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This list includes answers to general questions and to more advanced and specific questions
that you may have.
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1. What is Mindflash and how does it work?
The Mindflash Training Service allows businesses and consultants of all types to create, offer, and manage online courses. The system is hosted (accessed via the Internet) so there is no need for expensive hardware or an IT department. Regardless of your training goals, Mindflash provides all the tools necessary to create courses, manage enrollment and run reports. Instructors can easily add content to courses and arrange it in an appropriate manner. Quizzes can be added to test Learner knowledge and retention. Learners access courses via the Internet so they can train in remote locations and on their own time.
2. How do you create course content?
Course content can be created in any format or program. PowerPoint and Word content are converted to web ready formats by the Mindflash system. PowerPoint and Word are the most common content creation tools used. However, you can also use HTML, Flash, PDF, audio, video or content in other formats. This includes AICC and SCORM Content generated with any authoring tool in the market. Other authoring tools frequently used with Mindflash include Articulate, Captivate, Camtasia, and Qarbon. You do not have to choose just one tool. Content from various tools can be mixed to create high quality courses. No matter what you choose, the content is all presented in a consistent course player.
3. Is support included?
Yes. Support is included for Administrators, Instructors and Students. For Administrators and Instructors, email and phone support are included. For Students, email support is included. All support is included in the monthly fee. There is no additional fee for support. If you need help, we will provide it. In addition to our live help, we also offer a complete selection of online training courses that are available 24/7 right from your portal.
4. Can we have many courses?
You can have as many courses as you wish. Mindflash pricing is based on the number of billable users, not the number of courses.
5. Can I charge for my courses? If so, how much does it cost?
Mindflash integrates with four credit card processors; Authorize.net, WorldPay, PayPal and 1ShoppingCart. You can set a unique course price for each of your courses (or offer them for free). If you choose to charge for courses, a Learner must pay via credit card. Access to the course material is granted once the payment clears. There is no additional charge from Mindflash for the use of the e-commerce option. All you need to do is set up an account with one of the four options (they charge fees for processing cards) and you can begin charging for courses.
6. How good is your reporting? Can I create my own reports?
The reporting section of the Mindflash system is very powerful. You can browse reports online or export them to Excel. Once reports are in Excel Learner information can be imported into HR systems and/or your organization’s databases. With Mindflash Reports, you can create reports on the Course, Lesson, Quiz, Offline Activity and User levels. Custom user information collected during registration can be incorporated into the reports and Group filters can be applied.
7. Can the Course Templates and Portal be customized?
Absolutely. When you initiate an account, you are given an e-Learning Portal. All Users will enter via the Portal Homepage. The Portal Homepage is completely customizable. Select a color scheme or create a set of custom colors. For complete customization, use your own HTML. Portal homepages can be made to look like a corporate website, easing the transition from your corporate site to the training site. For the Course Player, choose from numerous templates and select a color palette. Custom colors can be set as well. Custom headers and footers can be set for course pages.
8. How can I make courses interactive and engaging?
You can use an intuitive Drag & Drop interface to manage the Table of Contents and to combine materials in various formats like Word, PowerPoint, Flash, PDF, audio, or video. As you add, move, or delete pages of content and quizzes, the Mindflash system updates the course menu bar for you.
Content created with different tools is always displayed to learners in the same consistent and easy-to-navigate interface and does not require the use of plug-in, popup or new windows.
This unmatched flexibility allows you to use different tools and formats for different sections of the course.
- You can use PowerPoint to describe and narrate a topic. You can record narration directly in PowerPoint and embed flash or video clips. You can delete or move individual slides of the PowerPoint presentation.
- You can use Word or HTML pages created with FrontPage or DreamWeaver to create information-rich course page.
- You can use Flash or Captivate to create interactions and simulations
- You can integrate with available Intranet or Internet resources that may contain up to date information or documentation.
