NewsRelease . . .

L.A. Grime and Associates, Inc. AcroServices, a training and consulting firm in Perrysburg, Ohio, has introduced a new and unrivaled feature to its existing services: the ability to create computer-based training (CBT) programs using PowerPoint files. The merging of PowerPoint with a chosen authoring system to create CBT applications can benefit virtually any industry.

Many professionals already use PowerPoint to accomplish training tasks because it is easy to program; the blending of bulleted lists with multimedia is effective and attractive, and viewers feel comfortable with its slide/screen presentation format. PowerPoint, however, cannot perform the functions trainers find so helpful with CBT applications. These include registering participants/students; tracking material as it is completed; evaluating responses to questions; administering tests; recording scores; interfacing with existing course managers; and interacting within complex scenarios. AcroServices makes taking PowerPoint out of the classroom and putting it on the company=s intranet (or in the CBT lab) both easy and effective.

CBT authoring systems have their own set of disadvantages, however: some users may find them difficult to program; most systems cost several thousand dollars each; and several programs share the market. Consequently, many companies possess only one or two authoring system licenses, and there are often only one or two individuals per company who can produce/modify programs.

AcroServices= approach features the best of both (PowerPoint and CBT) worlds. PowerPoint is used for all the functions it can accomplish; it is then merged with a CBT authoring system to encompass desired interactivity, such as sound, video, supplemental slides, and/or help files to ensure the success of the course participants. The result is an integrated program that uses PowerPoint for content and the authoring system for enhanced functionality.

After searching the Internet, and through discussions with numerous developers, AcroServices decided to take the custom approach to achieving this functionality by writing a program to control PowerPoint presentations through a CBT program. AcroServices can design a program that is as simple or as complex as the client requests (ranging from a mere presentation of animated slides to a full-fledged seminar), and course content revisions are convenient and easy.

Please contact either Larry Grime or Fred Plata at AcroServices with questions or comments. Both can be reached by phone at (419)-872-9999 or by fax at 419.872.5588.

Information Contacts:
• Larry Grime
• Fred Plata

L.A. Grime & Associates,
Inc. AcroServicesJ
115 W. Front St.
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Phone: 419.872.9999
Fax: 419.872.5588
E-mail:
acroservices@acroservices.com