Animated, talking characters, CBT and Training. The Virtual Teacher
Animated talking avatars, Virtual representatives and Web Characters are growing dramatically in popularity because they work! It’s no accident.
It so much easier to put over complex product and service information using the spoken word, a thirty second narration is infinitely more effective and memorable than 2 pages of text and images. it’s what the media industry calls “lean back marketing”, where the viewer or visitor just relaxes and absorbs the information. Not only does the visitor get a concise and exacting media narration but it helps your site stand out from the crowd, become more memorable.
Training and educational establishments have demonstrated and proven that compelling media content used within the delivery of information gives great results, information retention is dramatically improved and its easier for the participant to concentrate on the information being presented. When it comes down to choosing your ideal animated web character there are a number of areas you should consider.
The Avatar Appearance: Is the talking web characters “attractive”, or does it look as though it has fallen out of the ugly tree, is it convincing and compelling, or poorly animated and amateurish in appearance. Does it suit your image … is the quality something you are comfortable being associated with.
Automated Lip-Syncing: Is the avatar lip-sync accurate? there is nothing worse than watching a virtual representative that resembles a badly dubbed movie, it is critical, our brains react in micro-seconds when faced with something that doesn’t look right! It seems bizarre but most animated talking character offerings have less than convincing lip-syncing to say the least. Simple tests include; Does the virtual representatives lips stop moving when silent? Does it shape the phonemes correctly or is it just a random selection of gibberish?
Ambient animation during delivery: Some offerings out there have adopted the “toy” approach to avatar control, the visitor can move the mouse left, right, up and down and the eyes and sometimes the head follow the pointer, that’s great as a “toy” but it dramatically detracts from the “message”. How can a viewer be expected to absorb the information from your narration, if they are poking the character with the mouse and trying to get it to cross its eyes. Virtual Compares are serious tools, yes they can make you smile, and yes there is definitely a “novelty” factor, this is one of animated web characters strengths. Remember the primary purpose is to put over your message and help you stand out from the crowd. If you wish to be humorous put it in your script, then you are in control of the delivery. All animations should be kept to a minimum to avoid distraction. Less is definitely more.
Talking Web Character – Not a robot! The quality of the narration is a key element in any media production, people would generally prefer an obvious amateur talking that the dreaded text to speech (TTS). Sometime in life a little care and attention to quality cannot be addressed with technology, and TTS is a prime example, what may seem like a great technology leave a great deal to be desired when you are the listener not the creator. Synthesized voices are great if you are using a Robot talking web character, but a definite no no if you are not. You will be surprised how inexpensive it can be to get professional voice over’s done, and in this day of high speed connections, there is a myriad of resources on the web to get them done. Most of us don’t like the sound of our own voice, so use a friend, or just bite the bullet and give it a go, at least you have full control of the delivery.
Tailoring the Avatar: Tailoring the web characters environment should be restricted to clothing and backgrounds in the main, your want your visitors and users to build a rapport with your virtual representative, so changing its looks continually does not offer continuity to the visitor.
Talking Avatar Integration & Hosting: Try to avoid, 3rd party hosting you have no control over their hosting facility, if you rely on your web compare and your service suppliers servers go down you have lost your “voice”, you are better off loosing your complete website that a single part. Try to avoid, monthly retainers and Pay-for-view contracts, again you have little to no control of the number of visitors that will come to your site, If you are on a Pay-for-view contract and suddenly get a higher level of visitation the costs of maintaining an virtual web character could be very expensive. . Ideally you want a solution that gives you total control of the final composition in an industry standard format; Flash, Flash Video or conventional Video, you can integrate it within your own media or web solution with no hidden charges or service risks.
