Virtual Academies for companies and educational institutions

Subtitle: A system solution for cost-effective course production and for the creation of learning communities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hoffmann, Sebastian

Affiliations: AXION GmbH, Consultant Media Systems, Goltsteinstr. 89, 50968 Köln, Germany. Tel.: +49 221 943698 25; Fax: +49 221 943698 11; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This session is adressed to companies and educational content providers who are looking for a pragmatic tele-learning approach. We will demonstrate tele-learning as a practical proven method for job oriented training at low costs – especially for big companies. We will report about developments of courses and tele-learning technology from an internet based study with a length of one year, that is currently taught at TELE-AKADEMIE, Furtwangen/Black Forest. The applied distance learning concept (distributed cooperative learning) is highly accepted by participants and coaches. It offers a great chance for efficient and flexible job oriented training. We will present this concept in combination with examples of course development on the internet. The course examples should demonstrate that course production and performance are possible at low costs with the use of internet standard technology. We will demonstrate the supporting potentials of a knowledge management system. In order to manage numerous participants a Virtual Academy for professional training will be shown – suitable for course participation, coaching and course development. The Virtual Academy uses a business support system for tele-learning. It consists of the 4 components: 1.Knowledge management;2.Content and internet relationship management;3.Groupware;4.Conferencing. The Virtual Academy can be used for different kinds of distance learning courses and supports a wide range of didactic concepts that companies need for job oriented training. Because tele-learning requires access to knowledge a knowledge management system is an important tool for supporting the work and learn flows.

DOI: 10.3233/ISU-1999-19105

Journal: Information Services & Use, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 33-36, 1999