Creating lifelike training simulations

Hi, I have recently been employed in a role where I am
creating and editing online training material. I have been given
the task of creating lifelike, interactive training simulations of
a web based application.
I have a week to create 10 short training and practice
simulations and while i have created basic Captivate presentations
I have very little experience of recording web based software and
then making this interactive so the trainee navigates there way
through the recording.
I am not really sure where to start and any advice will be
most appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Matthew

> I am not really sure where to start and any advice will
be most
> appreciated.
Have you tried searching the web for examples of existing
eLearning? There
are scores of good, and bad, examples that you can view.
Should help to
inspire you and see what is possible. Be aware, though, that
a lot of what
you see is using tools with much more advanced features than
Captivate has
to offer, so you may have to lower your sights form the stuff
you see ;-)
Try these for starters
http://elearningtech.blogspot.com/2007/10/elearning-examples.html
The above link takes you to a page of links that are often
pages of links
.... anyway, LOADS of examples, although not all of them will
be what you
are looking for.
Steve
Adobe Community Expert: eLearning, Mobile and Devices
My blog -
http://stevehoward.blogspot.com/

Similar Messages

  • Drag and Drop in Training Simulation

    Hi everyone. Newbie here.
    I am creating a software training module. One of my exercises
    requires my users to re-order some columns by dragging and
    dropping. If I record in training simulation, is there a way to
    capture drag and drop? Or do I just need to create a click zone on
    the column header and then jump to the next slide where the column
    is in its correct location?

    Capture of a drag and drop action should be automatic if all
    defaults are left. There is a feature called "full-motion"
    recording that is automatically invoked whenever a
    left-click-and-hold action is detected by Captivate - during the
    Recording function.
    Note the "full-motion" I am referring to is NOT the same as
    using the "Full Motion" recording
    mode. If there is confusion about this, let us know and
    someone hereabouts will give you a detailed explanation.
    ~golfliness is close to Godliness
    Larry

  • No text boxes in Training Simulation

    Hi!
    I have been using Captivate 4 since it came out (and C3) before that. I am using a Vista PC to record training simulations for an ERP-system. It worked fine until just before christmas but when I try to record a new project now I get no text boxes, just typing. I have all the settings correct (create text boxes...) but it just wont work. I can get it to work in a Outlook window but not for the ERP-system. There has been no upgrades for the ERP-system so I am using exactly the the same ERP-software as I did when the training simulations did create text boxes.
    The only updates on my PC is Adobe Reader. I noticed there was a problem with flash (when trying to view these forums) so I installed the latest flash component.
    Any suggestions?
    /Stefan Blom
    BSIP AB
    Sweden

    Hi Stefan
    Wow, that's a new one on us! Thanks for sharing what you found so that we can keep it in mind for future issues.
    Stay tuned for the Mac version of Captivate. It's going to arrive with the next version!
    Cheers... Rick
    Helpful and Handy Links
    Captivate Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form
    Adobe Certified Captivate Training
    SorcerStone Blog
    Captivate eBooks

  • Changing recording defaults in training simulation mode

    Hi,
    Is there a way to make textboxes appear automatically instead
    of hint boxes when recording in training simulation mode (or
    alternatively to format hint boxes so that they have arrows
    pointing to the relevant text or click box)?
    TIA for any advice.
    A Captivate Novice

    Hi there
    I replied to this over in the TechShoret forums, but will
    reply with same here just for the sake of being complete and in
    case someone down the road searches.
    Okay, I'm thinking there are a few ways you would accomplish
    it.
    Method number one:
    This method isn't very clean. I'm guessing that you really
    want the hint caption to have the callout pointer at various
    places, depending on where the caption is as related to where the
    Click box is. This method would involve choosing a different
    caption type where the Callout Pointer is always perhaps pointing
    up and to the left. Then you copy this behind the scenes. The end
    result is that Captivate thinks it is using the rectangular caption
    type (the type with no callout pointer) and instead, the one with
    the pointer is used.
    Method number two:
    After recording, you edit one of the hint captions that was
    automatically added. Change it to use the callout pointer you want,
    then use the "Apply to all" feature to essentially create the same
    effect described above. All hint captions would then use the same
    callout pointer.
    Method number three:
    Before recording, instead of choosing a specific mode
    (Demonstration, Assessment Simulation or Training Simulation) you
    choose the mode labeled "Custom". You then edit the Custom mode so
    it includes all the features you would want. In this manner, you
    may combine the features of Demonstration mode with Simulation
    mode. I'm thinking this may be the approach you will want to take.
    But only you can decide that after reading what each approach
    offers.
    Hopefully this helps... Rick

  • Highlight boxes on "mistakes" in training simulation

    Hello,
    I use CP5 for creating training simulation.
    I am looking for a solution that a highlight box only appears when the user does a mistake (sorry, using the german CP version, don't know how the term is called in CP).
    So when the user does not click onto the right field, a mistake-message box appears. Additionally I want that a highlight box appears on this event.
    Any ideas?
    Cheers,
    Julian

    Hey Lilybiri,
    At the clickbox properties, I find the action for on success but not on failure. See the screenshot attached, enjoy the german language
    Do I have to activate this action on failure somewhere?
    I left the the recording preferences on default, there are no highlight boxes in the training simulation automatically.
    Cheers,
    Julian

  • Training Simulation: user can advance slides without performing required action

    I've created a series of training simulations to allow the user to interact with the training.  The simulations work fine and the slide does not advance automativally until after the user performs required action BUT...the when using the playbar controls, the screens will advance without user input.  I checked clickbox properties and it is set to pause training until user clicks.  Is there something else I should be looking at?  I appreciate any tips.  Thanks!

    Hello,
    The buttons on the playbar will always have the same functionality: go to the next slide, to the previous slide...
    That is one of the reasons why personally I try to avoid using the playbar for a training simulation. If necessary, p.e. for instruction slides I will insert a custom button to advance to the next slide. But it is up to you of course.
    Lilybiri

  • Outputing Training Simulation from saved project?

    First day with Captivate...I've created a combination
    demo/training simulation project (as described in the "show me"
    tutorial.
    What I can't figure out from the help and demo is how to
    output the project as training simulation from the same recording
    capture?
    I'm not finding it documented...it must be really, really
    easy. I give, can someone tell me how?
    thanks, FennisDembo

    quote:
    Originally posted by:
    fennisdembo
    quote:
    I have a couple follow-on questions based on your reply.
    1.) How do I "Open" my saved project as a Training
    Simulation? I was able to do as you say and publish my project as a
    Demo. When I created it I had also selected Training Simulation,
    and when I click into the mode settings, I can see that my choices
    are still assigned...but I am not seeing how to publish the
    Training Simulation version from the project.Everything I try seems
    to result in publishing another demo version.
    You simply have to open the Training Simulation that was
    generated when you recorded your original screen action. Using the
    multiple record modes feature, when you save Adobe Captivate will
    create both the demonstration and simulation at the same time.
    quote:
    2.) You describe moving the Training Simulation interactions
    to the demo. Can you give me a few examples of reasons I would do
    this? I thought that the demo captures the presentation (Show Me)
    of all the steps you perform, and the Training Simulation captures
    all of the interactions (Try It). Would the purpose copying from
    Simulation to Practice be to sprinkle interactivity into the
    presentation, or am I still missing something?
    Essentially yes, this enables you to sprinkle interactivity
    into the presentation
    Here are two examples of when this might be appropriate.
    1. Sometimes you might want to automate certain steps that
    later on will be practiced by the learner. At first you show the
    learner the steps using the mouse pointer and then later on you get
    them to try it out for themselves. This approach enables you to
    build the learning up at a gentle pace and ensures that you don't
    lose them in the details. To be fair you could just branch to the
    simulation but sometimes it makes more sense to keep all the
    learning in a single file.
    2. You are creating some a piece of learning content that
    includes steps that you really don't need to simulate. For example
    the opening of a certain dialog box, or performing some other basic
    operation that you know the learner will be already be very
    familiar with.
    Note: In the second example sometimes instead of using a
    mouse pointer, I will just make the object (such as a panel) appear
    by grabbing that image using a screen capture tool, fade it in and
    then add a click box so that I can get the learner to perform the
    next step which I know will be new to them.
    HTH
    Regards - Mark

