quote:

Originally posted by agreatheight:
We would like to the tool to allow us to write test questions, implement exams, track users and scoring, print certificates, emails test scores, handles bookmarking and compile into an .exe for burning / distibution.

Eric,

Out of the box Lectora will allow you to do most of this. You may have to write something for tracking users; it just depends on how sophisticated you want to get.

Jay

Are you using Thinq Training Server? If so, that's a full-blown LMS that has the capability to track courses built in Flash (with coding) or Lectora, using SCORM standards for communication. I believe Saba has acquired Thinq, but it was one of the top 5 or so LMS's at one time. I've seen a demo and it was as robust as Saba and SumTotal in terms of functionality (classroom reservations, AV checkout, etc).

Maybe you already have everything you need, with a little elbow grease, and working with your IT department to turn on the e-learning features. Lectora would make life easier to not have to worry about coding, but it has additional overhead (file size) beyond what you could do with some coded Flash templates.

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
E-Learning Consulting

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sheldon,

quote:

Originally posted by Sheldon:
Are you using Thinq Training Server? If so, that's a full-blown LMS that has the capability to track courses built in Flash (with coding) or Lectora, using SCORM standards for communication. I believe Saba has acquired Thinq, but it was one of the top 5 or so LMS's at one time. I've seen a demo and it was as robust as Saba and SumTotal in terms of functionality (classroom reservations, AV checkout, etc).

Maybe you already have everything you need, with a little elbow grease, and working with your IT department to turn on the e-learning features. Lectora would make life easier to not have to worry about coding, but it has additional overhead (file size) beyond what you could do with some coded Flash templates.

Yes, it's Thinq Training Server, but it's version 4.5. From what I can gather, it is quite ancient and predates Saba's acquisition. They tell me it doesn't really have a front end; our IT department had to build one. It doesn't have the capability to deliver content either, it only tracks users and courses, and not in anykind of meaningful, integrated way. And then because of bandwidth / security issues we can't deliver over the web or intranet anyway. Sadly, as it works on Vista, there is no initiative to upgrade it. It's a bit frustrating. I know what we need is an actual LMS, but as we are forced to deliver CBTs on CD as a standalone solution we need to include of the some functionality of an LMS into the CD so we can track the users. Fun stuff!

I see. If it makes you feel better, you're not the first organization with bandwidth restrictions What some groups do is put the multimedia on CD and then have learners take tests online in the LMS or other system, but I'm sure you've already thought of that.

Sounds like you have more indepth issues with your OS, security, and bandwidth that might be beyond the scope of the bulletin boards, but I do have some hybrid ideas involving CD and harddrives that were implemented at a major corp under very limited bandwidth restrictions (like sharing a dialup modem with the entire office).

Please send a private message and we'll connect via phone/email.

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
E-Learning Consulting

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sheldon,

Eric,

I have been using Lectora for a year or so and find that while there are some maddening features, it has a great balance between ease-of-use and power. I've been impressed with the 2007 release, as well... this is definitely an application that is continuing to be developed and expanded.

A few other resources:

The Lectora Exchange
Not as active as the official forums, but they do facilitate file-sharing.

eProficiency
An active member of both forums -- he has some cool tools on his site.

Lextensions
Tools to expand Lectora's capabilities -- I can't recommend because I haven't tried any yet, but I will soon because some of them sound really cool.

Judy