Integrate Alteregos For Better Training Solutions!

The Center of the study of Language and Information from Sanford University compiled

a research paper entitled "The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters", even though they centered on "online" the content of the research aptly shows that introducing Virtual Representatives or Animated Avatars into visual media has a definitive positive effect.

I quote: Automated characters take advantage of social responses that are natural reactions to interactive media. They can be perceived as realistic and well- liked social partners in conversations that simulate real-world interactions. Characters can express social roles, emotions, and organized personalities that match learning goals, company brands, and transaction needs. Characters can increase the trust that users place in online experiences, in part because they make online experiences easier.

It's no accident that many e-learning providers incorporate visual stimulation, why? "because it works"! The media platform is of little consequence as long as the content is accessible and many software solutions exist to make the production of compelling tutorials and e-learning solutions a simple task, including: PowerPoint, Camtasia Studio, Articulate, Keynote, Lectora, Adobe Captivate, iSprint Presenter, OpenOffice Impress and Dryfork to name but a few. Virtual Tutors or Avatars software solutions that are compatible with these products on the other hand are harder to find.

AlterEgos was specifically designed with e-learning in mind. It has a simple wizard driven solution that automatically lip-syncs with a supplied audio file or through its in-build Text to speech interface. With 53 male and female characters supplied "out of the box" (that automatically animate) and hundreds of backgrounds and clothing items its simplicity itself to create a compelling and endearing composition.

AlterEgos offers a number of easily imported video formats including Flash FLV, Flash SWF and dear old AVI.

There are other Avatar solutions available, but with varying costing models and in many cases the inability to provide a media file, budgeting and work-flow were nearly always compromised. Cost and functional considerations should include; "Do I get my hands on the finished media without additional costs?", "can I import the media without additional runtime fees?", "Can I distribute on local LAN, CD/DVD?".

Many schools are now adopting the flexibility of the e-learning platform particularly those where distance learning is a necessity rather than a luxury. Effective content delivery in these cases is paramount, therefore, using the Stanford Universities findings, incorporating a virtual teacher or avatar will offer measurable benefits in the short and long term.

You can now be comfortable in the knowledge that virtual teachers and avatars embedded within your e-learning and tutorial solutions have provable benefits.

For a complete copy of the Stanford University article " The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters" by Byron Reeves visit www.alteregos.com.

by: Andre J Jaay

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