Showcase - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For a selection of handy resources for e-learning content developers, please visit our resources section.
General
Features
- What multi-media content does Showcase support ?
- What application version content does Showcase support ?
- What format should I use to build new content to suit Showcase ?
- What assessment capability does Showcase provide ?
- Is my content secure in a Showcase eLearning package ?
Application
Licensing
- How does the Showcase licence work ?
- What is an annualised license ?
- Do I have to license or pay royalties on my elearning packages ?
Technology
Advanced features
Showcase is software that allows an individual with modest computer skills to create their own elearning packages.
Showcase simplifies this sometime challenging task by:
- utilising common business multimedia formats
- allowing questions to be easily integrated
- simplifying the packaging process
What is a Showcase eLearning package ?
Showcase generates eLearning packages that can be distributed via CD-ROM; across a corporate network or intranet, or in some cases via the internet.
The packages utilises a folder structure which preserves the original content file format, but enables it to be an integral component of the Showcase elearning package.
This enables the original content to be accessed and edited directly without compromising the integrity of the elearning package.
What multi-media content does Showcase support ?
Showcase supports a wide range of common digital multi-media formats used in business including:
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) for Microsoft Office 2000, XP & 2003
- Adobe PDF (Adobe version 6 & 7)
- Video formats MPEG, AVI, WMV
- Image formats JPEG, PNG GIF
- Audio formats MP3, WAV, WMA
- Text & formats RTF, TXT
- Web formats HTML & XML (shortly)
Showcase provides an embedded viewer for text, images & utilises Windows Media Player to display video content, and utilises the operating systems' recommended application for the remaining formats.
Showcase eLearning package content should be carefully selected to ensure participant's system's support for the media types and versions.
If Showcase cannot locate a viewer for a multimedia component, it will generate an error message.
What assessment capability does Showcase provide ?
Showcase enables 'questions sets' to be included with each individual link
A question set may consist of numerous individual true/false/multiple choice or open ended questions
At the completion of the elearning package, a results summary is displayed, and a results file also generated
I need to build new content - What format should I use to suit Showcase ?
Create your content in the original source application in the normal manner.
We encourage you to consider carefully how the content is going to be used.
You can utilise any of the multi-media file types supported in Showcase.
You do not have to learn how to create, or recreate content in a new application - Showcase will utilise existing content without modifying it
How secure is my content when distributed in a Showcase eLearning package ?
Showcase will provide content encryption in a future release. Currently the content is directly accessible.
Note that version updates are provided at no additional cost for licence holders.
Can I edit content in a Showcase eLearning package ?
You can edit any of your added content files using the content's original editing application.
How do I activate Assessment Mode ?
Assessment Mode can be toggled on & off from a button on the Showcase Author module toolbar.
Assessment Mode provides features to support unattended assessment including:
- The student notes, media and answers can only be accessed in a fixed sequence
- Answers are locked on entry and cannot be edited.
Can I provide facilitated training with Showcase ?
eLearning packages can be readily designed to be facilitated by a trainer either in person or remotely.
Showcase is an eLearning content delivery and assessment mechanism that supports rather than precluding facilitators.
What are the system requirements for Showcase ?
The Showcase Authoring & Display modules operate in Windows XP and 2000.
Showcase may utilise other applications on your system to display content.
What technology does Showcase utilise ?
Showcase has been developed to utilise Java and currently utilises Java Runtime 1.4.2 _08
More information on Java is available from Sun's Java website http://java.sun.com
How does the Showcase licence work ?
-
Showcase Author module
This software is used by an Author to prepare and maintain elearning packages, and is the component that is licensed on an annual basis. -
Showcase Display Module
This software enables the 'eLearning participant' to view and interact with the Showcase elearning package.
The Display Module does not require a user license
We do however insist that you continue to maintain your Author module licence while you continue to use the elearning package.
What is an annualised license ?
Showcase licenses are 12 months in duration. To continue using Showcase you will need to renew your license each year.
If you wish to continue using your eLearning packages, you must continue to license your Author module
More license details are available here
Do I have to license or pay royalties on my elearning packages packaged content ?
No. Licenses are required for package Authors only.
There are no royalties or licenses required for your elearning packages.