e-learning tools to battle it out - live

Online Learning 2002 Europe, which takes place on 5-6 March, will host the UK's first live software shootout in which vendor teams will compete, live on stage, to demonstrate the merits of their content development tools.

eOnline Learning 2002 Europe, which takes place on 5-6 March, will host the UK's first live software shootout in which vendor teams will compete, live on stage, to demonstrate the merits of their content development tools.

The contest requires each team to produce an online course to teach the use of a software application. The focus is on the development of simulation based instruction, a task that has traditionally proved challenging and time consuming.

The value of simulation-based learning is that it rehearses learners in the use of a new IT system, providing them with safe interactive practice using an exact replica of the live environment.

Eight vendor teams will participate, representing the emerging category of content authoring tools designed specifically to ease the task of producing simulations. The contenders are: Global Competency Systems (RADAuthor), Global Knowledge (OnDemand Personal Navigator), MaxIT (DazzlerMax), Paragon Solutions (SoftSim), Productivity Center (Virtual Professor), Qarbon (Viewlet Builder), X.HLP (X.HLP Designer), Xstream Software (RapidBuilder).

Conference delegates will witness the real time use of these tools and be able to judge their performance and ease of use as each team produces the same piece of content. This offers a very different perspective from the usual sales demonstration on which many purchase decisions are made.

The software simulation shootout will be introduced and 'refereed' by Bryan Chapman, e-learning analyst with Brandon Hall - independent consultants on the use of technology in learning. Teams will work against the clock to a strict timescale.

The software shootout forms part of a comprehensive conference and exposition being staged at the new ExCeL conference centre in London's Docklands.

The conference focuses on the practical implementation of online learning strategies and solutions, with presentations by experienced practitioners and acknowledged experts.

The accompanying exposition offers delegates the opportunity to meet and discuss with some of the world's leading suppliers of online learning products and services. The exposition offers further opportunity for delegates to 'get inside' the development tools via a series of hands-on learning labs and product demonstration showcases. Exhibitors include: Click2Learn, Smartforce, ElementK, WBT, Mindleaders, Question Mark Computing, Ashridge Management College, Hyperwave and Edutorium.

For more information visit http://www.vnuonlinelearning.co.uk

January 12th, 2002