In previous Shootout events, especially ones dealing with e-learning content development, we have often pre-defined how the output should work (e.g., with the Software Simulation Shootout we determined that the learner must interact with the software application and that the simulation must provide feedback on the learner's performance).

With this task, however, we decided to let the teams have some more creative freedom. Instead of naming an overall winner for the competition, participants were allowed to make their case for any of the four categories. In other words, we didn't tell them they needed to record audio, add live video, create discovery exercises from the slides, convert the test questions, etc. Rather, they were encouraged to use the 16 slides (shown below) as source material and use PowerPoint to create anything they wanted.

We saw a variety of different approaches. Some teams set up full video production facilities and recorded video narrators. Other teams worked hard on making the test questions interactive. Some teams didn't even attempt to convert the test questions or played them as part of the linear flow of a streaming PowerPoint presentation.

In short, it was possible for any team to simultaneously win in any or all of the four categories; but, we found it fascinating that there were separate winners in each category.

The format of the Shootout was as follows: Before the Shootout took place in Atlanta, each team received a copy of the rules and a practice copy of the PowerPoint presentation. They were told that the content of the final PowerPoint would be on the same topic and that there would still be 16 slides. They were allowed and encouraged to practice with the preliminary content. However, the content was changed for the final version. The subject matter was the same, but the final PowerPoint included text, notes, and graphic changes so we could ensure that all development work was done live, on-site. Although the participants were not told to create accompanying media (audio and video) for each slide, the source PowerPoint also included narrative text written for each slide, included in the notes field.

Here is a summary of the 16-slides they received at the competition:

Each product was rated on a 10-point scale in each category. Members of the participating companies were not allowed to rate their own products or others in the competition. The scores were averaged to derive the final score with winners announced in each category.

Audience members enjoyed seeing the process of converting PowerPoint to e-learning first-hand. The competition was designed as a method for learning about what is possible. We saw a wide variety of approaches with different types of output. For example, Sonic Foundry won the category for rich media by focusing on the use of synchronized video, produced live, on-site. The team from Turbodemo caught the audience's attention in the interactivity category by converting the pop-up labels into a dynamic discovery exercise (with drag-over pop-ups). The audience did an excellent job at spotting systems that performed well in each of the four categories.