Education & Distance Learning Enthusiasts- Avilar Technologies, Inc. Introduces Distance Learning Development Software

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Avilar Technologies, Inc. Introduces Distance Learning Development Software

Business Wire - August 20, 1997

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 1997--Avilar Technologies, Inc. today introduced an advanced software package for developing customized training that can be delivered and managed via the Internet, intranets or extranets, and can include electronic commerce. Avilar's new product, WebMentor, will be demonstrated at Internet Multimedia '97 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia (Booth No. 510). WebMentor is scheduled for delivery on October 1, 1997.

"WebMentor will allow businesses, organizations and government agencies to create and manage browser-based training programs that are deliverable now," said Jerry Horsewood, president, Avilar Technologies. "This is a flexible and effective alternative to purchasing prepackaged distance learning products."

"When we founded Avilar, our vision was to develop and market highly flexible development environments utilizing the Internet, corporate intranets and extranets," Horsewood continued. "WebMentor is a reflection of our vision -- customer-focused, customized software which easily integrates with all technologies, enabling the delivery of flexible, upgradeable training courses in a Web-based learning environment."

Using WebMentor, customized training courses can be created and delivered via the Internet, intranets or extranets 24 hours a day. Via the Web, WebMentor delivers training and education to individuals or geographically distributed groups anywhere in the world. The Web-based programs eliminate the cost of instructor-based training or education.

This product supports the roles of author, editor and publisher. Learning Unit (LU) files, as well as the image, video and audio files included in WebMentor courseware can be created, edited and managed from any location instantly. WebMentor offers flexible authoring and course design capabilities that enable adjustment of courseware to the needs of the individual student. Course material for any student or group of students can be tailored through the WebMentor Attributes feature. Attributes are values assigned to -- or "tagged" to -- LUs and to student profile information. Based on Attributes, the delivery can be adjusted, with portions of the course material included, excluded or recombined as desired. An entire course, or courses, can now be delivered to match a particular student profile. Another specialty authoring feature is WebMentor's Question Editor, which enables the course designer to choose from six question styles.

WebMentor's approach allows collaborative learning through the Internet or intranet. Through this approach, students initiate interaction between themselves and instructors using e-mail, bulletin boards, forums and discussion groups. Web-based training links students directly to all Web resources and creates communication links between the student, the instructor and fellow classmates. The capability for teachers and classes to be online simultaneously enables students to communicate in real time. Web based, real-time communication tools can include:

Whiteboards, visible to all students

Application Sharing, with all students participating

Chat Rooms, where learners contribute to online discussions

Video and Audio Conferencing, making learning more interactive

WebMentor's technology supports a full range of program administration capabilities, offering complete control over all Web- based training programs. WebMentor gives administrators the power to regulate enrollment, control registration and manage student records in a click. With the software's built-in electronic commerce feature, collection of tuition fees or corporate chargebacks is an option. Administrators are able to order specific training for students, review registration status, specify course instructors, and review and update course information right in the WebMentor database. Additionally, administrators and instructors can review the progress of any student in the reports generated from the database.

WebMentor software also allows students, instructors and administrators to personalize the user interface. For example, authors can select screen layout, incorporate logos, customize navigation controls and define back and foreground colors.

Finally, WebMentor's Personal Version provides course design and delivery for individuals and smaller groups wishing to provide courseware. Educational and training courses can be created for output on CD-ROM or on the Internet via Avilar's server or other third-party servers.

Avilar Technologies, Inc. is a newly formed Maryland-based company focused totally on the development and marketing of software applications that use the Internet, intranets and extranets. Avilar was created by the founders of AdaSoft, Inc., a software development and training firm.

CONTACT: Stackig Public Relations

Leah File, 703/761-2529, lfile@stackig.com

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