Epic programme for Video Arts scoops e-learning Oscar.

PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 02/07/01

Epic's e-learning programme, produced for Video Arts, has scooped an industry 'Oscar' - the learndirect Award for Training at the British Interactive Multimedia Media Association (BIMA) Awards 2001.

The judges said the programme - 'Demanding Customers' (which teaches customer care made perfect) - was of "exemplary interactive instructional design". They praised the fact that the emphasis was strongly on cognitive design with an appropriate 'look and feel'.

The work was up against stiff competition from many other Web, iTV, kiosk (learning station) and CD-ROM/DVD programmes and finally beat the shortlist of programmes for Ericsson and Redbus. Donald Clark, Epic's CEO, said: "This is innovative, high quality e-learning content using an approach that maximises flexibility on delivery and on learner control.

There's nothing quite like it on the market. We at Epic were delighted to have had the chance to design and produce material of this quality." Over the past year, Epic has worked with Video Arts to produce more than $1 million worth of CD-ROM and online training content in multiple languages. The highly successful Video Arts video programmes formed the core content for a range of variable bandwidth offline and online products. Each of the learning modules has been produced in two web-based versions; a 'thick', media-rich version, and a 'thin' version that uses stills and captions with video and audio.

The production process utilises cutting edge techniques for seamlessly converting script templates into working modules. Epic has developed a unique navigation tool, the Viewfinder, which organises the learning content to allow users to select the exact segments of information they need within a few clicks. As well as providing flexibility within the course, the Viewfinder also allows each programme to be used as an on-going performance support tool.

This project is yet another example of how Epic is working with industry-leading partners at the forefront of the learning technology field.