What programmes should I learn to support Articulate Storyline?
Jan 08, 2016
Hi, while I am a Microsoft trainer (as well as soft skill trainer) I am reasonably new to e-learning due to the demand I am getting from some of my clients. I have chosen Storyline as my preferred software due to the similarity to powerpoint and while I need to watch loads of video (thanks everyone!) I am getting there.
I was playing with some variables and noticed the %red% could be coded in directly, and it reminded me of building functions in Excel. This made me think that it might be a good idea to learn some basic programming to support my e-learning journey so I don't rely completely on using Storyline.
My question is, what would be the best use of my time? which programme would be the best to learn? I have not programmed before. I can create some pretty complex Excel nested functions but actual programming is new to me.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advanced.
Paul
Harpenden, UK.
9 Replies
Hi Paul,
For starters, some basic Javascript knowledge would be mighty helpful to be able to extend Storyline beyond stock capabilities. Places such as Codecademy can get you up to speed relatively quickly.
Hope this helps,
Alex
Thanks Alex
Hey Paul. While I agree with Alex that some JavaScript would help, I would highly recommend getting to know Storyline intimately first. In my experience I've found that you can accomplish quite a bit before you'll need to venture down the JavaScript path. There are some many creative things you can do within the software simply using variables and triggers that you'll be amazed and what you can accomplish. And when you run into something that is challenging you then just reach out to the community. Someone, somewhere, has probably had that same challenge and most likely come up with a creative solution.
Hi, Paul -- Thanks for reaching out and glad to see you are getting some great input from Alex and Michael! Although JS coding is not something for which we can provide support, here is our JS Best Practices sheet if you'd like to take a look.
Otherwise, here are a few general resources I like to recommend for those who share they are in the process of getting acclimated to e-Learning and Articulate products:
Beginner's Guide To E-Learning
What You Need to Know to Create Amazing E-Learning
The Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Rapid E-Learning Pro
Go from Zero to E-Learning Hero with Our New E-Book for Beginners
Best of luck to you!
Thanks Michael, very true.
Thanks Christie
I would echo Alex on javascript you can extend the functionality quite a lot. next I would look at illustrator and photoshop. However I believe strongly that you should be a master of one program rather than good with a few. This is the main reason why I do not do any Captivate work anymore.
Javascript is good to know, but I would learn Storyline first because you'll find that you can do a lot on it without knowing javascript. The few times I've needed it, members in the community have helped me. I'd be lost without Photoshop or Illustrator.
Storyline is deep, if you take time to explore it. Plenty of tips and tricks in the forums here. Correction...numerous :))
You can achieve a lot without JS although it comes in handy at times. I think JS has issues with the mobile player too. One of those IOS thingy.
Tools involved with eLearning development ... editing programs for image, video and voice.
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