No more pencils, no more books. Get smart with online learning.

It’s the most painless, effective and enjoyable way to deliver the instructional goods, from professional refreshers to industrial training courses to virtual classes in performance leadership.

As a learning development tool, the Internet is no longer a revolutionary concept. It has long since gone mainstream. Why?

88 Productions president Rob Skeet and producer Christine Behr-Roberts

Because it works. Dozens of cost-conscious corporations, government agencies and professional associations are well aware of the positive impact generated by a top-quality, information-packed e-learning presentation.

Many are clients of Calgary-based 88 Productions Inc. – a full-service, multi-media company that decisively proves the point every day of the week.

The decision-makers at 88 Productions have been in business for most of the 20-year life of the Internet.

President Rob Skeet founded the company in 1985 and has been systematically broadening its horizons ever since. Today, 88 Productions is Calgary’s most trusted name in multi-media, offering an astonishing diversity of expertise.

From audio-visual productions to corporate website and intranet design; from commercial jingles to e-commerce; from CD-ROM production to 3D animation to DVD authoring.

But never forget Rob’s specialty: computer-based training and web-based learning.

Rob and senior producer Christine Behr-Roberts have recently completed a number of fascinating e-learning projects. And the unqualified success of each is the proof of the pudding.

Here’s a classic example from the 88 Productions portfolio. The Alberta Real Estate Association approached the team to produce a number of important online courses. Purpose: to enlighten over 1,000 association members while painlessly helping them accumulate the course credits required to maintain their professional standing. Cost and convenience were two major reasons the association opted for an online solution.

“So many members work in rural communities or small towns, and they have such conflicting schedules, it really didn’t make sense to summon them all to one central location for the course,” Rob explained.

As defined by Christine Behr-Roberts, e-learning does NOT mean downloading a written handbook from a website.

“We use our animated and audio-visual tools to fully engage each individual who takes the course on a personal computer,” said Christine.

“This is a thoroughly interactive, one-on-one experience, and the results have been terrific,” she said.

Students simply log on to a pre-arranged website, enter the appropriate pass commands, and get down to cases – at their own speed.

“Each student will take about four hours of online contact time to complete the course. But with built-in reflection time for the tougher questions, that can be extended over a number of days,” explained Rob.

Subsequent online courses on “Self Regulation,” “Professional Responsibilities” and “Ethical Practice,” produced in close conjunction with AREA experts, were similarly well-received, by association management and membership alike.

Another recent project: “Performance Leadership,” an interactive refresher in leadership skills for senior corporate executives. This is a self-study course to help bosses sort through difficult personnel and management issues. The format of this high-bandwidth Internet presentation encourages bosses to engage in role-playing exercises, actually taking part as they watch actors re-create real-life situations on-screen.

Even the most effective business leaders can be stumped when unexpected human resources issues arise.

A “Performance Leadership” refresher helps them brush up on their skills when their frantic schedules allow them a few moments down time.

While keeping busy delivering these creative and effective e-learning solutions, the multi- talented 88 Productions crew continues to produce the most exquisite marketing packages and power-point productions in Alberta.

Want a testimonial?

Ask the Northern Alberta Development Council. This publicly funded economic development agency retained 88 Productions to develop materials for an international promotional campaign, intended to highlight the opportunities and attractions of Northern Alberta.

The results are show-stopping: a spectacular full-meal deal, including logo, website, CD-Rom, brochures and business cards.

But it doesn’t stop there.

88 Productions is particularly excited about the possibilities of DVD technology as the ideal medium for attention-grabbing AGM presentations. Keep your shareholders on the edge of their seats via beautiful on-screen resolution, matchless production techniques and digital sound.

So smarten up, online or off. Whatever your requirements, you’ll find Calgary’s acknowledged multi-media masters at 88 Productions. Phone Rob Skeet at 403.261.6494 or Christine Behr-Roberts at 403.261.6479, then check the website at www.88productions.com or drop by the office at #16 - 1208 3rd Street S.E.