Epic launches new tool for accessible rapid e-learning

Epic, the leading e-learning and communications company, has announced the launch of a new rapid e-learning tool for release at the end of May 2007. Rapid Create is intended to enable everyone with basic Microsoft Word skills and some basic knowledge in instructional design to make effective, accessible, online courses.

Rapid Create builds on Epic's own core technologies used to deliver high quality bespoke e-learning projects to its wide customer base. Core to the tool’s design is ease of use and the automatic creation of accessible content.

Without the need to learn a programming language or master a complex authoring tool, Rapid Create produces simple but professional e-learning courses. Features include:

- A wizard that guides users through course creation
- An in-built art direction library, allowing users to choose from a range of predefined ‘look-and-feel’ templates
- The ability to insert media of the user’s choice (graphics, video and audio)
- Automatic ‘one-click’ SCORM packaging

Feedback from pre-release demonstrations at the HRD 2007 exhibition were universally positive - a testament to the market research and focus groups that steered its design.

Keith Landsborough, Deputy Managing Director of Epic commented: ‘In developing Rapid Create, Epic collaborated closely with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (www.rnib.org.uk) to ensure that the tool was as accessible as practicable to all users with or without disabilities, reaching the broadest possible user base.

‘It’s important to remember, however, that as with any tool, you only get out what you put in. To makes sure that clients get the most out of Rapid Create, or from any other authoring tool they may select, Epic also provides training and capability building to ensure internal teams are skilled-up in creating effective e-learning.'

Notes to Editors:

Epic is a leader in the innovative use of digital media for learning and communications. It creates tailored solutions specific to the needs of clients and end-users that help organisations improve their performance. Epic’s many, loyal clients cover a broad spread of industries across both public and private sectors, with particular strengths in Government, Defence, Education, Finance, Retail and Telecommunications.

The company has won numerous awards over its two decades of existence, and is highly respected for its work in fostering understanding of this emerging area of practice. A wealth of free resources is available on its website at www.epic.co.uk, including the Epic Blog.   

For further information, please contact:
Ericka Newton
Marketing Manager
Epic
52 Old Steine
Brighton BN1 1NH Tel: 01273 728686
Fax: 01273 821567
e-mail: erickan@epic.co.uk
web: http://www.epic.co.uk
         http://blog.epic.co.uk
http://www.epicentre.co.uk