Note to the Community
August 01, 2008 by Scott Finkeldei
It’s that time again. The August release of Axio 4.0 is just around the corner! Here at Axio Learning, we are moving headlong into the final testing and polishing stages of the new release. Look for the Axio 4.0 overview article for coverage of the updates and new features, as well as a second article that discusses how to use these new features effectively.
The updates to 4.0 are based on requests from you, the user. We are excited about all of the changes, but I want to highlight a few key items. Flash video streaming is a new service Axio will provide in 4.0 that will allow you to upload and automatically stream Flash and MP4 files to your students, similar to YouTube.com and news agencies like CNN.com. If you have students that are often on the go, a bonus is that MP4 files can be downloaded and viewed directly on an iPod or within iTunes. The “YouTube your course videos” article on page 6 of this issue will cover Flash more extensively. Additionally, the Student Groups and Message Board tools have both been redesigned based on student and faculty feedback to make them easier to use, navigate and view.
A common question we receive is related to applying grading rules in a course. In this issue, the Tips & Tricks will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to accomplish this task.
We also want to welcome Colby Community College as the newest member of the Axio Learning community. Colby Community College is already using Axio in great ways and contributing to the community. Look for three of its staff as presenters at this year’s Axio Conference.
We are excited for the upcoming, third-annual Axio Learning Community Meeting and Conference. It seems to get better every year, and this year is shaping up to be a great one. The conference will be held Sept. 18 and 19 at the K-State Student Union in Manhattan. The scheduling and format have been adjusted based on feedback from previous conference attendees - please visit axioconference.org to find more details. As always, the conference is a great place to learn more about Axio, pick up some good tips and tricks, meet and interact with your peers from other institutions and have a good time. I am looking forward to another informative conference, visiting with our Axio members and learning many exciting new things with you.