9. How do you create quizzes and can we offer randomized quizzes?
Creating quizzes is easy. Mindflash has a small toolbar that, when downloaded, is embedded in Microsoft Word. This toolbar allows you to create quiz questions. There are eight different questions including true/false, multiple choice, and multiple response. More sophisticated questions include Drag and Drop and Hot Spot. The correct answer can be set and feedback can be given. The questions are scored automatically by the Mindflash System. Randomized quizzes can be created from a question bank or from quizzes previously used in the course.
10. How can I manage users?
As your program grows, management of users becomes an increasingly challenging task. Mindflash provides several tools to make management quick and simple. Groups can be created to segment the user base for easy enrollment and reporting. Learners can be moved in and out of courses in Groups, saving time in the process. All User information can easily be checked and edited. Reports are easily created to review User progress, or downloaded to maintain a paper record. To stay in contact with Users, Communication tools are provided. These tools include Bulletin Boards, Live Chat and Newsletters.
11. Where is Mindflash? Can you tell me about Mindflash?
Mindflash is based in Santa Barbara, California. Mindflash was founded in 1999 by an experienced team with roots in training and software development. Mindflash principals have founded or managed companies like The Learning Company, GlobalEnglish, Advent Software, and Financial Engines. We offer authoring, course, and Learner management tools needed to run an online training program.
12. Who uses the Mindflash service?
The Mindflash Training service is used by corporations, training organizations, schools, instructors, content creators, and consultants. The Mindflash service is used by large corporations with thousands of employees like Ricoh, Kraft, Autodesk and Intuit, and by small schools like the BGCenter and University Instructors.
13. How secure are your servers?
Our servers are protected using industry standard CISCO hardware. Our server farm is scalable and redundant. We use CISCO load-balancing hardware to guarantee service. We monitor the system 24/7/365. Mindflash has used the same hosting facility since 2001. Mindflash uptime far exceeds industry standards at over 99.98%. A backup of the system is taken every 15 minutes. Please read our “White Paper on Security” on the Resources page.
14. Is the service only available in English?
The Learner interface is currently available in US English, Spanish and Portuguese. However, the system includes tools to translate the Learner interface (every message displayed to Learners – from registration pages to course certificates). We will release additional language versions in coming months.
15. How much does the service cost?
With Mindflash there are two pricing options. Our Pay Per Use Plan includes a short term contract and starts at $150 a month. Our Enterprise Plan is a long term contract with options starting at $1500 a month for up to 1000 seats. Seats are defined as users with an active login who have access to one or more courses. Additional disk space storage fees might apply to Pay Per Use Plans. Training is available for an additional charge. To view the details of our pricing, please visit our pricing page. You will find Mindflash to be extremely competitively priced.
16. Why do you charge for additional disk space used?
Files added to the Mindflash system are stored on a redundant disk array system for maximum reliability and security. Backups of content are taken at regular intervals. The included disk space of 100MB is more than sufficient to hold content for 5 or more courses. We offer easy-to-use tools to remove unwanted files and free space. It is good practice to limit the size of course content to offer Learners a fast browsing experience.
17. How does your price compare to the price of installed systems?
The e-learning industry is increasingly moving from installed solutions to hosted solutions. When comparing installed and hosted solutions it is important to consider the costs involved in maintaining and updating the software, monitoring the system 24/7, and supporting users. Even the less sophisticated installed systems require at least one server with additional software and IT costs. These costs easily add up to thousands per month. Larger installations require load balanced servers and a dedicated IT staff.
In addition, our service is continuously improved. New features become available to our customers as we develop them. As we add features, your cost of operation decreases due to increased efficiency in building and managing your online training program.
18. Can we resell the Mindflash service?
Content developers and training consultants add their material to our system and resell it to their clients. Our service makes it easy to customize and brand the website appearance specifically for your clients. We handle all support making it easy for small consulting firms to offer online courses.
