E-topic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
E-topic (electronic topic) is used to describe a corporate electronic training environment available to global clients and users in order to reduce the need to allocate time and resources for repeated face-to-face training sessions. Similar to the term E-learning, the E-topic describes the individual modules used to provide specific on-demand answers to specific needs.
Introduced in the year 2000 by the Factiva (a Dow Jones and Reuters joint venture) Learning Programs Team in order to train internal and external users, the e-Topic utilized the granular task-based and role-based philosophies to provide fast access to information and answers to questions about proprietary environments and interfaces. In order to support internal and external product knowledge following the creation of modules with partners Microsoft, Oracle Corp., IBM and Yahoo! [1], it was determined that readily accessible training objects (E-topics) would accommodate a global audience's needs.
The typical E-topic often consists of a learning object created using software like Adobe Captivate or Microsoft PowerPoint which is then uploaded to a remote server via services like Macromedia Breeze or BrainShark. Users are then able to connect to an API that delivers specific training information on the fly, thus reducing the amount of time spent in physical training environments and increasing overall productivity. E-topics can be geared toward specific job functions and departments so that Sales, Marketing, Technical Support and other segments can have training tailored to their individual needs.
