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
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.
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.
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.
Lectora features a set of automated tools, including Title Wizards, Spell Check, Automated Menu Builder and Reference Lists.
Test results can be submitted via email, CGI script, XML, SCORM, AICC or LRN standards-compliant learning management systems.
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.
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 including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Spain and Germany.
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 Inspire - Lectora Inspire includes all the features and functionality included in Lectora Publisher and also includes Camtasia® for Lectora, Snagit® for Lectora, and Flypaper™ for Lectora.
- Lectora Professional Publishing Suite - Lectora Professional Publishing Suite includes all the features and functionality included in Lectora Publisher and also includes a set of media 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.