Thomson announced on Tuesday 17 June the launch of Thomson Grass Valley™ University, a new Web-based training system. In addition to conventional classroom training, Thomson customers and partners can now enhance their skills through training content available via a standard Web browser and Internet connection.

Among a continually increasing number of up-to-date and highly informative courses launching in early summer (at university.thomsongrassvalley.com/) are interactive sessions on Computer Networking Fundamentals, the latest version of EDIUS software, and the MEDIAEDGE IP-based video delivery platform.

“Thomson Grass Valley University dramatically expands educational opportunities for our broadcast and professional video customers around the world,” said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Thomson’s Broadcast & Professional Solutions business unit. “Our new Web training portal will become a destination for users who want to enhance their skills without traveling to a physical classroom location. Our intuitive user interface, high production values, and powerful management tools immediately set the standard for online learning in the broadcast industry.”

Thomson Grass Valley University is based upon industry-leading learning management system (LMS) technology. LMS technology offers learners unmatched convenience and control of the learning experience, while providing administrators valuable reporting tools to manage training initiatives. The system’s integrated e-commerce further allows students to purchase training via a secure credit card transaction with the ability to begin their online educational experience immediately. In addition, Thomson Grass Valley University includes virtual meeting and collaboration tools to enable live online instruction.

Thomson’s training developers are exploiting Thomson Grass Valley University with courses authored specifically for Web delivery. These courses adhere to industry standards for Web-based learning such as SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) and AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee). Standards compliance allows Thomson to offer its Web training content on any LMS while maintaining a consistent user experience.

For example, the company’s new Aurora Edit™ Operations Course teaches broadcast video editors how to unlock the speed and creative tools within the award-winning Aurora Edit platform. After logging in to Thomson Grass Valley University, participants view the training curriculum complete with DVD-style controls to pause, rewind, and forward through the material. Students then have the opportunity to test their knowledge with a series of review questions. Students’ course progress and question scores are then available to administrators in real-time.

For more information on the Thomson Grass Valley University visit university.thomsongrassvalley.com/.