19. Is there an additional fee for using the credit card processing function?
We don’t charge any fees to integrate with credit card processors. We make it easy to integrate with PayPal, WorldPay, Authorize.NET, and 1ShoppingCart. These companies usually charge fees for the use of their network but there is no additional fee from Mindflash.
20. Is support for us included?
Mindflash is proud to offer support for our users at no charge. We are available by phone or by email to answer any questions that might arise. Special training sessions can be scheduled for an additional fee. We also offer weekly “How To” tutorials that are free to join.
21. Is support for Learners included?
We offer e-mail support to your Learners. We troubleshoot technical problems and forward course or content specific questions intended for you. Reporting a problem is easy for Learners and we respond quickly to any issues that arise.
22. How often do you release service updates?
Service updates and fixes are released weekly. These updates do not affect users in any way. We release new features several times a year. Service updates are included in the price. All of our customers are always on the most recent version of our software.
23. Will our learners be affected by service updates?
Our updates will never cause your courses or course navigation to change. Even when new features are introduced, they do not affect your Learners until you decide to take advantage of them.
24. Who uses the Mindflash product?
The Mindflash Training service is used by corporations, training organizations, schools, instructors, content creators, and consultants. The Mindflash service is used by large corporations with thousands of employees like Ricoh, Kraft, Autodesk and Intuit, and by small schools like the BGCenter and University Instructors. No matter what the application, Mindflash has designed functionality to meet your needs. Mindflash comes with all features and functions for one price. If you do not need certain options, you do not have to use them. As your program grows, you can choose to use new functions and features.
25. What are some examples of how companies use Mindflash?
Mindflash is used by a diverse group of customers. Common applications of the Mindflash system include product training, corporate training, support & communication portals and certification programs. Mindflash is used widely by distance learning groups, schools, consultants, continuing education certification organizations and corporate trainers.
26. Can we train employees, partners, and resellers?
Mindflash works particularly well for organizations that need to train employees, partners and resellers. Whether the people you need to train are in the same office or spread out across the world, Mindflash only requires an Internet connection. You can be assured that your students are exposed to consistent information and can check Learner retention by adding quizzes.
27. Can we offer courses to corporate customers?
Mindflash can be used to train or inform corporate customers. Because Mindflash is customizable, you can seamlessly integrate Mindflash into your site and corporate customers will not even know you use Mindflash technology. Mindflash is even integrated with Salesforce, making the transition to e-learning particularly easy for Salesforce customers.
28. Can we use it for distance learning or complement classroom education?
Mindflash was initially designed to be used in an academic environment. Since that time, we have added numerous features that allow teachers to effectively use the product for distance learning or to enhance the classroom environment. Tracking classroom training or offline activities is easy with Mindflash.
29. Can we use it for classroom training?
Mindflash was designed to be easily integrated with classroom training. Courses can be designed so classroom training must be completed before the student completes the course. Results of classroom activities are easily imported by teachers.
30. Can modules be assigned to specific users?
Yes, you can assign a course (module) to a specific user. You can also automate this process by grouping users and assigning a course sequence to the Group. Entire curriculums can be designed and implemented using Mindflash's enrollment and routing rules.
31. Can we link to other websites?
Yes, you can add links to your course website from other websites and you can use other websites in your courses. The Administrator interface lists the addresses to use when linking to a course or to a course registration page. Integrating online training into an existing corporate website takes just minutes.
32. Can we integrate with other applications?
We integrate with leading on-demand software such as WorldPay, PayPal, Authorize.NET, 1ShoppingCart, GoToMeeting and Salesforce. We integrate with outside applications on a regular basis. If you would like to integrate with other systems please contact us.
33. Can Mindflash be customized?
Mindflash allows you control over most aspects of the Learner experience. From entry page design to the disclaimer message, Mindflash gives you control. Some customers choose to use nearly every customizable feature while others just use the system defaults. Features can be turned on or off as necessary. No matter what level of customization you require, Mindflash will meet your needs.
