down Tabs on the top of the player.

From the Quizzes and Interactions windows, click on the Engage Interactions tab and click on the “Create New” button and engage will open and you can choose from a number of interactions

Select the interaction (Process, Labeled Graphic, Tabs, Circle Diagram, Timeline, Media Tour, FAQ, Pyramid, Guided Image, Glossary and Community Interaction) you like and then add a title in the “Interaction Title” field and click “OK”

At this point, you can edit the interaction and add your content. When you’re done click on “Save and Return to Presenter” button and in just a few seconds, you will see the new slide interaction on the  “Interaction Slides” list

Finally, if you already have  an existing slide you will like to use, simply click on the “Add Existing” button, locate the file and select it.

Mobile Learning

1. Define Mobile Learning.

According to Wikipedia, mobile learning is any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. In other words, mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.

 2. Identify what the term covers.

The term covers: learning with portable technologies, where the focus is on the technology (which could be in a fixed location, such as a classroom); learning across contexts, where the focus is on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable or fixed technology; and learning in a mobile society, with a focus on how society and its institutions can accommodate and support the learning of an increasingly mobile population that is not satisfied with existing learning methodologies.

3. List the technical and social and educational challenges posed by Mobile Learning, mentioned in the article.

The Technical challenges include the following:

• Connectivity and battery life
• Screen size and key size
• Ability for authors to visualize mobile phones for delivery
• Multiple standards, multiple screen sizes, multiple operating systems
• Repurposing existing e-Learning materials for mobile platforms

The Social and educational challenges include the following:

• Accessibility and cost barriers for end users: Digital divide.
• How to assess learning outside the classroom
• How to support learning across many contexts
• Developing an appropriate theory of learning for the mobile age
• Conceptual differences between e- and m-learning
• Design of technology to support a lifetime of learning
• Tracking of results and proper use of this information
• No restriction on learning timetable
• Personal and private information and content
• No demographic boundary
• Disruption of students’ personal and academic lives
• Access to and use of the technology in developing countries

wikispaces.com Assignment1

Define Asynchronous E- Learning

Asynchronous learning takes place when student and teacher are not in the same place at the same time. It provides students the flexibility to access learning resources at anytime, download coursework and send email messages to peers or teachers regarding course materials.

Example of an Asynchronous E-Learning tool would be the University of Houston WebCT Blackboard Learning System. Blackboard enables professors to upload learning materials such as PowerPoint slides, web links to online articles, Portable Document Format (.pdf) and any additional information that they feel is relevant to the student. This type of e learning does not require the teacher and student to be in the same place at the same time. Asynchronous e learning also provides students with the flexibility to maintain a job, deal with family and any other commitments that may arise.
Asynchronous learning tools tend to be less powerful than synchronous tools such as videoconferencing and live chat, but they are often used by teachers to support classroom learning rather than as a substitute for it.

Define Synchronous E-Learning

Unlike asynchronous learning, synchronous learning occurs when the student and the teacher are in the same place at the same time. In a synchronous learning environment, learning is much more interactive and students have the option to ask question in real time.

Synchronous learning tools are often pricey, difficult to set up and sometimes limited by technological constraints. It is a good idea to have an alternative lesson planned or to include synchronous learning as a stage rather than as an entire lesson. During last Mondays class meeting, we saw firsthand when our instructor desktop sharing session via Wimba classroom disconnected as he was showing Tanya how to save her snagit screen capture image file.

Wimba classroom is an excellent example of a synchronous learning tool in that it allows student teacher interaction in real-time

Example of an Asynchronous Learning Tool

Examples of asynchronous tools are online learning, e-mail and discussion threads on forums.

Example of a Synchronous Tool

Videoconferencing, chat and VOIP are synchronous learning tools because the learner and teacher interact in real time.

Upload an image to your Wiki Page for an Asynchronous Learning Tool and link the image to it’s Web Page

Upload an image to your Wiki Page for an Synchronous Learning Tool and link the image to it’s Web Page

Wiki Assignment 2

1. Provide a definition for Social Learning or “We Learning”.

Social Learning is a process in which individuals observe the conduct of others and its consequences, and then try to modify their own conduct accordingly.

