LMS software should be simple to use. That said, it shouldn’t force course creators to simply pour two-dimensional learning content into a cookie-cut, prepackaged design. LMS tools are now providing greater opportunities for control and customization of course content.
Aesthetics count. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, which rated 127 online courses according to 43 criteria, how an online course looks can be just as important as the quality of the lessons themselves.
One exciting new tool for an attractive and effective online course creation is screen recording. Record the activity on your own computer screen to upload to your course. Everything you see and hear on your PC screen can be included in your elearning course.
The concept is simple. A screen recording program allows you to record everything you see on your PC screen, whether it be a video, game, web page, or simulation. It also records your commentary, PC sounds and webcam as picture-in-picture video to give your course content a personal touch.
Provide your own demos, training CDs, and visual tutorials to students. Using screen recordings, users are able to transform course content into a richer, more dynamic experience and give their course a more professional touch.
Why rely on stock simulations or outdated company demos? Screen recording gives you total control over what students view. You yourself create, edit and apply it to your e-learning course.
Some screen recording programs integrate with LMS software to make life easier for course creators. Why not make a personal appearance in your own course? Webcam recording features allow creators to create their own webcam video.
Another neat feature is sound recording. This allows users to read a commentary at the same time as the screen is being recorded, using a simple microphone or mic headset. Using screen recording programs you may be able to save videos in all major video formats, like Flash, Quicktime and Windows Media Video. You can easily add text, sound, images, and ‘zoom & pan’ effects. Also, you are able to edit multi track audio and video, side by side.
In summary, a critical factor in choosing LMS software is not only its general format and style, but the amount of control it allows you as the designer. Though having the prepackaged, text and image-only option is important for some people, a little power over the layout is key to creating a unique and attractive online course design.
By: Robin L. Green
© 2010 Education Assistant
