Building and Using That e-Learning

Once you have decided to begin the adventure into computer-based training (CBT), one of the decisions to make is the software you will use. If there is a pervasive technology within the organization, and the resources will not permit changes, your decisions will be limited. A good analysis of your environment will clarify your options.

Much CBT is developed using Flash. A plug-in is needed to view and use it. In some large companies plug-ins are not permitted. Unless this is changed and the Flash plug-in becomes a standard in the users? systems, developing or using Flash-based learning is not possible.

Macromedia is one of the more popular providers, and includes additional software, used specifically to develop training. Macromedia?s Flash is widely used throughout the industry. It is, by no means, the only popular design program, but a good place to demonstrate the new products available to use in instructional design.

Macromedia?s products include:

• Flash: Creates sophisticated interactive content. Then collects data generated from the user interaction.
• Authorware: This powerful tool includes powerful authoring tools, support for popular standards, accessibility issues, and media management. The program can generat for both the Web or CD-Rom deployment specified through simple interfaces. Tools allow for the integration of video and triggered events.
• Dreamweaver: Dreamweaver has moved past the simple Web editing interface. It can create Web pages, build or update HTML content so that it complies with ADL standards for the runtime environment. It can create an XML manifest file per the IMS specifications. CourseBuilder is an extension of Dreamweaver that produces tests and other learner interactions.
• Breeze: Enhances basic Flash product by integrating content from PowerPoint into Flash. One interface allows the authoring of quizzes and surveys. Assists in the integration of content into SCORM and AICC-compatible systems.
• RoboHelp: Develops cross-platform, cross-browser help systems. The end product is Java free and not stopped at the firewall. Flash video and audio can be integrated into the project.
• RoboDemo: Records simulations into Flash presentations for editing and distribution. The interface allows the insertion of customized text captions, audio, video, Flash animations, text animations, images, hyperlinks and more.