A case study of the European SME audio-video information base solution

Abstract

The European SME audio-video information base solution, to be completed in the fall of 2007, offers the educational society model recommendations for pedagogical use, adaptation and effective integration of state of the art visual communication and collaboration solutions into training processes in Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME). This includes technical advices, good practices, train-the-trainer program, and examples demonstrating improved learning experiences obtained by using high quality video solutions. The services aim at the creation and fostering of a community for the sharing of information related to the integration of video technology into skills upgrading processes. The information base explores the pedagogical potential of using video services for improving the learning process. Special attention is given to inclusion of blended learning training principles that exploit integrated technical solutions, and forward training to groups of students by mixing: (i) Face-to-face training (ii) Inclusion of industrial video streaming solutions and/or videoconferencing (iii) Self paced learning through Learning Management Systems. The information base offers SME and the educational community: (i) Basic features of visual communication, (ii) Change of teaching practices for better accommodation of video into (distance) training, (iii) How to extend existing e-Learning methods, and (iv) Deployment of new pedagogical methods, e.g. activity based training, in combination with high quality industrial video streaming solutions. Special focus is given towards inclusion of interactive learning and training styles. This includes didactical recommendations for applying state of the art video services in teaching and learning, and delivery of online services for the effective integration of modern video technologies in skills upgrading processes. The information base solution supports instructors with information and training methods promoting pedagogical use of video technology into instructional processes, something that has not been successfully achieved despite the relative maturity of the required technology.