Add a touch of flexibility: Flexibility can offer multiple uses as you become more adventurous with your virtual representatives so consider the following; The ability to be creative and design your production off-line; Can you get your hands on the native output in an industry standard format such as Flash, Flash Video, AVI etc so you could integrate your work into other environments such as Powerpoint, Camtasia, youTube, eBay etc, is there a good selection of compelling characters, care there additional composition add-ons such as clothing and backgrounds available. Are there any other services that can assist you from the supplier such as Voice-Overs, integration and bespoke services. Every little helps. Education & Training the compelling way: Imagine a PowerPoint presentation, facts, figures, graphs and images and there delivering the presentation, embedded within the screen a virtual tutor, available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. CBT has a new face, virtual assistants and guides integrate seamlessly into presentation media. Many formal education and training environments from the junior and pre-school nursery to the marble corridors of the corporate giants have seen the power of compelling media delivery. Literature assignment can be delivered in context and even brain teasing science and math education can become more precise when you have the help of a virtual tutor that has the power of “voice”. Un-attended education across the web or operated locally makes virtual education delivery highly effective and manageable. We know that retention is improved, we know that “lean back” education can be effortlessly absorbed and we know that there is nothing more powerful when it comes to delivering complex ideas or facts than the spoken word. The flexibility is endless. Education creators can concentrate on the subject matter and choose the ideal Virtual Tutor to assist in the process. Virtual Teachers can be available in different forms. Technology at its best, with a face and a purpose.
Summary: Implementing a Animated Web Character badly is detrimental and could reflect on your business, it pays to take your time in the creation and don’t settle for second best. Remember your future could depend upon it.
Education & Training the compelling way: Imagine a PowerPoint presentation, facts, figures, graphs and images and there delivering the presentation, embedded within the screen a virtual tutor, available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. CBT has a new face, virtual assistants and guides integrate seamlessly into presentation media. Many formal education and training environments from the junior and pre-school nursery to the marble corridors of the corporate giants have seen the power of compelling media delivery. Literature assignment can be delivered in context and even brain teasing science and math education can become more precise when you have the help of a virtual tutor that has the power of “voice”. Un-attended education across the web or operated locally makes virtual education delivery highly effective and manageable. We know that retention is improved, we know that “lean back” education can be effortlessly absorbed and we know that there is nothing more powerful when it comes to delivering complex ideas or facts than the spoken word. The flexibility is endless. Education creators can concentrate on the subject matter and choose the ideal Virtual Tutor to assist in the process. Virtual Teachers can be available in different forms. Technology at its best, with a face and a purpose.
Educational Technology Careers: How to Find your Ideal Graduate School
Are you deciding on whether an instructional design career is ideal for you? First, you want to keep in mind that there are many instructional technology and instructional design programs that you can enroll in. However, the actual preparation and concentration will depend on what you want to specialize in upon graduation. Currently, my universities and colleges offer the program only at the graduate degree level. I.e. M.A., M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S. Ed.D, and Ph.D. level.
Second, consider what instructional designers to, an how that relates to your professional goals. Also, remember that the instructional designers task is to develop instructional content that is to be used by teachers, trainers, instructional designers, with the goals of enhancing learning outcomes. Hence, instructional technologists make decisions on the effectiveness of delivery methods, instructional outcomes, and learning experiences. It therefore requires the instructional designer to have a good working knowledge of educational psychology, selecting instructional media, and understanding learners.
As a prospective student, you should consider several factors when choosing between different programs. For instance, think about your future career plans and goals, your interest and expertise in the specialization, geographic mobility, distance learning and online learning opportunities, as well as financial cost.
Another thing to consider when conducting your research is how the program my be titled in the catalog. Common program names are Educational Technology, Computer Education, Instructional Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Systems Technology, Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, Instructional Design and Technology, Instructional and Performance Technology, and Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation. It is quite useful to now this as it generally is a good indicator of the coursework that you will be engaged in during the program.
Another important consideration is whether your prospective graduate program is accredited. Being accredited mean that the program has undergone self-evaluation, it has been reviewed by peers and peer institutions, and accreditation bodies. Accreditation bodies are tasked with evaluating program to ensure that they conform to established standards that address the goals, mission, objectives, curriculum, students, faculty, administration, finances, and physical facilities and resources. Most employers will require you to have a degree attained from an accredited program. In addition, if you ever need to transfer or join another program, your new institution will evaluate whether your degree is worthwhile.
