CHAPTER 1 - ACROTRAIN INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 - COURSEWARE AUTHORING AND EDITING
COURSEWARE AUTHORING AND EDITING
ACROTRAIN AUTHORING LEVELS: Courses, Modules, Topics and Questions
VIEWING LEARNER RECORDS AND EDITING REGISTRATION
APPENDIX B - TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERRORS
CHAPTER 1 - ACROTRAIN INTRODUCTION
AcroTrain Libraries and Records Folders
CHAPTER 2 - ACROTRAIN AUTHORING AND EDITING
AcroTrain AUTHORING AND EDITING
AcroTrain Program Settings and Options
Revised Administrative Password
Use the Username Drop-Down List
Sort the Course List Alphabetically
PowerPoint Program Priority Sequence
ACROTRAIN AUTHORING LEVELS: Courses, Modules, Topics and Questions
View Available Courses List and Access System Settings and Functions
Adding, Deleting and Modifying Courses
Adding a New Course
Importing a Course
Deleting a Course
Recovering a CourseSetting the Course Directories (Folders)
Course Access Code
Use Access Code
Hidden course
Course Revision Number
Completion Certificate
Resize Screen
Exam-only course
Cover the Desktop with Black
Use Introduction Screen and Intro File:
Exit File
Use Review Mode
Use Sound
Hide Task Bar
Use Review Mode
Hide Flow Options
Use Instruction Boxes
Use Program Internal Help or Open Help in Browser Always
Show Objectives
Light Text and Dark Text Options
Include an Assessment with this Course
Use Web Help
OK Button
Modules Button
Cancel Button
Defaults Button
Background
Intro File and Exit File
Course Name Button
Advanced Course SettingsUsing the Topic Exercise and Question Editor
True/False and Yes/No Questions
Import Questions from Another Topic File or a Text File
Corrupted Question File Detection and Too Many Questions Warnings
CHAPTER 3 - ACROTRAIN ADMINISTRATION
VIEWING LEARNER RECORDS AND EDITING REGISTRATION
Add Learners
Import Learners from an Existing Database
Delete Learners
Edit Learner Data
Register and Un-register Learners for Courses
Add External Course Information for LearnersModifying Existing Assessments
Paper Assessments
Surveys
Permit Retakes
Suppressing Question Feedback
Multiple Session Assessments
Intro File
Assessment Directions
Assessment Summary Report
Assessment Final Page
Question ReviewsPartial Course Credit Assessment Settings
Selecting a Course to Credit on Assessment Completion
Evaluate Score for Each Module
Evaluate Overall Exam Score
Evaluate Using Keywords
Keyword Question ReportAssessment Question Specications
Run a Program on Exam Completion
Assessment Certificates
Summary Report on Exam Completion
Auditing AssessmentsPass/fail and Question Reports
Pass/Fail Report
Question Report
APPENDIX B - TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERRORS
Chapter 1 - AcroTrain Introduction
AcroTrain is an e-Learning system that allows users to create computer-based training (CBT) programs using PowerPoint® files without programming knowledge. The program permits incorporating information from HTML files, editing numerous types of learner interactivity and from other programs. The system includes a learner and course management system, course content manager, question editor and random test generator.
Many professionals
already use PowerPoint to accomplish training tasks because it is easy to
use, it effectively blends bulleted lists with multimedia and viewers feel
comfortable with its presentation format. PowerPoint, however, cannot perform
many necessary e-Learning functions: registering learners; tracking material
completion; evaluating responses to questions; creating and administering
tests; interfacing with existing course management systems; and interacting
with complex scenarios. With AcroTrain it is easy to achieve these functions.
You can take PowerPoint out of the classroom onto your company's network or
into your e-Learning lab.
Many CBT authoring systems have significant disadvantages: some users find them difficult to program; most cost several thousand dollars each; and no single industry standard program exists. Consequently, many companies possess only one or two authoring system licenses and there are often only one or two individuals per company who can produce and modify programs.
AcroServices' approach features the best of both (PowerPoint and CBT) worlds. PowerPoint is used for all the functions it can accomplish; it is then merged with an e-Learning authoring system to accomplish the interactivity necessary to ensure and verify the success of the learners. The result is an integrated program that uses PowerPoint for content and easily modified interactivity templates for e-Learning functions.
Add interactivity
to PowerPoint presentations with the AcroEdit. Write questions in various
formats: multiple-choice, true/false, yes/no, matching, drag and drop, fill-in
and detailed scenario based questions. Add modules, topics, workshops and
exams to define and present a complete course. Select your desired appearance
template or use your own graphics to create your own 'look and feel.'
Applying the systematic
approach to training with AcroTrain is easy. After identifying the specific
tasks the learners must master, you will find it simple to implement the course
objectives, formative questions, final assessments and content for each topic.
You can construct a modular course with any number of modules, topics, sub-topics,
workshops and exams. You also control topic prerequisites and menu position.
Add and edit your course information in any sequence desired.
The AcroTrain exam
generator permits paper exams or computer testing. Exam questions are protected
through encryption. Customize the exam to meet your desire to emphasize certain
topics and questions that measure specific learning outcomes.
The built in course
manager allows options for multiple courses, learner preregistration, course
access codes and registration by name and/or number. The program features
include extensive learner progress tracking, and AcroTrain records learner
comments.
This guide will address the AcroTrain structure and capabilities. Even though it is not necessary to read this entire guide before beginning your first project, reading this guide will help you understand the concepts and structure of this e-Learning system.
Conventions
Various development screens include 'OK,' 'Cancel' and 'Apply' buttons. Normally the buttons function as follows:
OK - Saves current changes and returns to the previous screen or proceeds to the next screen.
