U.S.A. (May 2010) ¬– emPower Elearning Solutions were specifically developed to offer electronic learning solutions for healthcare compliance. Established in 2008, it is powered by the most comprehensive and dependable LMS or Learning Management System and offers strong features, flexibility, scalability and value. The company specifically caters to organizations to help them achieve a competitive advantage dynamically and efficiently.

emPower develops and produces interactive, engaging and customized elearning software solutions that are designed to effectively address employee regulatory training needs or requirements. The various products were created using an array of technology-enabled learning, e-Reference and blended learning solutions that gives apt support to the different levels of the organization. It currently has offices in both the U.S. and India and provides end-to-end services while remaining centered on quality assured online compliance training content for health care professionals.

The company provides an LMS as well as a wide variety of courses that include those that have been mandated by the government and regulatory bodies like the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Joint Commission and Red Flag Rule. It likewise can partner up with various companies or entities to come up with custom courses using the ADDIE model to tailor them to suit specific needs for elearning software solutions. In addition to this, custom demos and tutorials for websites, business process management and software implementation are offered.

Developing solutions that are interactive, engaging and customizable, it aims to effectively satisfy regulatory training requirements for employees. The design was based on a broad collection of materials and resources such as elearning, e-Reference and blended learning solutions that allow the provision of support to all levels of the organization. The online courses created cover human resource policies as well as compliance solutions to make sure that employees possess the right knowledge, skills and other proficiencies necessary to succeed in attaining business goals and objectives.

The company software solutions include features such as a 70+ HR policies and procedures that encompasses major business issues like the COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), HIPAA (Health Insurance Profitability and Accountability Act), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), FMLA (Family and Medical leave Act) and other important laws and regulations that have significant impact on employee welfare and policies. Other features include a tracking mechanism that guarantees compliance with elearning progress, courses with advanced quizzes and certificate for assessment, ability to allow users to upload courses and policies, customized practice-specific solutions and a competitive price.

San Diego, CA (April 21, 2010) – This year’s mLearnCon organized by the eLearning guild, will focus on mobile eLearning concepts like elearning software, operating systems, authoring tools, content design and development. The event will be held in the San Diego Mariott Hotel and Marina from June 15 to 17, 2010. Participants can reserve rooms by calling (619) 234-1500.

Before the conference, there are optional certificate programs available for participants. There will be workshops on different topics like: creating learning apps for the iphone, making mLearning games and simulations, developing android app for learning, audio podcasting, and creating strategy for mLearning from scratch.

There will be exhibits of different products and services all focused on mobile learning technologies, the mLearnCon Marketplace Expo. Some of the suppliers that will be exhibiting their products like elearning software are Certpoint, float mobile learning, JTI, Inc Multilingual Learning Solutions, Mobi21, and Onpoint Digital.

There will be over 100 concurrently running seminar sessions that will be conducted throughout the event. Participants should check the schedule if they want to attend the seminars. Specific discussions about mobile learning are the main theme of the seminars.

The keynote speakers for the event include Tomi Ahonen, author of many industry books such as Mobile as 7th of the Mass Media and m-Profits. He also works as a consultant and considered as one of mobile technologies’ visionaries. His presentation will examine the end consumer’s use of the mobile phone and how phone applications can be utilized in learning. It will also include case studies from different places around the world, giving a concrete picture of how mobile technologies change the way people live.

Mimi Ito, also a keynote speaker, is a research scientist from the department of Informatics in the University of California. She will discuss how present user practices like SMS or texting, taking photos with camera phones and portable devices can be applied to the future of mobile learning.

On the final day of the convention, a panel will discuss the challenges and solutions of mobile learning. Brent Schlenker, Emerging Technologies Analyst from the eLearning Guild will be the panel moderator. The panelist are mLearnCon Advisory Board Members consisting of experts from the different sectors of the academics, corporate, and government.

The convention hopes to attract professionals from the academic sector, representatives from the IT industry, the senior executives, multimedia designers, trainers, project managers and basically, anyone searching for strategies and practices in mobile learning.

The registration fee is $1,495. Guild members are entitled to 20% discount. If participants register before April 30, a discount of $200 will be deducted from the fee. Members of non profit organizations and government employees will receive special discount of 25% while employees of academic institutions will get 50% discount.

CALIFORNIA (March 12, 2010) – The governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger together with Microsoft launched the “Elevate America Program.” The program aims improve and develop the computers skills of Californians to alleviate unemployment plaguing the state. It’s also a great opportunity to promote the company’s elearning tools.

California was one of the states that was hardest hit the by the recession. According to the state’s Economic Development Department, unemployment rate is still increasing from 12.4 percent in December to 12.5 in January. One cause of unemployment is skills mismatch. Industries like the IT industry need specific skills in order to hire individuals. What Elevate America provides is the opportunity to learn those skills so potential employees can be productive.

