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eLearning_Comparison_Worksheet.xls Online Training Solutions - Comparison Worksheet (Answers below per FlexTraining version 5.0) Technical Requirements Is the software web-native? List supported browsers: Software works without special browser plug-ins? List the databases the package runs on. Works with SQL 7 and SQL 2000? What is the source code language? Is the source code included or is it an additional cost? What is the amount of server disk space required to run? Supports standard multimedia formats (mms, wav, etc) Works without proprietary file formats for multimedia? Interacts with e-mail outgoing server? Supports hyperlinks to: Other training modules Internet Application Documentation Executables (programs) List the recommended client hardware specifications (i.e. RAM, disk space, etc.) Reporting User-friendly web-based reporting capability Can the program generate Training Activity reports? Can it print a summary report by entire organization? Reports printable through browser Export to Office Allows instant e-mail of report contents Standard pre-defined reports User-defined report columns filter and sort Performance graphs available? Test reprinting available? Custom Reporting Yes No Notes X Standard web architecture from top to bottom. Navigator 4+, IE, 4+ Firefox X ODBC-compliant DB (MS Access or SQL Server) X VBScript, JavaScript, SQL X Complete source Included at no charge. Approx. 150 MB for 1000 students. More if using video. Built-in library of multimedia objects for easy re-use. Progress and other notices thru SMTP e-mail server. X X X X X X X Nothing additional. Enough RAM and disk to run a web browser, and multimedia hardware if needed. Yes No Notes X Admin Menu has standard reports. Also Custom. X Built in menu of basic training/testing reports. X X Built-in print facility in toolbar. X Exports formatted table for MS Office import. X Toolbar with download, e-mail print options. X Includes dynamic data filters for targeted reports. X Ad-hoc report generator for custom reporting. X Test results and averages. X Can reproduce exact replica of any test at any time. X Create your own custom reports 1 of 16 eLearning_Comparison_Worksheet.xls Authoring Built-in integrated authoring tool Remote content authoring over the web or intranet Does not require knowledge of HTML/programming Imports MS Powerpoint, Word, Excel files/docs Streaming video integration / Flash Supports streaming audio/video within online tests Has standardized templates (presentation) Has standardized templates (testing) Reg & Advanced Can multiple author simultaneously Menu-based Admin-defined Authoring Templates Point-and-click-based user-defined Learner Interaction Supports text, image, multimedia, and/or flash content Page preview available? Integrity / Completeness Checking Does package include automated data integrity and setup accuracy checker? Does it check: Online Tests? Learner Profiles / Certifications? Valid Prerequisites? Yes No Notes Template-based authoring built-in, also Premium tool X available with additional templates. X Unlimited authors can work on the same course. X Easy form-based Course-builder. X Uses documents in place - no conversion required. X Wide variety of multimedia templates and layouts. X One video per test, may use images per question. X Templates for courses and/or individual screens. X User simply enters questions, answers, options. X Author pieces separately, assemble thru Admin. X Allows copy of tests, content or course structure only. X Exercises, hot-spots, pre-tests, post-tests. Built-in Authoring tool supports all these, plus system X delivers/tracks any web-addressable 3rd-party files X Previews each page as you build it. Yes No Notes Built-in diagnostics for system setup, course authoring, X media library items, student records. X X X 2 of 16 eLearning_Comparison_Worksheet.xls Enrollment Yes No Notes Offers unattended, automated student enrollment X Also can add approval step, globally or per class. Password can be selected by Administrator or Student Is a password required? Config by Unique ID, User name or X can register manually if configured that way. e-mail address Trainer able to define sign up periods for students X Start and End dates for enrollment, per class. Is there a mechanism for approving enrollment list? X Yes, per class if that option is chosen. Facilitate enrollment for classes other than CBT X Handles classroom training as well as CBT. Can an instructor impose class size limits? X Choose "unlimited" or capped per class. Option to use credit card payment upon enrollment X E-commerce set system-wide or class-by-class. If activated, each student sees only students and courses Ability to keep class and student lists completely separate by X from his company, dept, or organization. company or organization Mass import facility for Student records X Import from spreadsheet or database at any time. Auto class enrollment for mass-imported students X Load students immediately into selected classes. Testing Supports different types of testing formats User-definable number of test attempts allowed User-definable percentage for passing grade User-definable presentation of correct answers User-definable explanations after test completion Allow image to be imbedded & referenced in question Allow video to be included within test? Timed testing with strict limit User-defined warning when allowed time nearly up Testing using Item Banking (question pool) Open Book and Closed Book testing options Yes No Notes X Multiple choice, Fill-in, or True/false. X Define on test-by-test basis. X Define on test-by-test basis. X Define on test-by-test basis. X Define on test-by-test basis. X Chart, photo, graph becomes part of question. X Optional streaming video plays at start of test. X Each test may be timed or unlimited - user defined. X Optional,configurable on-screen clock. X Randomly selects from pool of questions at test time. X Allow or prevent learner to review course material. 