Cancel - Abandons changes since the last save operation and returns to the previous screen.
Apply - Saves the current screen and rewrites the current screen
The '>' symbol separates sequential steps in abbreviated instructions. For example, AcroEdit>Select a course>Course Settings>Check Completion Certificate means:
- Open AcroEdit including entering the required access code.
- Select a course from the list on the next screen
- Click the Course Settings button
- Click the 'Completion certificate' check box.
Minimum authoring and hosting system requirements:
Processor: Pentium I or better
Memory: 16 MB RAM or more for Windows 98. More memory improves performance. Other operating systems require more memory.
Operating System: Windows 98, NT 4, ME, 2000, XP Home or XP Pro
Video: 800X600 resolution and 16-bit color
Storage: 30 - 75 MB of free hard drive space for AcroTrain and 15 typical courses. Actual requirements can vary significantly.
Software: PowerPoint 97®, 2000, 2002 or 2003 and Internet Explorer® or Netscape 4.0® or aboveMinimum learner system requirements:
Processor: Pentium I or better
Memory: 16 MB RAM or more for Windows 98. More memory improves performance. Other operating systems require more memory.
Operating System: Windows 98, NT 4, ME, 2000, XP Home or XP Pro
Video Monitor: 800X600 resolution and 16-bit color
Storage: No permanent storage requirement
Software: Internet Explorer® or Netscape 4.0® or above. A PowerPoint viewer or program is required. The 2003 PowerPoint viewer is available with AcroTrain. AcroTrain can install the recommended PowerPoint Viewer 97 if none is detected when a learner launches the system.
You may install
this program in a variety of settings (i.e. over an intranet, in a CBT lab
or on individual PCs); Read this entire guide before installing the course
if you have unique network requirements, special lab setup requirements, special
learner tracking needs or special learner reporting needs. Use the quick installation
steps below to begin using your program immediately with the default settings.
Chapter 2, 'Courseware Authoring and Editing' has additional program file
setting information.
Quick installation steps:
- Insert the AcroTrain disk into your CD-ROM drive, or if you downloaded the program, run the setup.exe file.
- Follow the prompts to customize the installation and select the program destination.
After installing AcroTrain, see this guide for program, course and utility options that will help you customize the program. A brief introductory course comes with the AcroTrain e-Learning system. You may displace this course or make it a hidden course that is not listed for learners using AcroEdit.
AUTHORING TIPS - Many users prefer to have an 'authoring' and a 'learners' AcroTrain installation. They use the 'authoring' installation to prepare and test their courses. They then copy the necessary files to the 'learners' installation. The 'Publish' function will copy the needed files from your 'authoring' installation to the folder you select.
You may also deliver your courses via CD-ROM. See the 'Records Folder' discussion in The Chapter 2 'Courseware Authoring and Editing' section.
The following information will familiarize you with the different file types, their location, their functions and their potential configurations.
These files and folders are in the 'root' AcroTrain folder that you designated during the installation. For example, if you install the program in a folder named 'AcroTrain' then all of the following folders will be found and MUST reside in that folder.
Installs - This folder contains the PowerPoint® 97 viewer that the program loads on the learner's computer if PowerPoint® or the viewer is not already located on the learner's PC.
Hint: If you do not wish to permit learners to install the PowerPoint viewer, remove the PowerPoint file(s) from the Installs folder.
Xtras - This folder contains most of the functions that the program uses at run-time. If this folder is moved, the program will NOT function properly. This folder also includes the PPTView subfolder that contines the PowerPoint 2003 viewer.
PPTView - This Xtras subfolder contains a complete PowerPoint 2003 viewer installation. It is used for presenting review PowerPoint files. The viewer will present the slides in full screen mode. This PowerPoint installation makes no registry entries on the computer where it is installed.
Login.exe launches the course management interface for learners to register and to launch courses. For more information on setting-up the course management interface (CMI), see chapter 2, 'Courseware Authoring and Editing.' Course administrators use the AcroAdmin utility to add, modify and delete learner information. Use AcroEdit to define course and program settings.
If you have an existing course management system, contact AcroServices for information on interfacing AcroTrain courses with your course manager.
AcroTrain.exe launches and runs the course selected through the course management interface. For more information on setting-up the course management interface, see the Section on 'Courseware Authoring and Editing.' This file requires that learners enter from a course management system to get course credit (i.e. Logon.exe or equivalent must be launched first).
AcroEdit.exe launches the program and content management system. Administrators will use this utility to build courseware, set program and course options and edit course content. The 'Courseware Authoring and Editing' chapter provides editing information. This program requires the 'admin' password to open.
AcroAdmin.exe launches the program information retrieval and management system. Use this to view learner information, generate reports and generate manual or random exams. The 'Courseware Administration' section provides administration instructions. This program requires the 'admin' password to open.
AcroFinal.exe launches the final exam program. This file requires that learners enter from a course management system to get course credit (i.e. Logon.exe or equivalent must be launched first).
QuickEncrypt.exe launches a program that allows program administrators to encrypt or decrypt exam questions. This program requires the 'admin' password to open.
AcroTrain.ini stores program settings for the CMI options, the login options, the 'records' folder location and the available courses list. The 'Courseware Authoring and Editing' section provides information on setting functions and modification.
AcroIntro.ini stores the course settings specific to "The Introduction to AcroTrain Training Program." Chapter 2 discusses the course settings options. If you create other courses, the course .ini file will be named the same as the course short title that you supply when creating the course. Your course .ini files must remain in the 'base' AcroTrain folder.
