Software simulations by design

 Would you rather learn to use a computer program by reading about it? Or, would you rather learn from a personal coach who shows you how and then guides you through your first steps? Software simulations can be that personal coach learners need. And this workshop will teach you how to design them.

Learn to design effective software simulations that turn novices into proficient users by making learning more like playing a game than reading a manual. See how common tools like Captivate, Camtasia, Dreamweaver, and even PowerPoint can be used to create highly active, instructionally valid learning simulations.

In this workshop you will learn to:

• Identify tasks and features for which simulations are appropriate.
• Design simulations you can build with common tools.
• Ratchet up the interactivity to turn passive watchers into active learners.

Length: 1, 2, or 3 days. The 1-day version includes the core topics. The 2-day version includes core topics and your choice of optional topics. The 3-day version includes all topics .

Developed by William and Katherine Horton. Taught by William Horton or Katherine Horton.

On-site base price: For 25 students, inside North America: US$5000 for 1 day, $9000 for 2 days, and $13,000 for 3 days. Plus instructor's travel costs. Outside North America, add $2000 plus travel costs for a second instructor. Also add $100 for each student above 25.

Virtual workshop base price: US$3000/day. Learners may download their handouts.

To schedule this course: Call Katherine Horton at +1.303.545.6964 or e-mail kit@horton.com.

• Who should attend?
• Core topics
• Optional topics
• How will I learn?
• Variants and customization
• What else will I receive?
• Audiovisual requirements
• Related resources

Who should attend?

This workshop is for:

• Instructional designers who must create cost-effective programs to teach computer usage.
• Technical writers who must go beyond paper and online documents.
• Software instructors moving from classroom to online learning.
• Support specialists who want to help users help themselves and for the phone to stop ringing.
• Managers of training, documentation,and support who want a more cost-effective way to initiate and support users.

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Core topics

These core topics are covered in the 1-day version of this course. They are also included in the 2- and 3-day versions of this course.

• Assessing simulations. Where are simulations effective and appropriate? Where should I target my initial efforts?
• Picking the right type of simulation. What are the four levels of simulation? Which do I need to create? Which goals can each type accomplish?
• Ensuring learning. How do I make sure users actually learn to use the product? How do I make simulations educational, not just entertaining?
• Capturing actions. How do I record actions so they can be included in my simulation? How do I minimize the time required to author simulations?
• Writing commentary. What do I need to tell users? How do I phrase and display commentary?
• Scripting interactivity. How do I move from passive demos to interactive coaching and testing? How realistic do I need to be? How do I tell if users have learned?

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Optional topics

For a 2-day version of this course, you may select 4 to 5 of these topics to be presented on the second day. The 3-day version of this course includes all of these topics.

• Using voice. Where should I use voice? Do I need a recording studio and professional voice talent?
• Picking tools. What hardware and software do I need to create effective simulations? Should I use Camtasia, Captivate, or some other software simulation tool? Can I really do effective simulations with just Dreamweaver or PowerPoint?
• Offering simulations. How do I make simulations available to users? Should I create a menu? Can I integrate simulations into online help?
• Introducing the simulation. What must learners know before they begin a simulation? How do you provide needed information?
• Following up. How do you ensure learning is transferred to the job? What do you do after the simulation? What else do learners need to know?
• Designing the display. How do you make simulations legible and visually attractive? What fonts, colors, and graphics should you use? How do you make sure learners notice what they should?
• Simplifying navigation. What navigation controls do users need? Why do most people provide the wrong controls? How much control should users have?
• Building with Captivate. How do I carry out best practices using Captivate?
• Building with Camtasia. How do I carry out best practices using Camtasia?
• Building with Dreamweaver. How do I carry out best practices using Dreamweaver to build software simulations?
• Building with PowerPoint. Can I really build simulations in PowerPoint? How do I carry out best practices using PowerPoint?

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How will I learn?

This is a fast-paced, yet structured, workshop, heavy on examples and light on academic theory. It is brains-on rather than merely hands-on. Rather than operating a particular brand of software, you will engage concepts and procedures directly. You will examine and critique dozens of live real-world examples, view animated presentations of crucial concepts, discuss design approaches with fellow students, and practice applying your skills in realistic design activities.

Variants and customizations

We can adapt the basic workshop to better fit your specific needs:

• Base major activities on your materials (+ $1000 USD).
• Use your materials as examples throughout (Call for price).
• Critique your current work (adds 1 day, $2000 USD).
• Base workshop on a critique of your work (+ $4000 USD).
• Redesign your current work (adds 1 day, $2000 USD).
• Video-recording for replay by other members of your department (+ $4000 USD).
• Follow-up Webinars (+ $1000 USD per 90-minute Webinar).
• Hands-on computer exercises using laptop computers or a computer lab. (Call for pricing and requirements).

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What else will I receive?

Besides the knowledge and skills you acquire, you will receive:

• Over 200 pages of handouts, notes, design forms, and job-aids.
• Access to hundreds of live, online examples of design techniques.
• Access to William and Katherine Horton by e-mail or discussion group for follow up questions after the workshop.

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Audiovisual requirements

To successfully present this workshop at your location, we will need the following:

• Computer projector with 1024 x 768 NATIVE resolution . (Some projectors can display 1024 x 768, but only by stretching the output. These projectors will not work.)
• Speaker and amplifier for computer sounds. Must be able to take output from the computer's stereo-mini socket.

It would be nice to also have high-speed Internet access for showing live examples. We will need to get through your routers and around your firewall.

And if you want to include hands-on activities:

• Compute lab with computers running Windows 2000 or later and the simulation-authoring program of your choice.

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Related resources

Here is an example you might find useful: Creating a System DSN demonstrates a multi-level software simulation. It uses narrated animation, a simulation, a self-test, and a real-world activity to teach learners how to confidently define a system data source name. You will need the Flash 7 player to view this example.

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