We are preparing to purchase a third party authoring tool to create e-learning training programs. We create training for hospitality industry employees (front desk, food service employees, etc.) and leaders as well as provide professional certification. In the past, we’ve created online courses which included audio, video, Flash interactions, instructional games, question pages, and quizzes. So far, we have not had the need to create and deliver technical system training - just general industry-wide concepts and procedures. We have narrowed it down to two tools for our needs – Lectora and Captivate 3.

We’ve downloaded the trials and reviewed their demos. However, as far as we can see, both applications seem fairly similar in terms of ability to create interactive online courses (Bloom’s levels 2 & 3). Both applications use our current assets and forms of interaction. Both publish to SCORM. Captivate seems a little easier to use than Lectora, and automatically gives you playback control buttons. Whereas in Lectora, you have to manually add navigation controls. Although we don’t create software or soft skill simulations now, the ability to do so, if needed, is nice. I’m aware of the price difference between the two. Are we missing something here? Are the output file sizes of one more extreme than the other? Is the support or customer service of one tool way better than the other? Is there a downside to one of these tools that we are not readily seeing? I read some forum reviews that mentioned the “reliability” of Captivate files, but I am not sure I fully understand what that means. I’ve also read reviews that some people use Captivate to compliment Lectora. They both seem like great tools. If you were in our situation and could only choose one of them for general authoring, which would you select? If we tried to use Captivate, would we be pushing it or stretching it way beyond its true strength or capability?

Thank you so much, and I appreciate any feedback you can offer.

Hi KMH -- May I suggest starting with a search of this forum? There have been many discussions about both of these popular tools. Personally, I can't really give you specific advice without understanding what type of learning you're needing to deliver, your environment, your learners... Some details please? You say you deliver "concepts and procedures" but it's really not clear why that is being delivered as e-learning in the first place and where you'd like to go from there. Thanks.

If it matters to your line of business, I would also want to ask what each vendor is saying about their being 508-compliant for accessibility.