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The Virtual Tutor That Works. AlterEgos.
Stanford University produced a research paper that demonstrates the wide benefits and the positive effects of Avatars and virtual representatives within rich media environments. Centered on "online" content the research outlines all the benefits that virtual character can bestow, e-learning is an ideal environment to take advantage of such finding.
Entitled "The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters" it clearly outlines the advantages, I quote:" Automated characters take advantage of social responses that are natural reactions to interactive media. They can be perceived as realistic and well- liked social partners in conversations that simulate real-world interactions." furthermore, " Characters can increase the trust that users place in online experiences, in part because they make online experiences easier". All educators know that if you make the experience easier, the ability to retain valuable information is enhanced.
It's no accident that many e-learning providers incorporate visual stimulation, why? "because it works"! The media platform is of little consequence as long as the content is accessible and many software solutions exist to make the production of compelling tutorials and e-learning solutions a simple task, including: PowerPoint, Camtasia Studio, Articulate, Keynote, Lectora, Adobe Captivate, iSprint Presenter, OpenOffice Impress and Dryfork to name but a few. Virtual Tutors or Avatars software solutions that are compatible with these products on the other hand are harder to find.
AlterEgos was specifically designed with e-learning in mind. It has a simple wizard driven solution that automatically lip-syncs with a supplied audio file or through its in-build Text to speech interface. With 53 male and female characters supplied "out of the box" (that automatically animate) and hundreds of backgrounds and clothing items its simplicity itself to create a compelling and endearing composition.
AlterEgos supports industry standard output formats including; AVI, Flash FLV and Flash SWF. This makes it an ideal partner for many e-learning solutions, simply import the AlterEgos media and you are good to go!
AlterEgos hits all the buttons when it comes to cost efficiency and flexibility. There are alternative Avatar tools available on the market but none seem to offer the peace of mind and comfort that AlterEgos offers. You have access to the final media file, there are no runtime fees and you can distribute on LAN, Web, CD and DVD, so the options are extensive.
Irrespective of whether you are a Commercial or education sector e-learning solution provider, effective content delivery in these cases is paramount, together with flexibility, cost and quality. Not only does AlterEgos give you a perfect partner, but now you have the benefit of Stanford Universities findings.
At least now you can be comfortable in knowing that virtual teachers embedded within your e-learning solutions have provable benefits.
A complete copy of the Stanford University research article by Byron Reeves, " The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters", is available by visiting www.alteregos.com
About the Author There are many shapes and sizes within the Virtual Character and Avatars market so check out all of the competition that work with your e-learning platform and creation tools, their options and costs. You can download a free trial of AlterEgos here AlterEgos Free Edition
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