Rapid authoring tools for more effective eLearning solutions

A quick writing tool is a piece of software used to build online training materials that assists e-learning specialists in developing efficient web-based training programs. The lives of those who create online courseware are made simple by the numerous built-in capabilities of these tools. They make it possible for learning specialists, such as subject matter experts (SMEs) and instructional designers, who have no programming experience, to make the most of its features by eliminating the requirement for coding knowledge and multimedia tool competence. Rapid authoring tools enable us to create a wide range of e-learning courses fast and efficiently, from straightforward quizzes to interactive e-learning situations.

Rapid authoring tools come in 3 different varieties.

1. Power Point add-ins
2. Installable authoring programs
3. Cloud based authoring tools

 

Power Point add-ins

These are additions to Microsoft PowerPoint called plug-ins. When this is added, a ribbon tab containing the functions offered by the add-in appears.

The fact that these authoring tools are so simple to use is their main advantage. Anyone who is familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint may use them, therefore there is a very short learning curve. When compared to the installed authoring tools, these tools are less expensive. The PowerPoint add-ins Articulate Studio and Adobe Presenter are two examples.

These writing tools’ disadvantage is that they do not offer feature modification. With a few simple interactivities and exams, you may create a straightforward e-learning course. On the other hand, these tools might not be the best option if you need to create a highly interactive course.

Installable authoring programs

Installation-based writing tools, as opposed to PowerPoint add-ins, are independent, stand-alone programs. To use these authoring tools, they are to be installed on the computer. They include several built-in elements that may be modified to create extremely dynamic courses.

Contrary to PowerPoint add-ins and cloud-based authoring tools, these technologies are more expensive and need a longer learning curve. A few installed authoring tools are Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora Inspire

Cloud based authoring tools

These authoring tools are typically sold as Software as a Service (SaaS) and are subscriber-basely licensed. They don’t need to be installed on your machine because they are hosted online. On any connected computer, you can work on them online. All you must do is go to the website of the tool’s creator and log in. These tools’ built-in capabilities make it simple to create interactive e-learning courses. The learning curve is longer than it is for PowerPoint add-ins, though. However, compared to installation-based authoring tools, they are simpler to use. One or two examples of cloud-based e-learning writing tools are Udutu, Claro, and Easy Generator.

As you do not have to pay the entire licensing charge all at once, they are more affordable than installed authoring tools. These websites offer the option for pay as you go. If the device is online, one can work from anywhere. This benefit of the tool, however, can be a drawback if you don’t have an Internet connection or have a limited capacity. Data security can be a concern because these solutions are cloud-based, and this technology is still developing.

Here are some guidelines for selecting the best authoring tool:

1. Take Your Tool Competency into Account

If you discover that the tool does, in fact, match your unique needs but are unsure of your designers’ proficiency with it, either engage a tool expert to assist you or contract out the course development to a vendor who is knowledgeable about utilizing that tool.

2. Analyze And Compare Features

You and your design team may compare the features and pick the best choice if you have a solid understanding of the benefits and downsides of various writing tools.

3. Make sure they accept responsive design

In custom eLearning, responsive design is the rule rather than the exception. Today’s eLearning courses must be accessible on a variety of devices so that students can access them whenever and wherever they choose. Most writing tools on the market now enable responsive design, however there are several that can match your needs and offer more responsive design alternatives.

4. Check Out the Media Libraries and Assets in These Tools

Before choosing a tool, consider the numerous assessment templates provided by various tools as well as the available alternatives for customized comments.

5. Check for Translation Ease

Choose an authoring tool that will facilitate course translation with the least amount of time and effort.

Now, listed out below are the best authoring tools in the market.

1. Producer

You can easily, reliably, and at scale develop professional interactive eLearning courses with Producer. It assists you and your team throughout the whole learning design process, from analyzing learning needs to creating effective digital and blended learning. Additionally, it promotes teamwork using project management and commenting/review tools.

