training – Page 14 – The Logical Blog

July 25, 2013

Adobe Captivate: A Great GIFT

by Kevin Siegel

When it comes to adding question slides to a Captivate project, you can always visit the Quiz menu and choose Question Slide. You'll be presented with the Insert Questions dialog box giving you access to several types of questions you can add including Multiple Choice, True/False and Matching. Once the questions have been added to your project, the next step is to edit the questions and answers.

If you need to add a large number of question slides to a project, creating the quiz is going to take a significant amount of time. There is a better way to go, especially if a Subject Matter Expert who does not own Adobe Captivate is going to create the quiz: GIFT files.

GIFT stands for General Import Format Technology. You can create a GIFT file in plain text using a simple word processor (like Notepad or TextEdit), and then import the file into Adobe Captivate.

In the image below, I've created a GIFT file in NotePad that will result in one multiple choice question.

Adobe Captivate: An example of a GIFT file.

The syntax is simple. The Question Title goes between the colons (::Multiple Choice::). Next comes the question itself. The answers are contained within the {}. The correct answer is preceded by an equal sign (=); the incorrect answers are preceded by a tilde (~).

Once the GIFT file has been created, importing it into Captivate is beyond simple. Choose Quiz > Import GIFT Format File and open the GIFT file. In the image below, you can see the imported Multiple Choice question based on the GIFT file above.

Adobe Captivate: A question that was imported from a GIFT file.

All that would be left to do would be to format the question as you would any slide or apply a Theme.

If you would like to see how the GIFT feature works, check out the video I created on the IconLogic YouTube channel.

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Looking for training on Adobe Captivate? IconLogic offers multiple live, online Adobe Captivate classes each month including Introduction to Adobe Captivate and Advanced Adobe Captivate.

July 12, 2013

“Adobe Captivate 7: The Essentials” Workbook Now Available

I'm happy to report that my newest book, "Adobe Captivate 7: The Essentials" is now available for purchase. A hard copy of the book can be purchased directly from IconLogic's website.

"Adobe Captivate 7: The Essentials" is a self-paced training manual that teaches the core Adobe Captivate skills needed to create interactive eLearning and mLearning content. By following step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to record and produce software demonstrations, interactive training simulations, and soft skills training. You’ll learn how to control the mouse pointer and add such standard objects as text captions, images, and highlight boxes. You’ll learn to record, import and edit audio, and further enhance the learner experience by adding interactivity via click boxes, buttons and text entry boxes. You’ll learn to leverage and enrich existing Microsoft PowerPoint presentations by importing and linking into new or existing Captivate projects. Finally, you’ll learn to publish your project in SWF and HTML5 formats so that your content can be uploaded to a web server for consumption on virtually any device, including the iPad, iPhone and other mobile devices.

If you prefer a digital version of the book that you can download immediately, you have three options:

July 10, 2013

Localization & eLearning: The Translation Process

by Jen Weaver

You are ready to move forward with your translation project, but despite your preparation you still feel a bit in the dark about what steps will be involved in creating your translation. The 'unknowns' can make you feel a bit fearful about moving forward. So let's bring some light to the situation, and uncover those foggy areas of the translation process. We have broken out the steps to a typical e-learning project below to help you better understand what will occur with your project.

Project Scope: Translation of an e-learning module from US English into Chinese

Evaluation

Analysis of material from the technical and cultural viewpoint to determine objectives, target audience and culture-specific content.
Evaluation of source material, layout, as well as the quantity and type of graphics used.
Project assessment to determine frequently used vocabulary, register, file format, etc.
Selection of team components, tools and software to be used.
Overall project assessment including identification of Professional Voice Talents comparable to project goals.
Research and provision of Voice Talent demo recordings from voice bank.
Casting of Voice Talents based on client approval.

Preparation

Extracting of the text from its original file format in (InDesign, PPT, etc). This includes preparation of graphics, graphs, and charts.
Transcribing (if it is not already done) the audio script for recording to include time stamp.

