In this blog, you will learn how to add our own variable to the question in Lectora, a rapid elearning tool. If you want to customize the question functionality, you can do it using variables. In this example, you will check whether the learner has attempted the question or not.

First you need to create questions using the question tool of Lectora. Follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Right Click on the Lectora page icon.
2. Click on New from the list.
3. Click on the Question from the menu.
4. Follow all the steps to create the question.

After you create the questions, you need to create a new variable using the “New Variable” button present in “Action Properties” dialog box.

Click on the “New Variable” button to open “Add Variable” dialog box.

Enter the name of the variable “attempt” and enter the initial value as “0″. This variable should be updated after the learner has attempted the question. You need to add an action on the question submission button to modify the value of the variable.

You can enter the attempt variable value to 1 if learner attempted the question. You need to add below action to the submit button:

On : Mouse Click

Action : Modify Variable

Target : attempt

Value : 1

Modification Type : Enter Variable Content

Now as per your requirement, add extra functionality using the “attempts” variable value. For example, you can check the status of the question in the next page and recommend user to go back and complete the exercise first.

Similarly, you can create as many as variables and modify the values for all the questions. In the quiz summary page, you can show the complete status of the questions attempted and the questions not attempted. You can also display customized feedbacks pop-ups with messages.

Software product training using authoring tools like Captivate or Adobe Flash is an effective mode of eLearning.

Screenshots of the software acts as a raw content for developing an online course. The learner is taught on how to use the software by creating a simulated environment. The effectiveness of learning can be enhanced by using audio. Both Captivate and Flash can impart training. Let’s see, which one is more suitable.

If the software has an intuitive interface and navigation, the learner can easily learn the software by simple demonstration using Captivate, a rapid elearning tool.

If the software is complex and has multiple users and tasks, it becomes difficult for the user to learn the software, hence Adobe Flash is recommended. Some of the examples of complex software are SAP, Call Center software, Customer portals etc.

For complex software products, the effective instructional strategy is using Watch-Try-Do (WTD) approach. The strategy is to first show the operations, and then invite the learner to try and perform the required operations with some guidance and finally, allow him/her to try the operations all by themselves. This approach provides a smooth transition in learning – from watching, to trying and finally, doing the operations.

The raw content for the complex software products will be Captivate screen, describing the flow of the software, its navigation and its uses. Based on the Captivate screens, a detailed storyboard is developed to incorporate Watch-Try-Do. Using Adobe Flash, we can create WTD simulations with ease.

For both simple and complex software products, Captivate plays an important role in developing eLearning content. It helps to record screens and navigational flow of the product effectively. It also integrates audio and offers a customized interface for the learner to navigate and explore the simulation.

Share your views on using Flash and Captivate software for imparting product training.