Admin_Guide.html provides help to the program administrators while using the AcroTrain utilities (i.e. AcroAdmin and AcroEdit). The file is a copy of this manual in HTML format. This file must remain in the same folder as the program utilities.
Printcert.exe displays and prints AcroTrain generated certificates.
Other Support Files including the following MUST stay with the program files listed above for the program to operate properly:
- 3Dviewer.dll
- buddy16.dll
- Buddy32.dll
- FolderPick.dll
- PSTrain.dll
- winapi.u32
- a4vfw.xmo
- a4vfw32.xmo
- COVER.u32
- MEMTOOLS.U32
Other files may appear with the above files. Moving or modifying these files may prevent proper program operation.
Dependencies - Most support files required by AcroTrain are in the 'Extras' folder. Other dependencies include the Microsoft C Runtime Library and the VB Virtual Machine. These are installed on the typical installation that will usually permit an AcroTrain installation to be copied from one location to another, instead of doing an installation. With the copy approach, you may need to redefine the library locations if they are not relative, and files may have to have their 'read only' attribute reset.
A dependent file that occasionally is not available on learner's computers is mscomctl.ocx. The Login.exx program relies on this .ocx file. The Login program checks the learner's computer for this file. If it is not found in the expected Window directory, the learner will receive an error message advising them to contact their adminstrator. This file may be obtained from the Microsoft web site and various other sources. I may simply be copied to the Windows folder.
AcroTrain Libraries and Records Folders
These folders and their contents do not have to reside with the program executables and support files. Use AcroEdit to designate their location. Chapter 2, 'Courseware Authoring and Editing' provides setting modification information.
The AcroTrain 'Records' folder contains the active AcroTrain system managed learner records. Set the records folder location using the AcroEdit program. This is a system level setting so that no matter what course the learner is completing, AcroTrain records their progress in this central location. AcroTrain creates one folder per learner under the records folder. In the learner folder, AcroTrain generates data files for each course and updates these files as learners advance through courses and exams.
NOTE: Learners and course administrators must have read and write access to the records folder.
Student.txt - This file stores the registered students list. View this information using the administration utility, AcroAdmin. Chapter 3, 'Courseware Administration' provides AcroAdmin instructions.
The AcroTrain 'Libraries' folder(s) location is set under the 'Course Settings.' This folder contains several important folders and files needed at program run-time. The following describes the subfolders and their contents in the 'Libraries' folder:
NOTE: Course administrators must have read and write access to the 'Libraries' folder. Learners should have read only access.
Graphics Folder - This folder stores most system graphics files; exceptions include files embedded in PowerPoint presentations, help images and HTML images. You may modify graphics in this folder; however, the file name must remain the same so that the graphic can remain linked to the program. Graphic attributes such as size, and format should remain the same as the original file attribute. All courses that list the same graphic folder will share the graphic.
If you need a custom graphic for a particular course, copy the entire folder to a new location; then revise the desired graphics. Use AcroEdit to redirect the course to the new folder location.
Help Folder - This folder stores system AcroTrain instructions. Learners view the system help functions when they use the 'Instructions' button.
You may add files to provide course specific HTML files that learners launch using the AcroHelp button. Each course topic may have a different AcroHelp file. Use AcroEdit to designate the help folder when you include custom course help files.
Graphics used with AcroTrain instructions reside in the Images subfolders.
The help folder also has the run-time instruction files that the learner uses while completing a course if they need to know how to complete a certain task. These files are listed below and must be included within the 'Libraries' structure for all AcroTrain courses. You may modify the following instruction files to tailor them to an individual course. The file names must remain the same.
HelpIndex.html - General help index. This file may require modification depending on the help you use for a given course.
InstructionsIndex.html - General instructions index. This file is normally not modified.
L_exercises.html - Learner instructions on how to complete the various program questions.
L_mainmenu.html - Learner instructions on how to use the program main menu.
L_topicmenu.html - Learner instructions on how to use the program topic menu.
L_taskbar.html - Learner instructions on how to use the various taskbar features.
L_presentations.html - Learner instructions on how to complete the course presentations.
AUTHORING
TIPS
- Create basic HTML pages using Word or any word processor that can export
a document in HTML format. For complex pages and features use an HTML editor
program such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage.
You can add as many hyperlinked pages for learners to view as desired. These
can provide the speaker notes from your PowerPoint files, in depth text that
discusses the topic, topic related procedures, regulations or guidance documents.
If desired you may add one help file in HTML format per topic to the 'Help'
folder. Name it the same as the PowerPoint file and text file for each topic
(See discussion on the 'Presentation' and 'Text' folders below) to make your
file selection and subsequent revisions easier. These files may include hyperlinks
to an index or outline for each source of information. You may add subfolders
to the Help folder to provide whatever support level desired.
Create an EPSS (electronic performance support system) from your AcroHelp
HTML files by adding a topical index with links to launch the various AcroHelp
documents. After completing training, learners can directly launch the index
HTML file. They will then be able to view the documents they experienced during
training as they complete the tasks or experience the situations they learned
about.
HTML Folder - This folder stores miscellaneous HTML files. AcroTrain uses these files for the course introduction pages and the supplemental information used in interpretive exercises or exams. The intro HTML file runs each time the learner launches the course by default. You may disable this feature for a particular course. Each course may have a different introduction file, and you may modify the default intro HTML file. Use AcroEdit to designate the course introduction file.
This folder is normally unique for each course. See chapter 2, 'Courseware Authoring and Editing,' for detailed information on how to setup this folder.
AUTHORING TIP - Present course level objectives by adding an objectives page to the course introduction file. AcroTrain will also provide features to present module level and topic specific objectives. Also, you may prefer to present objectives in your PowerPoint slides or you may wish to exclude objectives.
