Using CaptivateTo 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.