MyUdutu: One of the best kept secrets in e-learning authoring tools

Janet Clarey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:02:52 +0000

I’ve used a bunch of desktop authoring tools – Lectora, Dreamweaver, Authorware, Captivate, and Articulate to name a few. I haven’t really used a lot of web-based authoring tools though. I was kind of out of that aspect (development) of e-learning at the time they started becoming more mainstream. Recently, I’ve been exploring collaborative web-based options for a report I’m writing and was reintroduced to MyUdutu (from Udutu). I had used the tool once a couple of years ago for a class and watched a demo of their Facebook integration over a year ago. They also sponsored a cocktail hour at one of our conferences so I owe someone a beer or two – probably Roger Mundell.

I spent an hour or so with Roger from Udutu looking at their authoring tool and have to say I’m really kind of blown away as to its capabilities. It’s a very flexible and very versatile product. In analyst speak, it is “robust.” I wish it had been around when I was pulling my hair out learning Authorware.

Let me say up front I’m NOT getting paid to plug MyUdutu, and am not endorsing it over another product, I just want to share some notes from the demo because I think its one of those ‘best kept secrets no one knows about.’ We used my old account for the demo and the course I did for school was there and so unbelievably lame (fair warning if you see bits and pieces in the screen shots. Not my best work : )

Although the tool is often used by SMEs due to its simplicity, it definitely has enough features to satisfy instructional designers who need a lot more than linear solutions. Below are several scenario templates. You’ll have to click them to make them larger.

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of assessment options. You could really get quite inventive with this. Roger showed me how you could select parts of an image for instance or learn a language.

Some other tidbits in bullet points::

Any platform – Mac, Linux, Windows environment
Cache flash (ability to bring content in before you need it – good for learners dial-up) (Yup you heard right. Dial-up)
Ability to save your courses so you don’t freak out about losing courses that exist on a server other than your own.
Reusable learning objects at multiple levels (folder, course, etc.)
Semi-complex branching
Flash templates
Easy to add multimedia like movies
Learner flexibility (Take only what you need, start where you stopped, etc.)
SCORM conformant
Glossary that aggregates items entered
Plug in for Moodle
Can also be installed on your server
Did I say boatload of templates?

I was surprised to learn that the tool is FREE as an SaaS solution. However, it will cost you $5 per learner/course if you want Udutu to host it for you. If you want it on your own server there is a licensing fee. The business model they use is really one of added value. Udutu staff can handle all aspects of building courses collaboratively from the whole enchilada to just one little thing. This seems ideal when you don’t have the type of department with dedicated graphic designers or multimedia producers.

I thought it was funny when I asked about users…seems to be a tool used by rogue designers (many clients are people circumventing their current solution (LMS, LCMS, etc. Seriously.)

I’m pulling together some answers to interview questions and will post those later.

Rapid (Collaborative) Authoring Tools for developers/SMEs in multiple locations

Janet Clarey — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:06:27 +0000

I’ve been slicing and dicing our Authoring Tool KnowledgeBase and doing some online research in response to a question about collaborative rapid authoring tools that developers in multiple locations can use. Thought I’d share what I found for three reasons – (1) hopefully to provide some valuable information, (2) to see who I may have missed so I can add them and/or get them added to our KnowledgeBase (3) to let you know about the type of client-driven research we do at Brandon Hall Research.

After looking at the Authoring Tool KnowledgeBase I went to my LinkedIn and Twitter network. Immediately heard back from two people. (gotta love crowdsourcing)

My methodology:

Rapid = Tool designed for SME with no page design, authoring, or programming experience (this doesn’t exclude tools with additional functionality for advanced users).
Collaborative across locations = Server-based authoring environment that one or more content developers access simultaneously using their browser for collaborative authoring.
PRIMARY type of content is online courses, CBT, conversion of existing content, presentations (and not tests/assessment, games, simulation tools). Authoring tool vendors sometimes get ticked off about being excluded from this type of filter when their primary type of content is excluded but their secondary type content is not. (e.g. they are primarily a test/assessment tool but also can do online courses). Note to vendors: If you fall in that category, feel free to make comments with information about your authoring tool.

(Also note that I have not used each of these tools but am familiar with them. I’m not making recommendations, just a resource)

Collaborative Rapid Authoring Tools:

If you needed more filtering the Authoring Tool KnowledgeBase can break things down to computer platforms (play and develop), plug-in requirement, SCORM, languages, third-party interoperability and ton of of other stuff.

Janet Clarey » authoring tools

MyUdutu: One of the best kept secrets in e-learning authoring tools

Rapid (Collaborative) Authoring Tools for developers/SMEs in multiple locations