Udutu is a free web server based authoring tool that enables you to create courses with up to 50 screens free of charge. The software contains templates, allows you to upload your own content such as powerpoints, PDFs etc and amend previously created courses. Best of all it's aimed at subject experts and so you really don't have to be a techie to be able to use it. Registration is very quick and there are a number of video user guides to have a look at before you start. Mind you, saying that, it's so easy to use and intuitive that you could probably just dive straight in.
The tool has three main tabs; workspace (where you create your content), library (where your uploaded media is saved) and administration (where you can change your course or add learners). Within the workspace tab you have a number of screen types available therefore giving you a choice about the type of content / interactivity you'd like to include. If you went for a basic screen to start you would have a simple image and text (although you do have around 9 different types of basic screen...), an advanced screen gives the opportunity for rollover text amongst other options, you have 16 different types of assessment screens available including 'what's wrong with this image' therefore giving loads of choice. You can also include interactive schenarios, a glossary of terms and import powerpoints. All screens are shown as an image and explanation in the menu so that you have some idea of what you are choosing before you choose it!
Once you are happy with your course you can choose to 'publish & host', which has a fee. This means that you are given a URL to send to learners so that they can access content. Alternatively you can choose to 'extract', which is free. If you do this the course is saved as a ZIP file for use as you see fit. Be warned - if you choose 'extract' each page will appear with a watermark, although this can be removed by deleting from each screen individually. Your ZIP file is also very likely to be HUGE! All content is SCORM compliant.
Overall I was really impressed with Udutu. Very easy to use and loads of useful and engaging interaction. AND IT'S FREE!!!! Why not take a look for yourself and let me know how you get on http://www.udutu.com/
Hi Chloe,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reviewing our course authoring tool, MyUdutu (I saw the link to this in a tweet).
Can I just clarify a couple things for your audience?
1) There's no limit to the number of screens you can have in a course nor the number of courses you create.
2) There's no cost if you choose to distribute in 'preview mode' (where you will see a watermark on each screen that disappears when you click on it)
3) If you choose to have us host your course without a watermark you can do so for $1/screen/month. This allows for unlimited users/access to that course. As Chloe points out, you will get a URL that accesses the course and you can include it in your email, blog, site or whereever you want.
4) If you choose to extract the course, you can do so at no cost AND there is no watermark at all. You can then distribute the course via your own LMS, Web Server, removeable memory, CD Rom, or computer by unzipping the course into a folder and accessing the Launch file.
I hope this helps. Thanks again for finding us and spreading the word on Udutu!!
Regards,
Richard
richardm@udutu.com
Good one. BTW, has anybody tried Lectora Online? They offer a 30-day free trial. http://go2see.it/act
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