34. Do we need to install anything?
Instructors wishing to create quizzes will install the Mindflash Toolbar for Microsoft Word. All other users only need a browser and an Internet connection. Mindflash was designed to minimize the hurdles Learners often face when trying to complete e-learning courses. Mindflash courses can be viewed behind firewalls on tightly restricted networks.
35. Can we install the software on our server?
Mindflash is offered as a hosted solution. There is nothing for you to install. More and more organizations are recognizing the value and advantages of hosted solution. We include support, monitoring, and updates. You will never have compatibility of data migration problems again.
36. How do we control disk space?
The Mindflash system includes tools to check for available disk space. You can also remove content stored in all of your courses that is no longer needed from one central and convenient location.
37. Can we send a newsletter?
Yes, our newsletter module allows you to send HTML newsletters to Group or course members. You are able to add custom newsletter templates, generate article pages, and track who views and clicks on the newsletter links. Newsletters can be sent to the entire database, to members of specific Groups or to those enrolled in courses.
38. Can we issue completion certificates?
Upon completion of a course, Learners can be issued a Completion Certificate. As the Instructor, you can choose a template and dictate what the certificate says. Certificates are awarded when the Learner passes all course content. Instructors can choose not to issue certificates upon completion of a course if they want. Certificates issued to Learners remain accessible to Learners indefinitely.
39. Do courses expire after a certain time?
Courses can be set up to expire. Courses can be set up to expire on a specific date (particularly useful for compliance courses) or a set number of days after the Learner enrolls. Each course can have a different expiration type and date.
40. How do we create course content?
Course content can be created in a number of formats, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Flash, HTML, audio and video. Content from each of these formats is converted to web-ready content by the Mindflash system. We also support common e-learning authoring tools such as Captivate, Articulate, Camtasia and Qarbon. All you have to do is create your content in a format you are comfortable with, upload the content and we do the rest.
41. Can we use Word, PowerPoint, Flash, HTML, Audio, or video?
Absolutely. Mindflash was designed to convert content from these common applications to engaging, web-ready course material. You will be able to use any or all of these formats when you create your course. Content of different types can be mixed within courses.
42. Do you support Robodemo, Camtasia, and other authoring tools?
Yes, you can use content created with any authoring tools. Robodemo, Articulate, Camtasia, Captivate, and Qarbon export content in Flash format (.swf) that can be added to the Mindflash system.
43. Is it possible to incorporate streaming video into the training courses?
Yes, you can add video to the Mindflash system. You can add video files directly to the system, include them in HTML pages, or in PowerPoint presentations. You can also reference streaming video hosted on other servers.
44. What else do we need to build courses?
In order to build courses you need a computer with Windows 2000+, Office 2000+, and IE 5.5+. You can use any authoring tool to build the content. This includes Word, PowerPoint or any HTML editor.
45. What video formats can we use?
You can use videos in any format. We suggested that you use MPEG, Flash Video or other compressed video formats. If you have large video clips that are an important part of the online course content you can distribute them on a CD and link them from the online training courses. If your courses are only accessed within your corporate network you can host the files on your servers and make them available within course pages hosted on our system.
46. Can we use SCORM Courses?
Yes. You can load SCORM compliant courses. We conform to the SCORM 1.2 standard. We track time spent, score, and status in each SCO (unit of SCORM content). We participated in SCORM Plugfest events where we verified interoperability with content vendors.
47. How many courses can we create?
The number of courses you create is not limited. You can create as many as you want. Above 100 megabytes of information, storage fees may apply. On average, complete courses use between 5 and 10 megabytes. Please visit the pricing page for more information on storage fees.
48. Is there a limit to the number of students we can have in a course?
There is no limit to the number of students in a course. Some of our customers have less than 25 Learners and some have more than 15,000.
49. Can we have multiple content authors/Instructors for courses?
Each course can have multiple Instructors assigned to it. There is one primary Instructor who can control content authoring, course access, and communication tools. You can also add more content authors that can contribute Lesson content and quizzes.
