Here are some software tools we use to create and manage our quizzes and e-Learning modules.

Tests and Quizzes

Articulate QuizMaker: http://www.articulate.com/ New version just out with branching, media and other features. However, database tracking was NOT included in this release. $700 USD

Wondershare QuizCreator: http://www.wondershare.com/ Similar to QM above, but does allow for recording results to database. Also, developing Quiz Management System (QMS) for better test tracking, reporting and analysis. $260 USD

Question Writer: http://www.questionwriter.com/ Similar to QuizCreator but with less features. However, QW has background templates to customize the look and feel of the quizzes. Question Writer is also the best for sending both overall and questions scores to a database. Prices range from $195 to $395 USD for professional version.

IGiveTest: http://www.igivetest.com/ This is a browser-based system built on PHP and MySQL. It is a complete test management and tracking system. Fewer question types and media capability compared to the two above. $370 USD

See Software Reviews for our detailed evaluations of each of these software products.

E-Learning

Articulate Presenter: http://www.articulate.com/ The perceived leader in e-Learning tools. Converts PowerPoint presentations to Flash video. New version just released. $800 USD

Wondershare PPT2Flash Pro: http://www.wondershare.com/ Converts PowerPoint to Flash video. Not as many features as Presenter but still a good program. $200 USD

Adobe Captivate 3: http://www.adobe.com/ Multipurpose e-Learning development tool that includes simulations and quizzes. Steep learning curve. $700 USD

Audio

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/  The is an open source audio recording and editing program. It is great for capturing narration, cleaning it up and then importing it into e-Learning or quizzes. Free.

Sony Sound Studio: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/  A consumer version of a recording and editing program. Easy to use and provides excellent results. $55 USD

Sony Sound Forge 9: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/ This is the professional version of their audio recording and editing software. Has more features including better noise reduction and quality enhancement features. $300 USD

Plantronics DSP 400 USB microphone: Plug this microphone into your computer's USB port, open Audacity and record quality narration. Best Buy $100

Media

Auto Run Typhoon: http://www.autoruntyphoon/  This is a software program for creating menus and organizing content on a CD-ROM or DVD. $30 USD

Camtasia Studio: http://www.techsmith.com/  Probably the best program to capture computer screen activity. Great for developing software use tutorials. $300 USD

Snagit: http://www.techsmith.com/  This is a screen capture utility that is useful capturing any screen content for use in e-Learning and demo programs. $50 USD

Swish Video 3: http://www.swishzone.com/  This program does an excellent job in converting different video formats to Flash. Flash is the preferred format for e-Learning and quizzes. $50 USD

Software Development

EasyGen: http://www.easygen.com/  This software helps create interactive web pages using PHP and MySQL. However, very steep learning curve and somewhat flaky. $160 USD

PHPRunner: http://www.xlinesoft.com/  This is another PHP and MySQL development tool. Relatively easy to use and creates interactive forms and lists quickly. Also, has the best database Reports creation tool on the market. $400 USD

SQL Manager for MySQL: http://www.mysqlmanager.com/ This software is one of the best for managing your MySQL databases and related tables. Great for importing and exporting data from other applications, as well as copying tables across databases. $175 USD

E-Mail Mass Mailing

SendStudio (E Marketing Software): http://www.interspire.com/ This is a web-based mass e-mailing program. It has many useful features and is very fast. Allows for importing of external data to manage mailing lists. $450 USD

OemPro: http://www.octeth.com/ Does not have as many features as SendStudio, but does have the ability to extract mailing addresses directly from database tables. This means less work as only one list has to be maintained. It is web based so must be installed on a website. $295 USD