Integrating Interactive Tutorials Using Mad Cap Software Mike

Integrating Interactive Tutorials Using Mad. Cap Software Mike Hamilton V. P. Product Management mhamilton@madcapsoftware. com

Integrating Interactive Tutorials http: //madcapsoftware 2. wordpress. com

Integrating Interactive Tutorials • Objectives – Discuss integrating interactive tutorials and simulations in help and online information systems – Identify interactive tutorial strategies and tools – Discuss the expanding role of the technical writer – View a demonstration

Integrating Interactive Tutorials • Objectives – Discuss integrating interactive tutorials and simulations in help and online information systems – Identify interactive tutorial strategies and tools – Discuss the expanding role of the technical writer – View a demonstration

What is a tutorial? • What is a tutorial ? – a paper, book, film, or computer program that provides practical information about a specific subject – www. m-w. com, Merriam-Webster online • tutor comes from the Latin root tuare, which means to guide. Therefore, a tutor is someone charged with the instruction and guidance of another

Multiple Sources of Learning Interactive tutorials should be part of an overall information strategy to support your end-users Installation guide/Getting started guide Online Help Tutorials Communities of practice/forums Knowledge base/FAQs Access to case studies or samples or showcase Quick reference cards in PDF

Interactive Tutorial Considerations • Preparation • Development – Programmer involvement • Delivery formats – Browser plug-in requirements – Software application • Bandwidth • File size

Additional Considerations • Localization • Integration and compatibility with other applications • Support

Simulations • In e. Learning, simulations strive to recreate the student’s work environment. • Since context and practice are two keys in retaining and applying knowledge, simulations provide a means for the student to have hands-on experience without the costs or risks involved in working in a “live” environment.

Stages of Interactivity Realism Full Simulation Multiple Paths Data Input Point and Click Screen Capture Difficulty of Construction Karrer – Simulations in Software Training

Integrating Interactive Tutorials • Objectives Discuss integrating interactive tutorials and simulations in help and online information systems – Identify interactive tutorial strategies and tools – Discuss the expanding role of the technical writer – View a demonstration

Interactive Tutorial Strategies • Interactive tutorials should: – Be easy to find – Provide multiple paths of entry – Be relevant to the immediate needs of the users – Demonstrate best practice

Interactive Tutorial Strategies • What tasks should I target for development of tutorials ? – Procedures and processes – Deeper subject information (what happens when, why am I doing it this way, other contextual info) – Advanced concepts (adv features and settings, room to grow, code)

Interactive Tutorial Strategies • What other tasks should I target for development of tutorials ? – Quick tours and big picture items – Overall strategies for success – Maximizing effectiveness – Points of known performance gaps • Use feedback mechanisms to validate and pinpoint opportunities

Interactive Tutorial Tools Storyboarding A process used to design and develop multimedia presentations and web-based training Storyboarding forces you to: Examine your motives Organize your thoughts Test your ideas

Interactive Tutorial Tools Storyboarding allows you to create flow of learning: Text Graphics Links Interactivity Branching Assessment

Interactive Tutorial Tools Create low-fidelity storyboards: Rapid prototyping Easy to create Easy to modify Don’t need graphic artist ! Use 3 x 5 cards, post-its, Power. Point Establish a style guide

Sample Storyboard

Interactive Tutorial Tools • Create tutorials that are: – Brief (chunking) – Meet the immediate needs of the user (context) – Correct identified performance gaps (learning)

Interactive Tutorial Tools Elements that can be used in a storyboard: Captions Highlights boxes Click boxes Text-entry boxes Quizzes and assessments Branching (intervention, advanced contextual information, related topics) Audio

Integrating Interactive Tutorials • Objectives Discuss integrating interactive tutorials and simulations in help and online information systems Identify interactive tutorial strategies and tools Discuss the expanding role of the technical writer – View a demonstration

Expanding Roles • Tech Writer, Help Author, or Instructional Designer ? – Skilled writers – Understanding of browser-based online information – Knowledge of sophisticated tools – Is that enough ?

Audio

Audio

Audio

Audio Shure SM 58 $100 + = $240 Lambda Lexicon $140

Audio

Audio Shure SM 48 $50 + Lambda Alpha $80 = $130

Demonstration • Interactive Tutorial Creation Process – Prepare – Record – Edit – Integrate or distribute

Summary • Interactive tutorials can add a learning component to your documentatoin system, but are still only one part to an overall support system • Tutorials can cover a wide variety of subjects • Storyboards help design flow and content for your tutorials • Role of the traditional writer has expanded

Integrating Interactive Tutorials • Objectives Discuss Integrating interactive tutorials and simulations in help and online information systems Identify interactive tutorial strategies and tools Discuss the expanding role of the technical writer View a demonstration

Questions? Mike Hamilton VP, Product Management mhamilton@madcapsoftware. com