Forum Discussion
Mute controls across all browser windows launched by the course
Is this even technically possible?
Problem: I want to be able to allow learners to have a single audio mute control across a whole course but not impact the PCs own mute settings - when introducing Text-to-Speech to SL360 slides and also Captivate Web Objects launched from button triggers.
Any thoughts from the community seeing as this is not wholly Articulate content? Thanks.
Currently, it will require:
- a mute button for the SL360 player, for the slides of the course
- a mute to be used each time the learner opens the simulation in a new browser window
The simple answer, you might say, is to mute the PC and not rely on the mute buttons.
However, in the environment where I work, it is important not to mute the PC, as the user might forget to unmute it.
Of course, if this isn't technically possible, then that is what they will have to do if they don't want to hear the audio.
Why are we not using SL360 for capturing?
I have further investigated how capturing works with the extra effort spent. I'm not happy with the downsides compared to using Captivate, as this is for simulation work.
- No single player bar for the whole simulation - individual bar plays for each captured image
- Extra triggers required for right-clicks, double-clicks - within the Try again layer
- Action Fine Tuning more fiddly to edit - even though both products place the click event after the click instead of before it actually happens
The only way simulations would work natively (in-slide player) as opposed to SL360 captures also being launched as web objects, is to use the Modern Player as it would need to have controls for fullscreen, but Articulate still refuse to allow customers to customise the player.
They force adherence to strict contrast rules, impacting the ability to use Brand colours which still have strong contrast but not enough to meet the rules.
I think you have correctly determined that a "global" mute control within SL is neither feasible nor practical. However, taking a cue from a different post about downloading screenshots - perhaps you create a button or marker that advises learners to mute the PC at the system level (a couple of "be sure you do this..." screenshots, maybe) and then at the end - or near the end - reuse that same button or marker but advise them to unmute the system.
That seems both reasonable and would allow you to achieve your desired outcome.
3 Replies
I think you have correctly determined that a "global" mute control within SL is neither feasible nor practical. However, taking a cue from a different post about downloading screenshots - perhaps you create a button or marker that advises learners to mute the PC at the system level (a couple of "be sure you do this..." screenshots, maybe) and then at the end - or near the end - reuse that same button or marker but advise them to unmute the system.
That seems both reasonable and would allow you to achieve your desired outcome.
Thanks J.
A very practical and sensible solution. I sometimes forget to step back to see it from a distance or when I do, I still don't see it.
:DTime to cogitate. I have been looking at Captivate 12.6 these last few days and it is interesting how they have tried to emulate a large number of features in A360.
However, I am still of the opinion that neither solution is wholly sufficient for our needs in IT Training software simulation, which is an ongoing frustration.Of course, for both suppliers this is good news.
;PFor what it's worth... <cue Buffalo Springfield...>
We have used a range of methods for software simulation. As you can probably guess, there is no "one size fits all." And there probably shouldn't be, either, since everyone's feet are actually two different sizes (true!).
What works most of the time is a combination of show, tell, do. Show and tell what the software does (and perhaps how it does it), then do - the user has to complete an interaction, demonstrate competency, etc. It's a variation of what stand-up trainers used to do with desktop software "way back in the days when slides were actual transparencies..." Short of having a lab environment that could be re-set at the completion of class, you're kind of left with not too many other choices.
Maybe try putting some of the software interactions into Rise and see whether that impacts your learners. I have seen a couple instances where that was the magic key to building retention.
Good luck! </fade Buffalo Springfield...>