  • Selecting screen area for training simulation

    Hello all,
    I want to create a software training simulation where a user
    needs to select a certain area of screen and then click a button. I
    can show them how this is done, but can not find how to have them
    do this as part of training simulation. There does not seem to be
    anything in Captivate that can allow the user to do this part.
    If this can not be done natively in Captivate, I would
    appreciate your ideas for a work around...
    I thought of one as...
    Instruct user that at the stage you would be selecting a
    certain area of the screen and then go on to show them how to
    select the area - ask them to just click the required button and
    carry on with the rest of the training.
    Thanks

    The selected area shows up with a marquee like marching ants,
    however, they are not marching -just static (the selected area is
    not high-lighted) - then user indicates their choice by clicking an
    OK button.
    In the normal use of the software the user selects a certain
    portion of text that needs to be extracted - I would like to keep
    the simulation training as close ot reality as possible.

  • Dynamic step-by-step instructions for training simulation

    I'm looking for some guidance with an idea for having a dynamic step-by-step list for a training simulation created in Captivate 7.
    The default behavior when creating a guided training simulation is for the steps to appear in a text box nearby the click box. Instead, I'd like to stack the step-by-step instructions in a panel on the left side of the screen that would sit next to the simulated interface on the right side of the screen. All of the high level steps would be visible throughout the simulation and each step in the panel list would be highlighted as appropriate.
    I began with Lilybiri's Knockout blog post ("Create and Use a 'Knockout' Master Slide"), which seems like a possible solution, but I haven't yet gotten to the point of adding my dynamic instruction panel.
    In essence, the dynamic panel will function as follows:
        Step 1 in instruction panel is highlighted at start of simulation.
        Learner clicks associated step 1 click box in simulation interface (as instructed in instruction panel).
        On click of step 1 click box, step 2 in instruction panel is highlighted and step 1 highlight disappears.
        Learner clicks associated step 2 click box in simulation interface (as instructed in instruction panel).
        And so on through all steps listed in the instruction panel.
    I'm working on mocking something up using variables and advanced actions to achieve the dynamic instruction panel and want to overlay it on the left side of the screen. I'm thinking it would sit on top of the left panel in the Knockout.
    In various posts, I've seen that it's not advisable to insert a Captivate SWF into another project file, so it seems that Lieve's Knockout approach is the way to go. I am happy to tackle the technical aspects of this on my own, but first want to confirm that it is even possible with Captivate or if it would make more sense to use Flash. Has anyone done something similar or does anyone see any issues with this approach?
    Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks in advance!
    Nancy

    Hi Lieve,
    Thanks for replying. I'm using Captivate 7.
    I'm hoping to work through it myself and then possibly post something to help others who may see value in something like this, so having you confirm that you believe it's possible is helpful - thank you.
    I've worked out the basic technical approach and now need to integrate my instruction panel with your Knockout approach. If I can get it working, I will definitely share.
    Nancy

  • Creating a data simulator and geting an error i cant figur out

    I am new to labview and i am using labview 7.1 student version. I am
    creating a data simulator and geting an error in my for loop. I have
    attached my program. if someone  can help it would be appreciated.
    Attachments:
    Data Simulator.vi ‏117 KB

    Hi marcv,
          When I open your VI it's broken and the error seems related to this term in a formula node:
    Y=5*X^4  (The ^ function wants an integer, but X is a float)
    To raise X to the 4th, try:
    Y=5*pow(X,4)
    Cheers.
    Message Edited by Dynamik on 04-15-2006 07:06 PM
    Message Edited by Dynamik on 04-15-2006 07:10 PM
    When they give imbeciles handicap-parking, I won't have so far to walk!

