Monash Magazine

Multimedia makes its mark

With an increasing need for inexpensive and effective methods for training staff, organisations are turning to Monash University researchers for the creation of virtual learning environments on CD-ROMs.

By Derek Brown

With a single compact disc, Dr Raymond Li can transport you to a crime scene full of suspects, introduce you to the virtual guide of a company's induction program, or teach you the correct way to hold your wineglass at a business dinner.

Using images, video, sound and text, Dr Li and his team from Monash University's School of Business Systems began creating training multimedia CD-ROMs for organisations more than four years ago. Now they get so many requests they have to turn projects down.

Dr Li believes organisations are eager to become involved in multimedia because they can see its many benefits.

A virtual induction program created by Monash's School of Business Systems is helping pharmaceutical company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, reap the benefits of multimedia technology.

"Businesses and other organisations know that presenting educational information to people in a way that's visual, realistic and fun increases the chance that it will be remembered. This saves organisations both time and money when training new employees," he said.

In a detective CD-ROM created by Dr Li's team for the Victoria Police, a trainee detective is able to walk around and assess a simulated crime scene, interview suspects and witnesses and pick up clues. At the end of a lesson, the computer automatically assesses whether the trainee missed clues or failed to ask vital questions.

Helps assessment

According to Dr Li, the automatic feedback function in multimedia allows companies to assess the knowledge competency of their employees, ensuring an informed and efficient workforce.

Other projects recently completed include a CD outlining proper business etiquette, a multimedia promotion for the School of Business Systems, and an induction program for the pharmaceutical company, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Pushing the boundaries of multimedia: Dr Raymond Li, left, and Professor Rob Willis.

Professor Rob Willis, head of the School of Business Systems, which is based in the university's Information Technology faculty, believes it is important that the output of a university, though always research-oriented, should also match the needs of the wider community.

"We only take on projects that we feel will increase knowledge in the field of multimedia in some way. The projects help to further the development of PhD students and push multimedia into the mainstream population," Professor Willis says.

"We are not here to do commercial projects, and any money we make goes towards further research in the field. Our aim is to educate and empower businesses so they are able to take multimedia and run with it, applying it in ways we haven't even thought of yet."

For more information on the School of Business Systems' CD-ROM projects and multimedia initiatives, contact Dr Raymond Li on +61 3 9905 2354 or email raymond.li@infotech.monash.edu.au