Chapter 21: Phase III: Producing a Training Series

Overview

In chapter 20, Fabrikam completed the second phase of its Windows Media deployment. The company can now create on-demand content and stream it to any computer connected to the corporate network. Limited live streaming can also be done, but not on a large scale until the network is multicast enabled (which is described in the next chapter).

The first task Fabrikam will undertake in phase III is the production of an interactive online training course.

In this chapter, we will follow the process as the Fabrikam Media department works with the Training department to produce a series of courses. After the courses are produced, they will be published to a site built on SharePoint Portal Server, like the Media Guide site. On the Fabrikam employee online training site, employees will be able to quickly register for a class or course, and then immediately stream the course to their computers. The Training department can then develop a system for tracking student progress using feedback forms, such as online tests, and monitoring attendance using reports gleaned from client usage logs—although those tasks are beyond the scope of this book.

Producing an online training course follows the same process as producing, implementing, or deploying anything else. In film and video production, the names of the processes might be different from those used in networking, for example, but the meaning is the same.

On-demand digital media content is produced in the following stages:

1. Create a concept, which is similar to a vision statement for a film or video.

2. Develop the concept into a blueprint for production. It can be in the form of a script, rundown, or outline.

3. Plan, budget, and schedule production (pre-production).

4. Shoot or record the audio and video segments that will make up the finished production.

5. Edit the audio and video segments, add graphics, transitions, and effects, and then create the final product (post-production).

6. Make the product available to the end user or audience.

At the completion of each step, there is a product, such as a script, a plan, or video segments, that will be used in the next step.

The process for producing a broadcast is similar. However, because the production is live, there are no post-production and distribution steps unless the live production is to be made available on-demand. For example, you could broadcast a live presentation, such as a live class with an interactive question and answer session, and then edit a recording of the presentation for viewing on-demand. In general, because a live production cannot be edited as it is being presented, more time and resources are spent in the planning stages to help ensure that production goes smoothly.

In this chapter, however, we will focus on the production of on-demand content. Typically, it is easier to produce on-demand content than a live production. In addition, the results are often better for the amount of production resources involved, because with a live production you only get one chance. For example, two people can produce a polished on-demand video of a CEO report to the company. The same report, if broadcast, can require a great deal more preparation, testing, and resources to make sure the production takes place without problems.