Elevate America was founded in February of 2009 to help the government with the recession and loss of jobs. The state of Washington was the first beneficiary of the program and since then, 13 states have also benefited, giving away 475,000 vouchers so far.

Microsoft will give away 166,500 elearning vouchers to Californians to help train and develop their computer skills. Corporate Vice President Dan'l Lewin expressed the company’s vision to utilize technology for progress. “Microsoft believes that technology can be an incredible catalyst for economic growth.”  The company’s ultimate goal is to provide enhanced training to 2 million Americans.

The online training vouchers that California received will include an online training session on one MS Windows Vista or MS Office Suite program and advanced skills training for IT professional wanting to learn Database Management or Web Development. For the professional in the IT industry, there are Microsoft Certification vouchers for one program.

Schwarzenegger held a press conference in Mountain View, CA for the project’s inauguration. He emphasized the need to address the crisis in the employment sector. "Creating jobs and boosting California's economy is my No.1 priority, and that is why I am so excited about this new public-private partnership with Microsoft. These free training vouchers will enhance the technology skills of thousands of Californians and make them more competitive in the job market.”

The governor praised Microsoft’s initiative and ranted on legislature’s lack of action. “Microsoft has jumped into action,” he said. “They are creating this public private partnership, handing out these vouchers; they are doing something about it. I think the government needs to do something about it. I think the legislature needs to do something about it.”

California’s Employment Development Department will be tasked to distribute the vouchers.

Colombus, OH (February 4, 2010) – Rapid Intake, an elearning development tools and software company, collaborated with Downtown High School in Colombus with the help of Ohio State University to increase their retention and improve performance on standardized examinations  using one of the company’s computer-based training elearning software.  

The trends in technology continue to develop and progress. This dictates elearning should likewise keep up with evolutionary changes and trends. It has continued to dominate the training and education sectors because of the many benefits it provides such as ease, convenience and efficiency.

Rapid intake believes that the ideal way to learn something is to create an elearning module that will teach other people. They donated a limitless license to one of their elearning sotware to Downtown High School and they used it to create flash-based learning content and lessons that were distributed via internet. The aim of this collaboration is to train the students on how to use the essential web based technologies of today. The project was a success as it enabled students to increase their scores on standardized exams by 40-60 percent over last year.

Brad Henry, an instructional designer from Ohio State University, said that the students of Downtown used to struggle to pass the required basic Web technology exam. However, after they used Rapid Intake’s elearning software, there was a dramatic growth in their retention abilities and scores. It is evident that feature of the software that allows students to create lessons that suit them and their corresponding peers was extremely effective. The students used the software to collaboratively create interactive, flash-based online course lessons for each other which they then used to prepare for the examinations.
The approaches was beneficial to the students because first of all, they were able to thoroughly study and master the information in the content because they had to create courses that would teach their fellow students. Second, in their efforts to create this content, they were forced to learn how to utilize elearning authoring software effectively and efficiently. Third, their test scores vastly and significantly improved.

Rapid Intake’s CEO Garin Hess expresses his satisfaction with the results. He said that he is very much impressed with Ohio State University’s creative use of one of their rapid interactive elearning software and development tools. He added that there truly are a lot of things that people can do with flexible software and licensing models. They are glad that their product was able to greatly contribute to such a good purpose and manage to yield excellent results.

Elearning development tools are proving to be very effective for the technologically-oriented society of today. The younger generation is keen to adapt to its functions and uses because it encompasses applications and programs that suit their way of thinking and modern lifestyles. Pretty soon, with the help of social media, online learning will dominate education and training because of the predicted trends in internet and computer use in the future.

elearning solutions

E-learning involves a collection of information using computers. It can be based on a CD-ROM, network or internet, and encompasses the utilization and/or combination of text, video, audio and animation. It is an innovative, flexible learning experience that can increase information retention and learning efficiency.

There are fundamental instructional models that make E-Learning a possibility. These modes of training or models include the following: (1) Tutorials. This mode presents information in a linear manner. It is best implemented at an established pace using easy-to-understand content and practice tests. Practice tests ensure mastery of content, and these are usually given at the end of a topic. In order to advance further to the next topic, the learner must first pass the test; (2) Simulations. These are used to recreate life like situations to allow the learner to learn more effectively; (3) Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSSs). Instead of having to receive instruction, the learner has the power to determine as to when they need assistance with the use of a guidance system; (4) Instructional Games. This is a fun and effective method that encourages self-assessment and reinforcement. The competitiveness evoked in a game acts as a motivation to complement learning. An important part of this method is the reward which is the key to reinforcing good performance; (5) Guidance, Records and Tests. Tests and records are used to assess the quality and amount of learning. These tests are computer graded and are reported back to the administration and; (6) Mode Combination. Combining the different modes result in more effective learning. Through the combination of the different strengths of each mode, more specific needs and goals are met, thus increasing information reception, retention, and reinforcement.