Translation, Editing, & Proofreading

Translation of the text from the source file.
Editing and Proofreading by professional target language (native speaker) editors.

Client Review

Delivery of proofs to Client for internal review.
Review and one round of input of client changes.

Voice Over Recording

Approved voice talent will record in a studio and will be directed by a studio director who is also a native in the language.
Use of fully digital, industrial strength Pro Tools recording system.
SP capabilities, time coded DAT, Neumann microphones, Industrial Acoustics sound booth.

Audio Client Review

Implementation of one round of client changes pre-delivery of completed files (edits can be pronunciation preference, slower speed, faster speed, error in script, etc).

Voice Over Recording of requested changes

Requested changes will be implemented and finalized, following the same process as Voice Over Recording.

Localization Engineering/Desktop publishing

Localization engineers/desktop publishers will ensure all components of the project have been fully localized.
All graphics/visuals will be formatted into the target language.
Localization engineers will sync audio files to the animations, ensuring all files are running properly.
Language tester will do a final QA of the end product, checking that all audio clips are clear and running to match the animation on screen.

Delivery

Delivery of final file (Java, XML, HTML, other formats), tested to ensure all localized components are in working order (audio is synced with animation, etc).

Reliable translation providers will use a translation process that adheres to basic industry quality best practices. Don't be afraid to ask your vendor about their internal translation and quality management processes. A reputable vendor will be proud to share this information with you.

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If you would like to learn best practices for managing translation projects, contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

July 9, 2013

Adobe Captivate 7: Support for the Tin Can API

by Kevin Siegel

Today's learners are consuming eLearning content using a vast array of devices (PCs, Macs, and mobile devices such as the iPad). And learners are working outside of traditional LMSs. In spite of these challenges, educators still need to capture reliable data about the learner experience.

The problem with data collection is that you need an expensive LMS to store the data. And your learners need live access to the LMS so that they can send the data.

The most widely-used LMS standard for capturing data is the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). SCORM allows educators to track such things as learner completion of a course, pass/fail rates, and how long a learner took to complete a lesson or course. But what if a trainer needs to get scores from learners who are collaborating with other students using social media? What if the learners don't have access to the Internet?

The new Tin Can API allows training professionals to gather detailed data about the learner experience as the learner moves through an eLearning course (either online or offline). According to the Tin Can API website, "The Tin Can API (sometimes known as the Experience API) captures data in a consistent format about a person or group's activities from many technologies. Very different systems are able to securely communicate by capturing and sharing this stream of activities using Tin Can's simple vocabulary."

Officials at the Tin Can API website went on to say, "Mobile learning, simulations, virtual worlds, serious games, real-world activities, experiential learning, social learning, offline learning, and collaborative learning are just some of the things that can now be recognized and communicated well with the Tin Can API."

If the Tin Can API is supported by your Learning Management System (LMS), you'll be happy to learn that it's also fully supported in Adobe Captivate 7. All you need to do is choose Quiz > Quiz Preferences. From the Reporting group, select Enable reporting for this project.

From the LMS drop down menu, choose Other Standard LMSs. Lastly, from the Standard drop-down menu, choose TinCan.

Adobe Captivate: Tin Can API as the Standard.

When publishing the lesson, ensure that you select the Zip option, and then upload the lesson to an LMS that supports the Tin Can API.

Note: Tin Can support is also available in Articulate Storyline. All you need to do is publish the lesson and, from the LMS group, Output Options, select Tin Can API from the LMS drop-down menu. If you'd like to read more about the Tin Can API, check out the Tin Can API overview on the Tin Cap API website. You'll also find useful information on Wikipedia.

If you would like to see a demonstration of enabling Tin Can within Captivate 7, check out this video on the IconLogic YouTube channel.