Instructional design programs of study prepare you for different specializations. Instructional designers and instructional technologists, and e-learning personnel all work in various environments including companies, corporations, K-12, higher education, government, military, and non-profit organizations.
When feasible pay a visit to the college you are interested in and talk to both faculty and students in the program. Ask questions about internships and future employment. Also ask questions about the programs of study available to you. This will better assist you in making a final decision. Observe what computer, classroom, and library resources are available.
Your academic advisor can help you in the process of developing a program of study that fits your goals. The programs have required courses to provide general preparation to practice in the profession. Some departments also offer specialized tracks or courses that permit or encourage concentration in a specific area. The opportunity to specialize depends on the availability of relevant courses, on focused class projects.
The instructional design profession is growing steadily and is perfect for people who enjoy developing training, teaching, and designing multimedia applications. The field has a well established base in educational psychology, computing, and media for instructional purposes. It continues to flourish as more institutions and organizations adopt performance improvement strategies, e-learning, and other instructional strategies.
What Does It Take to Become a Graphic Web Design Expert?
Graphic web design is a highly lucrative profession, because the World Wide Web is quickly becoming the most important tool any organization, business, or individual has to get a message out to the public. Many of today’s graphic designers are almost entirely self-taught, and this is entirely possible to do, but if you want to be viewed as an expert, you will need some formal education and on-the-job training.
Internal Qualifications
Anyone can pursue a degree in graphic design, but not everyone has what it takes to be a graphic web designer. Individuals who do well in this career must be creative, because every website is going to be different. They also must be good communicators, because they must be able to talk to clients in order to determine what their exact needs or desires are, even when clients are not always sure what it is they want. An ability to put ideas into visible forms is a must, and web designers who pursue graphic arts must also be skilled with using computers, web interfaces, graphics software, and design software. Problem solving skills are another must for this field. Finally, graphic web designers have to have an eye for detail.
Formal Education
Graphic designers absolutely must have a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts. Those who want to use their skills to design websites may want to minor in IT or computer sciences, if possible. The major needs to be graphic arts, however, because this is the most complex part of the work.
A typical graphic arts program will include the following courses or studies:
Principles of design Computerized design Studio art Printing techniques Web site design Commercial graphics production
For potential graphic designers who already have a bachelor’s degree, a two-year associates degree in graphic design may be sufficient, provided it comes from a professional school.
In addition, graphic web designers must keep themselves current on the software used to design websites. Because this is constantly changing, these professionals often pursue continuing education through seminars, training programs, and webinars that show them how to use the newest programming.
On the Job Training
Becoming a true expert in the field of graphic web design requires practice. Some web designers will work alongside professional graphic designers as assistants or interns in order to learn the ropes. Others will do side jobs for friends and family members for free or at a very low price so that they can gain some experience and some websites to link to in their portfolios. In general, one to three years of practical experience is required before someone is viewed as an expert.
Portfolio
A graphic Toronto web design career centers on a winning portfolio. The images and websites in a professional’s portfolio speak for themselves, lending credence to an individual’s academic qualifications more than a resume, letter of recommendation, or any other professional certification can do. Beginning designers need to focus on building a quality portfolio that showcases their work well, and soon they will be viewed as experts in a highly competitive field.
Make Money Selling Online: Affiliate Marketing Terms Explained
You want to make money selling online, but what is the best alternative? Affiliate marketing is an excellent way to make money online. It has spiked in popularity and today there is more interest than ever. Why, you ask? The reasons are numerous, but the number one answer is most likely the benefits have become apparent or obvious.
There is a clear cut, beneficial relationship between merchants and affiliates. Affiliate marketing allows merchants more advertising at a lower cost while affiliates are given the opportunity to make money selling online without having their own goods to market. With its recent rise in popularity, this form of marketing is looked upon differently. Merchants and affiliates alike see it a huge source of profits and revenue.
So the question remains, what is the best type of affiliate marketing program for you to make money selling online? Are all programs equal? Do they have the same benefits, or do some work better than others?
