According to Elluminate, virtual learning environments must offer convenience and flexibility with on-demand access to learning and collaboration for users wherever they are, even when not connected to the Internet.

 

With an aim to enable educators to reach and engage more learners, promote a culture of collaboration across the enterprise, facilitate formal and informal learning, and ensure accessibility and flexibility for all users, Elluminate recently expanded its learning suite to include Elluminate Live! V9 and Elluminate Publish! V2.

 

The new products extend the reach of current academic infrastructure by integrating video podcasts into a learning management system of an institution or enabling the use of existing audio conferencing within a real-time, online session.

 

Elluminate Live! V9 includes simultaneous multipoint video displayed in up to six live video windows with synchronized instructor-controlled viewing for a rich, interactive, and more personal experience. It features instant in-session invitations sent through email or instant messaging facilitates ad hoc collaboration, the company said.

 

Elluminate Live! V9 also features vendor-neutral teleconferencing that can be used independently or in conjunction with Elluminate’s voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which is offered free. An additional reservation-less teleconferencing from Premiere Global Services (News - Alert) is offered for users for purchase.

 

Elluminate Live! is ideal for formal lectures and presentations as well as learner-centric approaches. It also provides tools to meet the needs of all types of learners and facilitate collaboration by design and on the fly.

 

Elluminate Publish! V2 features multimedia movie production that enables users to convert Elluminate Live! session recordings to rich video podcasts, which capture shared applications, whiteboard content, chat transcripts, closed captioning, and all audio, including telephony, the company said. These recordings can be viewed on popular portable devices such as iPhone (News - Alert) or iPod without being connected to Elluminate.

 

Elluminate Publish! V2 supports all popular file formats such as AVI, FLV, MP3, standard MP4, high-definition MP4 (H.264), OGG VORBIS, WAV, and WMV. These recorded learning objects can be embedded in mission-critical systems for on-demand access of learning materials.

 

"Our No User Left Behind technology ensures that participants can connect and interact in the way that is most comfortable and convenient for them, whether it's VoIP or teleconferencing," said Maurice Heiblum, president of Elluminate, in a statement. "Even mobile users without Web access can now call in to the live session for the audio portion, enabling those who could not previously attend to participate."

 

"The product enhancements also allow educators to provide a more personal face-to-face experience without the cost and hassle of travel. At the same time, learners can access reusable learning objects on their own time from wherever they are," Heiblum added.