the+appropriate+use+for+those+technologies,+how+the+integration+of+audio+with+text+enhances+learning,+and+how+effective+audio+might+be+in+the+e-learning+environment

1. **Identify the technologies for audio in e-learning-** According to Brandon Hall the following was mentioned as Web-based technologies that are having an inpact in e-learning: a. SmartBuilder- good for people who are not experts at multimedia and need to create a project in a short timeline. b. Unison- lets more than one designer work together on a project. It has a flexible licensing option for the budgets. c. Flypaper- "allows developers to create or modify rich media content using premade models and content from an online community". d. Adobe AIR- for the programmer that is familiar with Adobe and gives the person independence. e. OnPointCell Cast- a tool that can be used with the cell phone users that use smart phones. ===Text-to-Speech Functionality in Captivate //By Dean Hawkinson, Integrated Learnings:in E-Learning Voice to Text Speech,// Monday, April 11, 2011. URL: http://blog.integratedlearningservices.com/2011...rning.html ===
 * [|Donhall, B. (2009, May). Innovative e-learning tools. //Chief Learning Officer,// 8(5), 16.]
 * __Adobe Captivate__** includes a text-to-speech function that allows seamless narration without having to do any recording.

***Other e- Learning Audio Technology Tools***

 * [|Odiogo (1)]
 * [|Knowledge Planet (1)]
 * [|Respondus (1)]
 * [|Apple Keynote (1)]
 * [|Adobe Captivate (8)]
 * [|NetDimension (1)]
 * [|Swish (1)]
 * [|Flashform (1)]
 * [|Adobe Presenter (2)]
 * [|Captivate (9)]

2. **Appropriate use for those technologies**- Types of technologies listed were the desktop/laptops versus mobile devices- a. Mobile devices- a portable device used for notetaking or problem solving, learning occurs anywhere/anytime, by using e-books or podcasts, calenders and reminders, and as a social network b. Desktop/laptops- not as portable device that can be used for many more programs as a mobile device. The desktop is a static device while the laptop is a portable device. The internet access limits the use of these devices. Not all areas have internet access to your personal computer.
 * [|Keh-Wen, C. (2009, December). Mobile technologies enhance the e-learning opportunity. //American Journal of Business Education,// 2(9), 46-54.]

Personal versus shared- a. mobile phones, PDA's, MP3 players- considered personal but can be used to share. b. Classroom response systems- static, personal c. Street Kiosks, interactive museum displays- learner is portable, not the delivery device, less personal, shared between multiple people d. Interactive classroom whiteboards and video conferencing facilities- not mobile, but can serve many people at the same time. Captivate takes what you type and converts it to a voice-over for each slide. You can then use the timeline to position all of your effects to match the narration of the slide. If you play the slide and find that you made an error, fixing it is a simple matter of just re-typing the text. The primary use for Text-to-Speech should be to walk learners through a system simulation by guiding them through the clicks. This calls for short narrations. However, if you need to explain something in detail, it might be better to use text on the screen and have the narration refer them to that text.
 * 2a-Adobe Captivate**
 * Text-to-Speech Challenges**
 * The voices can sound a bit robotic;**
 * There are some issues with pronunciation and voice inflections;**
 * It Shouldn’t be used for long narratives**

3. **How the integration of audio with text enhances learning-** __Captivate’s__ text-to-speech tool is very simple to use and allows you to type the text that you want narrated on each slide. You can select a female voice (Kate) or a male voice (Paul) for each individual slide, which allows you the freedom to mix it up a bit and use both narrators in one course. It also adds the feeling of having a trainer guide you through the process. With the integration of audio with text students are able to listen to the content through audio and follow along with the text. When students use both audio and text, students are able to retain infomration because two of the senses are being used at once. With both hearing and sight working, the student then is not only listening to the words but able to read what the audio is saying and comprehnd information for faster processing. Though if used with a visual avoid using both audio and text for redundancy and confusion issues.
 * About the Tool**

As always, before [|selecting media and technology for eLearning], you need to consider your audience. You need to match the technology to your instructional goals, not the other way around. Ask yourself: It might be better to use professional narration if you have the resources. However, text-to-speech is a great alternative when you have a short time frame for your project and do not have the budget to hire voice talent. There are a lot of arguments about [|using audio in eLearning] – some in favor, some not. Audio narration can be very time consuming, and in many cases requires hiring talent for a professional sound. Many eLearning development tools allow you to easily record narration with your content, including [|Adobe Presenter] and Adobe Captivate.
 * 4. How effective audio might be in the e-learning environment-**
 * Is Text-to-Speech for Everyone?**
 * Is audio necessary?
 * What are your budget and time constraints?
 * Will your audience look past the occasional robotic pronunciation?