E-learning Authoring Tools Software Comparison

What are e-learning tools?

E-learning tools are software applications or platforms that enable educators and instructional designers to create online courses and training materials. They are pivotal in the shift from traditional classroom settings to digital learning environments, offering interactive, web-based, and mobile learning experiences to learners.

Before we dive it, let’s understand what the difference between Elearning and authoring tools are.

E-Learning

This refers to the use of electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside a traditional classroom. In most cases, it refers to a course, program, or degree delivered completely online. E-Learning can also include a mixture of online and offline approaches in a blended learning strategy.

Authoring Tools

Specifically eLearning authoring software, are software platforms used for creating online training content. These tools provide an interface that enables users to create, read, and edit course content, usually without having to understand programming languages. They can convert different formats, such as Word, PDF, or PPT, into a format suitable for online learning, often compatible with Learning Management Systems (LMS). Popular eLearning authoring tools include Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, and various open-source options.

Different types of authoring tools

1. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Tools: These tools let creators view the final appearance of content as it is being produced. Example: Adobe Captivate.
2. WYSIWYM (What You See Is What You Mean) Tools: They focus on the content's structure, rather than its display. Example: LaTeX.
3. Screen Recording Tools: Used primarily for software tutorials. Example: Camtasia.
4. Template-based Tools: They offer predefined course templates. Example: Articulate 360.

Benefits of using e-learning tools:

• Flexibility and Accessibility: E-learning tools allow learners to access courses anytime, anywhere on multiple devices.
• Interactive Learning: Engage learners through simulations, quizzes, and gamification features.
• Cost-effective: Reduces costs associated with traditional classroom training.

Why do you need an e-learning authoring tool?

Using an e-learning authoring tool, educators can create high-quality, interactive, and adaptive content tailored to the needs of the learners. They facilitate seamless integration with learning management systems (LMS) and ensure that courses are SCORM or xAPI compliant. Additionally, they offer a toolkit for multimedia content creation, such as animations, drag-and-drop functionalities, and screen recording.

Use Cases

1. Employee Training: Human Resources departments can utilize eLearning authoring tools to develop interactive courses for employee onboarding or ongoing training. The software may offer features like software simulation to replicate real-world tools that employees will use.
2. Educational Institutions: Teachers and instructional designers can use these tools to develop online courses, including microlearning modules, to supplement classroom instruction or provide complete online training.
3. Consulting and Coaching: Subject matter experts in specialized fields can create content to train or coach others. With permissions control, these experts can also collaborate with other professionals to produce high-quality training content.
4. Healthcare Training: Medical facilities can create training courses that cover essential procedures, protocols, and patient care techniques, making sure all staff are well-equipped and updated with the latest practices.
5. Software Companies: Such firms often use eLearning authoring tools for customer education. They may produce interactive tutorials and courses that teach customers how to use their software, often delivered via a mobile app for convenience.

Platforms, OS, and Devices

• Platforms: These tools are often cloud-based, making them accessible via web browsers, though some also offer desktop applications.
• Operating Systems: Most eLearning authoring tools are compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. Some may also work on Linux, though this is less common.
• Devices: While course authoring is generally done on a desktop or laptop, the end content is usually designed to be responsive, meaning it can be accessed via various devices including tablets and smartphones.

eLearning authoring tools serve a crucial role in the development of online training and educational content. They are versatile tools that cater to various needs, spanning different sectors and applications. With the right tool in hand, one can produce engaging and effective training courses that can be accessed across a range of devices and operating systems.

Additional Notes

• The Best eLearning Authoring Tool: Determining the best tool often depends on specific needs, such as the type of content, workflow, and features like Tin Can API compatibility for tracking and reporting.
• Flash: Older tools might have relied on Flash for interactive elements, but this is largely deprecated and most modern tools offer HTML5-based interactions.
• Microlearning: Authoring tools often have features to support microlearning, a strategy that offers content in small, specific bursts for easier consumption and retention.
• Open-Source: Some tools are open-source, allowing users greater flexibility in modifying the tool’s functionalities but usually requiring more technical expertise.
• Permissions: These tools often allow for permissions management, enabling collaboration among multiple contributors at different levels of access.

Difference between WYSIWYG and WYSIWYM authoring tools:

WYSIWYG tools allow creators to see content exactly as it would appear to the end-user. In contrast, WYSIWYM focuses on the semantic structure, emphasizing the content's meaning rather than its appearance.

