Tools of the Trade

For our project, we explored several different applications as possible tools for our delivery system. We compared Moodle, Drupal, and Wordpress. One of the byproducts of the web 2.0 movement is the availability of many user-friendly open-source products. But while in this class, and in others, students are using new tools for instruction, companies seem to be slower to come around.

I recently began interviewing for internships, and the two applications that seem to be a necessity are Dreamweaver and Captivate. Initially, I was surprised that more tools weren't being used or explored, but after some of the technical challenges I have encountered this semester (in 865) as a result of using newer tools, I can understand why companies are slower to adapt new technologies. In 865, we designed an e-learning project to be built in Rapid Intake, and found later that there were a number of problems with the tool. We have the luxury as students to be able to explore and try new things, but in a corporate setting that wouldn't work.

I wonder, then, who the early adapters are for new technologies, especially rapid e-learning development tools like Rapid Intake and Udutu.com.