Recorded Stand-alone Formats: First Draft

Recorded stand-alone formats: Online or media-based simulations which include audio or audiovisual elements. Simulations are highly customizable and can be on-demand. Simulations can range from simple instructions on everyday tasks to a complete instructional course. Examples include audio files such as podcasting, static on-line or media audiovisuals such as provided by Camtasia Studios, or interactive simulations such as provided by NexLearn.


Podcasting: a method of publishing audio broadcasts via the Internet using any software and hardware combination that permits automatic downloading of audio files via RSS (Really Simple Syndication) for listening at the user’s convenience. Most content is downloaded to an mp3 player or an iPod.

Advantages:
• allows education to become more portable
• provides access to experts
• easy and inexpensive to make
• tools to implement are simple
• assists auditory learners
• provides a way to review material
• assists non-native speakers by being able to review
• low loss of productivity

Disadvantages:
• user must have sufficient bandwidth to download
• not designed for audience participation
• assessments are not built-in

Requirements for presenter:
• A quality microphone
• A computer
• Audio editing software
• File transfer software
• RSS enclosure software

Requirements for participant:
• a computer
• RSS news reader
• content management software
• a media player (portable players run a minimum of $100-$200)


Example: Camtasia Studio – records, edits and publishes rich screen video presentations.

Advantages:
• very simple to create
• costs are minimal
• on-demand and self contained
• can be segmented to use only what you need
• low loss of productivity

Disadvantages:
• not designed for audience participation
• assessments are not built-in

Requirements for presenter:
• a quality microphone
• a Windows 2000 or XP computer with soundcard
• a CD burner if output is CD or a web page if output is to post on-line
• Camtasia Studio software (single license $225.00)

Requirements for participant
• a computer
• a CD-ROM drive to playback CD or Internet access


Example: NexLearn - Simulations are developed in partnership with the CE provider who serves as the content expert for the development. They feature specially designed Learning Events that stage opportunities for failure—the most effective time to learn. By experiencing the appropriate language, processes and actions in risk-free, real-world scenarios, learners understand how to achieve the organization’s specific performance goals. Learn-by-doing exercises.

Advantages:
• teaches to multiple learning styles
• learn at your own pace
• highly interactive
• immediate feedback
• high retention rates
• built-in assessment
• tracking available
• segmented to use only what you need
• can provide virtual mentor
• low loss of productivity
• bandwidth requirement is adjustable
• may be a good partner for a Kan-Ed Content and Services grant
• located in Wichita, KS

Disadvantages:
• higher up-front cost

Requirements for presenter:
• Content provider, a three hour course could run between $30,000 and $150,000

Requirements for participant
• a computer
• a CD-ROM drive to playback CD or Internet access