Adobe Captivate: Learner Notes

by Kevin Siegel

Thanks to a really slick interaction found in the new Adobe Captivate 7, you can allow learners to add notes throughout an eLearning lesson. The notes added by the learner will be available even after the learner closes and then returns to the lesson down the road.

To add learner notes, open or create a project in Adobe Captivate 7. Select the first slide and choose Insert > Interactions.

Select the Notes Interaction and click the Insert button to open the Configuration interaction screen.

Adobe Captivate 7: Notes Interaction.

I went with the Default Notes Icon. If you're not a fan of the default image (shown in the screen capture below), you can elect to use a Transparent Icon and simply position the interaction over your own image on the slide.

Adobe Captivate 7: Configure the Notes interaction.

After clicking OK to dismiss the Configure interaction screen, position the interaction on the slide. On the Timeline, ensure that the Notes interaction is the top-most object.

Adobe Captivate 7: Ensure that the Notes Interaction is the top-most object on the Timeline.

On the Timing group, set the Display For time to Rest of Project.

Adobe Captivate 7: Set the Timing for the Notes Interaction to Show for the Rest of the Project.

And that's it. Once the lesson is published, learners will be able to click the Note icon on any slide and add their notes. And as I mentioned earlier, they'll be able to review the notes later (even after closing and re-opening the lesson).

Adobe Captivate 7: Add a Slide Note.

Note: Don't resize or add Effects to a Notes interaction. Doing so may diminish the appearance of the interaction and/or cause it to not work at all.

If you would like to see a demonstration of the Notes interaction, check out this video on the IconLogic YouTube channel.

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Looking to learn Adobe Captivate training? IconLogic offers multiple live, online Adobe Captivate classes each month including Introduction to Adobe Captivate and Advanced Adobe Captivate.

June 23, 2013

Training & Social Media: Fitting Into the Modern Marketing Mix

by Rosie Hausler

The growth of Internet users has gone from 16 million in 1995 to more than 2.7 billion users in March of 2013. It is amazing that it's taken just 18 short years to connect 38.8% of the world's population to the Internet and potentially to each other.

The implication of this shift for marketing and sales organizations is far-reaching. Potential customers can and are researching and learning about products and services online and within their ever-growing trusted social network. Customers often are more knowledgeable about the products and services they want and need than the vendors' own sales force. They also may prefer to educate themselves about competitive alternatives and price way before they actually contact or interact with a vendor sales rep. Clearly the old ways of selling by having the sales team engage early in the sales process is not only expensive, but more and more often, it just doesn't work. The "best" prospects know how to stay under the radar and decide for themselves when they want to start engaging directly with a salesperson, if at all.

Companies need to educate potential customers and provide ongoing learning beyond the first sale to compete in this new selling landscape. Marketing's role is becoming more complex. Traditionally marketing departments developed strategies, researched market segments, crafted messages and delivered programs to get prospects into the sales funnel as early as possible and hand-off to sales to walk the prospects through the education, evaluation and close stages. Marketers have long been buyers of Marketing Services to deliver programs, not sellers of products and services.

This new online world demands that Marketers be publishers of content that informs and educates potential buyers without blatantly promoting one company over another. This is a new role and a new skill for many marketers. It's also an opportunity for Trainers to help Marketer's make this transition. Marketers need help to begin to see potential customers as learners that are searching for truth instead of viewing them as fish to hook with the best available bait so that sales can reel them in.

The Traditional Sales Funnel is no Longer Enough

The sales funnel depicted below is still in wide use despite the fact that it no longer fits the current selling environment. Social media is paving the way for scaling one-to-one interactions. The Internet has also made it possible for prospects to gain access and insight to more and more information and even try out competitive products in the try-and-buy era of cloud-based services. There is a need for a new model that can accommodate the new online world that is emerging in front of our eyes.

