As a trainer I want to create a fast start course for Adobe Captivate so that new trainers can create a first course quickly.
What topics do you think are the most important for having early success in producing a course in Adobe Captivate?
John
I propose that for brand new wet-behind-the-ear Captivators that we start with the very basics. Give them a 5-screen text with graphic PPT and two different quiz questions (MC and TF), and have them re-create that sample course. No interactivity at all – other than a next and previous button. Have them create the kind of course the rest of us did when we first started using Captivate 2 or 3. Then, grow from there. Add in a screen where the user is prompted to enter his name. Add the page number to each course. Create a page where the learner clicks two different buttons to see different content. Captivate is such an intense program – more than it ever was before Captivate 8 when responsive design was introduced. I think it can be overwhelming. New learners should start where the rest of us did . . . with the basics, and then grow from there. Otherwise, they’ll leave in favor of simpler less powerful tools out there on the market. Just my $.02
CHUCK
Hi Chuck, I’m a fan of simple practice exercises to support foundation learning. Thank You for sharing the way the software has evolved and the idea of starting at a less complex initial project.
John
Something a boss told me back in 1991 that I’ve never forgotten throughout my career: “First you get good. Then you get fancy.”
I think that Advance Actions is an area that most folks would like to see more of, at least that is were I spent most of my time when re-acclimating to Captivate. Most people can quickly create slides and make them look like they want, but it takes a little more to get the slides to act like they want.
Rollin, although I always use advanced/shared (those are even less known) actions, and my blog is dedicated mostly to advanced actions use cases I don’t think that is the way to start learning Captivate. You first need an in-depth knowledge of the core of the application. I debug a lot of them as consultant, and see that either that missing knowledge or a lack of logic is at the base of most problems with advanced and shared actions. Combination of advanced/shared actions with JavaScript is the next level.
Rollin and Lieve, thank you you for the thoughts on advanced actions and potential for later learning beyond initial success. John
My approach to any Captivate training is based on my experience as moderator of the Captivate forums, as trainer, as consultant and teacher for all kinds of software applications. Focus should be on the stumbling blocks, understand why those cause most problems for newbies. You’ll find a description (with links to other blog posts) in this articel: https://elearning.adobe.com/2017/03/three-skills-to-acquire-captivate-newbies/
It is not a list with tutorials, but I’m sure for 99% that when you are having problems with a project as a newbie that it will be linked with a lack of understanding the importance of the Timeline, the design of Quizzes and/or how Themes should be used in Captivate to save time and have a consistent design.
Lieve, thank you for the resource and idea on focus on common stumbling blocks for early experiences. This brings to mind an idea for smaller stepping stone approaches. This may also provide some thoughts for follow on lessons.
John
Hi John,
Thanks for the post.
To get off the blocks, here are some high-level topics that you may include in your course:
1) Creating projects in Captivate – Learn how to create a responsive and non-responsive project.
2) Creating recording and software simulations – Learn how to record a video demo and product simulation for training.
3) Overview of objects in Captivate – Learn what an interactive or a non-interactive object is.
4) Creating quizzes and assessments – Create quizzes and evaluate your learners’ knowledge.
5) Previewing and publishing your project – Publish your project across devices, form factors, and formats.
It’d also be great if you can create a CPTX along with the instructions for trainers. Please do not hesitate to contact me saghosh@adobe.com for any clarifications.
Thanks,
Saurav
John,
Sorry, I meant CPTX, not PPTX.
Thanks,
Saurav
Saurav, thank you for the details on important components of must have understanding for trainers. I’ll update on this thread on progress. Thank You for the invite to reach out if needed. Noted on the player version of Captivate.
John
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