It is important to take note of the strengths and weaknesses of each mode. This way, the learner can determine the most suitable mode for him that best encourages effective and efficient elearning.

Electronic learning has become a greatly exciting as well as powerful net-based platform for corporate development. The question that many want to ask is: what constitutes a good elearning software solutions service? There may be many small different categories for which to measure this answer, but there are just a handful of the major, primary principles for which to measure greatness in terms of electronic software creation services.

The best elearning software solutions will always use the most advanced software technology as a means to improving corporate development when it comes to issues of personnel and organizational training.

In theses modern times, there is less and less space for the incorporation of the face-to-face traditional training methods. This has given such a momentous rise for the demand of elearning software solutions. Most companies tend to think that such face to face human resource training becomes a drain on the company’s resources and that it can be dispensed with without hurting the over all performance of the organization. However, this is not always the case as there are still some slight disadvantages, and overtime there will be some significant downturns in the corporate development. This organizational downturn however can be avoided. The key is to incorporate elearning software solutions that are supported by individuals. This is best applied to a lot of areas for training. It is imperative that the organizational development be supported this way since the lack of personal training will be discernable in time with more performance reviews.

In this regard, one can compare elearning to farming. In this allegorical model, the crop will of course represent corporate organizational development as well as the very employees in need of training. There are a lot of tasks that can be done by automated farming devices and machineries. Tilling the land for instance can be done by a fully automated machine that will do all the work by itself. This is also true for software roll out training for example where elearning software solutions do not need any human moderator for a good result. However, there are some agricultural tasks that cannot be done by fully automated means. More precisely, they can be done by fully automated machines but the best results will only occur if done with an individual’s help. For example, picking grapes are best done by a machine that is handled by a grape picker since fruits are very delicate. And this is also true for elearning.

Elearning tools have really saved our company so much time. As a project manager, it was my responsibility to make sure the expenditure did not over shoot our budget and that everything was completed on time, on schedule. However, there are simply certain things that cannot be foreseen. This was a big project for my team of computer programmers. It was a big account for the company as well. It is big not only because of the cost, but also because this is one of our oldest and most faithful clients. Doing a bad job, or God forbid, failing at this project would be tantamount to my professional suicide. But as I said, there are just some things that cannot be foreseen.

The deadline was coming near in a month. But then, we experienced a big problem. The software we primarily used to do our programming was somehow corrupted by a special kind of virus. We could not reload the software again because this new virus, which seemed to have been imported to our system by saboteurs, corrupted the original CD’s system key. There was not really that much time for us. The problem is that the program was expensive. We of course could not use pirated products. Also, there was new software out in the market that was being offered to us at a much lower, price it was almost free since the software was being promoted. Also, it was better than the old software we used anyway. The problem is, the team will need a bit of training to get used to this new software. We did not have the budget or the time to produce trainers and training sessions. What could we do? The deadline was too near.

That was when I suddenly thought about elearning tools. We contracted one and in a flash, they gave us a short primer on the software that the programming group could quickly absorb in their own free time and in their own pace. It was a elearning tool that introduce and simulated the new software. When the team got the feel for the software, it was a piece of cake and production went on at top speed. Elearning Software Solutions are much faster and cheaper than hiring trainers for the whole 56 programmers for the project. It was a stroke of success for me and I was promoted after the project was finished and declared as a big success.

There are so many things I want to learn nowadays. Thank goodness for elearning solutions. I have been an employee for nearly all my working life. Everyday I go to work, work for hours and then go home. I don’t have that much time to do anything else, and my work well feels like a dead end job.

At times I even feel like Gregor Samsa. I won’t be surprised if I wake up one day as a giant vermin. What would it matter? Even if I wake up as a cockroach, I will probably still be worrying about my job and about money. My whole family is counting on me. My father fell ill and is also too old anyway to work. My mother does not know a darn thing about work. And my sister, well, she is growing up into a lady but she takes care of so many things. She’s the one cleaning the house, preparing meals, taking care of my parents. She also has school to worry about. She can’t work. But I, a banker with a boss I really detest. The very person from whom our family owes a large amount of money that will never seem to get paid in full. That’s how I got the job anyway. When my father got sick, we had to borrow money from the man. That’s why my boss thinks he’s entitled to order me around and keep pilling a ton of work on my desk. I don’t even have time to think about love or marriage because I can’t let my family down. I am really feeling all burnt out from this kind of life.

Then I thought about boosting my job skills so I can find work in another company and a different position because clearly my boss seems to want to keep me right were I am so that he will have his personal work slave. I took some elearning courses on software and management. It was one of the best things I ever did. I could take elearning because first of all, it was very inexpensive. And also, it is accepted as a course by a lot of companies in my field of work. It also does not take much time because I can do it at my own pace and at my own time. I don’t even have to leave the house. Now because of elearning solutions, I got hired in another company and am earning twice what I used to earn.

