Lectora

Lectora is an Electronic learning (elearning) development tool, also known as authoring software, developed by Trivantis Corporation. Lectora is used to create online training courses, assessments, and presentations. It is also used for the conversion of Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into elearning content.

Content developed with Lectora authoring software can be published to a variety of outputs such as HTML, Single File Executable, and CD-ROM. Lectora content is compliant with elearning industry standards, such as SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) and AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee). Content created in Lectora can also meet 508 Compliance standards. In addition, Lectora is compatible with any standards-based learning management system (LMS) on the market.

Lectora also enables users to utilize an array of multi-media files to create more engaging content.

Key Features

Key features of Lectora authoring software include:

Programming-Free Authoring and Publishing

Lectora provides single-click publishing to Web-ready dynamic HTML, CD, single file executable, SCORM, and AICC learning standards without the need for programming knowledge. Lectora includes an internal content management system that makes course creation easy for the average computer user.

Advanced Testing & Survey Capabilities

Lectora enables users to create tests and surveys using any combination of true/false, multiple choice, matching, hot spot, drag and drop, essay, and short answer formats.

Testing Options:
*Automated Grading
*Weighted Questions
*Multiple or Single Page Testing
*Per-Question Feedback
*Timed Testing
*Show/Hide Results from Student
*Randomized Test Questions from Master Question Lists
*Bulk Question Importing
*Set Passing and Failing Scores
*Course Completion Certificates

Actions Palette

Lectora’s Actions Palette enables users to create interactive learning objects using show and hide functionality, mouseovers, object visibility toggling, and more to engage learners with onscreen activities. Users can incorporate Variable Knowledge Objects with the Actions Palette to create branched learning scenarios for adaptive learning.

Automated Tools

Lectora features a set of automated tools, such as:
*Title Wizards
*Button Wizard
*HTML Error Check
*Spell Check
*Variable Manager
*Automated Menu Builder
*Table of Contents
*Reference Lists
*Media Library
*Variable Manager
*Resource Manager

Multiple Output for Test Results

Submit test results via email, CGI script, XML, SCORM, AICC or LRN standards-compliant learning management systems.

Certified AICC Compliance and SCORM Conformance

Lectora has been tested and certified to meet the latest AICC certification guidelines and SCORM specifications. Lectora-authored content integrates with all learning management systems certified as compliant with SCORM and AICC guidelines.These specifications allow for the development of common open-architecture guidelines for interoperable learning environments.

Extensibility

Several features are included in Lectora for those with strong technical skills. For instance, users can add external HTML elements, incorporate additional code for meta tags, author and add custom applications, create sophisticated branching, debug courses, and manage variables.

History

Lectora was produced and released in 1999 by Trivantis Corporation, founded by Timothy D. Loudermilk in Cincinnati, Ohio. Today, the product is sold to corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations in more than 60 countries.

In 2000, Lectora became the first AICC-certified authoring system on the market. This achievement gave Lectora the credibility it needed to gain acceptance in the elearning industry.

Since 2000, Trivantis has released a new and updated version of Lectora at the beginning of each year, which contained at least 50 new features. In 2008, however, Trivantis moved to a continual “maintenance track” philosophy in which new Lectora features and updates are released throughout the year, rather than having one large release of the product.

Although Lectora was created to enable non-programmers to develop elearning content, recent versions of the product also include advanced features for experienced users.

Versions

Versions of Lectora include:

*Lectora Professional Publishing Suite - Lectora Professional Publishing Suite includes all the features and functionality included in Lectora Publisher and also includes a set of editing tools.

*Lectora Publisher – Lectora Publisher is the standard version of Lectora.

Product Add-Ons:

*Lectora Integrator for Microsoft PowerPoint – Lectora Integrator instantly converts PowerPoint presentations directly into Lectora so users can turn presentations and legacy material into elearning content.

See also

Authoring tool

elearning

Trivantis

External links

* [http://trivantis.com/ Trivantis website]
* [http://trivantis.com/products/lectora.html Lectora Official Page]
* [http://community.trivantis.com Lectora Community Forum]