CATL BITE
Brief Information about Technology for Education
Online interactive tutorials (Stand-alone products)
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY?
This range of software products enables you to create online interactive tutorials that students can go through at their own
pace. Using ‘rapid eLearning’ software enables these interactive tutorials to be created relatively quickly without any knowledge
of programming. Typically, these interactive tutorials are published as stand-alone ‘learning objects’ that can be imported into a
Learning Management System (LMS). The easiest ‘rapid eLearning’ tools to use have extra features added to Microsoft
PowerPoint [see CATL BITE 3]. The higher end products have additional functionality such as the ability to create full branching
scenarios with animated characters, as well as interactive software training packages.
HOW IS IT USED IN EDUCATING?
Online interactive tutorials or ‘learning objects’ can be part of a blended learning approach (or fully online course). Educators
can create these tutorials by using existing templates or wizards, or create their own design. To make the most of the
affordances of the technology and enhance students’ engagement in learning, multimedia (images, video, audio) should be
included. Participants (students or staff) can use these tutorials to learn a concept or practice a skill at a time that suits them,
then use the contact time with educators to ask questions or consolidate learning with more complex, challenging, authentic
higher level activities.
Common uses of online interactive tutorials:
Demonstrate or visually represent a process or topic using multimedia
Annotate presentations and embed quizzes
Learn with interactive activities, such as drag and drop
Simulate a real task or procedure so that learners are able to practice and increase skills.
HOW DO SAMPLE PRODUCTS COMPARE?
Articulate Storyline (http://www.articulate.com/products/storyline-overview.php) enables more advanced users to easily
create custom interactive scenarios. A full range of variables, states and triggers allow you to manipulate how a learner interacts
with the tutorial. E.g. creation of a custom, image based menu with clickable objects that can change with user interaction, and
allow for branching navigation fully controlled by the users’ choices.
Adobe Captivate (http://www.adobe.com/au/products/captivate.edu.html) is the most suitable tool for creating interactive
tutorials about software and other computer based training. The Adobe products are well used by professional eLearning
developers and have a full range of functionality.
easygenerator (http://www.easygenerator.com/) is a newer, cloud-based product for creating online learning objects or
interactive tutorials. The benefit of using a cloud-based product is that development and reviews can easily take place at
different locations (useful for team-based creation). The tutorials created can allow learners to track their progress based on
course objectives. This creates a more structured learning flow than what is possible with Articulate Storyline.
Feature and cost comparison chart:
Features
What interactivities (and other
features) can be included?
What type of media can be
included?
What are the publish or export
options?
[* SCORM 1.2 packages can allow grades to
be displayed in the LMS Grades area.]
Licensing (as at Aug 2013)
Articulate Storyline
Adobe Captivate
easygenerator
Quizzes incl. drag and drop;
voiceover; software
simulation; branching
scenarios; template based
Images, video, flash
Quizzes incl. drag and
drop; voiceover; software
simulation; branching
scenarios
Images, video, flash
Quizzes incl. drag and
drop; branching scenarios;
automated progress
tracking
Images, video, flash
SCORM 1.2* and 4, HTML5,
TinCan (Experience API),
Word
SCORM 1.2* and 4,
HTML5, TinCan
(Experience API), Adobe
Connect
AUD$160.95
SCORM 1.2* and 4, HTML,
TinCan (Experience API)
USD$1,398
Free limited-function
CATL BITE
Brief Information about Technology for Education
Features
Articulate Storyline
Adobe Captivate
easygenerator
Single license (other pricing
models available; 30 day
trial available)
Single license
(via UWA IS Licensing)
version available; full
function costs USD$1,250
for 12mth subscription
DID YOU KNOW?
The Lesson activity tool in LMS allows you create branching scenarios or mini tutorials. Use the HTML editor to create pages that
set the scene – you can include images and/or video – then use quiz-type questions and the subsequent student response to
branch off to different pages. There are some tips and ideas on the Moodle website, especially under ‘Using Lesson’:
http://docs.moodle.org/24/en/Lesson_module
For LMS (Learning Management System) help email help-elearning@uwa.edu.au or call 6488 8190.
WHAT DOES CATL RECOMMEND?
First you need to review your situation and requirements. The products listed above are more comprehensive and can require
some knowledge or skills. Captivate is typically used more heavily for software simulation (teaching others to use software) and
may be more suitable if you are already using other Adobe products. Articulate products are recommended, though, because of
their ease of use, adaptability and community support. Articulate Storyline is a good all-round, versatile product which CATL
believes is best for creating independent, interactive learning experiences. One particular benefit is the ability to create
scenarios based on free text response questions, with no grading required (an LMS Lesson requires grading of essay type
questions).
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ?
The most important thing when using these tools is to consider the learning design:
Herrington, J. (2006). Authentic e-learning in higher education: Design principles for authentic learning environments and tasks.
World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education.
Siragusa, L., Dixon, K.C., & Dixon, R. (2007). Designing quality e-learning environments in higher education. Proceedings from
ascilite, In ICT: Providing choices for learners and learning.
Laurillard, D. (2010). Effective Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning in HE. In: Penelope Peterson, Eva Baker and Barry
McGaw, Editor(s)-in-Chief, (2010). International Encyclopaedia of Education (Third Edition), Pages 419-426, doi: 10.1016/B978-008-044894-7.00867-8.
Some additional useful resources:
A commercial eLearning company, Kineo, includes thorough reviews of Rapid eLearning Authoring Tools on their website:
http://www.kineo.com/authoring-tools/rapid-e-learning-authoring-tools.html. Use the menu on the left to read reviews of
individual tools. There are also some tips for tool selection.
Even if you don’t use the products, Articulate’s ‘The Rapid E-Learning Blog’ is a fantastic source of tips, tricks and ‘freebies’ for
creating eLearning: http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/
An overview of the design process is available in CDC’s E-Learning Essentials:
http://www.cdc.gov/learning/local/pdf/ElrngEsstls.pdf
WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT THIS EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY?
CATL eLearning staff can help you explore ways to use these kinds of technology in your teaching. Contact helpelearning@uwa.edu.au for an Educational Developer or eLearning Academic to discuss ways to use this type of technology in
your teaching practice
CATL BITES
CATL BITEs (Brief Information about Technologies for Educating) are developed by CATL educational developers to inform
UWA staff about current and emerging technologies for technology-integrated learning. Technologies are selected as a result
of queries to CATL, environmental scans, and conversations in the UWA community.
For more BITEs, see: www.catl.uwa.edu.au/e-learning/evaluatingtechnologies
To request CATL review a type of educational technology, send an email to: help-elearning@uwa.edu.au