Adobe upgrading e-learning presentation software

05.09.2006
Adobe Systems on Tuesday is announcing Adobe Captivate 2, an upgraded version of its Flash-based software for developing computer-based demonstrations and interactive simulations.

Geared to e-learning professionals, trainers, and others who provide computer-based instruction, Captivate 2 generates interactive content in Flash and does not require users have programming knowledge or multimedia skills, Adobe said.

New in version 2 are workflow enhancements for developing scenario-based training that visually branches out to different learner paths depending on the user's choices. A simulation wizard in version 2 helps in developing "soft skills" simulations, adding content to placeholder slides and setting up branching with point-and-click functionality. Soft skills are skills relating to the ability to communicate with other people, such as in customer support, Adobe said. A placeholder slide is an empty slide to help authors get started with presentations.

A zoom capability in version 2, meanwhile, lets users zoom into specific areas of the screen.

"Adobe Captivate is a tool that empowers people," to do things they could not do before, said Silke Fleischer, product marketing manager for Adobe Captivate.

Flash video can be imported into Captivate presentations. Captivate 2 content can be integrated with other e-learning systems such as Macromedia Breeze, Macromedia Authorware, and Questionmark Perception.