3 of 16 eLearning_Comparison_Worksheet.xls Instruction Facilitates different types of instruction Provides for collaboration between instructors. Testing and instruction in one deliverable to student Facilitates a combination of instructor led & self-paced. Can an instructor use chat with participants during class? Supports various types of user interactivity Multi-function, secure, web-based instructor menu Supports Classroom AND online training/test tracking Certification tracking for groups of required courses? Certification progress reporting with configurable automated notification Tools for planning a student's curriculum over time, across multiple courses Access to Student Records Trainers go to one location through the browser to access information about students Sort by participant, Class, other fields. Report across all courses and tests for a single student Student Search for test and course results reporting Yes No Notes X Each class may be Instructor-led or student-led. "Teachers Lounge" lets Instructors exchange documents, X ideas, chat. X Same course with user-defined # of sections, tests X Use the Instructor module only when needed Can insert chat URL as a course section, or use Online X Discussion Forum. Chat, Forum integrated optional features. Links to third X party interaction/collaboration tools. X Only authorized Instructor has access. Report activity (content access & tests) for offline training X as well. Keeps all records in one place. Skills Management features track completion on X competencies, certifications. X Notifications by date, other configurable options. Integrated "Learner Profile" handles skills management, X completions, reporting, notices. Yes No Notes Comprehensive Management Center module. Separate X secure menu for course developers. X Filter by name, Org, other parms. X Supports all-course Certification reporting. X Drill down to student by Org, Loc, Class, Name. 4 of 16 eLearning_Comparison_Worksheet.xls Course Delivery Delivers courses over Intranet/Internet/Extranet Deliver courses authored in PowerPoint? Alternate formats for PowerPoint-authored content? Dynamic, sortable Student Notes online Electronic Student Notebook, downloadable on demand User-defined, searchable document libraries for courserelated documents Documents and attributes to customize document library search interface Post Class Generates certificates for student Certificates customizable Certificates can display performance results if desired Facilitates discussion groups / collaboration Has central location for students to post questions Facilitates instructor response to posted questions Includes Ad-Hoc Reports Tool for user-defined reports Provides ad-hoc test results graphing Course Evaluation Does the system facilitate feedback for online courses? Provide customizable Course Evaluations? Does it compile/analyze feedback results? By class? One-click feedback to Admin or to Instructor Report on average response to individual questions Detailed Reporting per-student and per-question Outside Sales Is credit card processing supported? Is credit card processing configurable? Yes No Notes Any TCP/IP network with browser-connected learners. X Any standard browser, no Java code. Can use PowerPoint files without conversion, export, or X manipulation. Deliver as PPT, HTML, or convert to Flash using external X tools. System can deliver and track. X Can download and keep notes at end of class. X Saves in HTML format for later review. Built-in Libraries (user-defined) for course-related and X student-related documents and images. Used standard library, or configure new libraries through X web-based interface. Yes No Notes X Choose standard design or create your own. X Edit ASP page for text and color, add logo X Print test results or exact actual test & answers. X Option per class. Integration on student menu. X If customer chooses to use Discussion Forums. X X X Compares actual vs. required scores per course/test. Yes No Notes X Completely automated definition and processing. X Use defaults or create your own questions. X All responses saved in database. X By class, summarized or detailed per student. X Direct e-mail or form-based evaluation. X Reporting built-in on Mgt. Cntr. Menu. X Select Students by Course or specific class. Yes No Notes X Built-in e-commerce may be turned on & off. X Yes - web based enable and configure screen. 5 of 16 eLearning_Comparison_Worksheet.xls Vendor Information How long has the company been in business? Date of first software release and installation. Current version number and release date. How often do you issue releases? Qtrly, yearly, etc? Are future releases available without re-purchasing? Is a maintenance agreement required? Has vendor developed other Web Based Applications? Yes No Notes 9 years Oct-97 Version 5.0 - December 2004 Approximately bi-yearly X Per upgrade plan (20% of List Price annually) X Only for first year PM-Express web-based Performance Measurement X (see www.pm-express.com) Implementation Yes No Notes FlexTraining is available as a software package or a System available on a subscription basis rather than X monthly subscription. installing internally. Hosting available? X Hosting and management available at monthly rates. Installation/Administration Guide included. Also 30 days What types of installation support services are provided Phone & E-mail support. (other services also) (detailed loading instructions, on-site installation)? Is installation support included in the software price? If not, X Yes, for 30 days. Extended contract also available. what are the costs of installation services? Phone and E-mail. Also searchable Knowledge Base What type of support is provided (i.e. Help Desk, vendor dialand direct Live Person conferencing. in, etc.)? Vendor sells to and supports customers directly Describe Sales and Support network worldwide - in addition to extensive VAR network. Comprehensive Management and Installation Guide, and What documentation or manuals/reference guides are Authoring Guide for FlexAuthoring tool.. included in the software price? Yes, multimedia "How to" demos, and Student Help that On-line Help available? Customizable by the user? X is easily customizable with FrontPage or any other HTML editor. Services Coursebuilding & other development services available? Content authoring available? Assistance in converting paper or MS Office documents Audio & Video production, conversion services. Yes No Notes X Experienced course and training developers. Convert your presentation or manual to an interactive X course, or start from scratch. X Convert, modify or use as-is in training content. Voice-overs, video conversion, simple to advanced video X creation. 