2. What internal company asset forms the foundation for Social Learning?

According to the article, “From E-Learning to We-Learning” the single biggest driver of success in today’s modern L&D world is culture. No matter how well you design the programs, systems, and experiences – they only “stick” when the company itself values a continuous focus on organizational and individual learning. More and more top executives are thinking, “how can I get people in this organization to more rapidly share information, talk to customers, and learn faster.” These types of conversations lead to a discussion about the organization’s learning culture – one of the biggest drivers of success in this new era.

3. Identify 6 different types of social networking or learning tools how they are used within organizations.
Wimba Classroom: Is a real-time virtual classroom environment designed for distance education and collaboration. Wimba Classroom allows faculty to create fully-featured live virtual classrooms in a content area in Blackboard. It supports audio, video, application sharing, content display, and whiteboard. Faculty can now use this classroom environment to hold live, online classes, office hours, guest lectures, and meetings in Blackboard
LinkedIn: Is a business-oriented social networking site and is mainly used for professional networking. The purpose of the site is to allow registered users to maintain a list of contact details of people they know and trust in business. The people in the list are called Connections. Users can invite anyone (whether a site user or not) to become a connection.
This list of connections can then be used in a number of ways:
Ø A contact network is built up consisting of their direct connections, the connections of each of their connections (termed second-degree connections) and also the connections of second-degree connections (termed third-degree connections). This can be used to gain an introduction to someone a person wishes to know through a mutual, trusted contact.
Ø It can then be used to find jobs, people and business opportunities recommended by someone in one’s contact network.
Ø Employers can list jobs and search for potential candidates.
Ø Job seekers can review the profile of hiring managers and discover which of their existing contacts can introduce them.
Microsoft SharePoint: SharePoint is used to host web sites that access shared workspaces, information stores and documents, as well as host defined applications such as wikis and blogs. All users have the ability to manipulate proprietary controls called “web parts” or interact with pieces of content such as lists and document libraries.
Facebook: Is a global social networking site that allows users to setup a profile account of them, add friends, send messages, comment on friends page, update status and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. In addition, users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region.
Windows Live Essentials: Windows Live Essentials (previously Windows Live Installer) is a collection of freeware applications by Microsoft which aims to offer integrated and bundled e-mail, instant messaging, photo-sharing, blog publishing, security services and other Windows Live entities. Essentials programs are designed to integrate well with each other, with the Windows operating system, and with other Windows Live web-based services such as Windows Live Photos and Windows Live Hotmail, so that they operate as a “seamless whole”.
YouTube: is a video sharing website on which users can upload and share videos. The site uses Adobe Flash Video technology to display a wide variety of user-generated video content, including movie clips, TV clips, and music videos, as well as amateur content such as video blogging and short original videos. Most of the content on YouTube has been uploaded by individuals, although media corporations like CBS, the BBC, UMG and other organizations offer some of their material via the site, as part of the YouTube partnership program.
4. Provide 3 examples of Social Networking software tools and provide a link to each companies website.
Facebook
LinkedIN
Ning

Wiki Assignment 3

According to Wikipedia, mobile learning is any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. In other words, mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.

Provide a complete list of all the mobile learning devices mentioned in the article, identifying the instructional usages, and the pros and cons for each device.
Wherever one looks, evidence of mobile penetration is irrefutable: cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, portable game devices, handhelds, tablets, and laptops abound. No demographic is immune from this phenomenon. From toddlers to seniors, people are increasingly connected and are digitally communicating with each other in ways that would have been impossible only a few years ago.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA’S )
The PDA combines computing capability, Internet access, and networking features in one system with a calendar, notepad, address book, and productivity tools. It is a programmable, Bluetooth-enabled, Wi-Fi–equipped device with a pen/stylus input interface.
Instructional Uses. A PDA plays audio, video, and Flash movies; displays and permits editing of text documents; lets users access e-mail and Web content; supports IM and text messaging; and can be used for mass storage.
PDAs support interactive, collaborative learning. Students can use them to present projects; conduct research; word process documents (with a peripheral input device); and take notes in class.
Pros. PDAs have a large screen (for a portable device) that makes reading easy. It also combines several computing and communication tools in one device. Text and data entry are possible through the screen keyboard, a stylus, or external peripherals.
Cons. PDAs are bulky compared to other portable devices and won’t fit in a standard-sized pocket, although packs, purses, and other carriers will accommodate them. They are not efficient for entering long e-mails or texts without using a peripheral input device.

Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC)
Ultra-mobile PCs have all the major features of a standard tablet PC but in a much smaller package. They support audio, video, and gaming; browsing the Internet; and other communication and networking applications. They come Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet enabled.
Instructional Uses. Students can download audio and video lectures and podcasts to their UMPCs; create and edit course-related assignments; surf the Web; send e-mails, IMs, and text-messages; and log on to course Web sites from a distance.
UMPCs enable global collaboration, scientific experimentation, and research. Users also can access information globally. UMPCs thus enable interactive learning.
Pros. This ultra-small, ultra-portable PC with its 7-inch touch-sensitive screen is great for surfing the Web and viewing multimedia. Its small size makes it ideal for traveling.
Cons. These units are expensive, costing more than a high-powered PC. Due to their small size, most UMPCs do not have a full-size keyboard or keypad.
Smart Phone
A smart phone combines telephone capability with a PDA, camera, video, mass storage, MP3 player, Internet access, and networking features in one compact system.
Instructional Uses. Students can download audio and video lectures and podcasts to their smart phones. They can play audio, video, and Flash movies; display and edit text documents; access e-mail and Web content; send IM and text messages; and use the phone for mass storage.
Smart phones also enable global collaboration and scientific experimentation and research. Users also can access information globally. Smart phones thus support interactive learning.
Pros. A smart phone combines a multitude of communication and computing features in one compact system.
Cons. The small screen makes Web browsing and reading text difficult. Small keys or a virtual keyboard make text entry inefficient for longer e-mails or texts. Finally, some smart phones cost as much as entry-level PCs while having a fraction of their functionality.
iPod
The iPod portable media player from Apple allows users to download music, audio books, podcasts, photos, and video. It has an address book and calendar that synchronize with Microsoft’s Outlook or Outlook Express. It can also serve as a mass-storage device.
Instructional Uses. With the iPod, students can download podcasts of relevant instructional material along with audio and video lectures. Although the early devices have rather small screens, future versions probably will have bigger screens so that users can read e-books on them. The video iPod, for example, takes a step in this direction.
With the iPod, students can exchange information files, collaborate on projects, review coursework and prepare for exams, showcase their work, and share project results. They (or the instructor) can provide visual, step-by-step directions that are difficult to convey with words only. Students or instructors can add a microphone to their iPods to capture material for educational use.
Pros. With 87 percent of the market share, the iPod has already proven its popularity with students. Apple’s iPod University lets professors make lectures available to students for free download. The iPod’s many add-ons increase its functionality, and it’s great for students on the go. It appeals to digital natives’ need for immediacy of information.
Cons. First, consider the cost. An iPod may not be affordable for all students, and it requires Apple’s iTunes program (which is free) for downloading files. Second, it provides one-way communication, not interactivity, although it can record material. Third, the screens are generally too small to use sophisticated applications or to read quantities of text (although this will probably change in future versions).
E-Book Reader
E-book readers are used to download text-based materials. They can store hundreds of e-books, newspapers, and magazines. Magnification and highlighting features facilitate easy reading and marking of texts, and full-text search makes it easy to find specific passages.
Instructional Uses. Students can use an e-book reader to download and store text-based instructional materials and electronic textbooks; read resources on demand; and conduct research.
Pros. E-book readers have large screens for easy reading, while backlighting facilitates reading in dark places. Digital bookmarks and highlighters let users mark their texts, and full-text search capabilities make it easy to find specific passages. An e-book reader can store all the content and textbooks for several courses.
Cons. An e-book reader is a single-purpose device with limited computing capabilities. It may require proprietary text formats. A limited number of e-book titles are currently available.
List the Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning.
Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Learning

