I think a lot of it depends on your comfort level learning a new complex software and the amount of time that you have. Flash has a steep learning curve and will take you awhile to master. Captivate does not. However, Flash gives you incredible freedom to do whatever you want IF you want to take the time to learn how to do it and to peruse the assorted websites that have tutorials and helpful members. Knowing Flash also looks great on your resume. Check out www.rapidintake for some upcoming classes on using Flash for elearning.

Captivate is a great software for software simulations. I don't know if I would use it for anything else unless I was in a pinch. I have also found that it is not the most stable software yet.

You did not mention how you were planning to track completion and scores. I imagine that this will factor into your choice.

I know that you indicated that you have narrowed it down to Flash/Captivate, but I would suggest looking at a couple other possibilities. I have looked at Raptivity recently and it looks interesting. I use SwishMax a lot and have created custom drag/drop exercises. It's just like Flash, except a lot easier to use and cheaper ($99) and outputs swf files. Also, if you want to learn Flash cheaply, check out cartoonsmart.com. They have cheap, narrated movies on a lot of Flash tasks.

Good luck.

I use Captivate and the biggest issue is reliability. I have had a struggle with this program. When it works - it is great. When it doesn't (which is often) it is a huge time waster.

Have you looked at Articulate? I have moved to that. There is a Quiz Master option that allows you to create knowledge checks. There is a lot of interaction and Flash graphics built in. Plus, and I love this, it is super easy to learn.

Have you considered Lectora? It's more of a middle-ground between Captivate and Flash. Has more usable templates than Flash. Not as powerful as Flash but has some 'action-style' commands that make it more powerful than Captivate or Articulate. If necessary, you can build (or outsource) advanced interactions and animations in Flash and import into Lectora. We've used Lectora with many different LMSs and it integrates well using SCORM1.2. Also, doesn't require Java if you use the 2007+ version.

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
E-Learning Consulting

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

Another option is to have a boutique firm build you a Flash-based template. This way you get all of the advantages of Flash (such as smaller file size and better update capabilities) without the steep learning curve.

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
E-Learning Consulting

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

Hello,

I've used both Flash and Captivate to develop training. My advice is to go with Captivate. It is designed as an e-learning tool where as Flash is a web animation program. Have you or your boss thought about where you will house the training? Is your company going to purchase a Learning Management tool to record users and scores or will you be placing this training on a website or on CDs?

Another option I'd look into is Articulate. It takes powerpoint slides and turns it into a training piece. There are a few less options with Articulate when you compare with Captivate and Flash, but its a good place to start.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.