What is it and what does it do?
Prior to this week, I thought eLearning authoring software was just a learning management system (LMS). Now I know that the LMS can have some capabilities, but it is not a complete authoring software because they don’t have many of the advanced features of an eLearning authoring platform (Georgarakou and Malekos, 2023). eLearning authoring software is “a tool used to create different types of eLearning content, such as lessons, training, courses, assignments, exercises, simulations, and more” (Georgarakou and Malekos, 2023).
eLearning authoring programs allow for insertion of various media objects into an online course that can be used to provide cost-effective and affordable training for employees or lessons to students. They are used to publish content according to industry standards like SCORM, HTML5, xAPI, or Tin Can into LMS or a website (Loh, 2016; McGarry, 2022; Georgarakou and Malekos, 2023; Teyssier, 2016). SCORM is the most common eLearning standard, and it can be used with most LMS platforms (LeanForward, n.d.).
Types of eLearning authoring software
There are three types of authoring tools:
Standalone software that is installed on a computer
Integrated into an LMS
Cloud-based, subscription software that is used online (Loh, 2016; Georgarakou and Malekos, 2023).
Standalone software is generally more expensive, and may have more functionality. Cloud-based software is more flexible in where it can be used, and it is more easily updated (Martinez, 2017).
Things to consider when choosing eLearning authoring software
There are many things that need to be considered when selecting an eLearning authoring software platform. These include:
Who will use it and what is their skill level?
How it will be used?
Will existing content format be usable?
What is the end goal?
Is it compatible with your LMS?
Does it have desired features like text-to-speech, audio/video editing, drag and drop, and screen recording
How easy is it to learn and use?
What type of device and operating system is required?
How good is their customer service and help desk?
How much does it cost, and does it fit in your budget?
Are there templates available?
Does it integrate with PowerPoint?
Is there training or a knowledge base available?
Does it conform to SCORM standards (Loh, 2016; McGarry, 2022; Martinez, 2017; Georgarakou and Malekos, 2023; LeanForward, n.d.)
Examples of eLearning Authoring Tools
There are many types of eLearning authoring tools. Each of them have their own strengths and audiences. When you do a search online for top tools, several show up repeatedly including:
Articulate 360 / Rise 360 / Storyline
Elucidat
iSpring
Camtasia
Lectora
Gomo Learning
Easygenerator
DominKnow ONE
H5P (McGarry, 2022; Anonymous, 2022; Martinez, 2017)
Elearningindustry.com ranked the top 20 authoring tools based on user experience in 2022. Here are their rankings: https://elearningindustry.com/directory/software-categories/elearning-authoring-tools/best/user-experience
Why is this important to me?
As a person who is tasked with developing online, on-demand professional development for teachers, it is important that I know about eLearning authoring programs. I have learned more about how to research the different platforms and what questions to ask.
I have built some courses within our LMS, Schoology, but I haven’t been really thrilled with how they have turned out. After going through this module, I am seriously considering asking my district if we can purchase one of these programs. I have done some research, and I am strongly leaning toward iSpring Studio. It integrates with Powerpoint, has a low learning curve, and comes highly recommended. In terms of cost, it is not terribly priced when compared to some of the others. It seems to have a great learning library, and the customer service that I’ve experienced so far in my initial inquiry has been great. Here is a PDF that I was able to download from their website that has a lot of good information to consider when selecting and purchasing an eLearning authoring program.
References
Anonymous. (2022, January 21). The best authoring tools based on User Experience. eLearning Industry. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://elearningindustry.com/directory/software-categories/elearning-authoring-tools/best/user-experience
Georgarakou, R., & Malekos, N. (2023, February 8). The 10 best elearning authoring tools for 2023. LearnWorlds. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.learnworlds.com/elearning-authoring-tools/
LeanForward (No Date). E-Learning Authoring Tool Guide Is an e-Learning Authoring Tool Right for Your Organization? Retrieved April 13, 219 from http://docplayer.net/20563868-E-learning-authoring-tool-guide-is-an-e-learning-authoring-toolright-for-your-organization.html
Loh, K. (2016, May 13). ELearning authoring software. YouTube. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPBSqDrNbt8
Martinez, J. (2017, November 29). The best elearning authoring tools. PCMAG. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/348022/the-best-elearning-authoring-tools
McGarry, O. (2022, April 20). The top 12 elearning authoring tools (2022 update). LearnUpon. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.learnupon.com/blog/top-authoring-tools-elearning/
Teyssier, Y., (2016). 9 Myths About eLearning Authoring Tools And How To Use Them Properly. Retrieved April 12, 2019 from https://elearningindustry.com/9-myths-about-elearning-authoring-tools-use-properly
Comments