Streaming Communication for Web Based Training

Abstract

Streaming audio became available on the Web in 1995, but with the development of the Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), the technology has reached a new level of maturity. SMIL is based on the XML standard, and allows audio, video, images, and text to be integrated. The implications for Web based pedagogy are tremendous. We now have the opportunity to do training on the desktop in a feature-rich open environment. We will give a basic background in streaming media technology, discuss the standards, the current state of the art, our experience with RealNetworks, how to take advantage of it in an intranet environment, and touch on future developments, including the integration of testing engines.