In an effort to better serve the needs of our friends and clients, we have been researching different methods to provide information in a variety of formats.  While developing training material recently at the university, I was introduced to iTune U.  At this location on iTunes, institutions of higher education can post audio and video podcasts to provide another venue for students to access class materials.  My class on data analysis is somewhat complex and although the students are provided written materials, there was a need to find a way to augment and support the learning process after the formal classroom training was completed.  I learned how to create video recordings of the computer screen that could be augmented by audio instructions.  I have now published five of these tutorials on iTunes U and have another four tutorials in development.

Alana's background is in broadcasting, having been a radio announcer in Beijing.  As we discussed the technology of blogging and podcasting it appeared that the technology lends itself to our mission of sharing both economic and cultural information between China and the U.S.  We expect to provide information in the form of written blogs, audio podcasts and video podcasts.  We are hoping to provide a balance between the two languages of Chinese and English.

A few weeks ago I had posted a first attempt at  podcast that was titled "A Tour of Beijing" on the website and received some very positive feedback.  I am planning to make some "improvements" and re-release.

From there we will begin to put together a plan for upcoming episodes.  We expect the categories will include the following:

• Economic Information
• Business Opportunities & Investment
• Management Training
• Cultural Information
• Travel Information

We appreciate any feedback on how we can make this site more useful.  Alana is planning a business trip to China at the end of May and will be providing information from her travels.  Alana and I also plan to return to China in the fall to provide a series of seminars aimed at business leaders.  I have begun to work on the program with a draft title of "Everyday MBA".  The focus is on how to apply all of the business principles, tools and techniques that are taught in most business schools.