For those who do not know, elearning means electronic learning. Elearning can contain inter/intranet available training recognized as web-based training (WBT) and computer-based training (CBT) where admittance to the internet is not wanted. By providing elearning solutions, big corporations with numerous offices can reach employees no matter where they work to fulfill corporate training requirements.
 
 
Web-Based Training (WBT)
 
The WBT or web based training is becoming a really powerful tool because students can use it, no matter where they are. Elearning companies that supply WBT courses (e.g., SkillSoft) offer businesses use of set course subject which employees can access at will depending on contract specification. This allows employees to be taught at a time and pace that is most desirable for them. That could mean making use of lunch breaks or evening hours to keep current on job skills. All the employee desires is a well-matched computer with Internet access and possibly speakers or head phone. In most circumstances, speakers or a headphone are not necessary as the employee-student is able to read the course material against hearing it read to them. After they access the course online, their progress is checked and kept up in a learning management system. It just so easy to manipulate these elearning tools since employees can go the directly to the information they missed or they need to access and they can just bookmark where they stop if they can no longer continue.. By getting the education through an elearning vendor, businesses can make sure that their employees have right of entry to current information.
 
WBTs has the capacity to also be prepared for posting to company's intranet site for employee use only. Typically reserved for company-specific data and guidance, like how to fill out an expenditure report, this method of learning provides employees with an easily accessible source of documents.
 
The web classroom, where students and teacher "meet" online offers more personal training where students can intermingle with the trainer and with one another. Conducted over the internet, the instructor can reach employee-students through interactive systems like WebEx. The students see a seminar from their PC and hear the instructor either through assistance of their phone or via VOIP (over the Internet). The trainer can talk to a presentation or walk students through the use of some software. For example, the instructor may be teaching pupils on the how to produce a pivot table in Excel. Trainees will see the Excel software in use on the teacher's computer. The trainer has the option of using quizzes or surveys to make thing more interactive.
 
WBT is not partial to company/employee use. Any person needing to further their talents can take advantage of modules offered online.
 
On the opposite end of the spectrum, it takes a self-directed student to embrace the standards of web or computer based learning. There is a need for these people to see just how much this education will enrich their lives and turn them into valuable employees.

The premise of accelerated learning was only once viewed and applicable in education when a particular learner displayed advanced aptitude and knowledge that was already beyond the level of the others, thus making continued learning at the present level quite redundant.  Once this has been properly established, the learner would then be accelerated to the next graduated level, or to whatever graduated level the learner’s current aptitude is most appropriate.  The introduction of e-learning solutions and the practical applications and potentials it presents to both learners and instructors, however, has made accelerated learning a possibility for practically anyone who wants to learn.  This is especially true in instances wherein certain proficiencies need to be learned in a minimum of time, such as in industrial and corporate situations.  One of the most common forms of accelerated learning types is done through the use of simulations, entailing a minimum of theoretical knowledge and putting the bulk of the training in actual physical training through various forms of simulations.  Simulations work by directly teaching muscle memory the appropriate or necessary response, and then promoting retention through repetition of the exercise, literally programming the muscles to the appropriate action given the situation.  This type of training has been effectively integrated with the stimulus of multimedia and innovative learning tools to create very effective e-learning solutions.

Typically, simulations only work to teach learners how to react accordingly to certain situations, without much room for contingencies.  These innovative tools add the knowledge component to this exercise, effectively teaching the learner why the response is the appropriate one to the simulation, as well as adding the contingency aspect of the situation, allowing them to formulate an alternative action once the traditionally accepted response proves to be ineffective or redundant.

The addition of these tools to the traditional simulations is seen as highly beneficial in the aspect that it does not only teach the learner to look for an alternative response should the traditional response fail, but it also gives a deeper understanding of the current situation that the learner is presented with. Equipped with that knowledge, the learner is presented with a greater overview of the situation, allowing him to foresee potentially critical areas of the situation and even formulate a response should a contingency in that area arise.  This deeper understanding also presents a failsafe of sorts to an otherwise unforeseeable occupational or situational hazard or danger, since the deeper understanding and comprehension afforded by the e-learning solutions allows the learner some crucial insight to the situation, or because of the learning and research habits fomented by the learning management solution, the learner may actually do a prior research and analysis of the situation and everything encompassed in it, to ensure better understanding of everything in it.  The combination of simulation and e-learning actually promotes a form of multi-tasking on the part of the learner, since the trained muscles and reflexes afforded by the simulation, allows for an almost automatic response and will not require much thought from the person, allowing them to allot some attention to other aspects of the task.