6 of 16 Online Training Solutions - Comparison Worksheet (Answers below per other solution bei Technical Requirements Is the software web-native? List supported browsers: Software works without special browser plug-ins? List the databases the package runs on. Works with SQL 7 and SQL 2000? What is the source code language? Is the source code included or is it an additional cost? What is the amount of server disk space required to run? Supports standard multimedia formats (mms, wav, etc) Works without proprietary file formats for multimedia? Interacts with e-mail outgoing server? Supports hyperlinks to: Other training modules Internet Application Documentation Executables (programs) List the recommended client hardware specifications (i.e. RAM, disk space, etc.) Reporting User-friendly web-based reporting capability Can the program generate Training Activity reports? Can it print a summary report by entire organization? Reports printable through browser Export to Office 97/2000 Allows instant e-mail of report contents Standard pre-defined reports User-defined report columns filter and sort Performance graphs available? Test reprinting available? Authoring Built-in integrated authoring tool Remote content authoring over the web or intranet Does not require knowledge of HTML/programming Imports MS Powerpoint, Word, Excel files/docs Streaming video integration Yes No Yes No Yes No Supports streaming audio/video within online tests Has standardized templates (presentation) Has standardized templates (testing) Can multiple author simultaneously Menu-based Admin-defined Authoring Templates Point-and-click-based user-defined Learner Interaction Supports text, image, multimedia, and/or flash content Page preview available? Integrity / Completeness Checking Yes No Does package include automated data integrity and setup accuracy checker? Does it check: Online Tests? Learner Profiles / Certifications? Valid Prerequisites? Enrollment Yes No Offers unattended, automated student enrollment Is a password required? Trainer able to define sign up periods for students Is there a mechanism for approving enrollment list? Facilitate enrollment for classes other than CBT Can an instructor impose class size limits? Option to use credit card payment upon enrollment Ability to keep class and student lists completely separate by company or organization Mass import facility for Student records Auto class enrollment for mass-imported students Testing Supports different types of testing formats User-definable number of test attempts allowed User-definable percentage for passing grade User-definable presentation of correct answers User-definable explanations after test completion Allow image to be imbedded & referenced in question Allow video to be included within test? Timed testing with strict limit User-defined warning when allowed time nearly up Testing using Item Banking (question pool) Open Book and Closed Book testing options Instruction Yes No Yes No Facilitates different types of instruction Provides for collaboration between instructors. Testing and instruction in one deliverable to student Facilitates a combination of instructor led & self-paced. Can an instructor use chat with participants during class? Supports various types of user interactivity Multi-function, secure, web-based instructor menu Supports Classroom AND online training/test tracking Certification tracking for groups of required courses? Certification progress reporting with configurable automated notification Tools for planning a student's curriculum over time, across multiple courses Access to Student Records Yes No Trainers go to one location through the browser to access information about students Sort by participant, Class, other fields. Report across all courses and tests for a single student Student Search for test and course results reporting Course Delivery Delivers courses over Intranet/Internet/Extranet Deliver courses authored in PowerPoint? Alternate formats for PowerPoint-authored content? Dynamic, sortable Student Notes online Electronic Student Notebook, downloadable on demand User-defined, searchable document libraries for courserelated documents Documents and attributes to customize document library search interface Post Class Generates certificates for student Certificates customizable Certificates can display performance results if desired Facilitates discussion groups / collaboration Has central location for students to post questions Facilitates instructor response to posted questions Includes Ad-Hoc Reports Tool for user-defined reports Provides ad-hoc test results graphing Yes No Yes No Course Evaluation Does the system facilitate feedback for online courses? Provide customizable Course Evaluations? Does it compile/analyze feedback results? By class? One-click feedback to Admin or to Instructor Report on average response to individual questions Detailed Reporting per-student and per-question Outside Sales Is credit card processing supported? Is credit card processing configurable? Vendor Information How long has the company been in business? Date of first software release and installation. Current version number and release date. How often do you issue releases? Qtrly, yearly, etc? Are future releases available without re-purchasing? Is a maintenance agreement required? Has vendor developed other Web Based Applications? Yes No Yes No Yes No Implementation System available on a subscription basis rather than installing internally. Hosting available? What types of installation support services are provided (detailed loading instructions, on-site installation)? Is installation support included in the software price? If not, what are the costs of installation services? What type of support is provided (i.e. Help Desk, vendor dial-in, etc.)? Describe Sales and Support network What documentation or manuals/reference guides are included in the software price? On-line Help available? Customizable by the user? Services Coursebuilding & other development services available? Content authoring available? Yes No Yes No Assistance in converting paper or MS Office documents Audio & Video production, conversion services. Worksheet (Answers below per other solution being considered) Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes