Webex and application simulations

A lot of variables here.  Your users, the time they have, how critical it is that they have specific understand of any changes, etc, etc.  I always prefer an interactive learning experience if possible.  But, I can also see that if a product is being periodically updated, using a WebEx tutorial to explain or show those changes versus reskinning and re-producing a CAptivate or Articulate file might be more efficient.

So we are back to the question, is your concern efficiency of development, or efficiency of learning?

WebEx sessions, depending on how recorded, can also be converted to Flash or WMV--or linked to directly as web objects.  If chat or questions are enabled, seeing how other people react can be a plus or minus.

If you need to capture a remote presenter, they may often be one way to go.  The disadvantages you've got listed, along with the audio quality can sometimes be an issue, especially when other parts of the course are recorded in AP.

Robert, Gerry, many thanks for your inputs.

@Robert - From an instructional designers perspective, my concern is about the learning bit itself  - how effective/efficient is a WebEx session going to be sans interactions, sans a test of understanding.

My client's concern is about the speed of development. Her concern is, while I would take x hours to create a 30 minute learning module, the WebEx session would demonstrate the entire functionality and the course is out there, ready for the learner in much lesser time.

I feel a mix of both these approaches would be better - create the course the first time as an e-learning module, with interactions, etc. Whenever there are enhancements to the product, cover those as WebEx sessions.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

I am trying to insert a Webex I converted to SWF, but unfortunately the inserted SWF goes to the last screen in the SWF.  Do you have any idea why the SWF would go right to the last screen?

If there was a way to validate that they had indeed watched the webex presentation and not gotten up to make themselves a sandwich or do laundry, then the webex video could work. If the learner knew before watching the video that they would be tested following the presentation, perhaps they wouldn't be so inclined to leave their work area and go fold socks. Also the longer the video, the more likely you are to loose your viewer's focus since there is no interaction.

@Christopher - I agree -- it would be nice if we could lock the navigation to force people to view the whole recording before moving to the next slide/confirmation screen.  I am thinking short Screenr's with quiz questions following is a better solution.