For a developer of a rapid e-learning authoring tool to have an independent publisher commission a book to explain how to use their software is testimony to the market domination of that tool. To have that book's team of authors led by e-learning development expert, Patti Shank, is proof that this tool can be used to create high quality and instructionally sound content. And for the book to be over 1,000 pages long and weigh 1.75kg clearly positions this tool as a feature-packed package.
So I was pleased - after quite a few months' delay - to get hold of my copy of Essential Articulate Studio '09.
This book provides a very complete guide to using the four elements that make up the Articulate Studio '09 suite, namely Presenter, Quizmaker, Engage and the Video Encoder. Each of the different aspects of the software are covered - and I mean "each" - so you won't miss out on anything. In fact, if the book wasn't so long, I would love to read it cover to cover, as although I've used this tool for over four years now, I know I've only scratched the surface of what it can do.
The first chapter provides a quick overview of the tool, including how to install the software. The next chapter then goes on to look at the topic of rapid e-learning development, including the preparation required before embarking on a project.
In Chapter Three, the authors introduce the main part of the tool, Presenter, and as well as providing a brief introduction to this part, they also look at what to include as part of your project and good project management techniques. The next four chapters cover all the elements of this application.
Chapters Eight to Thirteen focus on the Quizmaker software and again begin with some of the background preparation when it comes to creating quizzes and surveys.
From Chapter Fourteen to Twenty Five, the book devotes a lot of pages to individual explanations of the different types of interaction that can be created using the Engage program.
Chapter Twenty Six brings together the publishing aspects of each of the three main software applications, before the final chapter puts the Video Encoder application through its paces.
The book also includes a CD-ROM that contains a 30-day trial of the software itself, together with a copy of the vendor's own documentation, plus links to some of the support resources on their website.
What I most appreciated about this book was the clear explanations provided at each step and the frequent illustrations. As a frequent user of Articulate Studio, one of the barriers that has held me back from pushing the tool to its full potential has been the uncertainty about what would happen if, for instance, I tweaked something. With this book, I don't need to worry about the impact something I do might have - I can see it illustrated for myself. In particular, thanks to the content of Chapter Seven, I now feel much more confident in customising the player templates.
As well as the step-by-step instructions, the book is full of hints and tips on to get the most from the application. This is probably the closest the book gets to providing some instructional design coaching. If anything, given the background of the authors, I was expecting more of a focus on how the software could be used to reinforce sound instructional design techniques, but that's my only "minor" criticism of what is certainly a must-have resource for both novice and experienced Articulate Studio '09 users.
