Hello,
I have been a CBT devloping consultant for a software firm for the last 6 years, creating interactive tutorials simulating working in their applications. At first, I used RoboDemo (Captivate's predecessor), but then changed to creating the tutorials in a multimedia authoring program, because I absolutely have to have right-click interactiion as part of the simulations.

One thing I do not like about creating software simulations is that updating the tutorial screenshots can be a real hassle when aesthetic changes are made to the application. The nature of my client's software requires frequent updates, so I am thinking about changing technology slightly to increase efficiency for my client.

I am looking for a tool that will integrate the tutorials I create into the user application itself, which would eliminate the need for screenshots altogether. Rather than being a "simulation", the tutorial would serve the purpose of real-time "do it as you learn it" training.

I've researched process embedded e-learning and EPSS, and have found a tool that really intrigues me called OnDemand Personal Navigator (http://www.ondemandgk.com/EN/pages/products/Personal_Navigator/), but it only appears to work with Jave enterprise applications, and my client develops their software with Clarion.

Does anyone know of any tool that I could use?

Thanks a lot!

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As far as I know, I have not yet got to know about such kind of tool.
But some thoughts to solve this problem.
If you look at the source files when you have finisheh creating software tutorials, I think you can find the original screenshots images.

Then you just replace these sreenshots with new ones only when the software interface is changed.

Hi kingmarsh, thanks very much for the reply. That is the way I do it now, but it gets to be a real hassle because I end up having to change quite a few screenshots; the processes for my client's softwrae are usually very long.

Integrating with the app itself instead of screenshots would allow me to just change the button/field that the affected step of the tutorial is mapped to.

I did find a tool called Assima which builds a "clone" of the application instead of taking screenshots. I'll sign up for a demo of that.

Thanks again for your answer and input!

I have never thought of that before.
Anyaway, you found it and that is great.

quote:

Originally posted by kingmarsh:
I have never thought of that before.
Anyaway, you found it and that is great.

Thanks very much.

Since I last posted, I found something that even seems better than "making a clone". I found what I think may be exactly what I want. ActiveGuide, by Rocket Tools, integrates directly with the software application and delivers a "tutorial" type training experinence in real time, as the usre works in the software. No screenshots required.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CBT Dev,