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Adobe Captivate: cmi.suspend_data as a temporary database to refer and branch

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    • CommentAuthorrebecca
    • CommentTimeMay 5th 2008
     
    Is it possible to use cmi.suspend_data in captivate as a database, where each slide in the storyboard can refer to this database and branch.
    I would like to automatically branch based on a database, rather than on buttons.

    For example... I would like to ask the user questions about demographics and health topics.

    I would like to use this data to give them specific educational interventions based on their gender and health.

    I don't believe I have the programming knowledge to do this, what type of programmer should I look for.

    Thanks
    • CommentAuthorphilip
    • CommentTimeMay 5th 2008
     
    hi rebecca

    Captivate's SCORM feature doesn't give you any ability to utilize suspend_data for your own activities.

    Assuming you edited Captivate's ActionScript code to handle something like this, you'd still have problems; suspend_data can only hold about 4000 bytes (about the same size as a JavaScript/HTML cookie), and can only contain a single string.

    A workaround for the string limitation is to use the JSON format, but you still have the 4K size limit, which is a teeeeny amount of space.

    So basically, suspend_data isn't really suited for that kind of use, which is OK because Captivate doesn't let you tap into it anyway. :)

    If I wanted want to control branching using external data, I'd keep my data in ActionScript format or XML. I'd make small Captivate movies for each scenario, then use a custom Flash "player" to load the Captivate SWFs and the external branching data.

    Bottom line is: it's much easier/faster/cheaper to stick with Captivate's built-in branching (as limited as it may be).

    - philip
    • CommentAuthorjghisi
    • CommentTimeJun 19th 2008 edited
     
    I notice that Captivate use the suspend_data to send information about the slide tracking, isn't right?

    I would like to know if is possible to analyse the suspend_data from captivate to define how many slides are, how many are completed and so..?

    Thanks

    Juliano
    • CommentAuthorphilip
    • CommentTimeJun 19th 2008
     
    Yes, Captivate currently uses suspend_data for slide tracking.

    You can probably analyze the suspend_data, but I wouldn't depend on it for anything.

    I also imagine the data will look pretty nonsensical to anyone unfamiliar with Captivate's inner workings, so it may not be a very fun task. :tongue:

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