Information
Architecture | What is Information Architecture?
Lou Rosenfeld and Peter Morville from Argus Associates offer
this definition: "Information architecture involves the
design of organization, labeling, navigation, and searching
systems to help people find and manage information more successfully."
The word "information architecture" is used quite
a bit in the Web industry and is closely related to customer
experience. Sometimes customer experience and information
architecture will arrive at the same solution -- but they
aren't quite the same thing (though they're both valuable
to any e-business).
The main difference between information
architecture and customer experience is the foundation of
each. Customer experience is founded on empathy with, and
understanding of, the customer. Information architecture,
on the other hand, is based on an understanding of information.
Another difference lies in the tools
of the two activities. Information architecture focuses on
containers of information -- site maps, content inventories
-- while customer experience focuses on things closer to what
customers actually experience: conversations with customers,
research on competitor and comparable sites, and a deep understanding
of the company's marketing and product strategy.
Site maps, which customers rarely use,
are rarely in the toolset of customer experience work (though
again, they're valuable for information architects to understand
the information contained on a site).
What is e-learning | .
E-learning is to classroom learning
as cell phones are to a pay phone at the bus station.
Well, at least it is in some ways. For instance, e-learning
allows you to learn anywhere and usually at any time, as long
as you have a properly configured computer. Cell phones allow
you to communicate any time and usually anywhere, as long
as you have a properly configured phone.
E-learning can be CD-ROM-based, Network-based,
Intranet-based or Internet-based. It can include text, video,
audio, animation and virtual environments. It can be a very
rich learning experience that can even surpass the level of
training you might experience in a crowded classroom. It is
self-paced, hands-on learning.
The quality of the electronic-based
training, as in every form of training, is in its content
and its delivery. E-learning can suffer from many of the same
pitfalls as classroom training, such as boring slides, monotonous
speech, and little opportunity for interaction. The beauty
of e-learning, however, is that new software allows the creation
of very effective learning environments that can engulf you
in the material. We'll use software from Trainersoft as an
example to show you how the process works.
Levels of e-learning
E-learning falls into four categories, from the very basic
to the very advanced. The categories are:
Knowledge
databases -- While not necessarily seen as actual training,
these databases are the most basic form of e-learning. You've
probably seen knowledge databases on software sites offering
indexed explanations and guidance for software questions,
along with step-by-step instructions for performing specific
tasks. These are usually moderately interactive, meaning that
you can either type in a key word or phrase to search the
database, or make a selection from an alphabetical list.
Online support
- Online support is also a form of e-learning and functions
in a similar manner to knowledge databases. Online support
comes in the form of forums, chat rooms, online bulletin boards,
e-mail, or live instant-messaging support. Slightly more interactive
than knowledge databases, online support offers the opportunity
for more specific questions and answers, as well as more immediate
answers.
Asynchronous
training - This is e-learning in the more traditional
sense of the word. It involves self-paced learning, either
CD-ROM-based, Network-based, Intranet-based or Internet-based.
It may include access to instructors through online bulletin
boards, online discussion groups and e-mail. Or, it may be
totally self-contained with links to reference materials in
place of a live instructor.
Synchronous
training - Synchronous training is done in real-time
with a live instructor facilitating the training. Everyone
logs in at a set time and can communicate directly with the
instructor and with each other. You can raise your cyber hand
and even view the cyber whiteboard. It lasts for a set amount
of time -- from a single session to several weeks, months
or even years. This type of training usually takes place via
Internet Web sites, audio- or video-conferencing, Internet
telephony, or even two-way live broadcasts to students in
a classroom.
E-branding essentials
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The use of email is rapidly becoming
the norm in Kenya’s business culture and as such is
an expected and necessary element of business communications.
How ever, most of us are not aware of how often it is seen
and used by clients and customers, and the impression it makes
on them each time they see it. The email address is one of
the cheapest advertising tool and an excellent way to brand
your business.
Despite having their own domain names and web sites, most
organizations continue to use their ISP’s email (and
in many other times free accounts such as Hotmail and Yahoo).
Every time you send out an email message using any other email
account, you are branding that company, whether it is your
ISP or a free email provider. This does your brand more harm
than you know.
In many instances you will find that the email address reads:
thecompanyname@theirISP.com. Why would you want to do that?
Your email address adds instant credibility to your correspondence
and - even more important - your e-mail address will stay
the same even when you change your ISP. In addition, many
people know that they can use the last part of an email address
after the @) to get to the web site. If you are using any
other email address you are losing potential customers!
For those that don’t have a web site, you can still
use your domain name whether or not you are developing a web
site. You only need to have a domain name and a decent web
host. With domain name registration costs as low as Ksh. 1200.00
per year, and basic web hosting fees around Ksh. 2500.00 –
4,500.00 per month, you can't afford not to give your business
a professional and memorable image.
If you don't know how to set up your email account at your
domain name, contact your web host and simply ask, then follow
directions. Most often it involves simple set-up steps and
can be done while on the support line with your host.
If you are not comfortable with the task of registering a
domain name or setting up email accounts with your ISP, RSA
can handle the process for you for a nominal fee.
Now that you have your own domain name, web host and corresponding
email address, it is time to concentrate on your web presence.
A professional looking website can give your business additional
distribution and marketing channels, in addition to convenient
and cost effective communication capabilities with current
and potential customers.
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