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Sommet e-Learning solutions include computer-based training material and web-based training material. Unlike traditional tutorials or product tours, which only skim the surface, CBT and WBT thoroughly cover application features and functionality, making heavy use of examples, hints, and context-sensitive exercises.
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CBT and WBT work hand-in-hand to provide a robust experience. CBT is primarily used for training new users on an application. It is a flexible offering that can be used as part of the in classroom training or as an informal training tool for users who are geographically diverse. There's no limit as to who can benefit from CBT: users can be as diverse as employees, customers, vendors, or business partners who will be using the application in the supply or customer chain.
When used in-house, CBT helps train employees on how to manage change, how to use a new application, or how to operate in a new technology environment. CBT can be used to educate employees when changes are made to business processes, software, or operating environments.
Used as an extension of CBT, WBT utilizes the Internet to deliver training to new users for specific software applications. Course material delivered via WBT is designed for delivery under the resource constraints of networked environments. WBT can be delivered via an application service provider model, or over a wide-area network.
Based on our experience serving electronic learning providers and Fortune 1000 customers alike, we have developed a three-step process for producing e-Learning programs that include planning, design and development, and review/testing.
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Planning |
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The development of all e-learning material begins with a series of planning activities that include:
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Audience analysis |
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Identifying the form of deliverable, such as CBT (Computer-based Training), WBT (Web-based Training), or Microsoft PowerPoint presentation |
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Identifying the software and tools required |
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Defining the standards to be used and selection of a style guide |
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Identifying the learning principles to be adopted, such as distance learning, adult learning, or classroom instruction |
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Design and Development |
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The process for designing and developing the course materials includes the following steps:
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Studying the available documentation, such as user manuals, existing courseware, and related literature |
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Acquiring a demo of the features and functionality of the product from the development team |
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Developing the high level content and outline (including the structure, introduction, and conclusion), and have it reviewed by the development team, peer writers, and Sommet usability engineering lab |
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Defining the templates and other stylistic elements, such as language, font, color, formatting, etc. |
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Creating documentation prototypes (including contents, sample chapter and back matter), and have it reviewed by development team, peer writers and usability engineering lab |
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Creating documentation from reviewed materials and submitting it for reviews with content experts |
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Review/Testing |
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Prior to finalizing course materials, documentation is tested by experts with diverse areas of focus via the following steps:
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Expertise |
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We start with an expert team comprised of a variety of specialists from multiple technical, domain, and presentation design disciplines. Our team includes instructional designers, content experts, graphic and layout design artists, programmers, and usability engineers. We have a thorough understanding of the standards and guidelines. Sommet e-learning team works in conjunction with our technical communications team to provide the most in-depth and comprehensive educational services.
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Instructional Designers |
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Advanced understanding of courseware concepts and learning principles |
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Adept at structuring content and writing scientifically |
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Able to communicate technical concepts in a user-friendly style for better comprehension |
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Have technical backgrounds, able to translate technical information |
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Proficient in e-learning content development software tools |
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Subject Matter Experts |
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Drawn from rich and diverse of technical professionals |
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In-depth domain and technology expertise |
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Programmers |
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Skilled at coding and integrating e-learning content, graphics, and exercise logic |
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Diverse technical background, with proficiency across multiple languages and technologies |
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Graphic and Layout Artists |
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High-level conceptualization, visualization and ideation skills |
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Use best-of-breed web and content authoring software tools |
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Usability Engineers |
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Domain expertise in human factors engineering and ergonomics |
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Qualified to critique labeling, language, layout, and design |
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Delivery Methods |
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We have clients who consider their organization to be technologically advanced and yet they are shocked to find that their desired eLearning strategy is, even today, infeasible for a large percentage of their learning community. For that reason, we offer multiple delivery methods from the same codestream. In other words, we create the courseware once and from that we post-process into two deliverables:
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a version which runs on the client |
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a version which runs on the intranet. |
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This is not an HTML course with limited graphics and limited interaction, content only as good as it can be while still downloading acceptably. These courses are graphically rich and highly interactive. The trick was making them "thin" enough to run well on the vast majority of intranets. We put in everything that we want the user to have and then we make it perform.
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