There are a lot of different tools for making e-learning contents on the market. Most of them focus on how to quickly make e-learning contents, but they are unable to help the users to reduce the amount of time needed for NG retakes while recording. Xengda Technology is devoted to solve this problem and launches “Mimic Builder.” Mimic Builder is a rapid e-Learning authoring tool, through its unique “two layer slide design“ can create the teaching guideline as hint (audiences won’t see this guideline). The presenter can follow the hint while in the teaching/recording.

   Xengda, which has dedicated to developing the multi-media learning solution for c-Learning and e-Learning and the multi-screen and grid screen application hardware and software.

   Why use multi-screen? Paivio (1986) stated: “Human cognition is unique in that it has become specialized for dealing simultaneously with language and with nonverbal objects and events”. In learning process, “human deals with linguistic input and output (in the form of speech or writing) while at the same time serving a symbolic function with respect to nonverbal objects”.*

    To apply dual-coding and cognition theory, Xengda’s solution is to construct a future classroom--a classroom with highly integrated learning equipments through the products for Multi-Video Presentation System (MVPS), e-Learning content platform (Mimic Builder), Multi-Screen PowerPoint presentation controller (Jumping Mouse, pptNote), VGA & Video Matrix (MSH-524, MSH-322 and DIV-321), that most of these products are applied in e-education, presentation and exhibition occasions. In the classroom, our solution can show the learning contents, such as pictures, live videos and computer data on two or more projectors/monitors at the same time. Meanwhile, the teacher can effectively switch contents between the projectors/monitors by simply pressing one button on the control panel. With the aid of powerful bundled software, the teacher can prepare dual-screen learning materials and operating the environment of the multiple monitors efficiently. We believe that with the help of multimedia tools the learning experience can be active.

    Mimic-Builder is a curriculum authoring tool which synchronizes PowerPoint files with audio. It is a software solution that facilitates both c-Learning and e-Learning, allowing teachers to record while teaching, and providing the means for subsequently modifying or re-recording sections that are unsatisfactory to the user. At the same time, Mimic-Builder provides an “overlapping display of handouts slides and notes slides” function that other curriculum authoring tools cannot provide, which allows teachers to follow or imitate drafts that they have prepared ahead of time when conducting teaching or recording, and thereby increasing their quality of teaching or curriculum production.

     Mimic-Builder is an authoring tool designed for the production of e-learning curriculum. Its special dual-layer display function lets users (teachers) insert notes slides into their PowerPoint files, and lets them lecture according to the notes slides while the audience (students) can not see these notes drafted in advance. When proceeding with teaching activities, the user can simultaneously proceed with recording, thereby reducing the amount of time needed for NG retakes. In addition, multiple-screen recording environments are supported to let teachers view the previous PowerPoint slide or view the actual recorded results.

    In terms of file format, Mimic-Builder is different from the average authoring software in that its pre-saved recording file format is AVI, and not some self-defined proprietary format know only to the software itself.  Therefore, Mimic-Builder allows the user to perform subsequent back-end production editing of its files, which allows for diverse usage possibilities. Through its globally exclusive patented image copying technology, users can simultaneously display slides and record clear high-quality, low-bandwidth, handwritten content (including sound, the PowerPoint slide, and mouse curser) of the screen in PowerPoint.

   In addition, different export quality levels and file sizes can be selected to suit user bandwidth. Content can also be packed into web page format, allowing users to download and fully integrate the packaged content into the original learning platform of the organization.

    Mimic Builder enables non-technical users create the e-learning courses by using the PowerPoint® file and work with the assistance of the Tablet PC or the digital pen.  The technique for the newly 2-layer slide design lets the teaching or recording process more smoothly. Our creative learning environment will let the user feel more convenient with hand-writing tool and make the audiences feel more vivid just like in the classroom.

    Over the past year, the development of the products has progressed through the stages of brainstorming, planning, discussion, and implementation. We have made modifications and improvements according to the customers’ need. We will develop more tools and solution for c-learning and e-learning in the future.

*:Paivio, A(1986), Mental Representations, p. 56. New York: Oxford University Press.