Since it was introduced last year, Articulate Storyline hasbecome one of the most popular eLearning rapid-development tools on the market.It simplifies most of the development processes, allowing users to create richand interactive eLearning experiences without needing to know how to actually writecode.

However, just because the learning curve for tools likeStoryline is less steep doesn’t mean there’s nothing to learn. Users of thesoftware must still understand the user interface and the process by which youuse the various functions.

Stephanie Harnett’s recently released book, Learning Articulate Storyline (PacktPublishing, 2013), works to fill that gap, leading readers through the variousfunctions of Storyline, from basic functionality to advanced features. Sidebar1 outlines the book’s topics, chapter-by-chapter.

What I liked

The book has a natural flow, starting with basic functionsand moving on to more complex tasks as it progresses. The writing is clear andaccompanied by plenty of annotated images of screen shots showing what thewriting is describing. The balance between words and images works very well,and enables the reader to follow along even if they are not sitting at acomputer with Storyline running.

Of course, learning how to use a tool like Storyline is atask best accomplished by actually using the tool, not reading about it. Thisbook accounts for that by including “Follow Along” sections that enable readersto put the skills they are reading about into practice.

While they were not available with the advance-copy providedfor this review, those who purchase this book will have access to a number ofexercise files for use in the “Follow Along” sections. These files contain allof the assets needed to execute the tasks listed. It’s an excellent way ofconverting the traditionally passive task of reading into a performance-basedskill-building activity.

I also appreciated the last chapter entitled RapidDevelopment. Most technical books like this show you how to use a tool, butstop short on exploring the little nuances of use that enhance your overallproductivity. This chapter explores the concept of reusability (leveragingexisting assets, build once/reuse many times, organizing assets, etc.) indetail, and shares other ways to enhance productivity when using Storyline.

The book closes with a fairly robust appendix filled with anumber of additional resources curated by the author that can continue toexpand your learning once you are finished with the book.

What I would like to have seen

I originally wrote the heading for this section as “What wasMissing.” I needed to change that. The purpose of this book is to explain howto use Articulate Storyline, and this book does a very good job ofaccomplishing that goal.

As an experienced instructional designer, I often receivequestions from less-experienced professionals such as, “What resources can yourecommend to learn how to use XYZ development tool?” I never answer thatquestion, at least, not in the literal way the question is asked. I find myselfmentally editing the question so that I can answer what, in most cases, thequestioner is really asking: “What resources can you recommend to learn how toDESIGN EFFECTIVE ELEARNING using XYZ development tool?”

That’s a different question. Using a tool like Storyline isa technical skill, while building an effective eLearning course is a designskill. Developing an effective eLearning module using a tool like Storylinerequires both the technical skill set and the design skill set.

While this book does not cover eLearning design, it doesacknowledge the importance of design at various points. I would love to be ableto recommend a single book to a novice instructional designer that covers boththe design and technical sides of eLearning development.

The verdict

As it stands, this book is an excellent resource for anyone wantingto learn how to use the technical aspects of Articulate Storyline. The bookcovers all of the major functions of the software at a good pace and withsufficient detail. The exercises available with the purchase of the book enablereaders to put the tasks into practice, developing and building on skills asthey progress through the book.

For an experienced eLearning developer (with strong designskills) using Storyline for the first time, this book covers just abouteverything you need to get started. LearningArticulate Storyline is also an excellent resource for less-experienceddevelopers who will be using Storyline in their work; just make sure that youpair the book with an appropriate book on design (such as Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen or Designing Successful eLearning byMichael Allen) to develop the complete skill set.

Publisher site

You can learn more about Learning Articulate Storyline on its dedicated page at the Packt Publishing web site.