The New Improved Sales Funnel

In a connected world the sales funnel is shaped more like an hourglass on its side than a funnel. It looks more like the "New Approach" graphic below. Prospects consume content that is more educational than promotional. They conduct free trials and compare and contrast their alternatives among their trusted social media networks before engaging with a particular selling company. In this model, the dollar sign represents the point in the process that they become a paying customer. Sales reps engage slightly before and after the transaction or contract is final but not beyond that. Once a prospect has become a customer, they join the company's "University" where they embark on their journey to learn more and more about the products and services they have just bought. Some customers will turn into evangelists for the products they feel strongly about and recommend them to their trusted network.

The new reality: every employee is a trainer; every customer is a learner and potential evangelist.

June 13, 2013

Localization: Is There Value Above and Beyond Translation?

by Jen Weaver

In a previous article, I defined localization as the process of adapting a product (in the context of translation, usually software) to a specific locale (i.e. to the language, cultural norms, standards, laws and requirements of the target market). Localization includes, but is not limited to, translation of the screen texts and help files. You may be thinking, "Isn't translation enough; why do I need to localize too?" Localizing a translation personalizes your product or service to your intended audience.

Here is an example of how one client utilized localization to personalize their training materials to a Latin American audience:

A client in the training/education industry was determined to translate their training materials and textbook from English into Spanish. During the initial discussions of the project scope, the translation project manager broached the subject of including localization of their training materials. The client was using these materials to offer training in Latin America; and by making small localization updates, these materials would be better suited for their new target audience. The inclusion of localization to the project did not significantly change the timeline or cost, and the value gained by personalizing the translation to their target audience was worth the minimal increase.

Localization updates to the project included:

Replacing American locale images with those set in Latin American locales.
Changing character names (i.e. changing Joe to Jose and Jessica to Marcela).
Localizing dollar figures to the more appropriate format in Latin America (i.e. five dollars $5.00 American is written $5,00 in many Spanish speaking countries).

These simple changes were incorporated during the translation process and approved by the client review team. By investing a small amount of resources in this localization project, their target audience received materials that were uniquely catered to them. The client later shared that the relatability of the materials to the Latin American audience created a higher receptivity towards the learning process and an overall higher success rate in the training course.

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If you would like to learn best practices for managing translation projects, contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

June 11, 2013

eLearning: What’s the Best Microphone for Voiceover Audio?

by Kevin Siegel

I received an email asking the following:

What specific advice can you give about the kind of microphone to purchase for making good quality audio narrations to accompany my Captivate training sessions, minimizing echo and other audio problems? It needs to connect to my Dell laptop PC.

I would prefer the versatility of a standalone microphone on a stand that could sit on my desk rather than a microphone built into a headset. I had in mind trying to limit the cost to around $100, but if that isn't reasonable please tell me.

***

It doesn't matter if you use Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline or TechSmith Camtasia Studio as your eLearning tool of choice… each can produce awesome eLearning content that will be enhanced if you include voiceover audio.

When it comes to selecting a headset or microphone, it will often come down to personal preference. Personally, I prefer boom microphones built into the headset since I think the boom keeps your mouth a consistent distance from the microphone. As for brands, I've had good luck using a $50 microphone readily available at Staples and Best Buy. The manufacturer is Micro Innovations. You can see reviews of their headsets here.

If you have some extra cash in your piggy bank, the Sennheiser PC 350 is simply awesome. It's got a built-in sound card (built right into the cord) that does a great job of cancelling out internal computer noises. My main complaints with the Sennheiser are (now don't laugh)… it makes your head sweaty. No foolin! Also, I noticed when I moved my head, the microphone sometimes picked up a sound that reminded me of crumpling paper.

I've discussed two sides of the price spectrum ($50 and over $200). Looking for free? I've had wonderful luck using the microphone built into my MacBook Pro. I was surprised by how good the audio was considering the poor experiences I've had with most built-in microphones in the past. While I'm not saying that the resulting audio is world-class, when it comes to creating "just in time eLearning," it works great. You can hear samples of audio created using the Mac's built-in headset by viewing any of the videos I've created within the past 6 months on our YouTube channel.

