Trident SCORM Development Software

I just recently learned about a SCORM development tool called Trident, which is distributed by Redbird Software. Trident is a SCORM Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The acronym IDE is common lingo for programming geeks like me… Wikipedia defines an IDE as software that “normally consist(s) of a source code editor, a compiler and/or interpreter, build-automation tools, and (usually) a debugger.” This means that Trident lets you code, debug, and package your eLearning modules in one place. Think about it this way: Trident lets you tweak and test your eLearning modules without having to upload them to your LMS each time you make a change. And you can monitor real-time API calls and associated data while testing your modules. Very nice.

I’ve been working with the demo version of Trident and I really like what I’m seeing. It has a forms-based interface which lets you enter metadata for an eLearning module (SCO) without having to even think about the gory details of SCORM; it writes all of the XML for you. I’ve seen other SCORM editors out there, but this really seems to be the end-to-end solution, from coding to packaging.

I hope to get a copy of Trident soon, and I’ll use it along with Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, and Captivate.

Fair warning: The Trident environment may seem overwhelming if you’re new to SCORM. If this applies to you, I’d first recommend getting up to speed with a few SCORM basics, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a copy of Claude Ostyn’s In the Eye of the SCORM by your side. After that, you’ll be ready to go. (Another great feature of Trident is the built-in Help section; it’s written in plain English with clear descriptions and instructions.)

Trident costs $349.00 right now, but the price is slated to go up to $499.00 on May 30, 2007.