OutStart Founder and Chief Technology Officer John Alonso will speak to an international audience of training professionals about integrating virtual world simulations and learning content on June 19, 2008, in Hamburg, Germany. Alonso goes to Hamburg at the invitation of the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC), a worldwide association of technology-based training pros who promote elearning standards across multiple industries.
According to Alonso, online simulations and gaming technology appeal to developers of training who want to engage learners and offer a safe environment to practice newly learned skills.
“My presentation will show what virtual worlds are capable of vis-à-vis training. Virtual world simulations can be incredibly engaging, but training developers should know about the integration issues and this is where elearning standards can play an important role,” remarked Alonso. “It’s possible to use these standards to make virtual reality simulations look and act like any other form of training handled by content-management software.”
Alonso’s remarks will show developers of training courses how they can use AICC’s elearning standards to weave virtual world software – such as U.K.-based Caspian Learning’s Thinking Worlds™ technology – into the fabric of learning content.
“When AICC was formed 20 years ago, nobody envisioned the sort of 3D technology available today to trainers,” said Alonso. “By using the technical capabilities of AICC and our knowledge of the standards and the training industry, we’re creating effective ways to link training to an array of new and modern technologies. That’s a story we’re pleased to share.”
OutStart, a global provider of software for learning and knowledge-sharing, has worked for many years to support the AICC’s efforts to create and promote standards for implementing training software. For example, in 2006, OutStart was among the first software makers to support AICC’s Package Exchange Notification Services (PENS). Software systems that adhere to PENS – a sort of universal adapter for learning content – make it easy for training pros to create, store and exchange online training of any kind.
The AICC event, which is hosted by Airbus, will take place at the Airbus Training Center in Hamburg. Alonso will begin his speech at 8:45 a.m. local time on June 19.
About OutStart
OutStart software powers formal and on-demand learning, knowledge sharing and community/expert collaboration solutions that enable knowledge workers – employees, partners, and customers – to perform their roles far more efficiently and effectively. AgustaWestland, Autodesk, British Telecom, CVS Caremark, the U.S. Navy, Verizon Wireless and others rely on OutStart to increase individual and organizational performance, improve knowledge transfer and lower operating costs. Located in Boston, Mass., OutStart has offices throughout the U.S. and Europe and can be found on the web at www.outstart.com