  • Looking for Best Program to Create Online Training Lessons

    I'm looking to purchase some software to create online
    training lessons. The lessons would consist of screen shots, dialog
    boxes, narration, possibly animation. Given that Captivate has
    Flash, I'm hopeful that it would do the trick and be somewhat
    user-friendly given that I'm not a programmer. If there are other
    Adobe products or products made by another company that you could
    recommend, I'd be in your debt.
    Thanks in advance for your help.

    If you're creating software training, I agree Captivate is
    the best tool
    around. A close second for that type of training is Camtasia.
    They both
    can output to SWF. Captivate can also output to .FLA for
    editing in
    Flash directly (and version 2.0 supposedly handles this a lot
    better
    than 1.0). I'm not sure if Camtasia can export to .FLA...
    If your training courseware may extend beyond software,
    perhaps into
    things like process or conceptual training, Authorware may be
    a better
    solution. However as it's a much more fully-featured, true
    'authoring'
    program, the learning curve is a bit steeper.
    Erik
    Mill Creek Guy wrote:
    > I'm looking to purchase some software to create online
    training lessons. The
    > lessons would consist of screen shots, dialog boxes,
    narration, possibly
    > animation. Given that Captivate has Flash, I'm hopeful
    that it would do the
    > trick and be somewhat user-friendly given that I'm not a
    programmer. If there
    > are other Adobe products or products made by another
    company that you could
    > recommend, I'd be in your debt.
    >
    > Thanks in advance for your help.
    >
    Erik Lord
    http://www.capemedia.net
    Adobe Community Expert - Authorware
    http://www.adobe.com/communities/experts/
    http://www.awaretips.net -
    samples, tips, products, faqs, and links!
    *Search the A'ware newsgroup archives*
    http://groups.google.com/group/macromedia.authorware

  • How do I get the Preference Training Simulation Mode to work?

    I've worked with Captivate 3 for years and was required to upgrade to Captivate 4. In 4, I cannot get the Training Simulation Mode to save. I go to Edit > Preferences > REcording > Mode and select Training Simulation. Click OK. Go back into Preferences and check - Demonstation is in the Recording Mode field. I've tried everything I can think of. What can I do to correct this problem?
    The main reason we use Captivate is that it captures the key strokes and provides action steps already populated in the capture. Without this feature, it will take me days rather than hours to complete my project.
    Please advise as soon as possible.
    Thanks, Rhazelbaker
    PS> I did find a blog from another person with the same issue. The response simply defended the integrity of Captivate and did not provide concrete direction to solve the issue. I'm hoping you can provide concrete instructions.

    Hi there
    To bring the Library into view, click Window > Library.
    Once you are seeing the Library, right-click one of the items you see there and you should see a context menu offering the ability to Select Unused Items. This will select them all. Then a simple tap of the Delete key on your keyboard should remove them.
    Where are you changing the settings before you record? I ask because Captivate 4 changes the playing field substantially. Now when you begin the process the Red Recording Window looks a lot different. Similar to below.
    You then have to choose the mode differently.
    Does that help anything?
    Cheers... Rick
    Click here for Adobe Certified Captivate and RoboHelp HTML Training
    Click here for the SorcerStone Blog
    Click here for RoboHelp and Captivate eBooks

  • Show Typing in Training Simulation Mode

    Hi -
    I recorded some screens using the Training Simulation mode
    and I'm wondering if it's possible to allow the end user to control
    the flow until they get a screen where they need to type something
    in a text field. At this point I would like to just have the end
    user see the typing appear on the screen. After the typing appears
    the end user could then click on the appropriate button to continue
    with the Training Simulation.
    For example: How to Save a Word Document.
    The end user would click on File to display the File menu.
    Then click on Save As... to display the Save As dialog box. The
    name of document file they are saving would automatically type
    (show typing) for them then the user clicks on the Save button.
    Is this scenario possible?

