What is authorPOINT?

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What is authorPOINT software?

“authorPOINT is a PowerPoint to Flash plug-in tool that works as a toolbar inside PowerPoint to create SCORM compliant Flash presentations for your LMS. You will find the authorPOINT menu and tool bar in your PowerPoint window. Simply install authorPOINT. Then open your PowerPoint presentation and you are ready to begin capturing your synchronized authorPOINT presentation by clicking the capture button. You can capture audio only, to complete audio/video, and save to Macromedia Flash 8 Format, Windows Media or Real Media.”

In more simple terms, authorPOINT (aP) is software that allows you to add synchronized audio and/or video to any MS Powerpoint presentation. Additionally, this media-enhanced presentation can be published for the Internet, e-learning, CD distribution, and more.

Who can have a copy of authorPOINT software?

Our license for this application extends to all CPCC employees’ work and home computers. This applications is NOT licensed for distribution to or use by CPCC students. You can install it on your work desktop PC, your home system, your laptop, etc. You cannot install it on a student’s system, student lab, or shared public terminal.

What do I need to use authorPOINT?

  1. Meet minimum system requirements
  2. Supply a source for audio / video
  3. Supply a PowerPoint presentation

Minimum System Requirements

To use authorPOINT, you will need to meet the minimum system requirements (see software web site for details). Most CPCC desktop systems meet this already.

A/V Input Sources

You also need a source for audio and/or video media. Below are examples of some common sources.

  • Pre-recorded audio or video files. For example, an mp3 audio file or an mpg video file.
  • Desktop microphone
  • Headset microphone
  • Webcam or a camcorder that works through your computer

A/V input devices such as the ones above may be purchased by departments or, in some cases, may be available for check-out via the library. One important side note, is that aP has been problematic with some USB microphones. We have been told that this will be fixed in future updates.

PowerPoint Presentation

Additionally, aP requires a MS PowerPoint presentation. In fact, you will launch aP from within the PowerPoint application itself.

How do I get a copy of authorPOINT?

Employees can install authorPOINT in one of several ways.

  1. Download the application from the company web site and install it
    1. Go to http://www.authorgen.com
    2. Go to “Products”
    3. Select “authorPOINT”
    4. Download and install the trial version.
       
  2. Install it from the Windows XP Control Panel on any on-campus desktop
    1. Click on the “Start” button
    2. Go to “Settings” and click on “Control Panel”
      OR you may see “Control Panel” on the Start menu and click it
    3. Select "Add or Remove Programs" from the "Control Panel" area
    4. Click on the "Add New Programs" option
    5. Select "authorPOINT" from the available applications
    6. Click on the "Add" or "Install" button

Once installed, you will be running the 30 day trial version. This is a full version of the software, but will require a product key to permanently unlock it. Email Instructional Development at idev@cpcc.edu to request the most up-to-date software key to use.

How do I get training on authorPOINT?

On-Campus Trainings
Instructional Development will provide on-campus trainings for this application periodically and as needed. To request a training session, submit the online form or contact Instructional Development. (more)

On-Demand Trainings
On-demand training for this application is being developed and will be available online shortly. Until that time, the aP company web site has several tutorials that may be helpful to new users. (more)

How do I get support for authorPOINT?

Instructional Development and eLearning
For assistance, training requests, and general inquiries related to this application, contact Instructional Development's "eLearning Faculty Support Hotline" or email a request. (more)

  • Primary support contact
  • General inquiries
  • Request software key
  • Development assistance
  • Training requests

ITS Help Desk
aP software is not formally supported by ITS. However, they may be able to answer some common questions related to general desktop issues, A/V sources, peripherals, and online media. (more)

  • Does not formally support aP
  • Desktop support
  • Technical errors