The e-learning world can seem like a rather daunting prospect at first. Understanding the functions of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and content authoring tools can be overwhelming. Here’s a simple example to break down how e-learning modules are made. Think of it as a computer, in which the LMS is the hard drive. The e-learning courses and books are the files on the hard drive that people can access. And the keyboard and mouse are the content authoring tools – a tool through which a company can input (upload) files (e-books and learning programs) into the hard drive (LMS).
What are Content Authoring Tools?
Content authoring tools are powerful programs that allow a user to create different kinds of digital content. They allow you to take the content and restructure and arrange them into a format that is interactive. You can add media files, including videos, texts, photos, and audio. You can add rich media interactions to your content, with quizzes, multiple-choice questions, and augmented reality, among other options.
Choosing the Right Content Authoring Tool
The challenge that enterprises face today is which tool to select. And because of this, many factors come into play.
Cost is the first one. Content authoring tools come in different price variations, including freemium plans, one-time payments, payment by the number of users. Companies can choose one that fits their requirements.
Ease of use is another important factor. There are difficult tools that have more features and require a tech-savvy person to use them. And then there are tools that are easy to use, with fewer features. However, they could be sufficient for a company’s needs.
Also, don’t forget to check for compatibility with the Learning Management System before choosing a content authoring tool.
And finally, some tools are specialized, and thus bifurcated into categories. Some are meant to develop courses, while others are better at handling videos. Also, some are better for mobile presentations.
There are many products in the market, and each of them is unique in their offerings. But first, it is important to understand the needs of your company, and then choose a tool that meets all the requirements.
Listed below are some of the best content authoring tools in the market.
1. Storyline 360
Storyline 360 is Articulate’s content authoring tool. It is known to be difficult to operate and is best managed with a technical expert. Courses can be built manually from existing templates. Various interactions with the content can also be added.
The tool has a large library of photos and icons, so there are many ways in which content can be presented. Articulate also has a new product called Rise. It’s easier to use than Storyline, and it is web-based.
Articulate also has a robust web community that provides solutions to any problems you might have.
Know more about Storyline 360
2. Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is another software for the seasoned user. Difficult to use, but powerful in the options it provides. Captivate’s user interface is clean and easy to navigate. The product enables you to create interactive training courses or videos, and it also has a green screen feature where you can insert your own background.
It also gives users the opportunity to storyboard their courses. Users can use it to visualise the final training programs and map out the curriculum before starting to work on it. It also can integrate with PowerPoint, which makes it useful for businesses looking to create interactive content from their presentations.
Know more about Adobe Captivate
3. Elucidat
Elucidat is simpler than Adobe Captivate and Storyline 360. It’s a cloud-based authoring tool, which gives multiple creators a chance to work on the content together. Creators can leave comments for other team members to pick up and work on.
It has a rich asset library, a specialised gamification tool, and like Kitaboo Author, it is has a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface.
Know more about Elucidat
4. EasyGenerator
EasyGenerator is true to its name. No coding knowledge is required with this tool, and you can try it for free. With a focus on ease of creation, the tool is compatible with most LMS platforms. It has features such as content re-purposing, one-click publishing, and like most other tools, your learners’ journey can be tracked. And just like Kitaboo and Elucidat, EasyGenerator too has a WYSIWYG interface.
Know more about EasyGenerator
5. Eliademy
Users who don’t have a big budget have Eliademy as an option. This content authoring tool lets you create your own online course for free. It allows users to add quizzes and forums to make the content interactive. It is also mobile-first, so users can access the content on their smartphones.
Creating Native Digital Content with Kitaboo Author
Kitaboo Author specializes creating responsive content with a simple drag and drop feature. It is a cloud-based content authoring tool that is built for companies who want to digitize their learning, and education publishers looking to create interactive ebooks.
The output from the software can be integrated with any LMS easily. Modules can be created for multiple devices, and they allow you to have an instant preview of your content with a WYSIWYG output. It is also mobile-friendly, meaning e-learning content can be made accessible on any device. It also provides a responsive HTML5 output and a great analytics system where you can track how users are interacting with the content.
So, if you want to host books online and manage your titles, prices, and promotions, you can opt for Kitaboo Author. Its content delivery platform Kitaboo Insight can also be used to make your digitally enhanced content accessible to your users in a secure DRM protected format.
Conclusion
E-learning is the bedrock of all forms of education today – from corporate training and higher education to individuals looking for self-learning opportunities. Content authoring tools are being used to design learning programs that are engaging and interactive. Selecting the right tool can save you time and cost while delivering a high-quality output that will guarantee learner engagement and eventually add value to your business.