50. Is there a way to give a teacher access only to a specific course and not the rest of the administrative section of the site?
Yes, you can give Instructors access to one or many courses. Instructors can be allowed to be Administrators, manage course access, or only be allowed to add Lesson content.
51. Can we offer demo courses?
There are several different enrollment types available with Mindflash. Demo Courses allow Learners to take courses without submitting any information. Mindflash also offers open enrollment (Learners are required to sign up using basic information), access code enrollment (Learners must enter an access code before signing up), and restricted enrollment (only Administrators or Instructors can enroll Learners).
52. Can we offer a course catalog?
Yes, Mindflash automatically generates a Course Catalog. Designated courses can be listed in the Course Catalog or excluded. Special Course Catalogs can be created for Groups. Courses within a Course Catalog can be organized by Topic. Courses can also be listed on the Portal Homepage.
53. How do we create quizzes?
Mindflash has created a special toolbar for creating quizzes that integrates with Microsoft Word. In order to create quizzes, you will be asked to install the Mindflash toolbar the first time you create a quiz. Once you have done so, you will be able to choose from eight question types, including fill in the blank, drag and drop, multiple choice, and others. To upload a quiz you have created, you just follow the same steps for uploading course content. Randomized quizzes can be created using Mindflash. Randomized quizzes can pull a designated number of questions from a single quiz or multiple quizzes.
54. Is it possible to use a question bank or randomized quizzes?
Yes, all quiz questions you or your other Instructors add to your portal can be reused to build randomized quizzes. The system builds the quiz by taking a random group of selected questions. Answer positions can also be randomized.
55. Can a user be given a 'pass mark' for module exams?
You can set what learners need to do to pass a course. Courses are organized in Lessons. Each Lesson can have
one or more Parts. Learners need to pass a Part before they can continue. You can set Part passing requirements
based on time Learners need to spend and quiz score. You can allow multiple attempts and set a time limit.
Learners who complete all the required Parts and Lessons receive a course score and an optional certificate.
56. Can we import the results of on the job activities or classroom tests?
Yes, you can import scores for Offline Activities. When an Offline Activity is added, Learners need to receive a score for that Activity in order to complete the course. Multiple Offline Activities can be added to a course.
57. Can we communicate with Learners and schedule events?
There are several options for Instructors to communicate with Learners, including a chat room for private and public chats, an internal email system, a calendar of events that reminds Learners of important events, a Bulletin Board, Frequently Asked Questions, a Glossary of Terms and a Digital Library. Instructors can select which, if any, of these features they want to include in their courses.
58. What do instructors and administrators need to use the site?
In order to build courses you need a computer with Windows 2000+, Office 2000+, and IE 5.5+. Instructors need to download and install the Addins for Word before they can create quizzes. They need to download the Addins only once.
59. Can we invite users to our course?
There are several ways of inviting users to a course. Each course has a simple invitation form that includes a link to the course and a customized message. Or, send a newsletter informing your users of a new course that is available. You can create and distribute (on another website or with printed materials) special enrollment links and codes to promote your course launch.
60. How do we link from our website to the e-learning website?
You can add a normal link from your site to the homepage of your Mindflash training account. Our system also generates direct links to the enrollment page and course homepage of each course. In addition, you can create promotional codes and our system will generate a special link for each promotional code.
61. How do we enroll students?
Students can be added manually or from a list. You can enroll users in a course when their account is created or you can create Groups and enroll all Group members in selected courses at once. Students can also be allowed to browse the Course Catalog and self-enroll.
62. Can we accept Credit Card Payments?
Mindflash is integrated with WorldPay, PayPal, Authorize.NET and 1ShoppingCart should you choose to charge for your courses. To integrate with one of these choices you will first need to choose which processing option is right for you. You will then need to apply for a merchant account with one of the vendors if you do not already have one. You can set the price for your course from the Build & Launch Courses tab, by going to Settings >> Price and Promo Codes. 1ShoppingCart is offered for customers who want to sell products in addition to e-learning courses.