Presentations Folder - This folder stores the course PowerPoint® files. There is one file per topic and they may be named the same as the text and HTML files for each topic to facilitate course editing. You may initiate modifications to these PowerPoint files using AcroEdit or you can open PowerPoint and select the file that you wish to modify.
This folder is normally unique for each course. See chapter 2, 'Courseware Authoring and Editing,' for detailed information on how to setup this folder.
Text Folder - This folder contains topic text files. There is one text file per topic and AcroEdit automatically names them using the 'short title' you designate when you add a topic. These files store the topic information and settings. The topic information and settings include several options or information that will be discussed in detail in the chapters on 'Courseware Authoring and Editing' & 'Courseware Administration'. The folder also includes an 'Exam' subfolder with text files for each course exam created with AcroAdmin.
This folder is normally unique from course-to-course. See chapter 2, 'Courseware Authoring and Editing,' for detailed information on how to setup this folder.
Click here to branch to Setting the Course Directories (Folder)
This "AcroTrain e-Learning System Administrator's Guide" is available on the Web at
http://www.acroservices.com/newAS/Admin_Guide/Admin_Guide.htm.
AcroTrain has online help functions for learners when they are using AcroTrain. This help system features two help categories; AcroHelp for subject matter help during course presentations and instructions for AcroTrain program directions.
The AcroTrain e-Learning System AcroEdit and AcroAdmin utilities help launches the Web copy of the Administrator's Guide..
If you are in need of further assistance that is not covered in this guide, please call for technical support at 419.872.9999 or e-mail support@acroservices.com.
Chapter 2 - AcroTrain Authoring and Editing
As an AcroTrain license holder, you may author any course that you wish to author except courses pertaining to regulation 10 CFR 50.59 or Nuclear Regulatory Commission Generic Letter 91-18 operability determination programs and the related NRC Inspection Manual chapters. These are nuclear industry specific programs. Both programs are already authored and may be licensed for use by contacting AcroServices. The primary utility used for authoring and editing is 'AcroEdit.' This chapter explains how to put this utility to work for you.
AcroTrain Authoring and EditingTo launch the AcroEdit utility you may use the shortcut created on your start menu by the AcroTrain install program, go to the directory and create a shortcut or directly double click the AcroEdit.exe file in it's installed folder. After the utility launches, enter the password and your name, then you will see a brief introduction screen. 'Admin' is the default password.
AcroTrain Program Settings and Options
The Introduction screen provides a brief AcroEdit overview. From the introduction screen, continue to the list of courses on the 'Course' authoring level screen. Before setting-up or modifying individual courses, you may wish to set the 'Program Settings.' Program settings apply to all courses that share your AcroTrain authoring system installation. Click the 'Program Settings' button on the 'Course' authoring level to view and revise these system level settings:
This option allows you to put the learner records in a directory (folder) of your choice. AcroTrain will create your designated records folder if it doesn't exists. The default records folder is named 'Records' and is a subfolder one level below the folder where you install AcroTrain. To designate a different folder location, deselect the 'Use a relative records directory' check box. This enables the 'Set Records Directory' button. Click the 'Set records directory' button and enter the desired folder or browse to select the desired records folder.
You may establish a non-default relative records directory by first setting the directory using browse or direct entry; then check the 'Use a relative directory' box. If your designated directory is a directory located in a subfolder to the AcroTrain installation root folder, the path to the root folder will be replaced with '<FileLocation>.' This indicated that the records directory will be set relative to the root folder when you publish your installation to a network, CD-ROM or another PC.
WARNING! If you have registered learners and wish to preserve existing course records, prevent system use when changing this setting. Manually move the existing records to the new folder before permitting learners to use the system.
If you wish to run AcroTrain courses from a CD-ROM, DVD or similar portable media, you must designate the full path and records folder name. AcroTrain recognizes 'C:\AcroTempRecords' as a temporary records location for use by one learner that can be deleted following each use. Learners will be prompted when they exit to either save of delete their course record. They must preserve the record if they wish to continue a course from the point where they left off. If they've completed the course, they can delete the record unless required for documentation. This approach permits most learners to take an AcroTrain course from a CD-ROM without installing any software on their computer or leaving files on their computer withour their knowledge. ***See the discussion in Chapter *** for additonal information on CD-ROM and removabe media.***
Never use the 'C:\AcroTempRecords' folder if multiple users will take courses using the same computer. The second learner can delete records that the first learner may need.
AUTHORING TIP - When publishing your courses on portable media designate records folders on the learner's C: drive or other drives that you can verify will be present on the learner's computer. If uncertain, you can offer multiple complete installations with one that includes the C: drive for use when the preferred drive is not available.
If you wish to run AcroTrain from a CD-ROM, but do not wish to give the learner the option to delete their temporary records, designate the records folder as a fixed location other than 'C:\AcroTempRecords.' If the location is on the learner's computer, the records will remain until manually deleted.
To automatically merge CD-ROM generated records with your existing records, designate the full path to your network location for the records folder.
A third CD-ROM records folder option is to designated a folder on the A: drive as the records folder. AcroTrain will store the learner records on a floppy disk that the learner can return to the administrator. To view the learner records, the administrator can insert the floppy disk in their A: drive using an AcroTrain installation with the same folder designation as used by the CD-ROM courses. This approach will function with other removable data storage media such as a Zip disk if the complete path can be entered in the AcroTrain program settings.
WARNING! Learners can access records on a floppy disk and other uncontrolled media. This includes changing grades, question responses, times etc. Encrypting some data and using exam summary files limit the ability of individuals to modify records. When exam security is critical, use a proctored exam.