Portable computing/communication devices such as laptops, PDAs, and smart phones connected to wireless networks enable mobility and facilitate mobile learning. Mobility allows teaching and learning to extend beyond the traditional classroom; in the case of distance learning, users of portable devices can break the tether of the home computer. Within the classroom, portable computing/communication devices give instructors and students increased flexibility and provide new opportunities for interaction.
Mobile technologies also support learning experiences that are collaborative, accessible, and integrated with the world beyond the classroom.6 The benefits, however, do not come without challenges.
According to the article posted on webct and “Are You Ready for Mobile Learning” by Joseph Rene Corbeil and Maria Elena Valdes-Corbeil, some of the benefits of mobile learning include:
Ø The importance of bringing new technology into the classroom.
Ø Mobile learning could be utilized as part of a learning approach which uses different types of activities (or a blended learning approach).
Ø Mobile learning supports the learning process rather than being integral to it.
Ø Mobile learning needs to be used appropriately, according to the groups of students involved.
Ø Mobile learning can be a useful add-on tool for students with special needs. However, for SMS and MMS this might be dependent on the students’ specific disabilities or difficulties involved.
Ø Good IT support is needed.
Ø Mobile learning can be used as a ‘hook’ to re-engage disaffected youth.
Ø It is necessary to have enough devices for classroom use.
Ø Great for people on the go.
Ø Anytime, anywhere access to content.
Ø Can enhance interaction between and among students and instructors.
Ø Great for just-in-time training or review of content.
Ø Can enhance student-centered learning.
Ø Can appeal to tech-savvy students because of the media-rich environment.
Ø Support differentiation of student learning needs and personalized learning.7
Ø Reduce cultural and communication barriers between faculty and students by using communication channels that students like.
Ø Facilitate collaboration through synchronous and asynchronous communication.
Some of the challenges of Mobile Learning tend to be technical, Social and Educational in nature.

Technical challenges consist of:
Ø Connectivity and battery life
Ø Screen size and key size
Ø Ability for authors to visualize mobile phones for delivery
Ø Multiple standards, multiple screen sizes, multiple operating systems
Ø Repurposing existing e-Learning materials for mobile platforms
Ø May make it easier to cheat.
Ø Could give tech-savvy students an advantage over non-technical students.
Ø Can create a feeling of isolation or of being out-of-the-loop for non-techies.
Ø May require media to be reformatted or offered in multiple formats.
Ø Might render some content outdated because of rapid upgrades—here today, outdated tomorrow.
Ø Could require additional learning curve for non-technical students and faculty.
Ø May be used as a new high-tech package for the same old dull and boring content.
Social and educational challenges consist of:
Ø Accessibility and cost barriers for end users: Digital divide.
Ø How to assess learning outside the classroom
Ø How to support learning across many contexts
Ø Developing an appropriate theory of learning for the mobile age
Ø Conceptual differences between e- and m-learning
Ø Design of technology to support a lifetime of learning
Ø Tracking of results and proper use of this information
Ø No restriction on learning timetable
Ø Personal and private information and content
Ø No demographic boundary
Ø Disruption of students’ personal and academic lives
Ø Access to and use of the technology in developing countries
Sources

Joseph Rene Corbeil and Maria Elena Valdes-Corbeil “Are You Ready for Mobile Learning?”
http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/AreYouReadyforMobileLearning/157455

mLearning

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLearning

WordPress:  WordPress.com, a hosted version of the open source package where you can start a blog in seconds without any technical knowledge

Snagit: is a screenshot program that operates under the Windows operating system

Wimba Classroom: is a real-time virtual classroom environment designed for distance education and collaboration. Wimba Classroom allows faculty to create fully-featured live virtual classrooms in a content area in Blackboard. It supports audio, video, application sharing, content display, and whiteboard. Faculty can now use this classroom environment to hold live, online classes, office hours, guest lectures, and meetings in Blackboard. 

I strongly feel that all the various software tools we’ve used throughout the semester are related in that they provide alternative ways for a trainer to introduce the various learning modules to trainee and at the same time making the learning experience interactive and fun.  I am definitely going to implement some of the software tools we’ve used in this class to creating learning materials for my IT staff.

Finally, I have enjoy every moment spent doing the course work for this class and the knowledge I have gain will definitely create new opportunities for me at my current position.  Happy Holiday’s Paul and have a wonderful winter break with your family and love once.   

