The following diagram is an interesting take on LMS and how they can incorporate recent web2.0 elements.

I found the diagram interesting from a perspective of collaborative tools.
I believe that Moodle has an plugin for podcasting but have not seen this ideal use for corporate podcasting in other LMS, i.e: having looked at Blackboard/CBT, Oracle Learning Management (OLM) and Thomson NETg - this feature is currently missing, leading to detached solutions.

If we look deeper it does mention:

• the use of Blogs.
• the use of wiki’s
• the use of survey’s
• a mention of some eLearning Authoring Tools in two places?

Just coming back to Podcasts, if we look at ILT - also known as Information and Learning Technologies.
This describes the methods of using technology to enhance the learning experience.

For example:

• Using audio within a powerpoint presentation
• Using Digital video/images
• Use of interactive quizzes - one example would be voting on a streamed set of content
• Using Podcasts for notes, revision and additional value add information
• Collaborative document development - Sharepoint Services and Electronic Document management systems are some examples. Another example is to use Documentum - A content management environment

There are certainly areas of overlap and hidden opportunities within the diagram!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Metadata is defined as ‘information about information’. From a practical perspective it is used to facilitate the understanding, characteristics, and management usage of data. Metadata required for effective management of its referenced data varies with the type of data and context of use. For example, in a library, where the data can be considered as the content of the titles stocked, metadata about a title would typically include a description of the content, the author, the publication date and the physical location.
In the context of eLearning, metadata is especially useful as it has the potential to protect content – aka eLearning assets from a perspective of copyright.

In the context of Podcasting / new media / recorded social media interchanges, attributes associated with its use and ownership are both part of its metadata.

The following diagram shows an example of an eLearning content item and a range of information held about it, i.e: its metadata:

Click here to see the image in a new window.

• Meta data standards are key when repurposing content -for example: Re-use - This borders on the concept of Shared Content Objects (SCOs), for example, a introductory video or audio that is redeployed at the start of every eLearning modules. Or, a corporate / learning podcast
• Naming conventions
• Storage location for content masters
• Subject cross-referencing
• Featured activities
• On-line location of other related eLearning - this is ideal for cross-curricula planning
• On-line location of other related podcasting subjects - ideal for cross-referencing other (inc: other people’s) broadcasts
• Version control
• Content owners - for example, intellectual property rights and re-use rights - imagine a recording of an exclusive interview
• Classification of content - similar to subject categories for library books
• Extent of interactivity expected from the content to be deployed inside an eLearning course or feedback to corporate communications.

If the correct metadata standards are in place with an agreed taxonomy, it is easier to map relevant content items (inc: both video and audio podcasts / new media) and eLearning courses, face-to-face sessions or effective corporate communication campaigns. The importance of record keeping and understanding what was previously released can also ensure:

• Good archiving disciplines
• Good cross-referencing
• Good strategies to avoid duplication

Popularity: 3% [?]

The following diagram shows in our view a well structured team approach to developing eLearning or corporate content.
Interestingly, although Corporate Podcasting is not shown as an exclusive element, it should be considered as part of the mix for collaborative learning. We have to assume that there will be elements of the team accomodating its development.

1. Shows a local (De-militarised Zone - A secure internal computer operations / development area) DMZ Web Farm.
2. Shows a Co-located Web Farm.
3. Using a Staging Server. This is an internal server on which the eLearning (eL) modules are assembled and usually tested (although in some cases an independent host is used for testing). Also acts as a back-up
4. Here eLearning Developers and Content Authors work on their individual workstations (a PC or MAC) and at some point will upload their finished products to the Staging Server.
5. Shows the Administrator replicating master content from the Staging Server to each and every content Server.
6. Acts as Web operations (e.g: User Interface)

There is also a need to provide an additional layer, i.e: The quality assurance for each production, whether it be a piece of multimedia or text. One more thing, what about taxonomy standards and control (inc: standards) for meta data - We should think about who is considering this essential area especially in the context of controlling incoming content based on learner or listener interaction.

1.

Popularity: 3% [?]

What happened to Elements 5 and 6? Well for some reason (probably to make it easier to package with the new Photoshop release of the same name) the good people at Adobe decided they were superfluous and have gone straight to 7. I am an avid user of Elements 4 and have always found it to be a very simple and easy to use piece of editing software. Anybody that has used a editing program before should have no trouble at all in transfering their skill set. It is first and foremost aimed at the home user but the software itself is actually very powerful and can be used in a professional enviroment. We have been using Elements 3 and 4 for creating Podcasts for our corporate clients for the last few years and have found to be a very flexible program. We often combine the original film recordings with Camtasia (Techsmith) for a polished and finalised product.

I have been keeping an eye on the development of this software for the last few months for a personal reason. I recently purchased a Canon HD camcorder after doing my usual amount of in depth research I somehow managed to miss that Premiere (or any other editing program for that matter) will not import AVCHD. This is one of the newer formats of HD and i found almost immediately after plugging the Canon into my PC that it had no idea what to do with the footage. Fortunately it was just holiday footage and not work footage. There were workarounds but this would have involved buying a separate piece of software, importing the footage into it from the camera, converting it into a format Premiere understood and then re-importing it into Premiere 4. A real pain in the proverbial not to mention an unwanted expense.

There are other new features in this release, notably ‘InstantMovie’ feature which takes your video clips and puts together your movie for you, including titles, transitions, credits, etc, but in my opinion that kind of takes away the whole point of the ‘editing’ software. There are a few other bells and whistles but fundamentally it is not much different from the previous release.

If you already have Elements 4 and a older camcorder then in my personal opinion I wouldn’t bother with the upgrade, (£64.62 for the Upgrade or £76.38 for the full version) but if you are new to the world of video editing or have just purchased a HD Camcorder then this is a highly recommended piece of software, easy to use and quietly very powerful.

For more information visit Adobe.

Popularity: 5% [?]

The following video outlines the core-concepts behind online photo-sharing sites. It suggests that they are great for contingency too! Sites like Flickr are a great way to share the joy of images and creativity. Some of my photos are online too.

I also wondered if such sites could also be used internally, say a department developing a set of learning slides, e.g: capturing business workflows or critical issues. If they could be loaded onto a learning management system, they could serve as great project or employee induction support mechanisms.

Popularity: 44% [?]

The latest Know-wow show is now available through i-tunes and over the next few days through Videopodcasts.TV

This month you will notice the Christmas Decor in the background!
I wish all the viewers all the Best for Christmas and the new Year.

This month we look at the concepts and strategies for effective Corporate Content Remediation Strategies, for example renewing corporate knowledge in the context of eLearning, compliance, knowledge Management, governance, branding  and standardising competencies.
Just imagine when corporations merge or the products and services change. Then, dependent knowledge assets must be reviewed too:

Popularity: 73% [?]

To subscribe and listen, head for i-tunes or listen now by clicking on the play button below:

In part 1 We look at the benefits of documenting a customer journey.

- Why consider this as a key business strategy
- What is a Network product / service Life-cycle?
- We look at 4 different strategies for mapping client needs

In part 2 outlines concepts and strategies for Customer Loyalty

- Increasingly, retention strategies and effective communication approaches (e.g: podcasting) can help convey organisational confidence and generate interest in the services offered by a firm.

Until next time, Thank you for your support.

Dr Savi

PS. Free white papers on these subjects and associated transcripts are available from our k-wiki

Popularity: 53% [?]