Revised Administrative Password
Record the desired administrative password for future reference, then enter the new administrative password.
WARNING!
You must remember the new password. This password
applies to AcroAdmin and AcroEdit.
Use the Username Drop-down List: When learners login you can include a drop-down list for selecting usernames.
Sort the Course List Alphabetically: Check this box and the unregistered courses will be listed alphabetically when learners login. If unchecked, courses will be listed in the sequence they were entered. This is the sequence for the course list in AcroEdit. To change the entered sequence, displace courses, then recover the courses in the desired sequence. Login will add the word 'Exam' to exam only courses. All such exam only courses will appear together if sorted alphabetically.
Log Times: The log feature collects timing and computer system data in a common file named "LogFile.txt." The file location is in your designated records directory. This file may also include entries about selected error messages received by learners.
WARNING! Each course taken by each learner will add a page to several pages to this file. It can become quite large. If the file becomes too large it could adversely impact performance. Periodically delete the file or delete the old file entries. Keeping the file to 2 Mb. or smaller should provide good performance with most installations.
PowerPoint Program Priority Sequence:There are several programs that may be used to present the PowerPoint files for each PowerPoint topic.
Option No. Description PowerPoint 97 Viewer PowerPoint 97, 2000, 2002 or 2003 (Whichever is registered on the learner's computer.) Offer to install the PowerPoint 97 Viewer Application designated for .PPT files (Full Screen) To indicate your preferred program, use AcroEdit to designate this program setting. From the course selection page Click the 'Program Settings' button, and then enter the number representing your preferences.
For example, if you would like to have AcroTrain check first for the PowerPoint 97 viewer, next the full PowerPoint program, then the PowerPoint 2003 Viewer and finally if none of these programs is found, to offer to install the PowerPoint 97 Viewer; enter number 1243. If you wish only to use the PowerPoint 2003 Viewer, enter number 4. The default value, if no number is entered, is 12345.
PowerPoint factors to consider:
Permit Learners to Unregister Courses: If clicked, learners will be able to unregister courses themselves. To unregister a course Learners may remove a course from the registered courses list after logging in to the AcroTrain e-Learning System.
- The two PowerPoint viewers are free players provided by Microsoft.
- If multiple PowerPoint versions are installed on the learner's computer, and you are using option 2, AcroTrain will use the path and filename found in the designated registry location for the PowerPoint program.
- If your course requires macros to present your presentations, you must use the full program option 2.
- If you create your presentation using PowerPoint 97 - 2002, you should be able to rely on any of the options to present the slides. However, in PowerPoint 2003 there are some new transition effects that are not supported by the older viewers or programs. Avoid these features or use option 4 to present your slides.
- The PowerPoint 2003 viewer can only be presented full screen due to a bug. This means learners will not have access to the AcroTrain controls. If your program is not set to resize the screen, and if the learner's screen size is set higher than 800 X 600 pixels, the transition to the presentation will be noticeable. This option is very reliable since the needed software is in the AcroTrain Xtras folder, and the free viewer requires no installation or registration. Include this option to force full screen presentations and to assure learners will have a reliable presentation program.
- If PowerPoint is installed on a learner's computer, but AcroTrain is unable to find it, uninstall and then reinstall the PowerPoint program or viewer on the learner's computer.
- Using the application designated for .PPT files should be limited to situations where you have control of the learner's computer settings. This setting may not exist on some learner's computers even if they have PowerPoint or a viewer installed.
- If your PowerPoint presentation runs full screen learners will not have access to the AcroTrain navigation controls such as comments, AcroHelp and slide forward and back.
To indicate your preferred program, use AcroEdit to designate this program setting. From the course selection page click the 'Program Settings' button, and then enter the number representing your preferences.
For example, if you would like to have AcroTrain check first for the PowerPoint 97 viewer, next the full PowerPoint program, then the PowerPoint 2003 Viewer and finally if none of these programs is found, to offer to install the PowerPoint 97 Viewer; enter number 1243. If you wish only to use the PowerPoint 2003 Viewer, enter number 4. The default value, if no number is entered, is 12345.- We have received reports that the PowerPoint 97 viewer loads faster and performs better than the PowerPoint program. This may not hold true with all operating systems, hardware configurations and program versions.
When learners single-click a registered course, the 'Remove' button appears. Clicking the 'Remove" button moves the course from the registered course list to the unregistered course list. If the removed course is a hidden course, it will still appear on the unregistered course list. This permits learners to easily re-register for the course in situations when they inadvertently remove a course. However, the next time learners launch Login, hidden courses will not appear on the unregistered courses list. Naturally they will remain available and become registered when learners enter the correct course access code.
System Version: Set this to the desired version number. This number can serve to document your AcroTrain program setting changes. It also is used with the Client-Host function. The version number can be an alpha-numeric combination of up to 12 characters.
Include Post-exam Reviews? Question reviews may be set on a global program basis using AcroEdit or for individual exams using AcroAdmin. The program settings are 'Always,' 'Never' or 'Use Settings.'
'Always' Question Review Program Setting
With the 'Always' setting individual exam settings are ignored. Learners will be taken through a review of their incorrect questions and their correct questions.
'Never' Question Review Program Setting
With the 'Never' setting individual exam settings are ignored. Learners will not be able to review either incorrect or correct questions.
'Use Settings' Question Review Program Setting
'Use Settings' is the default setting for systems that have no setting. With 'Use Settings' individual exam settings will be checked at run time. The exam settings will determine the reviews that the learners receive. see the discussion under Creating and Generating Exams for a description of the exam question review settings.
