An Evaluation of Three Tutorial-creating Software Programs: Camtasia, PowerPoint, and MediaSite

Abstract

This study took place at the William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library at East Carolina University. Its purpose was to determine the best practices for creating and delivering online database instruction tutorials for optimal information accessibility to Division of Health Sciences students. Using a case study methodology, PowerPoint, MediaSite, and Camtasia were used to produce almost identical online tutorials. Tutorial creating software was evaluated on four criteria: usability, accessibility, cost, and time required to create the tutorial. This study showed that of the three software programs, Camtasia delivered optimal results for short sessions such as database instruction.

KEYWORDS:

• Camtasia
• MediaSite
• online tutorials
• PowerPoint
• tutorial software comparisons

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amy Blevins

Amy Blevins, MALS ([email protected]) is Education and Instructional Technology Librarian

C. W. Elton

C. W. Elton, MS ([email protected]) is Education Technology Consultant, both at William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27858.