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Scroll for More Links...
New Research Ties Sales Increases to E-Learning
Instructor-Led Classroom learning
Custom Course Instructional Systems Design
Software Product Training:
Compliance training tracking system
Web-based learning content management system
Course and Presentation Authoring Software
Web Conferencing and Meeting Collaboration Software
When to Use Authoring Systems
Issues to Consider When Using Authoring Systems
Competitive Advantage of Authoring Systems
Distance Learning Analysis Document
Use our:
- Course authoring editor for a sound instructional design template approach (Authoring Editor);
- course authoring tool for rapid development of sophisticated interactive content or
- our professional classroom delivery services for your application training needs.
What Authoring Systems Are
Authoring systems are software applications that are specially designed to let you create online modules that bring together all of the components: text presentations, graphics, questions—and links to appropriate learning material based on learners’ responses—and tracking of student performance.
Some authoring systems let you create simulations of tasks performed on a computer, such as the use of order entry software, too.
Authoring systems also let you add materials created in other software, such as video and audio clips, specialized graphics, and animations.
When to Use Authoring Systems
Use authoring systems to create self-study learning materials, which learners use at their own convenience . Other software for synchronous learning experiences, such as Internet broadcasts (when instructors and learners are online at the same time).
Issues to Consider When Using Authoring Systems
You need to consider a variety of issues when using authoring systems. Here are some of the most fundamental.
|
What does the authoring system do—and is it what you want it to do? |
An authoring tool is supposed to simplify development of
the program. But it can only do so if the authoring system can create the kind of program
that you want. Most authoring systems let you easily (or relatively easily) present information, incorporate graphics and video and audio clips, ask questions, and provide appropriate feedback. But exactly what types of media does the authoring system let you include—and with what restrictions? For example, some authoring systems let you include video clips, but the clips always begin running when the screen first appears. You cannot control the video sequence to start after a certain period of time. Similarly, authoring systems let you quiz learners during a course, but what kinds of questions can you use? Are these the types of questions that you want to ask? |
How widely is the authoring system used? |
The more widely used the system, the more likely that you will find assistance with questions and the more likely that the software will be supported in the future. The most commonly used software is ToolBook, AuthorWare, Quest,and IconAuthor. |
How easily can you import information into the authoring system? |
Each course developer has a particular working style. Some
like to exclusively prepare material in the authoring system. Others like to first work in a productivity tool. Only after subject matter experts and others have reviewed do such course developers prefer to work in an authoring system. The ease with which these developers can move draft materials into the authoring system can affect their productivity. In an ideal situation, the authoring systems directly links to word processors and other productvity tools or can read files prepared in those productivity tools without special conversion procedures. |
How easily can you learn the authoring system? |
Complex products require training to use. And authoring systems are complex products. For example, they let you perform complex tasks like asking questions and then linking learners to appropriate material based on their responses. But how much training is needed? You should be able to master the basics of an authoring system—preparing basic presentations, and multiple choice and true/false questions in a short period of time so you can feel an early surge of success. More complex tasks, such as creating branches, asking open questions (questions that have 1 or more words as answers) and simulations require more extensive training, but should be easily mastered. In addition, how readily available is formal training? Find out whether training is available in your community and how frequently it is scheduled. Some thoughts to consider: Some software publishers certify the people who provide training on their authoring systems. Some universities offer continuing education courses on some authoring systems. To be easy to use and learn, does the authoring system sacrifice "power?" That is, does the authoring system only let you create a basic learning experience because the more complex elements might be hard to create? |
What does the final product look like? |
Authoring systems are designed to support online learning.
Although they let you include graphics, animation, and video and audio clips, the quality
of these materials and your ability to control their appearance on the screen are usually
not as good as might be expected in presentation software, such as Director. In exchange for the lower quality and decrease in control, you can easily include questions and other types of interaction, and easily link learners to appropriate material based on their questions. Although you can include interaction in presentation program, it requires specialized programming skills that are not usually needed in authoring systems. |
Competitive Advantage of authoring tools...
- Shorter learning curve for the software.
- Rapid development is made possible by the comprehensive amount of features included in the system. With competitive systems, additional products must be purchased, mastered as add-on features to provide a comparable system.
- No Scripting, HTML or java code needs to be written to publish the presentaton to a web page. Such expertise would be required with the use of competitive authoring systems and is not readily available at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable timeframe.
- Presentations are less expensive to produce, modify and distribute. The difference in total development time is signifcant. Clients should expect to see a greater return on the investment made in a shorter timeframe.
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