Here is a clash of the e-learning titans – Articulate Storyline vs. Adobe Captivate for developing effective ERP end-user training. Check out who wins the combat
We usually talk about the important role end-user training plays during ERP implementation. But, developing the training effectively is also important. Isn’t it?
If e-learning is considered, we have many authoring tools at our disposal that help us easily develop the e-learning courses in no time. But choosing the best authoring tool is very important. So to help you choose one, I’ve interviewed an expert, Yogesh Kumar Dewangan of CommLab India who helms the training on the authoring tools. Here is an excerpt from the interview.
I see that you work on various enterprise software training development projects. Which authoring tools do you use?
Yogesh: I work with different authoring tools such as Adobe Flash, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Lectora Inspire, and Articulate Studio. But for most of the ERP end-user training courses now-a-days, we use either Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate.
What makes these two the most preferred for ERP end-user training development?
Yogesh: Their ability to develop great software application simulations. Adobe Captivate was specially introduced for developing simulations, but Articulate Storyline is no less a wonder.
But if I ask you to choose one, which would you choose?
Yogesh: That’s a very good question. I personally feel Articulate Storyline is a step ahead. Adobe Captivate might give you high quality software application simulations, but when you take other aspects too into consideration, Articulate Storyline is definitely a step ahead.
Other aspects such as?
Yogesh: For any ERP end-user training, developing simulations is not the only aspect. There are others as well such as scenarios, interactivities, quizzes and so on. Articulate Storyline scores over Adobe Captivate in many of these aspects.
Ok, I understand. Can you briefly describe how each of these aspects is better in Articulate Storyline?
Yogesh: Sure. To develop a good scenario, you need good characters. Both Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate have some cool built-in characters; but the characters in Articulate Storyline are more flexible to use. You can import a character and change the pose and expression. But in Adobe Captivate, you cannot change the expression or pose; instead you have to replace the character with the one which has the pose and expression of your choice. So, this makes Articulate Storyline a bit flexible.
Coming to the interactivities and quizzes, both the tools offer some great built-in interactive and quiz templates. But customizing them is a bit easy in Articulate Storyline. So for interactivities and quizzes as well, I would prefer Articulate Storyline over Adobe Captivate.
So, if you are asked to choose the strongest point in Articulate Storyline or describe it in one line, how would you?
Yogesh: A tricky question, but I think I have the answer. As you know, clients come up with different requirements. Most of the times they cannot be fulfilled with only the built-in features of the tools; we have to customize the existing features and come up with a solution that meets their requirement. So, customization plays a key role. Articulate Storyline supports easy customization of any feature with the help of the built-in triggers and variables.
You asked me to describe the strongest point of Articulate Storyline in one line. Didn’t you? I would say Customization of features is the true fun in working with Articulate Storyline.
This is what Yogesh had to say about the best authoring tool for ERP end-user training development
Hope you enjoyed the interview. Please share your views in the comments section.
