Chapter 6D
Courses
Driving skill development with comprehensive, modular content
While videos and guides helps users understand specific features and workflows, structured courses are essential for developing true product mastery. Course development transforms individual learning content into cohesive learning paths that guide users from basics to advanced usage.
Think of videos as quick-reference guides, while courses are the comprehensive playbook. They work together: videos show the "how," while courses build the complete "why" and "what else" that users need for long-term success.
1.1 Why Courses Matter
What you're building: Structured learning paths that guide users from basics to advanced usage.
Structured courses serve several critical functions in customer education:
Complete Knowledge Transfer
User Empowerment
Business Impact
2.1 Best Authoring Tools for Course Development
What you're choosing: The right tool for building structured, interactive courses.
Adobe Captivate
Quick overview: Advanced e-learning development platform with responsive design and sophisticated interactivity
Best for: Enterprise teams creating complex, SCORM-compliant courses with software simulations
Key Features:
- Advanced interactive simulations
- Responsive design across devices
- Virtual Reality support
- Complex branching scenarios
- Built-in asset library
Limitations:
- Steep learning curve
- Requires technical expertise
- Complex updating process
- Higher price point
Articulate 360
Quick overview: Comprehensive e-learning suite with both web-based and desktop authoring
Best for: Teams needing flexible course creation options with modern design capabilities
Key Features:
- Rise (web-based) and Storyline (desktop)
- Modern, responsive design
- Rich template library
- Collaboration features
- Screen recording capabilities
Limitations:
- Subscription-based pricing
- Limited animation capabilities
- Some features require desktop app
iSpring
Quick overview: PowerPoint-based course authoring tool for quick course creation
Best for: Teams familiar with PowerPoint wanting to create professional courses quickly
Key Features:
- PowerPoint-native workflow
- Quick learning curve
- Built-in quiz maker
- Dialog simulations
- Video recording studio
Limitations:
- PowerPoint dependency
- Limited advanced interactions
- Basic customization options
| Feature | Adobe Captivate | Articulate 360 | iSpring |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCORM/xAPI Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Responsive Design | Advanced | Advanced | Basic |
| Software Simulations | Advanced | Basic | Basic |
| Learning Curve | Steep | Moderate | Easy [for PPT users] |
| Mobile Learning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collaboration | Limited | ✓ | Limited |
| Updating Ease | Complex | Moderate | Easy |
Choose Adobe Captivate when:
Choose Articulate 360 when:
Choose iSpring when:
