QUESTION: What's involved in converting computer-based training to Web-based training?

The main determinant is the authoring program with which the CBT program was developed. The cost for conversion depends on the amount of rework that will be needed to extract the content from the CBT program for use in the Web-based program. At my company, we are converting several programs developed in such applications as Toolbook, Director, and Authorware. We can take the elements--text, images, audio, and video clips--directly from the source code of those programs and redevelop them in a Web-friendly format.

Most CBT authoring programs can export such elements as audio, video, and image files in their original format (wav, avi, jpg, bmp, and so forth) for reuse in WBT authoring programs, such as Macromedia Flash. Those files can be copied from the media directory of the CBT to the development directory of the WBT program. Complex media elements--such as 3D animations developed with an authoring program that can't export or that doesn't use a Web-friendly file format--may need to be redeveloped, requiring skills in graphic design and programming. But because the developer is recreating an animation that's already been approved versus starting from scratch, you do still save some time.

The most important technical aspects to consider are bandwidth usage and plug-ins. For example, if the CBT program consists of mostly full motion, high-resolution video clips, you may want to think about delivering the content with an alternate method. Full motion video gobbles up bandwidth, which makes many IT departments cringe. And if your audience is connecting to the Internet via modem, then the video window may be small and the image blurry and choppy.

In most cases, video can be redeveloped into another format that still meets the learning objectives. For example, a two-minute video that describes how to remove and install four circuit boards from a panel, deployed using compressed video, will not be sharp and will lose such important detail as how to line up circuit board contact points. This same clip can be redeveloped as an animated Flash movie that uses much less bandwidth and enables interactivity with screen elements.

A Lucent training clip shows video of a phone training program converted to Flash. If this were a video excerpt, the screen would've been much smaller and users wouldn't have been able to try the techniques themselves, as they can with this program. Also, the clip would've required much more bandwidth.

If the CBT consists of simple still images and text, then the element conversion will be straightforward. You can copy and paste text and images into a new authoring program. If the CBT was developed with a tool that uses Web-friendly media files such as Flash, you can reuse those elements in most cases . Programs such as Authorware, Director, and Toolbook also have plug-ins that allow the CBT to be delivered over the Web. However, most desktops don't automatically support those plug-ins (Toolbook Neuron and Authorware/Director Shockwave). If technical support is a concern, then take into consideration any program that will require installation of new software or plug-ins before the training will work. With increased security measures on corporate servers, this could be a problem. All of our clients have standardized on the Flash plug-in because many Internet sites use it already.

For information on estimating costs and development time for e-learning, see Answer Geek.

Published: November 2001