    Hi Chris,
    My apologies for the misunderstanding. You can't directly do
    what you want in the Training Simulation recording mode because by
    default the mode settings eliminate capture of typing and replace
    it with the text-entry box. Sorry.
    There are several ways to handle the situation, though. One
    is to record in Demonstration mode. Be sure that "Record
    Keystrokes" is checked, on the Options > Recording Options
    dialog. The keystrokes will be recorded for you. Of course, then
    you will have to add the interactivity (click-boxes, etc.) that
    would have been entered for you in the simulation mode.
    Another option you might like better is to go to my friend
    and fellow community expert Paul Dewhurst's web-site and get a
    text-animation called "aimee typing". After downloading it, just
    place it in the folder:
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Captivate
    2\Gallery\TextAnimations (for Captivate version 2), or
    C:\Program Files\Macromedia\Captivate\Gallery\TextAnimations
    (for version 1).
    Paul's web-site is at:
    http://www.raisingaimee.co.uk/
    and what you need is located in the "Downloads" section (see
    panel on the left for links). There are a bunch (13?) of
    text-animations there, and if I were you I'd get them all - be
    aware you may have to register and/or pay Paul for them, but they
    are worth far more than he asks - if he is charging for them.
    With Paul's text animation you can add "live" typing effects
    on the fly, controling the font, font size, font color, and typing
    speed. It does take a little planning to get things to appear
    correctly and at the right time, but is not very difficult.
    To answer your last question, "Show Typing" should
    never appear when you have recorded in Training Simulation
    mode - because typing is never captured in that mode. Good luck and
    have a great day!
    .

  • Unable to set recording mode to custom or training simulation. Always resets to default demo mode

    I'm working in a newly installed version of Captivate 4. I am going into edit preferences for the recording mode.  I am changing the default from demonstration, to custom, or training simulation.  (I've tried both.)  Even if I resave my project immediately after, if I try to record, it records in demonstration mode instead of what I had selected.  So I went back in and changed the project back to training simulation, and closed the edit preferences box.  When I immediately reopened the edit preferences box and looked, it had defaulted back to demonstration mode.  I know that I am not accidentally hitting the restore defaults button.  How can I get this to record in anything other than demonstration mode?

    Hi there
    Unfortunately it would appear that you are misunderstanding how these actually work.
    When you click Edit > Preferences > Recording > Modes you see a list of different modes that you may record in. Think of each of these modes as being similar to a recipe. You configure the ingredients used in the recipe here. So later, if someone wants to use the Demonstration recipe, the ingredients are what you configured in this area.
    Now, when you prepare to record your project, you choose the recipe you wish to use by clicking the icon in the gray strip. This should produce the flyout menu where you may choose the recipe you modified earlier.
    Cheers... Rick
    Helpful and Handy Links
    Captivate Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form
    Adobe Certified Captivate Training
    SorcererStone Blog
    Captivate eBooks

  • Creating Stock in Simulation version

    Hi Gurus,
    Is there a way to create to Stock with categories like CC, CK, CF etc in a simulation version.
    I am working on a project and have a requirement to see if we can create stock in simulation version? Any leads in achieving that would be highly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Murali

    Hi Mike – Thanks for the detailed reply. I did the same and I got the below error. I think in your message I see the planning version as ‘000’ and when I use that it did create, but we want to create stocks in a simulation version.
    Error message:
    A APO_BAPI 185 Function or parameter CLASSVALUESCHAR is not supported for planning version SIM_EIS
      A APO_BAPI 185 Function or parameter STOCK-VERSION is not supported for planning version SIM_EIS
      I APO_BAPI 004 Rollback executed (see long text)
      I /SAPAPO/CIF          003 Application log (ext. no. K{M8CY4A6Q3X0800GDHYCW) for obj. APO_BAPI and sub-obj. ST_APS has been logged
    Also, an FYI, in debug mode, if we change the planning version from Simulation to active and then flip it back after the validation it is creating the stocks in the simulation version.
    I was trying  to use the standard BAPI in a LSMW to create stocks to a Simulation version to avoid creating a new custom program, hence the challenge.
    Thanks,
    Murali

Maybe you are looking for