SmarBuilder
As I sat down I started to blog about Cacoo; a tool that I stumbled across recently while I was reading a tech news site that I frequent often. Cacoo allows users to create diagrams and flow charts in real time with multiple people simultaneously. I encourage you to check it out it’s quite impressive.
So why the sudden change of mind? I wanted to talk about Smart Builder. I’ve been using this software over the course of the last 8 months or so and I would like to share my experiences.
Smart Builder is a course-authoring tool that I use to create e-learning courses and simulations for my organization. Unlike some of the other tools of its nature it’s hosted online and can be accessed via a supported web browser. There is no software to install so it can be used virtually from any computer with Internet access. The other benefit to this is that the courses and media that you work on are stored online as well. So there’s no need to worry about files stored on a hard drive. Another great thing about this tool that is highly collaborative. It allows my teammates and I to work on the same course, but not at the same time. There is also an option that allows others to review your work and give feedback on a screen-by-screen basis.
As far as ease of use is concerned, I would say its somewhere in the middle. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. When I first started using Smart Builder there was a huge learning curve. There was so much flexibility in what and how you could create things that I became overwhelmed and downright frustrated at times. To be fair I was trying to convert simulations with a new tool that was completely different from how I created them over the last few years. Also when working with something as complex as an authoring tool a certain level of new learning is expected. From where I stand today, I appreciate that flexibility as it allows me to be creative in how I do things.
Like any other software SmartBuilder has its gripes. What tool doesn’t? I don’t think the perfect solution exists. Since it’s an online tool, it’s only as good as your connection. If you don’t have a solid connection your in trouble. There have been times when I was working and the tool stop functioning because it lost connection to the network. Tools that are installed locally on a computer don’t have this issue. The good thing is that Smartbuilder has in incorporated and Autosave feature that comes in handy if you lose network connection or power.
What I can’t speak to enough is about the level of customer service and support that SmartBuilder offers. Whenever I have had a question or issue whether it was big or small they always delivered. It’s not everyday as a customer that I have had the opportunity to develop a rapport with a software developer of a tool I use. SmartBuilder is not free but they do offer a free trial. If you are in the market for an authoring tool I suggest you give it a further look.
