Using Captivate To create Multimedia Presentations

What is Captivate Software that allows you to: –Create single-concept presentations on a specific topic. –Screen capture any desktop application (for tutorials). –Import a folder of image files and add narration, animation or an interactive quiz. –Turn a PowerPoint into a flash slideshow with graphics, narration and background music.

How does Captivate work? The Captivate Workspace consists of: –Work area or stage – where you can “see” the imported images, sounds, and animations –A timeline that allows you to set the duration of each part of the animation.

This is the Work Space Work area Timeline

Here’s what a timeline looks like: Narration begins Graphic appears Caption displays Graphic disappears Each time you add an object, a corresponding timeline is created. Seconds elapsed playhead Animated Text

Each slide Represents an intricate interaction of sounds, animations and graphics. Each item fits in its place and contributes to the overall effect.

Planning is Essential! Storyboard your project –Know what you want to present, and how you want to sequence ideas. (Captivate has a storyboard option.) Gather materials: –photos, images, sound files, background music, etc.

If you are considering a Captivate project, ask yourself: How much time do you have? What kind of content do you have? How is that content best delivered? –Can it be delivered better in another format? Will content change or remain constant?

Pros & Cons of Captivate Pros: –Creates an impressive presentation –Creates a presentation that appeals to different learning styles. –Presents content in flash format (no need to have various programs such as MS Word or PowerPoint installed).

About flash files: Flash files are high quality with a quick download time Require user have a flash player on the computer Player available on most computers, or can be downloaded.

Cons Requires time & patience to create a good presentation. –Be prepared to spend quality time! May not be suitable to all content –information that changes often. –lengthy presentations of any sort. –Presentations that are largely verbal. It may be difficult for students to locate specific content easily—the presentation moves along at your pace, not the student’s!

When should Captivate be used? To present a useful single concept. Whenever a visual element is essential to communicate ideas. For PowerPoint that do not already have narration & animation. When a “show & tell” tutorial is needed. To narrate pictorial presentations.

Which of these is suitable for Captivate? Welcome Message Syllabus and Orientation Demonstration of WebCT tools Tour of WebCT classroom space Student presentation Excel tutorial Demonstration of a homework solution.