Within the FAD methodologies, there is a ranking of training effectiveness that sees the teaching methodologies applied by ESB in the top three positions : in first place the lesson with an Avatar teacher (“FAD AVATAR”), in second place the traditional face-to-face training and in third place the INTERACTIVE FAD.

1. FAD AVATAR (innovative Anglo-Saxon format); 
   → Teaching methods used by ESB
2. FRONTAL TRAINING with teacher in the classroom;
   → Teaching methods used by ESB
3. FAD INTERACTIVE (animated slides / no audio / no teacher video); 
   → Teaching methods used by ESB
4. FAD WITH AUDIO (slides / audio commentary / no teacher video);
5. FAD WITH VIDEO (animated slides / video-recorded teacher).

AVATAR and INTERACTIVE LEARNING are highly innovative and ensure a high level of learning; both were developed by ESB based on scientific evidence from research conducted by Professor Albert Bandura of Stanford University. Both teaching models were developed in Anglo-Saxon countries (USA and Great Britain).

AVATAR distance learning involves the delivery of an e-learning activity that utilizes a cartoon-like teacher avatar with unique facial features designed specifically to maintain the learner's attention span and enhance their understanding. This allows for a perfect replication of Bandura's "Social Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Theory" model, which is based on face-to-face lessons, with the addition of interactive tests to assess e-learning educational projects. Currently, this model can be qualitatively described as the "Ferrari of e-learning" (consider developing a one-hour course that requires approximately two months of work by a dedicated team), with extremely high development costs that are incomparable to traditional standards.

INTERACTIVE FAD provides e-learning using animated slides, using the best and most up-to-date multimedia development software, and interactive tests to assess e-learning educational projects. Furthermore, for companies seeking a highly innovative product with a modest investment, ESB offers INTERACTIVE FAD, including mini-videos of an AVATAR-Teacher presenting the various modules of the curriculum.

With an additional investment, it is also possible to customize the teaching program ad hoc.

The other two distance learning methodologies (with more or less animated slides, with audio commentary and/or with the teacher's possible presence on video) have proven to be less effective and outdated from an educational perspective.

This is why, since February 2014 (after two years of investment in R&D), the European School of Banking Management has decided – the first and only Italian Management Training School to move in this area – to offer its clients exclusively e-Learning in INTERACTIVE FAD mode or, for companies wishing to make significant investments, FAD AVATAR, both designed and developed internally by its R&D department.

Who are they addressing?

INTERACTIVE and AVATAR distance learning replace classroom training, enhancing its effectiveness. They are ideal for companies that require classroom training but cannot afford to take their staff away from work for a day or two to actually attend a single or two-hour class.

Achievable benefits

• They replace classroom training for short-term training;
• They generate high levels of learning with an almost constant curve throughout the delivery timeframe;
• They achieve a reduction in travel and workplace travel costs;
• They produce the optimization of the time allocated to training for short-term courses
• They promote satisfaction and enjoyment in the student thanks to the engaging and relaxing learning environment;
• They provide a stimulating learning environment to maintain focus on the topics covered.
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Main features of the Avatar-teacher:

• Voice and animated interaction with the context, which is also animated.
• Facial expressions.
• Expressive and coordinated gesticulation.
• Cartoon movements.
• Physiognomy inspired by the real teacher.
• Ironic behavior to stimulate memory processes