Resources > Articulate vs Lectora


Articulate - USD$1,398

Weaknesses
  • Based on Powerpoint premise of a "slide presentation" (ie. Articulate Presenter)
  • Each interaction must be on a separate "slide", thus separating content and user interactions as well as creating multiple slides rather than layering one screen. Textual interaction can only be done through hyperlinking to multiple slides.
  • Some Powerpoint functionality clashes with Articulate functionality so confusing, frustrating outcomes (eg. animation, hyperlinks, action buttons)
  • Some Powerpoint features don't work when converted and aren't replaced in Articulate
  • Interactions are developed in a sub-program (Engage) and then inserted into Articulate Presenter which is a bit clunky
  • Difficult to create eLearning user navigation other than the inbuilt "slide chooser" style of navigation provided

Strengths
  • Easily converts Powerpoint files to small internet flash-based files
  • Excellent quizzing ability (templated plug-in) with strong range of question styles, and flexible parameters
  • Operates within Powerpoint, so seems familiar for new users
  • Easily integrates with LMS
  • Uses style templates
Risks
  • Huge risk of producing page-turning modules with a quiz at the end, because there is no functionality for user- interaction with the content
Opportunities
  • Fast informational updates with trackable quizzing (eg. change of product/process)
  • Simple and small eLearning pieces
  • Most people could use it after 2-4 hours training (ignoring instructional soundness)



Lectora - USD$1,595

Weaknesses
  • Greater learning curve for new eLearning authors (can be minimised through user templates)
  • Can become complex due to range of variables available
  • Drag and drop is very limited (so can resort to Flash drop-ins)
Strengths
  • Easily converts Powerpoints to eLearning files
  • Flexible and powerful eLearning authoring tool
  • Easily able to get users interacting with content
  • Produces LMS compliant modules
  • Many style templates available
  • NZ-based support
Risks
  • That it will be under-used because of its learning curve and variables (Advanced functionality suited to a dedicated eLearning developer)
Opportunities
  • Having a set of pre-designed templates for various purposes, for use by L&D team
  • 4 hours training using templates would meet most requirements
  • An authoring tool that will do almost anything required - converting PowerPoint, as well as producing sophisticated eLearning
  • More sophisticated modules developed in Lectora by external developers can be edited / maintained inhouse

Sample Reviews

Lectora is a desktop based eLearning authoring tool, which enables you to publish content to dynamic HTML for the web, CD, and to SCORM, AICC and LRN learning management systems. Lectora is not a PowerPoint plug-in like Articulate or a Word plug-in like RapideL.

Lectora is a fully functional self-contained authoring tool. It is slightly more complex than other desktop tools as you have to get to grips with the tool including its conventions and interface. However, it is worth the effort as you can create rich learning interactions.

http://www.kineo.com/authoring-tools/lectora-eLearning.html

Even though I have Lectora, I rarely use it. I still reach for Articulate first. I don't want to be a programmer. I just want to worry about the content and how to creatively present it for the learner. Also, use of Articulate Presenter reinforces and helps my PowerPoint skills grow and build.

http://www.articulate.com/forums/articulate-presenter/11308-articulate-vs-lectora.html

Check out Articulate if you are interested in leveraging PowerPoint or in doing voice presentations. Lectora and Captivate have a steeper learning curve but allow for more advanced interaction with the learner.

http://learningdevelopments.blogspot.com/2009/03/elearn-authoring-round-up.html

Articulate - As for use, it depends on what you want to use it for. I'm not a big fan of PPT for eLearning, but I know lots of people who are. If lots of your training is already in PPT, then maybe Articulate is a good bet : Import your PPT, add some audio and a couple questions and after export, you are good to go. The problem for me is that it uses PPT as the basic development platform and plugs in over the top. Your training looks like a glorified PPT.

Lectora is great for everything, but there is a learning curve. Everything Articulate and Captivate does, you can do it in Lectora. Plus, the flexibility of Lectora allows you to go beyond and really do some creative eLearning. If you want to build training distributed over the web, and you have a team of creative designers who want no limits, try Lectora.

http://thomastalkstech.com/blog1.php/articulate-captivate-or-lectora

Recommendation

1. Based on the premise that yoyu want an easy-to-use authoring tool that will:


Then consider Articulate.


2. Based on the premise that you want a multi-purpose authoring tool that will:


Then consider Lectora.