Clent Post-copy Comment: Enter comments to present to learners who have a client installation each time the system configuration files are downloaded to their computer. See the Publish section for client-server information.
Use Defaults: Click this button to reset the program settings to their default values. This button will not reset the login fields. The parameters that change to default values are:
Records Directory - <FileLocation>Records
Use a relative records directory - Checked
Revised administrative password - ADMIN|
Sort the course list alphabetically - Checked
Log times - Unchecked
PowerPoint Program Priority Sequence - 12345
Include post-exam reviews? - 'Use settings' checkedSet Login Fields: Click this button to revise the information that learners must provide and have the option to provide when they register or revise their learner data. The minimum required login information is the username and password.
Login instructions: Type instructions that you want the learners to see when they are at the 'Learner Information' screen.
Username is always visible and required. This information is requested prior to the screen. The username may not be changed.
Password is always visible and required. This information is requested prior to the 'Learner Information' screen. It may be changed, however, on the 'Learner Information' screen.
First name options are visible and required. The default setting is visible and required.
Middle Initial options are visible and required. The default setting is visible and required.
Last name options are visible and required. The default setting is visible and required.
Employee ID number options are visible and required. It also has a Min/Max feature that allows you to set limits on the ID number to tailor it to your specific numbering format. The default settings are 3 minimum, 9 maximum, visible and required.
E-mail address options are visible and required. The default setting is visible and not required.
Department options are visible and required. The default setting is visible and not required.
Other group options are visible and required. You have two options for this field. Set it up as a simple text entry box like the others or an option list box. The option list is useful for corporations that need more work group information than the department alone provides. In AcroAdmin you can sort records using this field. The default setting is visible and not required.
AUTHORING TIP - Use the drop-down list if you plan to sort learner data. The list avoids learner self-entry problems with alternate terms and misspelled words.
Revising login field names. Contact technical support at AcroServices for information on how you can revise the default login field names.
The publish function provides several options to prepare run time copies of your AcroTrain e-Learning System. System Publishing provides master copies for your e-Learning system that can be used on a intranet, installed on computers in an e-Learning lab or for e-Learning delivered via a CD-ROM, DVD or other removable media. 'Client System Publishing' provides master copies for delivery over the web or to remote locations with a 'slow' intranet. Your AcroTrain license permits multiple copies of run time system files. These may be copied to intranet locations, multiple computers or distributed via CD-ROM or other removable media.
The run time system does not permit course authoring, course modifications that require AcroEdit, and generating or revising course exams. The AcroEdit.exe file is not included with run time system copies and may not be added to such systems without purchasing an AcroTrain license for each copy.
Use 'Copy to:' to designate the folder that AcroEdit should copy the system or other files to.
The Records Folder designation must be set to assure learner records are stored in the desired location. You may enter the location or browse to the desired folder. Buttons provide the proper designation for several situations:
Relative: This is recommended for most intranet installations, stand-alone computer installations and many removable media systems. The records directory will be located in a sub-folder beneath the AcroTrain root folder. With a relative location the drive letter can be different for different learners, but all will store their records in the designated sub-folder located 'relative' to the AcroTrain root folder.
To select a relative directory, you may enter it or browse to the desired folder. The entered folder must be a sub-folder of your AcroTrain root folder. After entering the complete path to the desired records folder, click the 'Relative' button. AcroEdit will replace the drive letter and path through the AcroTrain root folder with '<FileLocation>.' At run time this tells AcroTrain to substitute whatever path was used to launch the AcroTrain system for '<FileLocation>.'
Current: Clicking the current button will enter the complete path for the current system based on the records directory setting for the AcroTrain installation. If you need a relative locations that uses the current AcroTrain program setting, first click "Current,' then click 'Relative.'
CD-ROM Run: Use this records folder location for publishing run time systems for use with CD-ROMs and other removable media that will run from the CD-Rom or other media with temporary records on the learner's computer.
Use the 'System Publishing' Copy button to create your run time AcroTrain e-Learning System copy. Copying may takes several minutes depending on the folder locations and the system size. Wait until AcroEdit indicates the copy operation is complete before returning to the course page.
Client-Host Systems
The AcroTrain Client-Host feature permits learners to minimize communication with the centralized run time system installation. With a client-host installation, client learners receive a client run time AcroTrain installation on their computer. This limits the need to communicate with the host for records, loading additional courses and receiving updates. Installations that use Virtual Private Networks (VPN) for web delivery and other situations when there is a need to minimize network traffic or when the course content requires a faster interface than the network can support.
Since Client-Host system operation is a synchronous application, the learner must remain connected to the host during training. Users needing asynchronous operation or other web-based delivery should contact AcroServices for support.
The host system for client-host installations must be a fully licensed AcroTrain e-Learning System installation. This is necessary to be able to download the course and system files needed by clients.
The learner is the client to the centralized host AcroTrain installation. Learners initiate their training sessions using a client copy of Login.exe that will initiate communication with the host Login process. Learners select their courses from the host course list. The minimum files needed to establish a client installation are Login.exe and two support files. Copy these files to a folder on the client computer. This will be the client AcroTrain run time installation folder. More complete files may be provided to learners for the client initial installation to reduce the time needed to download course and system files. The client computer requires a fixed path for the records folder that is from the perspective of the client computer. The client also requires a fixed path to the host system root AcroTrain e-Learning System folder.
Client System Starter includes the three files required as a minimum to establish a client installation. This approach will require that all necessary course files and nearly all system files will be copied to the client computer when first used by a learner.
Client System Copy will copy the complete system files needed by the client. When the learner first logs in he or she will only need to download the selected course files.
