Intro
If you are a regular visitor of this blog, you will be surprised that this time you'll not find a tutorial. I am so looking forward to be able to train for the first time "IRL" about the subject I have been exploring since a couple of years in this blog: Advanced actions to extend Adobe Captivate's functionalities. And while preparing this workshop (and some other presentations for DevLearn) I wanted to share my excitement with you.
Training approach
My students are well aware of my ideas for efficient training, but you probably only know me from written tutorials. I'm the kind of trainer that loves throwing the student in the water, a lot more than trying to explain how to swim... and I'm persuaded that a training is a lot more efficient if the trainee has made a lot of mistakes (even stupid ones) and was able to find the reason for the mistake and enjoyed the discovery of a solution.
This approach is natural to me, since it is my personal preffered way or learning as well. You all know that finding good documentation, books about advanced actions in Captivate is a tough, almost hopeless adventure. I gave up that search a long time ago, and just plunged into them, learning from all my stupid mistakes. And then I tried to solve use cases for other users, thanks for helping me to learn more. I hope now to be able to share the results of those learning experiences in this workshop.
Topics
We'll spend some time to discover things, using small exercises in the morning session. Be sure: you'll get a list with tasks to choose from, both for total newbies and other attendees. And... it is not forbidden to cheat! Perhaps your neighbour has accomplished a great way to solve her/his chosen task!
- System variables:
- to show info and save time
- to perform action
- User variables (take control)
- Variables associated with TEB and widgets
- Snippets (bit hidden) = small advanced actions
- attached to available shape buttons
- how to edit to extend their power
- Custom navigation for your project
- Shape buttons: powerful and new
- Simple vs Standard action
- Conditional action with one decision
- Condtional action with multiple decisions
- Events
- Reusing actions,variables with template
And let's design a simple game in the afternoon session, after all we are in Las Vegas, not? You will be using the discoveries of the morning and learn some good practice, tips and tricks:
- analysis of possible situations:
- collaboration with colleagues
- worksheet with example analysis
- choosing events, variables
- avoiding pitfalls
- reusing variables
- labeling can save a lot of time
- beware - I'm a labeling freak
- conditional actions: use of flow chart
- useful and a necessity for complex condtitions
- work flow for creation actions and testing
- using copy/paste intelligently
- timesaving tips/tricks
What do you think?
As usual, I'm hoping to read some comments on this writing. Even if you will not be able to participate in this training. Add your ideas, would appreciate it more than ever. I'm so looking forward to this workshop.
I'm copresenting as well on the DevLean conference with two great friends :
Engage Learners with Widgets and Effects in Adobe Captivate with Joe Ganci
Best of Two Worlds: Integrating ZebraZapps Interactions in Captivate also with Joe Ganci
Rapid Development Tool Showdown: Captivate vs. Lectora with Rebecca Goldberg