According to Wikipedia, mobile learning is any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. In other words, mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.

 2. Identify what the term covers.

The term covers: learning with portable technologies, where the focus is on the technology (which could be in a fixed location, such as a classroom); learning across contexts, where the focus is on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable or fixed technology; and learning in a mobile society, with a focus on how society and its institutions can accommodate and support the learning of an increasingly mobile population that is not satisfied with existing learning methodologies.

3. List the technical and social and educational challenges posed by Mobile Learning, mentioned in the article.

The Technical challenges include the following:

• Connectivity and battery life
• Screen size and key size
• Ability for authors to visualize mobile phones for delivery
• Multiple standards, multiple screen sizes, multiple operating systems
• Repurposing existing e-Learning materials for mobile platforms

The Social and educational challenges include the following:

• Accessibility and cost barriers for end users: Digital divide.
• How to assess learning outside the classroom
• How to support learning across many contexts
• Developing an appropriate theory of learning for the mobile age
• Conceptual differences between e- and m-learning
• Design of technology to support a lifetime of learning
• Tracking of results and proper use of this information
• No restriction on learning timetable
• Personal and private information and content
• No demographic boundary
• Disruption of students’ personal and academic lives
• Access to and use of the technology in developing countries

I think Articulate Engage can benefit an online course because it provides so many different elements of interaction that gets the students or end-user involved. 

2. Identify each of the interaction types and provide a brief description or explanation of how each can be used. (6 points)

Articulate Engage 09 has ten interaction types and they are:

Creating a Process Interaction: Engage 09 Process Interaction lets you quickly demonstrate step by step procedures or workflows. The Process Interaction is made up of sequential steps in a process. 

Creating a Labeled Graphics Interaction: This Interaction allows users to insert an image and assign labels to it so users can present detail information.  An example would be demonstrating the features of a new software application.  The software allows us to load an image and then place label on top of it. The end user will then have the options to click on the label.       

Creating a Tabs Interaction: Let’s you create interactive tabs to explore group of related items

Creating a Circle Diagram: Let’s you display the relationship of items in a circular hierarchy. It’s a good way to show strategies or business relationships

Creating a Timeline Interaction: Let’s you display events in a timeline It’s a grate way to highlight key milestones in a schedule. 

Creating a Media Tour Interaction:  Let’s you create a tour of multimedia files. Such as images flash animation and video.    

Creating a FAQ Interaction: Helps you provide answers to frequently ask questions.  It’s a great way to empower your users to find solutions and answers to their questions.   

Creating a Pyramid Diagram:  Let’s you display the relationship of items in a pyramid shaped hierarchy.   It’s a great way to show strategies or business relationships

Creating a Guided Image Interaction:  Let’s you examine and highlight important part of an image or diagram.  The guided Image Interaction is based on showing an image an them placing arrow labels on it that point to specific parts of the image and allow the users to see more information.   

Creating a Glossary Interaction: Is a dynamic and engaging way to define common terms, technical information and challenging acronyms.   

3. Outline the steps involved in inserting an Engage interaction into a presentation. (2 points)

 To insert an interaction click “Engage Interactions” from the articulate menu.

You will then see two display options for your interaction. The first option is to insert them on a slide and the second option is to insert them as drop down Tabs on the top of the player.

From the Quizzes and Interactions windows, click on the Engage Interactions tab and click on the “Create New” button and engage will open and you can choose from a number of interactions

Select the interaction (Process, Labeled Graphic, Tabs, Circle Diagram, Timeline, Media Tour, FAQ, Pyramid, Guided Image, Glossary and Community Interaction) you like and then add a title in the “Interaction Title” field and click “OK”

At this point, you can edit the interaction and add your content. When you’re done click on “Save and Return to Presenter” button and in just a few seconds, you will see the new slide interaction on the  “Interaction Slides” list

Finally, if you already have  an existing slide you will like to use, simply click on the “Add Existing” button, locate the file and select it.

Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, Fill in the Blank, Word Bank, Matching Drag and Drop, Matching Drop-down, Sequence Drag and Drop, Sequence Drag and Drop, Sequence Drop-down, Numeric and Hotspot

Where do you add feedback for an answer to a question?