Client System and Course Copy copies the complete system files and all course files needed by the client. When the learner first logs in he or she will not have to download any files unless the selected course or system host revision is different than the client revision.
System and course revision numbers assure that the client system is kept up to date. If the client course version is different than the host course version, and updated copy of the course files will be copied to the client installation. Similarly, the AcroTrain system files will be copied to the client if the version numbers do not match. Whenever course setting, question, assessment, PowerPoint file or other content changes the course version should be changed to trigger a download to the client when a learner selects the course. Change the system version following program setting changes and program file updates to assure client system files and settings remain current.
Click the down arrow icon to open a drop-down list of data that describes your current selections. Click 'Toggle Detail' to open a second drop-down menu with additional data. This icon remains available on most AcroEdit pages. To close the list, fist toggle the additional data off, then click the up arrow.
AcroTrain Authoring Levels: Courses, Modules, Topics and Questions
AcroTrain uses authoring levels as shown in the taskbar graphic below. You may use the taskbar to return to previous authoring levels without saving current settings. Simply click on the words 'Course,' 'Module' or 'Topic' to jump to that authoring level. Jumping to a different level may cancel changes made at the current level such as module setting or topic changes.
AUTHORING TIP - Authoring levels provide flexibility when applying a systematic approach to training. A course structure should be planned based on an existing instructor-led course or using job/task analysis. One corollary is that the course is like the book, modules are like chapters and topics are chapter subsections. The questions are in two categories; formative questions that are like classroom discussion questions and exam questions.
We recommend that topics be kept to just a few PowerPoint slides. After presenting one topic such as a definition or basic principle, ask one or more formative questions to verify comprehension or provide practice. Use the optional review function to return learners to the PowerPoint slide that answers formative questions.See "A Systematic Approach to Training Using AcroTrain" for additional information.
View Available Courses List and Access System Settings and Functions
From the AcroEdit introduction screen press the 'Continue' button; the available courses list appears in the box on the left. When editing course, module, topic or question information, return to this screen by pressing 'Course' in the Authoring Levels task bar window. The course authoring level provides access to AcroTrain e-Learning System settings and the publish function.
Click a course once to select it and to view the selected course information shown in red text. Once selected, clicking a course a second time opens the course module list. You can also click the 'Continue to Modules' button to open the selected course's module authoring level.
To add a course, click the 'Add' button and follow the on screen instructions. To remove the selected course from the current course roster, click the 'Delete' button. To change the selected course's settings, click the 'Course Settings' button.
Use the Audit Course button to launch the selected course in the audit mode. Use this to preview courses without creating a permanent learner record. The log function and files that run on exam completion will take place when auditing courses. This button appears on several AcroEdit screens.
The File Check function is for troubleshooting. See Appendix B.
Adding, Deleting and Modifying Courses
AcroEdit provides functions to revise course settings, add additional courses and delete courses from the course list. To add courses you may create new courses or import existing courses. Deleted courses are 'displaced' from the active course list. If the course files are retained, these course may be recovered or imported, if desired. AcroEdit will not delete displaced course files.
Adding a New Course
To add a new course, click on the 'Add' button from Course authoring level screen. AcroEdit prompts you for a course 'Long' title, 'Short' title, access code, course type and the library folder location. After providing this information, your new course will be added to the course list and may be modified or edited like existing courses. Click on the 'Course Settings' button to change the default course settings. Appendix A shows the default program settings.Required new course information:
Full Title - AcroTrain use the full title as the course name throughout the program and utilities to identify the course to learners and administrators.
Short Title - AcroTrain use the short title to identify the course and run certain program functions based on the course. This title may not be changed once saved.
Access Code - An access code must be used to add a course. If you wish to let the learner access a course without entering a code, then deselect the 'Use Access Code' option as explained below on the course-settings page.
Course Type - There are three available course types:
Regular: Regular courses have at least one module and one topic and they appear on the course list.
Exam-Only: Normally learners are unable to access a course exam until they complete the course. Use an exam only course when you want to create a pretest, posttest, practical exercise, survey or other assessment that the learner can select during login.
Exam-only course must have exams and exam questions available. If the exam is for an existing course, set the related exam-only text library to the same folder as the existing course text folder. This will make the exams and questions from the existing course available to the exam-only course.
Instructor-Led: You may use AcroAdmin to track instructor-led courses and other learner-centered functions such as qualification requirements. Instructor-led courses will not appear on the login list. However, you may manually enter their status using AcroAdmin to provide a central location for learner records.
Libraries Folder - The libraries folder provides a master folder to contain subfolders for course exercises, graphics, presentations, HTML-help files, animations and other media. Normally each course must have a different text folder. See 'Setting the Libraries Folder' below for more information.
AUTHORING TIP - If your course includes a complete module from another course, assign the same folders as the other course.
For
example, some learners need course modules 1, 2 and 3, and some only need
modules 1 and 2. After adding the full course, add a second course. Assign
the second course the same libraries folders as the first course. Add a module
1 and module 2 to the second course. Also add separate exams for the second
course, if needed. Modules 1 and 2 for both courses will be the same. If you
revise a PowerPoint presentation, add or delete topics or modify questions,
the changes will be effective for both courses.
Click 'Import' and browse to the course you desire to import. You may import a course that is already part of your installation by giving the course a unique short title and access code. Manually establish and move files into folders needed by the imported course.
AUTHORING TIP: One key reason to import a course is when you have two installations, one for use by learners and one for course authoring. This permits the course author to create new courses and revise courses 'off-line.' After testing the course, import it into the production installation. Using relative libraries makes importing much easier. Simply copy the unique course folders such as the Text and Presentations folders to the target installation. Any unique files such as the course intro and exit html files, if used, must also be copied to the folder anticipated by the course.
A second use for import is to quickly configure a new course with settings that are the same as an existing course. Import the desired course file, and then edit the settings and parameters that are unique to the new course. If the new course will share modules with the existing course, then they should have the same text, presentation and other folders. This gives you a single location for editing the shared content. If the new course will not share modules, then the new course must have a separate Text folder and will likely benefit from a separate Presentations folder.
Deleting a Course
AcroTrain permits you to displace a course to delete it from the course listings. When a course is displaced it will not be available in any program or utility until you recover it. You can recover it by using the 'Recover displaced course' button after clicking on the 'Add' a new course button. Recovery will only be available if a course was previously displaced.If you wish to permanently delete a course, Displace the course, then manually delete the files associated with the course.
WARNING! Exercise caution when deleting libraries. It is normal for more than one course to share the same folder and files. For example, if you used separate presentation and text folders for the displaced course, these folders may be deleted if no other course uses these folders. However, help, graphics and HTML folders may not have been used exclusively by the displaced course. Problems associated with deleting needed files include error messages when learners attempt to load courses, no presentations run, no questions available for exams, improper screen appearance and failure of the program to run. Also, if you latter recover the displaced course, you will have to manually replace all needed files.
To recover previously displaced courses use the 'Recover displaced course' button after clicking the 'Add' a new course button at the Course authoring level. Also manually replace any required course files if they were moved or deleted.
The AcroTrain system provides numerous course settings to optimize the learning experience. To modify course settings, start at the course authoring level. Click on the course that you wish to modify, and it will appear in red text on the 'Selected course' line. Then click on the 'Course Settings' button. Directory setting is required for each course. AcroTrain uses default values for the other optional course settings. Appendix A lists program settings and their defaults values. The basic program settings are illustrated below.
Click on the 'Advanced' button to change several course settings including instructor mode, audit mode, no objectives, certificate and copy options:
- Resize the screen to 800 X 600:
- Cover the background with black
- Dim the objectives button
- Help Browser
- Text Color
- Background Family
- Permit sound
- Permit web links
- Permit instructor mode
- Audit mode
- Copy files to the learner's computer
- Require an access code to register
- Include an exam with this course
- Present an introduction when the course begins
- Certificate selection
- Certificate text and appearance
Setting the Course Directories (Folders)
Click the 'Directories' button on the Course Settings screen to revise the course file locations. The terms directory and folder are interchangeable as used here. The libraries folder contains subfolders for the exercises, graphics, presentations, animations and other media required to properly run your course. You may use the same folder for more than one course. However, a change to any file will change the file for all courses sharing that file.
Use the 'Browse' button to designate a specific path or network location for the library folder, or click the 'Relative' check box to set the libraries folder or subfolders relative to your program parent folder. Using a relative location increases your flexibility to move the entire AcroTrain base folder and subfolders from a development site to a production site without changing file designations. Using relative folders is required if you wish to run your course directly from a CD-ROM or use the Client-Host feature.
The Text, Graphics, Presentations, HTML and Help directories may be set independent of each other. By making these library subfolders independent, each course will have different presentations, graphics, HTML files etc. If you have courses that need to share presentations, graphics, HTML files etc., then they will need to use the same folder for the shared content.
AcroTrain relies on files in the Graphics, Help and HTML folders to present the courses and exams. If you designate a different location for these folders, copy the files from the original folders to the corresponding folders. You may revise many files in those folders and add files to those folders to customize your course appearance. The Presentations and Text folders normally contain course specific files. The Text folder must be unique for each course unless you plan to share complete modules with more than one course.
The default course file designation assumes the course will only share help and graphics files with other courses. The Presentation, Text and HTML folders will be set as subfolders to a folder that uses the course short name. Since all course must have an HTML file that runs when learners exit courses, AcroEdit will offer the option to copy the default HTML files from the HTML folder directly beneath the Libraries folder. The files that get copied are: exit.html, intro.html, ctobj.html, acro_powered.swf, gettingthemost.htm and intro.avi from the HTML folder and macromedialogo.jpg and atlogo.gif from the Images subfolder.
Directory structure example:
- AcroTrain Folder(<FileLocation>)
- - Libraries Folder(<FileLocation>Libraries)
- - Graphics Folder with background and other graphics for all courses (<LibrariesDir>Graphics)
- - Help Folder with instructions and AcroHelp for all courses (<LibrariesDir>Help)
- - HTML folder with default HTML files (<LibrariesDir>HTML)
- - Course1 Folder (<LibrariesDir>Course1)
- - Presentations Folder for Course1 (<LibrariesDir>Course1\Presentations)
- - Text Folder for Course1 (<LibrariesDir>Course1\Text)
- - Exams Folder for Course1 (<LibrariesDir>Course1\Text\Exams)
- - HTML Folder for Course1 (<LibrariesDir>Course1\HTML)
- - Courses2A and 2C Folder (<LibrariesDir>Course2A)
- - Presentations Folder for Courses2A, 2B and 2C (<LibrariesDir>Course2A\Presentations)
- - Text Folder for Courses2A and 2C (<LibrariesDir>Course\Text)
- - Exams Folder for Course 2A and 2C (<LibrariesDir>Course\Text\Exams)
- - HTML Folder for Courses 2A, 2B and 2C (<LibrariesDir>Course\HTML)
- - Course2B Folder (<LibrariesDir>Course2B)
- - Text Folder for Course2B (<LibrariesDir>Course2B\Text)