Pros:

• Easy to learn
• Internal logic for adaptive learning
• Truly responsive to mobile
• Dynamic project management
• Scoping instruments and group design
• You may create your own Themes using thousands of templates and resources, including pre-built learning, to keep learning visually consistent and on brand.
• The WYSIWYG editor

Cons:

• Limited layout customization options
• No capabilities for software simulation
• No built-in video capturing or editing capabilities

 

2. Articulate Storyline 360

The company’s primary authoring tool, Storyline 360, is a component of Articulate 360. Articulate has a PowerPoint-like user interface and a comprehensive feature set that thrills seasoned eLearning developers but could be too much for inexperienced ones. Compared to some competitors, it allows for more customization, albeit this could slow down development.

Pros:

• Versatile and adaptable design
• PPT import is permitted
• A high level of features

Cons:

• Rapid learning curve
• Sophisticated, unique logic is necessary
• Not actually mobile-responsive
• Mac is not supported (unless using an emulator)
• Collaboration is difficult because they are desktop-based systems.

 

3. Adobe Captivate

Unlike Articulate Storyline, Captivate is a desktop authoring tool that was one of the first in the eLearning authoring space and is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Although Captivate is a great eLearning tool for seasoned authors, it is less appropriate for individuals who are just starting out in eLearning production.

Pros:

• Authors with the right skills can create engaging interactive learning
• PPT to eLearning conversion
• Create VR content There are several third-party template options available.

Cons:

• Incline learning curve
• Needs intricate custom logic
• Learning for mobile devices is only possible with certain templates or fluid boxes.
• Because it is desktop-based, collaboration is difficult.

 

4. Articulate Rise

In contrast to Storyline, which was introduced by Articulate as part of the 360 suite in 2016, Rise is aimed for beginners or people who want to put learning together quickly. It makes it simple to develop interactions of a high caliber by using prebuilt interactions and drag-and-drop content blocks to build out your learning.

Pros:

• Designed to make creating courses simple
• Articulate Content Library 360 accessibility
• Enables numerous authors to work together to improve learning

Cons

• Every course feels the same in the end.
• Inability to produce complicated relationships (however, you can import through Storyline 360)
• Responsive for mobile

 

5. Lectora Online

One of the first eLearning authoring tools, Lectora, now has a cloud-based version called Lectora Online. Like Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate, Lectora Online has a higher learning curve and requires an experienced eLearning designer in order to produce truly excellent eLearning.

Pros:

• Access to the eLearning Brothers Asset
• Library through the cloud
• Fully customizable

Cons:

• Incline learning curve
• Not truly responsive to mobile (you need to create new views for each device)
• Intricate user interface

 

6. Gomo

Gomo creates learning that is responsive to mobile devices first. You can get up and going quickly with the help of pre-built templates, the quick-start wizard, and a variety of interactive templates. A variety of themes are available from Gomo that may be customized to fit your project or business. Collaboration is facilitated by shared libraries and a team-based methodology.

Pros:

• Dynamic templates
• Simple to learn
• True mobile responsiveness

Cons:

• No WYSIWYG editor
• Less choices for customization than some rivals

 

7. Easy Generator

EasyGenerator, as its name suggests, focuses on producing learning quickly and easily. It is appropriate for individuals without prior eLearning authoring knowledge. In fact, the business supports user-generated content, which lets students produce their own content. You can drag and drop question, audio, and video content blocks.

Pros:

• Easily mastered
• Import PowerPoint capability

Cons:

• No built-in asset library
• Limited interaction types

 

8. Elucidat

The development of digital learning at scale is made simple by Elucidat. With role-based permissions, many authors, and a central asset library, it is cloud-based and heavily emphasizes collaboration. High-quality learning can be easily created thanks to the library of prebuilt templates, but more experienced users can also create their own pages using the ‘layout designer’.

Pros:

• Fantastic teamwork capabilities
• User interface that is simple
• True mobile responsiveness

Cons:

• Expensive unless you’re creating large-scale programs
• A lack of custom interactions

 

So, which authoring tool suits you the best?