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Simulation/Interaction Knowledge Check w/Keystrokes

Forum|Forum|9 years ago
July 29, 2016
2 replies
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I'm working on putting together computer-based training modules with Captivate 9 on Microsoft Excel; one of the lessons we teach is the use of keyboard shortcuts to eliminate the need to manually scroll/select large amounts of data.

We want to do a knowledge check on this that requires a student to execute these shortcuts; however, I'm not currently able to figure this out. I can easily do things that require clicks with Click Boxes, but after searching around for a bit, I've yet to find a solution for this particular question. (I'm very new to using Captivate and am almost completely self-taught with only a couple of tutorial books and a few internet searches to assist my understanding... please bear with me!)

I'm hoping you guys can help me out; my presumption is that it's not possible, at least not in a way that truly simulates the actions as they would happen in Excel. I could have them enter the answer in a Text Entry Box, but that's not really what I'm looking to do; I want them to press the keyboard shortcuts and have the project advance to the slide/state that would occur if that shortcut was entered into the actual Excel program.

Thanks in advance!

Michael

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer Adam_Cannon

If you don't need to show the entry on the screen (as you would with a Text Entry Box), here's one suggestion:

Create a button (either with a smart shape used as a button or a button interaction)

Make the button transparent with an opacity of zero so it's not visible

Move it to a corner of the slide

On the Actions tab for the button, select the shortcut option and type whatever key you need.

Turn off Allow Mouse Click

This should pause the slide to wait for your keyboard entry. If you want to include a hint so they can have help if needed, you can turn that on.

I believe that will do what you are asking. If I understand correctly.

BDuckWorks

Inspiring

Are there limitations that would prevent the use of an EXE, vs a web browser based deployment?

Starting details are here:

Publish projects as executable files

It may eliminate some of the conflicts @RodWard mentioned.

Lilybiri

Legend

EXE files are flash-based, which means they cannot be watched on mobile devices at all.

BDuckWorks

Inspiring

While it is true EXE files are flash based and cannot be watched on mobile devices, I don't see anything that indicates he wanted to deliver a simulation of Excel on a mobile platform...

His OP included: "computer-based training modules with Captivate 9 on Microsoft Excel; one of the lessons we teach is the use of keyboard shortcuts to eliminate the need to manually scroll/select large amounts of data"

He did specifically mention CBT and teaching the use of keyboard shortcuts.

Did I miss something?

A

Adam_CannonCorrect answer

Inspiring

If you don't need to show the entry on the screen (as you would with a Text Entry Box), here's one suggestion:

Create a button (either with a smart shape used as a button or a button interaction)

Make the button transparent with an opacity of zero so it's not visible

Move it to a corner of the slide

On the Actions tab for the button, select the shortcut option and type whatever key you need.

Turn off Allow Mouse Click

This should pause the slide to wait for your keyboard entry. If you want to include a hint so they can have help if needed, you can turn that on.

I believe that will do what you are asking. If I understand correctly.

RodWard

Community Expert

Be aware that trying to use Captivate projects to create simulations involving keystrokes for applications is usually going to end in frustration. There are many typical keystroke combinations that you will simply NOT be able to use in your simulation because the web browser in which the content plays will have already reserved those keystrokes for its own use.

The worst ones are the Function key combinations, but the general rule seems to be that since you won't be able to use ALL of the keystrokes you would want to teach, then you are probably better off not attempting this in the first place. Clients are rarely satisfied with being unable to get only a partial solution.

mikemartinlfsAuthor

Participant

@RodWard

This is only one aspect of the course we're trying to develop with Captivate; for full disclosure, this is a course that my team and I already teach (I'm one of the current instructors) and we're placing it online, as it's more of a low-level learning module (memorization, understanding) and we want to reserve more classroom time for application and analysis.

As for this; we're looking to cover the ability to move around Excel's worksheets using the CTRL+Arrow key shortcuts as well as the CTRL+End or CTRL+Home keys. Additionally, we're showing them that they can select using these shortcuts in conjunction with the Shift key (in other words, CTRL+Shift+Arrow Key). Are these going to be an issue with the method that the other responder mentioned? I'm working in Captivate 9 with the intention of moving the course materials onto our BlackBoard Learn Community.

Thanks again for your help!

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