I wanted to get some opinions on good microphones from other eLearning developers. I originally asked skills & drills readers their opinion on the best microphones a few years ago. Last week I posed the question again. Here is some of the feedback I received, then and now:

From Alveno Smith, eLearning & Development, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Information Technology Services

Do you use a microphone or a headset? I use a Microphone.

Do you record your audio in a studio or in the office? I record in my office. It is a small 10×10 and the sound is consistent. What manufacturer do you prefer? Audio-Technica. What model microphone/headset… and why? I use the Audio-Technica USB microphone. It adds great sound to the finished product.

From Bob Cunningham, Training Specialist and Adobe Certified Instructor, Captivate, U.S. Courts

We have a couple of mics we use for our Captivate recordings. We use either the Sennheiser PC 163D headset USB mic or the Rode Podcaster USB mic. My personal preference is the Sennheiser headset. It has great noise cancellation and produces a very nice sound. And the mic placement doesn't vary as I move my head. Others in our group prefer the Rode Podcaster. In both cases, we record our audio narration in one of five recording/editing rooms, with acoustic foam padding on the walls. On occasion I record voiceovers at home on my laptop. I use the Sennheiser headset, and I record in my walk-in closet. The clothes (mostly my wife's ;-)) do a great job of absorbing the sound and reducing the noise.

From Toni Wills, eLearning Developer, The University of Kansas Hospital

We use the Snowball by Blue. It was recommended to us by our vendor, Epic. I got it at Amazon for about $100. It plugs right into my laptop with a USB connector. It has a swivel mount and a tripod, so it's really easy to use just about anywhere. It's probably more than we need but the good news is that if we decide to pursue a singing career, at least we will already have the mic for it. I have a radio background so I do the voice overs. We have no place to record at work because we work in a cube farm; and even if we could reserve a conference room, the air handlers here are so loud that it sounds like you're recording next to a waterfall. I record in my guest room at home and use pillows behind the mic to prevent any reverberation. Not ideal, but it works surprisingly well.

The other nice thing about the Snowball is how cool it looks… check it out at bluemic.com.

From Mike Baker, Information Resource Consultant II

Staff Development & Training

I use an Edirol UA25 to connect my Audio-Technica 3035 cardioid condenser mic to my PC via a USB port. That gives me awesome, studio quality sound. I am also using a sound filter to prevent any echoes, hollow sound, etc. This setup was a little pricey (all items can be found on Amazon). If you are looking for something around $100, we have one laptop setup with a BlueMic Snowball microphone. It is a straight USB microphone and gives us great sound.

From M. Kristin Westrum, Metafile Information Systems, Inc., User Assistance Development

I've had experience with two microphones:

A simple Altec headset that plugs into my laptop. This produces poor quality sound; it's almost impossible to get enough volume, every "s" sounds like a lisp, and it picks up both breathing and background noises. And if the microphone component moves half an inch further from your mouth, there's an audible difference. For online demos the quality is bad to borderline.
We recently switched to a handheld JVC microphone; the difference is amazing. While you have to hold it manually, there's no variation in voice. The sound is sharp and clear. What amazed me the most was when my phone rang in the middle of a recording session and the microphone didn't pick it up! This is a hand-held dynamic microphone designed to plug into a computer; cost about $50 5-10 years ago.

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Looking to learn Captivate quickly? IconLogic offers multiple live, online Adobe Captivate classes each month including Introduction to Adobe Captivate and Advanced Adobe Captivate. Is Articulate Storyline your tool of choice? We've got your training needs covered there too. How about TechSmith Camtasia Studio? We've teamed with ASTD and offer a one-day class on that tool as well.

