I work at a bank and we are in need of interactive online teller training. We are merging with another bank and I would like to provide some interactive teller training prior to hands-on training. Something basic like clicking on the savings deposit tab and seeing what the next screen looks like. I thought Flash might be the best solution for this, however, I'm quickly realizing the steep learning curve involved. Is there anyone willing to provide assistance? I have read several posts and there are many links to self-help, but none seem to provide any solid assistance. I am hoping there is someone who is willing to help me get started and from there I can take it and run. Thank you!

I have a similar challenge. My employer produces complex ecommerce software that we need to train our new customers how to use. I don't have time to learn Flash either, so this is what I'm starting to do...

I'm using Adobe Captivate 3 to create demos (the user watches a "movie" of the task being completed) and simulations (the user gets to try to do the task himself). Captivate is fairly easy to use although you will want to play with it to get the hang. You just record yourself doing what you want to teach in the software. There are several output options in Captivate and one of them is Flash. I think you can get a trial version of Captivate and try it out. There are rival products too but I've never used them (TechSmith Camtasia and Madcap Mimic are two I can think of.)

I also just picked up Articulate Rapid E-Learning Studio Pro. It's made up of several software tools, but the one you might want to check out is Engage (you can buy it separately if you want.) This is a super easy tool for creating learning interactions that can also be exported to a Flash format. Here's the cool part -- you can embed Flash files created with Captivate in your Engage interactions. This is hard to describe. Get a trial version of Engage and you'll see what I mean by interactions. Then imagine being able to drop a Flash demo or simulation IN one of the interactions. You can create some very cool training experiences without all the Flash know-how.

Good luck and have fun!

Laura

quote:

chase556

In addition to what Laura's suggestions, you may like to know something about basic training.

If you are familiar with PowerPoint, there are PowerPoint to Flashconversion software that enables you to export PowerPoint presentations to Flash. Then you can integrates with Flash demos, simulations and assessments, making comprehensive training content.

Chase556,
I'm wondering why you think you need the online part of the training especially if you intend to later do hands-on training (structured OJT). Properly written structured OJT training modules will easily - and cheaply - do what you want. You can post the training modules on the intranet for easy access to everyone regardless of location. The modules can even be created collaboratively using a wiki if desired. Interactivity can be written into the training modules themselves. The point is that you do not need to worry about Flash or other programs to do anything fancy online. It's simply not necessary in accomplishing the task at hand. There's no point using technology as a delivery vehicle just because it is available. It may not be the best way to deliver the intended outcome. The outcome should drive the delivery method.

Wow! Thanks for the outstanding responses! Laura and King, I will check out the programs you mentioned.

KaliKo, I appreciate your feedback. I'd like to explain my thinking a little more and again if you would like to provide feedback - I am open for it! My thought wasn't to use Flash because it was available, but more because we will be training ~50 to 100 new employees on an entirely different system than they are used to. I thought I could provide employees with a tool to use before the hands-on training and even after training so it wasn't a "use it or lose it" type of scenario. The goal is to train close enough to conversion so that information will not be lost prior to the actual live date, but in a situation like this I want to have all tools and training available to ease with the transition. Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the information!