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There are several major programs:
1. Macromedia Director
2. Macromedia Authorware
3. Asymetrix Toolbook (toolbox, something like that)
4. Aimtech Icon Author
5. Aimtech CBT Express
Listed from best to worst (IMHO) they are:
1. Aimtech CBT Express
This is the best program for the beginner. It writes all the code, no
programming whatsoever involved. You can learn it without going to classes
and it already has tests set up for you. It also comes with a ton of
backgrounds. If you want to get rolling in 3 months, this is the program for
you. It is very simple and easy to use. There are things with this that you
cannot do, some limits, but you won't need these things for a few years.
2. Macromedia Authorware
This is perhaps the best CBT program on the market, however, it is not easy
to learn. It requires some schooling, some algorithm planning, and you must
make everything. CBT Express comes with a ton of pre-done buttons, graphics,
etc. This does not. It does however, have a ton of flexibility that is
unmatchable. However, if you expect to be up and running in 3 months, forget
it. It will take someone at least 6 to 8 months, or more to get it going.
It's the type of program you graduate to.
3. Aimtech IconAuthor
This is the exact program at Authorware, just a different company.
Basically, it's the same product, but different enough not to get sued.
Authorware is mostly used in the West, IconAuthor in the East of the
Mississippi. Again, you have to create everything.
4. Macromedia Director
This is a great program, however, it is not a program that you can easily
create quizzes or tests on. It's made for presentations and the movie
industry. They use this a lot on Star Trek. You do, however, have to know
how to program to do this. A ton of coding and programming required for
this. If you expect to be up and running, it will be in about 9 months. Much
schooling required.
5. Toolbook
I've heard some real horror stories about this program. A ton of programming
knowledge required for this. Playback has a lot of snags. I've heard a lot
of complaints with this. I won't touch it if you paid me.
Those are the biggest sellers on the market. Go with CBT Express for
starters. It's cheap, it's easy, it's proven, and it works.
-----Original Message-----
From: Technical Writers List; for all Technical Communication issues
[mailto:TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU]On Behalf Of Jon Leer
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 1998 5:36 AM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: CBT Tools
What are the tools of choice today for developers of CBT? Can these
incorporate video and other media?
Jon Leer
Leer Technical Communications
603-644-8627, 644-8628 (fax)
jleer -at- ltc -dot- mv -dot- com