May 24, 2013

Localization: Writing for Translation

by Jen Weaver

Have you ever borrowed someone else's notes to try to study for an exam or understand a topic? You probably found that it was more difficult to fully grasp a concept when using someone else's thoughts. You might have spent a great deal of time trying to navigate new abbreviations, note-taking styles and the nuances of the author–and missed a key concept. Translated materials can have the same uncomfortable feel to the Limited English Proficient (LEP) reader when the source document is not written with an LEP audience in mind.

Experienced translation professionals know that sculpting written content into another language is best accomplished with documents written with the understanding that they will eventually be translated into other languages. Here are some tips on creating content ready for translation:

Use numbered or bulleted lists rather than lengthy paragraphs of text.
Avoid using slang. It will not often translate well between languages and will date your materials when used in the future.
Break up lengthy phrases.
Avoid embedding text in graphics when possible. Embedded text requires that the graphics are recreated when translated, resulting in a higher cost. When possible, it's better to place text labels under graphics rather than inside of them.
Limit the use of screen shots unless you want to have those re-created and translated as well.
Try and use location and cultural neutral images. This includes ambiguous ethnicity for people and locales that can relate to many countries or areas.
Leave white space in the English files to allow for text expansion when the file is translated.
Concise, straightforward content is best. Plus, translation is billed per word, so short simple text will also save you money in translation.
If reading level is a concern, keep this in mind when writing the English copy. It is very difficult to translate materials into a different reading level than the source copy.

Following these simple guidelines for translation will allow your LEP audience to focus on the important things you have to say.

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If you would like to learn best practices for managing translation projects, contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

May 21, 2013

Adobe Captivate: Repurpose Preferences

by Kevin Siegel

Have you ever visited the Preferences dialog box in Adobe Captivate (Windows users, Edit > Preferences; Mac users, Adobe Captivate > Preferences), made several changes and later, maybe months later, needed those settings on another computer running Captivate? I'm betting your answer is yes, and you've had a tough time ensuring the Preferences in one project match those in another.

When I teach Adobe Captivate, I try to stress the value of creating a project template (and creating templates from scratch is a big part of my Captivate 6 Advanced class). If you set the Preferences within a Captivate template and then use the template when you create new projects, the Preferences will match from one project to the next. However, you can create perfectly nice Captivate projects without a template. In that case, understanding how get Preferences from one project into another is useful.

For instance, in the images below, I accessed the Preferences dialog box and set the Preferences on some of the screens.

In the Project Information area, I added information about the Author (Biff, as usual, gets all the credit around here), Company name, Project Name and the Description.

In the SWF Size and Quality area, I set the quality to Medium.

From the Project Start and End area, I added the company logo as the Preloader, set the Preloader % to 50, enabled Fade In on the First Slide, and set the Project End Options.

I also visited the Publish Settings and changed the Frames Per Second to 20 (30 is the default) and disabled both Enable Accessibility and Play tap audio for recorded typing.

Setting each of the Preferences above wasn't difficult. In fact, it took perhaps 2-3 minutes to set everything. However, since having to memorize all of the settings isn't something I look forward to on a project-by-project basis, the ability to export this project's Preferences is going to be quite nice.

Export Project Preferences

Open a Captivate project and set your Preferences.
Choose File > Export > Preferences to open the Save As dialog box.
Pick a save destination for the Preferences file and, in the File Name field, give the file a name. (Note: The Preferences are exported as a .cpr file.)
Click Save.

Import Project Preferences

Open another Captivate project (or create a new project).
Choose File > Import > Preferences.
Locate and open the .cpr file you exported.

After the import process, browse the Preferences in the project. You'll notice that most (but not all) of the Preferences exported from the first project have been imported into the current project.

Note: If you'd like to see the process of working with a project's Preferences, check out my video demonstration on our YouTube channel.

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Looking to learn Captivate quickly? IconLogic offers multiple live, online Adobe Captivate 6 classes each month includingIntroduction to Adobe Captivate and Advanced Adobe Captivate.