Interactive multimedia training is one-on-one computer based trainingthat engages multiple senses and requires the individual to actively participatein the training process. It combines live action video, animation, graphics,text, and audio to cost-effectively deliver the information in a creativeway designed to enhance the learning experience.

Why Use Multimedia Training?

There are a number of reasons to implement interactive multimediatraining in your organization.

Let's look at some of them:

Reduced training time

Interactive methodology can reduce training time 30% - 70% comparedto traditional training methods. Employees will spend more time on thejob, working more knowledgeably and more safely.

Lower administrative costs

Because the system automatically records scores as the program istaken, there is no need to spend additional time testing after the course.Reports can be easily generated from the permanent records in the computer,eliminating the need to grade and compile test results by hand.

Increased retention of material

Trainees may retain 30% - 50% more information using interactivemultimedia training.

Individuals set their learning pace

Students progress at a comfortable rate and the system repeats thematerial until it is mastered. Training is repeated in such a way thatthe trainee is not aware that it is a remedial course.

Positive learning environment

The system removes learning barriers like peer pressure, fear offailure, and embarrassment - all of which may occur in classroom trainingsessions.

Dependable, consistent, flexible, high quality training

Interactive multimedia training systems are available for training24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can eliminate having to pay overtimefor training and paying extra for a trainer to come in for your late shifts.You are assured of delivering the same information to everyone in yourorganization.

What to Look for in Interactive Multimedia Training Programs

Not all interactive programs are alike.

There are certain elements that high quality programs must contain.If a program does not have all of the following pieces, it will not bea totally effective training tool.

Full-screen, full-motion MPEG digital video on CD-ROM

To be fully effective, the video image must occupy the full screenand run as live action. Too often video images are choppy, fuzzy, or onlyrunning on a small portion of the screen, making them difficult to see.IMC's high quality, dramatic live-action video runs on the full screen,eliminating the unnecessary controls and buttons which often clutter thescreen and distract the trainee (we do this by providing a special pulldown menu for the controls).

Sound instructional design

Unlike videotape programs which are designed to give all viewersidentical information in a linear format, interactive multimedia programsshould take full advantage of branching and remediation paths to createa customized learning path for each student. This means you should avoidprograms that are based on repurposed videotape, because they offer limitedbranching capabilities. IMC designs its courses from the ground up, inorder to maximize the functionality of the training format. There are severallayers of remediation in IMC's programs, including immediate feedback oftest questions and after-test review. We reinforce the objectives throughoutthe course, and present real life applications of the material.

Accurate and up-to-date content

You want your training programs to reflect current regulations andstandards. You also want the dramatizations to show current methods andequipment, not outdated models. Another key is who is providing the coursecontent. Is it provided by leading experts in that field or by people whoonly understand the basics? IMC programs are developed in conjunction withleading independent experts and Fortune 500 companies. As part of the portingprocess to CD-ROM, IMC courses are thoroughly reviewed to reflect the latestcompliance and regulatory information.

Administrative features

At the very least, you should be able to print reports of trainingrecords. But what about setting passing scores, letting students skip sectionsor test out of the program if they show mastery of the material, or makingthe pre-test optional? Good programs offer a lot of administrative flexibility.IMC's newest administration utility, TRACS, gives you unparalleled registration,reporting, and setup capabilities.

Customization

Off-the-shelf programs do not always provide the total trainingsolution you need. It is important that you have the ability to easilyand seamlessly combine the interactive program material with supplementalmaterial you already have. You don't have time to learn computer programmingjust to insert a few lines about your company's safety policy. IMC's newcustomization utility, ICE, makes customization easy. This menu drivenprogram lets you add, delete, or change course material at almost any pointin the course.

Bookmarking

What happens if your employee begins the course and has to leave?Does he/she have to start at the beginning next time or remember wherehe/she was? Not with IMC programs. Our bookmarking feature enables studentsto complete the course in multiple sessions, quickly returning them towhere they left off in the program.

Technical support and documentation

When you buy a new program, you want to have more than just installationinstructions. That's why IMC courses come with a comprehensive CoursewareAdministrator's Guide, which not only covers installation, but explainsall of the settings, functions, and controls in the program. Our professionaltechnical support department can assist you with any hardware or IMC coursewarequestions you may have.

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Formore information, Email us at imc@safetysite.com or contact us at:
Interactive Media Communications, Inc.
PO BOX 401002
N. Cambridge,  MA 02140-9998
Main Telephone: 617-868-8288 

Fax:617-868-7227