Lectora Inspire X.5

Lectora Inspire X.5 is an authoring tool developed by Trivantis. It is used to create interactive and dynamic eLearning content (i.e. for online computer-based training), websites, and presentations that can be published on the web.




Main Features
Lectora Inspire X.5 is described as making online course development fast and simple. It is a program that is “bundled with the leading flash content creation (Flypaper), screen capture (Snagit), and recording software (Camtasia). Lectora’s powerful authoring tools empower you to quickly create dynamic video and Flash eLearning content.” It can be installed on any “modern” Windows operating system, and the structure of its interface is similar to Windows Explorer. It supports virtually all types of audio, video, and text. Users can also create fun quizzes, gradable tests, and surveys within their projects (aka Titles).

Level of Difficulty
This program appears to require intermediate to advance computer skills and knowledge. A plus to using Lectora Inspire X.5 is that while the various components can be combined to create a dynamic presentation, it does not require any programming knowledge. There are a variety of templates, wizards, and tutorials available, as well as a Help Guide. The Help Guide “provides instructional and user friendly information on Lectora and links out to the Lectora User Guide and Lectora Community Forum so you can find answers and advice on Lectora.” Also, users can preview their work through every stage of creation.

Potential Classroom Application
Lectora Inspire X.5 appeals to various types of learners due to its capacity to incorporate audio, visual, and interactive components all in one title (project). Specifically, a teacher could use this program to create tutorials that students would access at home. These tutorials would serve as refreshers before exams. Additionally, the quizzes that Lectora Inspire X.5 has can be set up as games to help students retain the information covered in class. Class websites could also be created using this tool.

Conclusion
Lectora Inspire X.5 is the latest tool I have been charged with learning for my job as a curriculum developer. In viewing the demo, I have concluded that this is program worth taking the time and effort to learn. It provides users with a very comprehensive tool for creating a means for learning, as well as participating in an ever-growing virtual community.

The cost of this tool is $2,495 ($2,790 with support), but there is also a 30-day free trial that is heavily promoted.