Media Reviews

Training & Development, Jan, 2001 by Harris Grossman, Helen Gallagher

The lion's share of desktop training programs cover Microsoft Office. Here's a look at courses from four of the main players.

ITC Learning offers a choice between a basic introduction and the Microsoft MOUS Certification course. The instruction uses both audio and video to provide a play-and-pause demonstration of an operation that's followed by applied practice. After checking for errors, users can repeat the practice or return to the tutorial. Test results display failed topics and ask users to load a second CD for additional learning segments; this requires disk swapping that could disrupt concentration.

Special features include a search and bookmark function and a student workbook that serves as a handy reference manual after course completion. Administrators can purchase a compatible, but separate, learning management program.

InfoSource's course offers three 1evels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) for each component. Flexibility and user control are strengths of the InfoSource courses. Users can stop and start training, access assessments, and jump from topic to topic at any time. Likewise, users don't need to exit the training module to perform individual exercises. In a real-world context, features are introduced, explained, and then used to advance through a simulated work project. One problem: The version we tested lacked audio.

A notable administrative feature is the program's capability to designate required content for specific learners. However, the administrative area also features the courseware's main weakness: While learners receive a comprehensive report upon completion, administrators do not.

DiscoverWare seems to be aimed primarily at beginners who will appreciate the glossary that defines Word 2000 and general computer terms. The CD version is easy to install and allows for multiple users. When users launch the program, a menu displays categories with new Word 2000 features highlighted and explained. Its self-assessments can be taken at any time, and the assessments at the end of each lesson can be taken repeatedly. The program uses a buzzer and talking light-bulb character to spotlight instruction when users have a problem with a specific topic; some users may find this feature annoying. The program's major drawback: Grades are available only to the learner, not administrators.

Catapult's module begins with an audio and screen demonstration, followed by a try-it module that's simply an interactive repeat of the first module. Its unguided practice offers suggestions and correct answers when users make mistakes. Each module has a pre-assessment that users can bypass, but learners who use this option cannot go back and take the test later.

Catapult's lockstep sequence of demo, guided practice, and unguided practice seems too restrictive and tedious. The absence of any real-world practice projects is a significant omission, and the restriction on pre-assessments makes little sense. We should note that the reviewer experienced technical trouble.

Software details

Catapult: 800.CATAPULT, pbt.com. Purchase US74.95 per course, US$299.95 for entire suite. Other material: none.

DiscoverWare: 800.465.3641, discover ware.com. Purchase from US$11 to US$48 per student; US$849 for learning center license. Other material: none.

InfoSource: 800.393.4636, infosourcenet.com. Purchase US$475 for one to 50 users. Other material: InfoCheck skills assessment.

ITC Learning: 800.638.3757, itclearning.com. Purchase US$40-US$60 per course; US$250 complete suite. Other material: workbook.

Harris M. Grossman is president of HMG Consultants, hgrossma@woridnet.att.net. Helen Gallagher is the owner of Computer Clarity, cclarity@netpad.com.

                     ITC     InfoSource DiscoverWare Catapult
Ease of installation ****    ****       ****         ***
Holds user           *** 1/2 *** 1/2    ***          ** 1/2
interest
Production           ****    *** 1/2    ***          *** 1/2
quality
Degree of            ****    ***        ***          ** 1/2
interactivity
Quality of           ****    *** 1/2    ***          ** 1/2
interactivity
Value of content     ****    *** 1/2    ***          ** 1/2
Instructional        ****    ****       ***          ***
value
Value for the        *** 1/2 *** 1/2    ***          ** 1/2
money
Documentation        ****    N/A        N/A          N/A
Overall rating       ****    *** 1/2    ***          ** 1/2
RATINGS KEY
**** Outstanding
*** 1/2 Very good
*** Good
** 1/2 Above average
** Average
* 1/2 Below average
* Poor