Here's an interesting article, from the Monster.com technology section, about the market for multimedia/e-learning skills.
The url on 7/23/04 was http://technology.monster.com/articles/spotelearn/Index.asp
Here's a link to a copy of the article in my local archive:
The writer, one of Monster.com's technology jobs experts, indicates that the market for e-learning products and skills is mostly entrepeneurial at this point, with opportunities for people who understand both education and technology.
For any webmaster or content manager, PDF files are a mixed blessing. They are an easy fix to the problem created by a content author who brings in a document that has to be published online "right now." But PDF files are a nuisance to many content browsers who want to quickly determine if a document has the information they need and they can be an absolute barrier to users with alternative display devices such as screenreaders and handheld displays.
Here is an entry point (probably one of many) for learning about making PDF files accessible: Planet PDF - Learning Centers - Accessible PDF http://www.planetpdf.com/learningcenter.asp?ContainerID=1505
Here's an interesting article, from a UK developers site, about an online service that prepares PDF files that are more suitable for screen-readers:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/07/11/pdf_tags_blind/
There are more interesting Accessibility links to explore at the end of this article.
I've been the Webmaster for Anoka County government since December 2001 (see www.AnokaCounty.us).
I received a B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, University College, in 1974, so I guess I'm what you'd call a "non-traditional" student.
The aDesigner is a disability simulator that helps Web designers ensure that their pages are accessible and usable by the visually impaired.
Go to: http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/adesigner
This blog will be about:
Content Management - The task of managing pieces of content in preparation for their transformation into a useful solution for users.
Multimedia Design - I'm in the M.Ed./professional studies program, Curriculum and instruction: instructional systems and technology, Multimedia Design and Development (http://education.umn.edu/SPS/programs/ins/IST-curr.htm)
Accessibility - Presenting content to all users, including those with physical, visual, and cognitive impairments.