E-Learning - The Measurable Benefits of Virtual Teachers

E-Learning has accelerated over the past yearsWhat Virtual Teachers or Avatar options are
with the increase in access to good qualityavailable? Many entries into the avatar market
internet access and the recognition fromhave come and gone over the years, primarily
education providers that Computer Base Trainingfocused upon web representatives, using in most
is not a "fad" but has measurable benefits, add tocases unconvincing visual appeal and poor audio
that the inclusion of Animated Virtual Teachersdelivery. Probably one of the most well know is
commonly known as Avatars or Virtual TutorsSitepal, however being web centric its presence
and you have a winning formula.within the e-learning production line is limited to
If you are actively involved in the production ofsay the least.  A solution firmly positioned within
Rapid E-Learning, Virtual Teachers can raise thethe Computer Based Training environment is
effectiveness of  your content . In an advancedAlterEgos, giving an extensive character library,
study at Stanford University their research showsautomatic lip-synching to either your own voice or
measurable effects when content delivery isrealistic Text To Speech and most importantly
assisted following the integration of an avatar.access to industry output video files ready to be
The three primary factors and objectives in theimported directly into your e-learning composition.
delivery of E-learning are;With excellent authoring and screen recording
Improve Performance - as shown in "Evaluationtools including Camtasia from Techsmith (now
of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning" having a Mac based solution), Articulate Studio,
research performed by the US Department ofCaptivate from Adobe, PowerPoint and Keynote
Education.access to importable local media is imperative. So
Increased Access - Allowing high calibre contentusing an appropriate avatar creation tool with
and knowledge to cross borders, students canFlash Video or AVI output is imperative.
have access without the conventional  physical,When you are looking for your own virtual
political and economic boundaries. Furthermore;teacher ask yourself the following; Is the
Experts can make up-to-the-minute informationproduction environment for your avatar
available internationally in an instant with minimumcomposition flexible, does it give you different
costs.output formats for integration into your chosen
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)e-learning solutions, can your composition work
for example have extensive resources from itsoff-line, within a presentation or integrated into
undergraduate and graduate level courses online.another video. What are the "real" costs. Can you
Convenience and Flexibility to Learners'. give your potential avatar creation tool a
E-Learning unlike formal education delivery can becomplete test before committing to any spend!
self-paced and is generally available 24 hours aRemember; Putting over "complex" or "very
day 365 days of the year.specific" information can be difficult when you are
With a e-learning market value in excess of 56limited to just text and images, you just can't
billion dollars it is clearly demonstrated that notbeat the spoken word, when combining audio with
only is it a standard education delivery mechanisma visual learning guide you have the ideal
but with an extensive market, providers arecombination. Don't fall into the trap of believing
continually looking at new and innovative ways ifthat by integrating any old virtual teacher or
increasing effectiveness and the introduction ofavatar into your e-learning content you will help
"viable" virtual teachers is a single step that canyour cause, on the contrary, if you integrate a
offer rewarding results and allow content to standbad one, it could reflect dramatically on the
out from the crowd.compelling and effectiveness  of your material.