There are several different kinds of affiliate marketing programs. We will start with pay-per-click (PPC) and pay-per-performance (PPP). PPC is likely the most well known type of marketing for affiliates with smaller sites and probably the easiest way for them to make money. Typically, with this type of marketing the affiliate is paid each time it sends a referral to the merchant via an online click through. Usually, this is done through a banner or text ad that is placed on the affiliates site. The referrer (affiliate) is paid in most cases regardless of the visitors action. In other words, the affiliate gets paid a small fee if the visitor buys or does not buy anything from the merchant.
PPP is the most popular form of affiliate marketing for the merchant and is the most lucrative form for affiliates. With this type program, merchants only pay the affiliate if the referral turns into action. Most cases this means a purchase of some sort but can be if the referred becomes a lead too. These two cases are actually programs called pay-per-sale (PPS) and pay-per-lead (PPL), which just further categorizes PPP.
Affiliate marketing programs can also be categorized as single tier, two tier and multi tier programs. Essentially, this refers to the depth or different levels of payment that the network will pay to the affiliate. With a single tier program, an affiliate is only paid on the initial lead or sale. In a two tier program the affiliate can be paid in two ways. The first way is for the initial sale or lead to the merchant. The second way is they can recruit other marketers to sell the merchant product, and they receive commissions on those marketers sales too. A multi tier program operates in an identical fashion, only the affiliate will receive commissions on a larger number of affiliates in the different tiers of the network.
Additionally, a program can be categorized as a residual income program. This refers to a program that will pay an affiliate continued payment for some period of time. In other words, let say the visitor buys membership into the merchants program. The merchant agrees to pay the affiliate for a period of time. In some cases this is the lifetime of the client or referral, and in others it is a pre-establish period of time. So in the case of a membership if it is a lifetime commission, every time that client pays his dues, the affiliate marketer gets a commission. If it is a 30 day period of time then the affiliate is paid on all the purchases made by the client in those days.
You can make money selling online, it just takes a plan, some action and some good old fashioned hard work. Familiarize self with the lingo, learn about your options and pick a path. I would strongly encourage you to affiliate yourself with a program like the Wealthy Affiliate. This a step by step approach that takes you by the hand and teaches you the business of affiliate marketing. Think of it as a university.
Marketing Tips Your Mama Forgot To Tell You About
If you were to talk with a search engine marketing consultant, they would have certain tips to give you. There are many websites these days which do have a website which is optimized for search engine marketing. This is important because if you do not have a website which is optimized and shows up in search engine results, you cannot get traffic to your website without having to buy it and this gets expensive.
If you are concerned about how your website shows up in websites, you may inquire about search engine marketing services. These services will usually focus their attention upon three main areas: incoming links, your content, and your keywords. These are factors which are important for the search engines and will result in your website being placed higher in results if you focus on these factors. This article will talk more about this.
The first of the six factors a search engine marketing services company will examine is competitive analysis. This is done to see how your website stacks up against the competition along with which companies are in the top ten results and why they are there.
The second factor to look into is keyword research to see which keywords are actually used by your prospective audience and how competitive these keywords are. Without proper keywords, your website is not visible to your niche audience searching for what you have to offer.
A search engine marketing consultant will use page optimization to see which keywords are emphasized on various pages. This will ensure that your set of keywords is used properly throughout your website so that you show up for all keywords you are targeting.
Search engine marketing services companies place great emphasis on site usability. Without a site that is easy to get around, your audience will become disenchanted and exit your site quickly which is not good for your business.
Off page optimization such as link building is the next area which will be focused on by search engine marketing services companies. Link building is important because this is a factor in search engine rankings.
You can also think about using paid search engine marketing such as Adwords. This is an option some search engine marketing consultants will recommend because you can get your website in front of your audience faster than organic search engine marketing optimization efforts.
Can you not see the importance of these tips if you were a search engine marketing consultant? There are certain steps that must be done to develop a highly successful website and this website covers many of those steps. Be sure to use these to maximize your website’s chances for success.
