LMS Tips: Using PowerPoint, Flash, FlexAuthoring… Or All Three

 

 

 

Behind the Scenes: Multimedia in FlexTraining

 

You have video, you’re making video, or you’re searching for video to incorporate into your online training. But what video format do you need? The answer probably depends on what video players are available to your student base.

 

However, your choice is not limited by FlexTraining. Any of the major video formats, including Flash, Windows Media Player, Real Player and Quick Time, can be embedded into the sequential construction of learning screens in the FlexTraining course authoring screens.

 

No separate window is needed in order to play some of these formats. The integrated multimedia learning screen will deliver these formats within the viewing panel of FlexTraining and maintain the navigational transition of the course section!

 

    

 

 

What are the advantages for you?

 

1.      If your company prefers one of the major formats over the others, there is no need for a conversion to meet the preference of the LMS.

 

2.      If you have access to a mix of video formats, they all can be utilized.

 

Another use of multimedia involves expanding the application of the Learner Exercise template, which is used to reinforce important points and engage the student through interactivity with the content. We often think of this as a Learner Exercise “Question” template - ask a question and then use the four response options to provide one correct answer and three incorrect answers. This can also be used as a “branching” or multiple option template. Any multimedia object from the FlexTraining Media Library can be linked to the four response options in the Learner Exercise template.

 

Instead of asking a question, the learning screen can also branch to targeted presentations. For example, here are two possible scenarios and response links:

 

Scenario One - Click on the letter that matches your job description

 

A.      Medical Staff - (Flash movie specific to medical staff)

B.      Security - (PowerPoint specific to security department)

C.      Administrative - (Quick Time movie specific to administrative staff)

D.      Volunteer Services - (Flash movie specific to volunteer personnel)

 

Scenario Two - Click on the options to learn more about this product

 

  1. Assembly - (Flash movie on assembly procedure)
  2. Components – (Alert pop up text box with component description)
  3. Key Features – (Audio narration summarizing product features)
  4. Web Resource – (Link to corporate web site)

 

Whether it’s easy integration with the major video formats or using multimedia items to reinforce content and create learner interactivity, the FlexTraining integrated multimedia tools are keeping up to meet the expanding and changing needs of training professionals everywhere.

 

 

 

FlexTraining Version 6.2 Now Shipping

 

National Training Systems (NTS) is now shipping Version 6.2 of its popular and scalable FlexTraining Total E-Learning Solution. The updated version of this universally adopted E-Learning system includes complete architectural updates and re-design, as well as interface enhancements and other usability changes. The new system adds value and promotes rapid learning for its extensive base of existing global users, as well as prospective customers evaluating the options available when implementing an online training initiative.

Most notable in the new 6.2 release is the complete rewrite, from the ground up, of the robust FlexTraining Management Center using ASP.NET technology. The new structure is more scalable, extensible, and easier to maintain. Customers will experience benefits such as greater training volume, faster response times, and the ability to handle more online learners. The Management System was rewritten from scratch, rather than converted, allowing FlexTraining engineers to take advantage of the latest techniques and designs.

Scott Cochran, NTS General Manager, says "This version of FlexTraining will provide the foundation of our customers’ learning systems for years to come. It is solid, flexible, and designed for endurance." Cochran also stressed that future versions of the FlexTraining system will be more easily created and supported now that the current restructuring is complete.

Beyond the re-engineering of the product from a technical perspective, FlexTraining version 6.2 also features major redesigns in selected, heavily-used system features. For example, the integrated course-building system was completely redesigned to be more compact and visual. The new look and feel is designed to increase productivity for course developers.

Also, the Media and Content shared libraries, where course authors catalog and deploy learning materials, have been redesigned to make content items easier to add and track. User can also work with multiple, and very large files, more easily. Together with the new course building features, the user experience for content and course developers has been greatly streamlined and improved.

Numerous other enhancements have been incorporated into the system redesign, including streamlined user interfaces, where appropriate, and superior appearance and usability.

 

 



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