A web-based training development tool for subject matter experts
OK, I admit to being a computer geek and really enjoy working with media and creating training and communication materials. But I think I have found a tool that even the non-geek subject matter expert could learn to love. It’s called Adobe Captivate. With this software tool one can create web-based training or communication materials that are very sophisticated, incorporating all types of interaction (including imbedded quizzing) along with images, video, and animation. The rendered finished product is a flash file, ready for distribution from on any server (not just a special streaming media server) or on a CD-ROM. But what I really liked about this tool is that it is not intimidating for the new user. It’s very easy to get started. The interface is intuitive and you can start by building training materials from established Power Point presentations. You just need a microphone that can plug into your computer and record your narration. If you are interested in taking a look at a narrated Power Point presentation (with some extra images thrown in), you can view my first project created with this software at the following URL: ( http://www.yale.edu/oehs/onlinetraining/laser/lasersafety.htm ) A more recent project (and more sophisticated one incorporating video, animated text, and lots of other features) can be viewed at this URL: ( http://www.yale.edu/oehs/onlinetraining/RadiationSafety/RadiationSafety.htm )
Now (to be honest) to create a more sophisticated project you need to know something about audio, image and video editing and formatting. You would have to seek out and find your inner computer geek to do this. But, I am sure its there. It just needs to be aroused.
What do you think about this type of software tool? Do you see an application your practice? Does your inner computer geek have a special tool it would like to share?