--- Forwarded Message from Ed Garay <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:31:23 -0500 >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >From: Ed Garay <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #8566 Rapid Intake's Flashform and Macromedia Captivate >Cc: UIC Instructional Technology Lab <[log in to unmask]> >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >References: <[log in to unmask]> The ideal software (plural) would depend on what you are trying to accomplish. For simple delivery of narrated PowerPoint presentations (with or without video) I would recommend PointeCast Publisher -- very easy to use, creates good Flash delivery (with no HTML or Flash expertise required) and it can also stitch the audio associated with each slide into an MP3 file ready for download-and-play Podcasting. Impatica for PowerPoint provides similar capability, albeit, using Java technology for playback instead of Flash. PointeCast is also SCORM-intelligent with Blackboard and any other SCORM-capable LMS. I think of Captivate is a great authoring tool for creating granular annotated multimedia tutorials, typically about complex systems. For English, I would imagine, Camtasia would be a simpler and better alternative if creating audio screen narrations or computer screen recordings. For complex interactive media-rich learning objects, I would consider Authorware, whose iconic flowchart interface is significantly easier to use than say, native Flash, or dynamic HTML programming. Lectora might be another good option. Like Captivate, these are all inexpensive solutions. Hope this helps. (I am new to the list) --- Ed Garay University of Illinois at Chicago At Thursday 6/14/2007 05:56 PM, LLTI-Editor wrote: >Our intensive English program is in the process of expanding its e-learning >capacity and I've been asked by the director to recommend an authoring tool >that our instructors can use to create material for online learning. > >I'm considering Rapid Intake's Flashform and Macromedia Captivate simply >because I was already familiar with them. I'd like to know: > >1) people's thoughts on the pros and cons of these products, and >2) whether there are any others we should be considering. > >Our basic criteria are: > > - an intuitive interface > - relatively easy and quick to learn > - doesn't require knowledge of HTML, Flash or other teacher-unfriendly > technologies > - allows incorporation of multimedia > - allows integration into LMSs (i.e. Moodle)/is SCORM and AICC > comformant > - won't break the bank > >Many thanks in advance. > >-- >Jim Ranalli >Language Learning Center Coordinator >Intensive English and Orientation Program >Iowa State University >Ames, IA 50010 > >Tel: +1-515-294-7460 >Fax: +1-515-294-6814 >Return-Path: <[log in to unmask]> -- -- Ed Garay Assistant Director for Academic Computing Director, UIC Instructional Technology Lab University of Illinois at Chicago Academic Computing and Communications Center www.accc.uic.edu/itl *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) ***********************************************