E-learning has become more and more popular and important in recent years, and economic prospects for developers and suppliers of e-learning products have substantially improved accordingly. The range of approaches and application areas is quite broad, and so is the range of products, comprising computer based training, virtual classroom and portal solutions.
Yet e-learning is still seen sceptically by many users, despite the positive developments. For example, what is missing in common computer based training solutions or learning portals is any form of direct, synchronous communication. Also, users' desire for support by a tutor or live group learning has remained unmet so far.
Virtual classroom solutions are addressing these shortcomings, as they principally allow for direct communication, but these solutions are usually based on more conservative approaches of learning in compliance with the classical teacher centered mode rather than more interactive and collaborative settings. Accordingly, many of these solutions allow communication between two persons (one to one) and communication of one person talking while all others are listening (one to many). However, since e-learning is increasingly taking place in groups and with active participation of all persons involved (many to many), these solutions do not meet the requirements concerning effective e-learning either.
vitero for its part is based on a completely different approach. With vitero, e-learning gets ‘filled with life' and is given a social dimension. Frequently uttered criticism concerning concepts for virtual learning, such as some kind of ‚artificial' atmosphere, problems in getting aware of other persons, or limitations in communication and interaction, is no longer relevant if vitero is used for group e-learning. Due to vitero's sophisticated yet at the same time simple concept, many-to-many communication becomes possible without any difficulties or problems. And, as far as structuring and directing online seminars and courses is concerned, vitero excels with its innovative role concept, where participants take over temporary roles and may quickly and easily take turns when it comes to presenting a topic or moderating a session.
Specifically, vitero fits perfectly to be used for blended learning classes, which are characterized by alternating phases of face-to-face learning and online learning.
- Language courses
An area often associated with e-learning is language learning and training. As a matter of fact, this market has developed quite well in recent years, and prospects continue to be promising.
vitero is absolutely ideal for doing live online language courses. There is one module of the vitero product series which has been developed specifically for this purpose: vitero language lab. This tool is unique in the world, as it not only integrates the functions and features of a conventional language learning lab into a virtual classroom system, but offers also a number of additional features for modern and effective language learning and training, such as flexible and quick alternation of individual exercises, tandem exercises and group exercises. Using vitero language lab, a room equipped with personal computers can easily be turned into an innovative and technically sophisticated language learning lab. Alternatively, the system can be used to learn and train languages from the computer at home or at the workplace.
Flexibility is a major property of vitero, and this is true also for group e-learning done with vitero. For example, if you want to split up a group of learners and create sub-groups in order to let learners work on separate exercises and then return into the team room again to present the results, just combine vitero language lab with vitero next room, and you will get everything you need to do so. - On-the-job training
Probably no other area of professional communication requires provision of a large amount of information and facts in the shortest possible time more urgently than on-the-job training. While employees need to be kept up to date with regard to issues and developments they are concerned with, the time spent for such transfer of knowledge should not exceed certain limits since otherwise employees face difficulties in doing their regular work appropriately and in due time. It is a fact that training and learning over the Internet has become more and more relevant in recent years. However, many solutions do not provide necessary preconditions to allow for really effective on-the-job training.
vitero allows to design and conduct flexible and effective programs for on-the-job training. Large companies that have branches and partners all over the world may use vitero as a tool for group-wide, location-independent product training, software training, safety training, method training, theoretical or practical exercises, and much more. Options for integration of electronic documents, drawings, slides etc. in combination with options for moderation and knowledge presentation make vitero a tool companies don't want to do without once they have used it. - Vocational education
vitero is also excellently suited to be used in programs for vocational education offered by specialized organizations, educational institutions, and, increasingly, private companies. In this respect, vitero becomes a real alternative as a component for distance learning classes, particularly for people with limited mobility, such as physically handicapped people, people from rural areas, people working at home partly or entirely, people in maternity/paternity leave, single parents, and many more, who otherwise would face severe difficulties in participating in vocational education programs. - Sales trainings
With vitero, sales agents and reps located all over the world can be informed about new products or new developments easily, quickly, simultaneously, and at short notice. During the live presentation, sales agents can ask questions, discuss and exchange opinions. Group-wide sales training has never been conducted more efficiently!