Key features of E-learning authoring tools:

• Intuitive User Interface: Ensures ease of use and a shallow learning curve.
• Interactivity: Tools to create quizzes, simulations, and other interactive modules.
• Cloud-based Functionality: Allows for real-time collaboration and content creation from anywhere.
• Mobile Learning Compatibility: Ensures courses are accessible on mobile devices.
• Multimedia Integration: Facilitates embedding videos, audio, and animations.

Best E-learning Authoring Tools:

1. Adobe Captivate:
2. • Description: Adobe Captivate is a pioneering e-learning authoring tool that's perfect for creating elearning content, especially simulations, software demonstrations, and SCORM-compliant courses. With its responsive design capabilities, it ensures that elearning courses look great on any device.
   • Top 3 Features: Responsive Designs, VR elearning, Interactive Videos.
   • Cost: $33.99/month (pricing can vary based on promotions and bundles).
2. Articulate Storyline:
3. • Description: Part of the Articulate 360 suite, Storyline is famed for its intuitive user interface. It allows for course creation with an ease reminiscent of PowerPoint but with deeper functionality tailored to elearning.
   • Top 3 Features: Drag-and-drop Functionality, Multimedia Integration, Screen Recording.
   • Cost: $1,399 for a perpetual license (Storyline 3).
3. iSpring Suite:
4. • Description: Known for its seamless integration with PowerPoint, iSpring Suite offers a familiar interface for course developers. It's excellent for those transitioning from PowerPoint presentations to more interactive elearning courses.
   • Top 3 Features: PowerPoint Integrations, Quizzes and Simulations, Screen Recording.
   • Cost: $770/year.
4. Elucidat:
5. • Description: Elucidat is a cloud-based elearning authoring tool that emphasizes collaborative course creation. Its user-friendly interface ensures even beginners can craft high-quality elearning content.
   • Top 3 Features: Collaborative Authoring, Responsive Design, Gamification.
   • Cost: Pricing is custom based on requirements; one needs to contact them for an exact quote.
5. Lectora Online:
6. • Description: Lectora Online offers a powerful platform for creating elearning courses that are SCORM-compliant. Its strength lies in its multimedia integration capabilities and its adaptive learning paths.
   • Top 3 Features: SCORM-compliant, Adaptive Learning, Multimedia Integrations.
   • Cost: Starts at $899/year.
6. Articulate 360:
7. • Description: Articulate 360 is more than just an authoring tool; it’s a suite of applications designed for end-to-end course creation. This includes the famous Storyline, as well as tools for sourcing assets and reviewing courses.
   • Top 3 Features: Content Library, Storyline Integration, Peer Review Capability.
   • Cost: $999/year.
7. Camtasia:
8. • Description: Camtasia is chiefly a screen recording tool but has become a staple for instructional designers because of its video editing capabilities. It’s ideal for creating software tutorials and demonstrations.
   • Top 3 Features: Screen Recording, Video Editing, Interactive Quizzes.
   • Cost: $249 for a one-time fee.
8. Gomo:
9. • Description: Gomo is a cloud-based authoring tool that emphasizes creating multi-device learning. The courses you create automatically adapt to the screen size of the learner’s device.
   • Top 3 Features: Cloud-based Collaboration, Multi-device Learning, Analytics.
   • Cost: Pricing starts at $890/year but varies based on the package.
9. Tumult Hype:
10. • Description: Tumult Hype is a unique authoring tool tailored for creating web-based animations and interactive content. It’s great for designers who want to add a touch of interactivity without diving deep into programming.
    • Top 3 Features: HTML5 Animations, Timeline-based Editing, Responsive Layouts.
    • Cost: $54.99 for a standard edition.

FAQs:

How do I choose an eLearning authoring tool?

Choose based on the tool's user-friendliness, feature set, pricing options, compatibility with LMS platforms, and the learning curve involved.

Who is one of the most popular eLearning software?

Articulate Storyline is one of the most popular eLearning authoring tools known for its intuitive user interface and powerful features.

What are some benefits of using eLearning authoring tools?

They offer flexibility, interactive learning experiences, cost-effectiveness, and seamless integration with learning management systems.

What is the difference between authoring tools and authoring platforms?

Authoring tools focus on content creation, while authoring platforms encompass a broader range, including course distribution, learner analytics, and often come integrated with LMS features.