63. Do we have to have or can we use our merchant account?
In the case of all four payment processors, you will need to set up a vendor account before you can accept payment. Please consult the individual processor companies to learn about their offerings and to sign up.
64. Can we accept payments in multiple currencies?
WorldPay and Aurthorize.NET will support non-US credit cards and will process in foreign currencies. Please visit their websites for more information.
65. Can we set promotional codes?
Promotional codes can be created for individual courses using Mindflash. When creating a promotional code, you are given options to choose the number of seats available, when the code is effective, the discount price and what the code will be. Codes can be used as links (available after creating a code) or as individual codes. Promo codes can be tied to Groups, making it easy to track code usage from the Reports tab.
66. Can students buy more than one course at a time?
Yes. Mindflash provides a shopping cart that can be enabled to allow Learners to purchase access to several courses with one credit card transaction.
67. Can we set up affiliate tracking and management/branding?
Yes, you can add your HTML to the student page header. This HTML is used in all the registration, enrollment, and course pages. You can generate discount or promotional codes. For each promotional code, the Mindflash system generates two links: one to the course homepage and the other to the enrollment page. You can safely use these links on Overture, Google Ads, or on any other marketing site you use. You can track the performance of each code using Mindflash tracking tools or by adding the tracking links that companies like WebSideStory (HitBox) offer to the student header.
68. What do students need to take the courses?
Learners will be required to fill out an online form that asks for basic information. Once they have completed the form, they will receive their password and login information. They can gain access to the course with an Internet connection and their login information. There are no downloads required to view course content through Mindflash. Mindflash supports most major browsers.
69. Can users view which courses and tests they have taken?
Yes, users can access certificates and transcripts of courses that they are taking or have completed. They can also review course content and quizzes after they have completed the course if given permission to do so.
70. How are courses presented to the Learners?
Learners only need a web browser and an Internet connection to take courses. All course pages, quizzes, and Communication and Reference Material tools are presented in the same high-quality and consistent interface. You can choose your colors and graphics, customizing the look of the course interface to your specific needs.
71. What reports are available?
The reporting features with Mindflash are robust. You can run reports on just about any aspect of your courses, Lessons, quizzes, users, Groups, and course usage. You can even add questions to the enrollment process and run reports based on those responses. All reports can be browsed online or exported to Excel.
72. Can we export reports to Excel?
Any Mindflash report can be exported to Excel.
73. Can we distribute or email reports?
You can download reports in Excel format. You can also organize users in Groups and give selected Group members permission to browse and download Group reports.
74. Can we group users?
Grouping, when used in conjunction with the reporting features, is a very powerful tool with Mindflash. Groups can be created to segment your Learners based on any characteristic including information they provide during enrollment, course performance and progression, usage, etc. Groups can also be used to manage course enrollment or create a course curriculum program. Custom Course Catalogs can be developed for members of a specific Group.
75. How do we link from our website to the e-learning website, a course, or to the registration page?
You can add a normal HTML link from your site to the homepage of your Mindflash training account. Our system also generates direct links to the enrollment page and course homepage of each course. In addition, you can create promotional codes and our system will generate a special link for each promotional code. You can choose whether to link to the front page of your training portal or directly to a specific course.
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©2007 Mindflash is a registered trademark of Mindflash Technologies, Inc. Other trademarks referred to are the properties of their respective owners. Microsoft and the Office logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. | |
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| Mindflash’s e-learning software allows businesses, consultants and schools to offer web based training. The system offers a complete learning management system for easy management of elearning programs of all sizes and types. The Mindflash e-learning tools and software can be used to quickly launch web based elearning initiatives using existing content repurposed as e-learning content. Use the management tools, evaluation system and elearning content conversion tools to turn your existing offline training program into a high quality, effective e-learning system using the Mindflash elearning software.
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