The Center of the study of Language and Information from Sanford University compiled a research paper entitled “The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters”, even though they centered on “online” the content of the research aptly shows that introducing Virtual Representatives or Animated Avatars into visual media has a definitive positive effect.
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!
There are other Avatar solutions available, but with varying costing models and in many cases the inability to provide a media file, budgeting and work-flow were nearly always compromised. Cost and functional considerations should include; “Do I get my hands on the finished media without additional costs?”, “can I import the media without additional runtime fees?”, “Can I distribute on local LAN, CD/DVD?”.
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.
Why not embrace the facts and consider what a virtual teaching avatar could do for your e-learning content.
You can get a complete copy of the Stanford University research article by Byron Reeves entitled, ” The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters”, by visiting www.alteregos.com. (look at the bottom of the front page)
You can trial AlterEgos with your e-learning solution free from here Click for Free AlterEgos trial