To add feedback for an answer to a question simply click on the Quiz Properties button and it will default you to the Question Defaults tab window. Under the Default Feedback section check the Provide Feedback by default option and type in the appropriate feedback when the answer is correct, or when the answer is incorrect.

When you want to set a passing score for a quiz, where do you make this selection?

 You will first click on the Quiz Properties button, then click on Quiz info tab to set a passing score for your quiz. What are the publishing options that are available in Quizmaker? Articulate Presenter, Web, Articulate Online, LMS, Cd, MS. Word.

 When publishing a quiz from Quizmaker, what option should you select when trying to add it to a presentation?

 When trying to add it to a presentation, click on the Publish tab, then select the Articulate Presenter option, and then specify the Publish Location of a current running PowerPoint Presentations or click on the browse icon to find a different PowerPoint you would like to use.

1.  When publishing your presentation, what are the 6 different options that you can select?

   The six different options that can be selected when publishing a presentation from Articulate are: the Web, Articulate online, LMS, Project files, CD, and Microsoft Word.

2. What audio file types can be imported into an Articulate presentation?

   .MP3 and WAV

3. Please give a description of what function the “Slide Properties Manager” serves?

   The “Slide Properties Manager” enable users the options to perform the following functions:  change your slide in your player menu, create a Slide Hierarchy by changing the slide level, claim more screen real estate by changing slide views, use multiple presenters in your e-learning course by changing the presenter at the slide level, add background audio to your e-learning course, control the slide navigation by setting them to advance by user or automatically, and lastly, right clicking reveals some extras tricks

4. Where do you edit animation timings in a presentation?

   In the Timeline Audio Editor.

5. When publishing an Articulate Presentation for the Web, what file type will be created?

   A rich media flash file is generated. 

Articulate enables Rapid e-Learning development.

What presentation software does Articulate Presenter operate off of? (1 point)

Articulate Presenter operates directly off of Microsoft PowerPoint.  

There are four programs that make up Articulate Studio ‘09. Identify each one and give a description of what each program is used for: (8 points)

Articulate Presenter ‘09

 This software program enables users to quickly create compelling Flash-based presentations and e-learning courses directly from PowerPoint. Some of Articulate Presenter 09 benefits are:

• Quickly distribute highly interactive, persuasive materials
• Help subject-matter-experts share their expertise directly
• Spread your message everywhere in a format everyone can view

Articulate Engage ‘09

Articulate Engage 09 is for users looking for compelling learning interaction and stunning visual quality, all without the need for expensive design or programming. Engager is a quick and easy tool that lets you create lean-forward experiences that learners love. The ability to produce dazzling interactions that turn passive viewers into active learners makes.

With Articulate Engage 09, you can now actively encourage discovery by prompting learners to interact:

• Examine in greater detail each step of a process.
• Explore the relationship between timeline events through text, images and sound.
• Drill down into key elements of a diagram to better understand the main points.

Articulate Quizmaker ‘09

Articulate Quizmaker 09 enable users to effortlessly craft Flash-based quizzes, assessment and surveys. With Quizmaker, Quiz creation has never been so quick or so creative.  It gives users unprecedented power and freedom in a new streamlined interface. Whether you are a new or seasoned quiz creator, you will easily create professional, custom Flash quizzes and surveys. Quizmaker ’09 has two intuitive development modes: 

Form-based editing with form view: Build a professional quiz in minutes—it’s as easy as filling out a form. Just tab from field to field.
Free-form editing with slide view: Create your own vision with the freedom of developing in Flash but with none of the hassles.

Switch between modes at any point—you’re always just one click away.

  Articulate Video Encoder ‘09

 With Articulate Video Ebcoder 09, users will be able to easily convert videos into their popular Flash video format.  Some of its benefits include:

• Importing almost any video format
• Converting just part of a video
• crop video images
• quickly make improvements
• Brand videos with a logo or watermark
• Enjoy fine control over publishing options
• Apply changes to all videos in a batch

From the main toolbar menu within Captivate, select tab that says Quiz and you will be giving a drop down list to select the various quiz options and preferences. 

2. What is the difference between a ‘Graded Question’ and a ‘Survey Question’?
Graded Question is when you’re scoring the question from the quiz while survey question is when you are creating a quiz that does not require scoring. 

