Six e-Learning Authoring Tools & Platforms
More organizations are adopting the use of e-learning to organize training and classes. However, when it comes to e-learning authoring tool, every organization has its unique needs, preferences, and specifics regarding the nature of the e-learning platform to be set up.
It is thus vital that the authoring tool in use is suitable and caters to the organization's needs.
So, how do you decide on which e-learning authoring tools to adopt in your organization with a plethora of choices to select from? Let us look at five of the best e-learning authoring tools available to make the authoring experience a seamless one.
1) TheLearning LAB
TheLearning LAB is an innovative and cloud-based LMS that enables organizations to create training programs and e-learning platform & tool that are mobile and convenient. It incorporates video and motion designs which are elements that facilitate fluidity of the learning experience.
In addition, it employs an integrated strategy combining a variety of presentation methods and pedagogy strategies tailored to the organization's requirements.
Pros:
Video and 3d motion design enabled
Cloud-based
Makes provision for collaboration amongst teams
Blended learning and instructional design
API system
Very innovative
Lastest technologies
Cons:
Young Solution but it is the next generation solution
2) Articulate Storyline
Storyline 360 is part of the Articulate 360 suite and is the more traditional authoring tool of the 360 suite. Being the company's principal authoring tool, Articulate employs a PowerPoint-style interface, with an advanced feature set modified for experienced eLearning designers but undesirable for amateurs.
Pros:
Flexible and customizable design
Allows for PowerPoint import
Advanced features
Cons:
Complex logic required
Unavailable on Mac (except with the use of an emulator)
Desktop-based, therefore no provision for collaboration
3) Articulate Rise 360
Released by Articulate in 2016, Articulate Rise is designed with inexperienced users in mind. It makes it easy for amateur designers to create interactions with the aid of pre-installed interactions and drag and drop content blocks. It concentrates on quick, simple development but is flexible to a lesser degree than other authoring tools.
Pros:
Enables authoring teams to collaborate
Easy course and training creation
Access to Articulate Content Library 360
Cons:
Basic and limited variety of interactions ( you can, however, import style varieties through Storyline 360)
4) Adobe Captivate
From the Pioneer tools in the eLearning authoring sphere is Adobe Captivate, a desktop-based tool available on Mac and Windows. The most powerful e-learning authoring tool comes with a large range of pre-installed interactions and an asset library that allows authors to create simulations, virtual reality programs, and highly interactive content. It is, however, not the best choice for unskilled designers.
Pros:
Development of top-quality interactive learning
Virtual reality and simulation content-enabled
Wide variety of third party templates available
Cons:
Not cloud-based.
Hinders Collaboration
Steep learning curve
Limited mobile responsive learning
5) Lectora Online
A modification and upgrade from Lectora, one of the precedent e-learning authoring tools, Lectora online is cloud-based and contains rich features similar to articulate storyline and Adobe captivate. It enables designers to produce simulations and highly interactive content. In addition, Lectora online gives designers access to eLearning Brothers Asset Library with various templates.
Pros:
Cloud-based
Fully customizable
Cons:
Only suitable for experienced e-learning designers
Not completely mobile responsive
Steep learning curve
6) EasyGenerator
If you require an authoring tool that focuses on rapid and easy creation of learning, Easy Generator is an excellent choice. It is tailored for those without experience in eLearning authoring and helps learners also to develop content themselves.
Like Articulate Rise 360, drag-and-drop content boxes are available for designing questions, video, and audio.
Pros:
Easy to learn and customizable
Ability to import PowerPoint
Cons:
No inbuilt asset library available
Limited interaction styles