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1.
Overview
Several
initiatives are currently under way to ensure that a comprehensive
and organic network of support is in place by the time the BELLE
environment is launched at the first five member institutions.
The aim is to provide a variety of methods through which the
BELLE users can access information, technical support and training
to assist them in achieving their stated goals. Training and
support within the BELLE Project is comprised of both synchronous
and asynchronous forms, which are detailed below.
2. BELLE Binders
To
disseminate information at the sites and to provide a current
and readily accessible point of reference, BELLE binders have
been assembled. Each of the BELLE sites will receive a Project
Documentation binder, a Client Learning Environment Troubleshooting
binder and a Client Learning Environment Technical Manuals and
Software binder. Those sites with extended content repurposing
facilities will also receive a Content Repurposing Facility
binder.
The binders will contain the following elements:
a)
Project Documentation:
i)
Project Description
ii) Contact List
iii) Timesheets
iv) Templates: Evaluation / Activity Logs
v) Progress Reports
vi) Media Releases
vii) "Your Contract with BELLE"
b)
Client Learning Environment Troubleshooting:
i)
Troubleshooting
ii) Protocols
c) Client Learning Environment Technical Manuals and Software
i)
Software
ii) Warranties and Registrations
iii) Technical Manuals
d)
BELLE Content Repurposing Facility Binder:
i)
Troubleshooting Section
ii) Technical Manuals
iii) Software
3.
BELLE Videos
Production on a series of video clips for BELLE is complete.
The clips have a threefold purpose: The first is to provide
reference material on specific components of the BELLE Project
that can be accessed via the BELLE website. Second, the clips
can be reassembled into a complete video presentation that will
be brought to each of the BELLE sites for training purposes.
Third, the video clips, in and of themselves, are learning objects
that illustrate some of the concepts of the BELLE project. There
are six video segments, covering the following topics:
a) Metadata
b) Peer Review
c) Educational Objects
d) Content Repurposing
e) Streaming Video
f) Video Conferencing
g) Object Repository
4. BELLE Website
The newly designed BELLE Website will serve as the portal through
which the member institutions can gain access to videoconferencing
and the object repository. It is also a support site, where
information and instruction about BELLE may be obtained.
As the member sites become more involved in the project, the
BELLE website will be updated accordingly. FAQ and troubleshooting
pages will be added to the site and will be sent in hard copy
to each of the sites for insertion in to the BELLE binders.
5. Site Visits
Coinciding with the launch of the Client Learning Environments
at the first five sites and, where designated, the Content Repurposing
Facilities, BELLE training and support staff will visit each
of the sites to facilitate training seminars for the users and
to provide onsite help in the assembly and use of the hardware.
6. Toll Free Number
BELLE has acquired a toll free number (1-877-220-8121) intended
to be a help line for users at the sites who may need assistance
with any of the BELLE hardware. The number will be directed
to BELLE's Systems Integrator, an individual who has been hired
to assemble each of the workstations and to provide supplementary
assistance and technical support.
7. BELLE Needs Assessment
Each of the BELLE sites has completed a Needs Assessment
Survey aimed, in part, at determining the level of support required
by the network users. By assessing the level of understanding,
breadth and scope of projects, and technical requirements of
each of the member institutions, it will become possible to
identify what support is required, so that training and support
modules may be designed that best assist users.
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