3.  Identify each different question types and provide a brief description for each one that can be added to a presentation.

Multiple Choice: Multiple choice questions ask users to choose one or more correct answers from a list of possible answers. 

True/False:  Questions are similar to multiple choice, but have only the two fixed answers. 

Fill-in-the-blank:  Questions ask users to complete a sentence or phrase by typing in a word or selecting a word from a list.

Short answer:  Question are open-ended and ask users to write a sentence or brief phrase to answer the question. 

Matching:  Questions ask users to associate items in two lists, such as a word and its definition. 

Hot Spot:  Questions ask users to spot the right point/area within the given target, such as Image. 

Sequence:  Question given the user a list of items that must be placed in the correct order to answer the question. 

Rating Scale (Likert):  Questions ask users to express agreement or disagreement with specified statements.  There are no right or wrong answers.

According to Wikipedia, an e-Learning authoring tool is a software package that developers use to create and package content deliverable to end users.

2. Provide an example of an Authoring tool and add a link to the website for that tool. (1 point)

LectureMaker is an example of an authoring tool. 

3. What is SCORM and what do the letters stand for? (2 points)

According to Wikipedia, SCORM is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning. It defines communications between client side content and a host system called the run-time environment (commonly a function of a learning management system). SCORM also defines how content may be packaged into a transferable ZIP file.

The letters SCORM means, Sharable Content Object Reference Model. 

4. When is SCORM a good fit for your company? (1 point)

According to the SCORM website, SCORM is a good fit for your company when:

• You want to integrate with other vendors.
• You are creating a large library of learning objects
• You are using an LMS to deliver and manage learning content
• You are designing learning content that might be reused in other contexts
• You are designing learning content that tracks learner performance
• You are designing learning content that will monitor the learner and adapt according to the learner’s needs

5. When is SCORM not a good fit for your company? (1 point)

SCORM is only useful in certain situations. Unfortunately, there are occasionally requirements for SCORM where it doesn’t make sense, simply because it is a buzzword. SCORM is likely a poor fit or overkill if:

• You are designing simple, static hyperlinked content (like a web page)
• You just need to publish simple reference material
• Your content is short lived and will only be used one time in one system
• You are using a single internal system that will never change
• You are using an LMS that is not designed to deliver and track online learning (classroom management systems are often termed “LMSs”)
• You are developing non-traditional online learning. Traditional education is not always a good fit for SCORM. Advanced simulations and serious games are likewise difficult to do well using SCORM. SCORM can be applied to all of these scenarios, but it must be applied intelligently to provide benefit without being an obstacle.

6. What is the AICC? (1 point)

According to Wikipedia, The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC), is an international association of technology-based training professionals that develops guidelines for aviation industry in the development, delivery, and evaluation of CBT, WBT, and related training technologies.

AICC specifications are usually designed to be general purpose (not necessarily Aviation Specific) so that learning technology vendors can spread their costs across multiple markets and thus provide products (needed by the Aviation Industry) at a lower cost. This strategy has resulted in AICC specifications having broad acceptance and relevance to non-aviation and aviation users alike.

7. In your opinion, what are the benefits of have a set of standards for the development if e-Learning? (3 points)

In my opinion, I think it is essential to have a set of standards for the development of e-Learning because it ensures that the material being taught can be measured and at the same time allows those involved to provide constructive feedbacks.

Adobe Captivate 4 software is an easy-to-use, rapid eLearning content authoring tool that enables virtually anyone to create powerful and engaging simulations, software demonstrations, scenario-based training, and quizzes without programming or multimedia skills. Based on the industry-leading Adobe Flash® Platform, Adobe Captivate 4 can automatically generate interactive Flash Player compatible content without requiring users to learn the Flash authoring tool. Adobe Captivate content can also be embedded in Adobe PDF files and delivered in the AVI format for streaming on the web, publishing to YouTube™, viewing on AVI-compatible devices, and more.

Who should use Adobe Captivate?

Adobe Captivate 4 is ideal for learning professionals, educators, and business and enterprise users who want to rapidly create interactive simulations, software demonstrations, and scenario-based training complete with quizzes and scoring, but who do not want to learn Flash or outsource the task to professional multimedia developers.

