User documentation has traditionally been comprehensive and complete, although perhaps also boring and/or not so accessible when you really need help. On its side, e-learning has a tendency to be an exciting, visually enticing way to provide an introduction and overview of a system, or problem areas. But e-learning has not always been adequately detailed, providing users with good answers when they are stuck on something and can’t do their job.
With this in mind, Mintra will, along with selected collaboration partners, develop new methods and systems, enabling the efficient development of advanced training and documentation solutions. After successful preliminary work, completed in 2006, Mintra is ready to continue this new and innovative project. The project is called MIA-X and, for now, will run to the turn of 2008-2009.
Tools and Work Processes
An important part of the project is developing methods and tools, enabling the common development of advanced computer-based training and user documentation. Today, there is a lot of redundant work being done, due to the lack of integration between development tools and training and documentation, respectively.
The object of MIA-X is to be able to create and distribute relevant information about a product or a system, in many different ways, or, as we say, across many distribution channels.
MIA-X will enable you use the following distribution channels:
- Hardcopy Technical Documentation
- Electronic Technical Documentation
- E-learning
- Interactive Product Information
- Documentation and Decision-Making Support on PDA’s or SmartPhones
One of MIA-X’s important aspects is that documentation and e-learning are produced based on the same information base, making it possible to update and maintain information in one place. The updated information will be available across all distribution channels.
Harmonising Standard
Fortunately, Mintra is not alone in being concerned with finding good ways to integrate e-learning and documentation. Internationally, the American Department of Defence and the defence industry have been front runners in the search for solutions to this problem. A central aspect of this work involves integrating leading standards for e-learning with leading documentation standards.
E-learning suppliers have been using the SCORM specification for e-learning, for many years. Most importantly, because SCORM specifications have helped to ensure a specific way (standard) for interacting with course administration programmes (LMS’s).
In the documentation world, correspondingly, there are certain leading standards. One such standard is the ASD S1000D standard. Originally, this was a military aviation industry standard, but it soon spread to a broad spectrum of industries, across the globe.
With MIA-X, Mintra will look at how to harmonise SCORM and S1000D. The object is that material developed on the MIA-X platform will satisfy both SCORM and S1000D.
If We Succeed
With this project, Mintra will be attempting to fill a vast canvas. We are convinced that a successful project will greatly benefit our customers, allowing them to fully exploit optimised e-learning programmes in the future. The main objective is to collect information in one system, constantly accessible, both as training and as a job support tool.
If you would like more information about the MIA-X project, contact Ivar Viktil at +47 915 44 388, or by e-mail at,
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Article by: Mr. Ivar Viktil, Managing Director in Mintra AS
Phone: +47 915 44 388
E-mail:
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