CourseWare Functionality

CourseWare consists of two software tools that allows developers to create web-based tutorials and streamed simulation lessons. One of the two components to Coursware is FlowHow, which is a java based software tool that allows users to create flexible HTML tutorial sets. The second component, ShowHow, is an XML based software tool that allows users to build simulation lessons from a series screen captures.

FlowHow Functionality

  • FlowHow is packaged with a standard set of stencils. Each stencil shape has a standard html template associated with it. These templates are customised to meet client requirements. Business process diagrams are drawn using these stencils, and web-enabled training content is added for each step in the process using the html templates.
  • In the case where clients have business processes documented in Microsoft Visio 2002, these processes can be imported into FlowHow.
  • When the business process and associated content are finalised, the tutorial set is compiled using FlowHow.
  • Content can consist of text, embedded Macromedia Flash movie clips or embedded images. All of these items are included to create an interactive, multi-media learning experience.
  • External documents, such as MS Word, MS Excel etc. are linked to the tutorial set from within FlowHow. Similarly, simulated (ShowHow) lessons are also linked to the tutorial setfrom within FlowHow.

Example of a Business Process based tutorial set:

Example of a Non-business Process based tutorial set:

 

ShowHow Functionality

ShowHow comprises of two components, namely:

  • ShowHow Editor
  • ShowHow Generator

The ShowHow Editor is the application which is used to create a single xml document containing all the required information and data to produce an interactive simulation.
The ShowHow Generator is the application which is used to convert the xml document, created using the ShowHow Editor, into an interactive simulation.


Features of an Interactive ShowHow Lesson:

  • Both knowledge and skills objectives are formulated for each lesson.
  • We create a concrete context or scenario for each simulation. The Scenario describes a particular business context in which the transaction is performed, and includes the central data to be entered during the transaction.
  • Each lesson is available in Training Mode. The training mode contains explicit, step-by-step instructions as to what the user is required to do, and how.
  • Each lesson is also available in Test Mode. In test mode instructions function as a prompt rather than an explicit instruction. Users can not navigate backwards and forwards, but must follow the transaction through to its end.

An instructor window is displayed at the bottom right hand corner of each screen within the simulated lesson.
Information contained within this instructor window assists the end user to complete the lesson successfully.


The instructor window is illustrated below:

Various options are available to the end user from within the instructor window.
The numbered features indicated above are described in more detail below:

1. ShowMe Pointer: Points to the field/ button referred to in the instructor window. Note: ShowMe Pointer functionality is not available in Test Mode.
2. Screen Instructions: provide background and/ or enrichment information relating to a screen/ field/ button.
3. Objectives: describe what the end user will learn by completing a specific lesson.
4. Scenario: provides business context in which a particular transaction/ function is performed.
5. Document: End users are able to print a version of the lesson if they prefer a paper-based reference.
6. Previous: Allows the end user to navigate to the previous screen and its associated instructions. Note: This functionality is not available in Test Mode.
7. Next: Allows the end user to navigate to the next screen and its associated instructions. Note: This functionality is not available in Test Mode.
8. Exit: Allows the end user to close the lesson at any point.

  • For each screen within a ShowHow lesson the developer is able to specify three types of instructions, namely training instruction (detailed instructions), test instructions (pared-down prompts) and screen instructions (additional, enrichment information related to the screen).
  • The xml document, created by means of the ShowHow Editor, is converted to an interactive lesson by the ShowHow Generator.
  • The ShowHow Generator also is used to generate a printable version of the simulated lesson.