Over the last 3 weeks, I have introduced Adobe Captivate 4 in f2f classes as an e-learning authoring tool. The Adobe speel claims that no programming or multimedia skills are required, but I have found through teaching Captivate to non-multimedia teachers in the past that the tool is a little daunting to those without multimedia experience.
However, my multimedia students (with existing Flash skills etc) have found it very easy to pick up -- collectively we summed it up as "like Powerpoint with a timeline". In just 2 weeks f2f (total 4 hrs) we have looked at using the tool to develop content that incorporates screen demos, presentations, and quizzes. Soon we will look at how the tool can be used to develop interactive branching scenarios.
Following the screencasts developed by students using Screenr (see post on March 17), they appreciate the editing capabilities of Captivate which allows the author to edit mouse paths, insert new audio, etc. I wanted them to see the differences between the 2 approaches to screen recording and appreciate the immediacy of the free online tool (Screenr) before being exposed to the sophisticated commercial alternative (Captivate).
Students are now working in groups to design their own branching scenarios to teach some aspect of 'safety'. The next project will involve authoring these individually in Captivate.
The initial group-based design is intended to encourage collaboration amongst students -- students clearly are stretched further in a collaborative environment, enabling greater learning opportunities and a more interesting design. Building the products individually will allow personal approaches to their own folio pieces.
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