Identify the types of training that can be created using Adobe Captivate.

You can create most types of simulation-based or interactive learning content with Adobe Captivate 4. From software simulations and demonstrations to complex, scenario-based, soft-skills training, Adobe Captivate 4 makes it easy to generate powerful, engaging content without any programming, scripting, or Flash authoring knowledge.

Is Adobe Captivate 4 compatible with Learning Management Systems?

Yes. Adobe Captivate 4 generates SCORM 2004– and SCORM 1.2–certified content as well as AICC-compliant content, and offers one-click publishing to leading LMSs. Adobe Captivate 4 automatically generates the manifest file — an XML document that contains all the data required by the LMS to communicate with Adobe Captivate interactive simulations and scenario-based training.

Identify 3 other authoring tools that Adobe Captivate is compatible with.

Adobe Captivate 4 integrates with Acrobat Connect Pro, Flash Professional, and the Questionmark Perception assessment tool, giving users the power to do more with their simulations. Users can export Adobe Captivate 4 projects to Flash Professional for more complex editing and ActionScript® coding. Integration with Acrobat Connect Pro means users can add interactivity as well as quizzes to Adobe Presenter presentations or live meetings and publish directly to Acrobat Connect Enterprise Server to track and manage courses, learners, and scoring data. SWF files generated by Adobe Captivate 4 can be used with other tools that support the insertion of SWF files, such as Adobe Acrobat or Dreamweaver® software.

Can PowerPoint files be imported into Adobe Captivate?

You can import projects created in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 in the PPTX format, as well as the PPT format, in Adobe Captivate 4. You can edit PowerPoint content in Adobe Captivate and keep the projects in sync.

1)  They’re confronted with some type of challenge

2)  They must make decisions

3)  They are allowed to explore

4) They are allowed to make mistakes without being disciplined.

5)  They have fun

Define what an interaction is in the context of eLearning.

In interaction in the context of eLearning is a learning activity where an individual is presented with a problem or scenario and must work to achieve a goal.  It should be designed to maintain the learner’s interest rather then gimmicky or without purpose. 

Why are interactions necessary in eLearning?

Interactions are necessary because they are more likely to keep learners interested and mentally stimulated during a learning experience.  The object of this type of learning is to mimic a real-world scenario in the interaction which doesn’t always work.  On a ideal case, if a learners are able to apply their knowledge it could potentially help them process the information more in-depth and in turn help them transfer what they’re learn to a real-world scenario. Attending a CPR class is a good example of why an interaction is necessary.  

List and explain the four levels of interaction.

The four levels of interaction are; passive, limited interaction, complex interaction and real-time interaction. 

According to the article, passive interaction is when the learner act simply as a receiver of information.  This process can easily be accomplished by reading text on the screen, viewing illustration, charts and graphics.  This online class is a good example of passive eLearning interaction. With the help of blackboard vista, we’re able to navigate through course content.  The announcement pop-up is a good example of a passive interaction. We’re automatically notice via the announcement icon immediately when we logon to blackboard regarding grades update, or any information the professor might have for us    

The second level of interaction is limited interaction, this requires certain level of interaction with the learner. The article stated that “level II adds a component of scenario-based multiple choice and column matching related to the text and graphic presentation.” During part one of mid-term exam we were given both instructional cues and graphical presentation that required our response.       

The third level is complex interaction, and according to the article, the learner makes multiple, varied responses to cues in an attempt to test the assessment of the information presented.  A good example of this level of interaction would be the Microsoft certification exams. Over the years, Microsoft has done an outstanding job perfecting interactive tests. Today, if you’re asking to design a network infrastructure in Houston and establish a site-to-site trust to a remote office in London you know longer have the options of selection a,b,c,d,e. Instead, you’ll get an interactive window with the option to virtually design the setup the process. 

Finally, the article states that real-time interaction creates a training session that involves a life-like set of complex cues and responses.  The learner is engaged in a simulation that precisely mirrors the work situation. “Real-time learning and assessment occurs, and the session is most likely held in a collaborative environment with outer learners and a facilitator.