Description
eLearning authoring tools are programs that help individuals create a final learning product. Typically, authoring tools, as compared to programming tools require less technical knowledge to master and are used exclusively for applications that present a mixture of text, graphics, and audio.
Tools
As an instructional designer I use authoring tools on a daily basis. In 2013, the eLearning Guild published a research report, entitled Rapid eLearning Authoring: Top Tools, which discussed the top seven tools used in the field:
- Adobe Captivate,
- Articulate Presenter,
- Articulate Engage,
- Adobe Connect,
- TechSmith Camtasia,
- Adobe Presenter, and
- Harbinger Raptivity.
Many of these tools have things in common, such as: quiz development, LMS connectivity, flash-based output, learning interactions, skins, color schemes, and interface customizations. But, there are also major differences. The tool I use the most is Articulate Storyline/Storyline 2. Storyline was released commercially in late 2012 and Storyline 2 was released September 2014, which explains why these were not incorporated in the report. Linked is a short video that discusses the key features:
One of the most interesting eLearning trends is the rise of mobile learning (mLearning), and how rapidly these eLearning authoring tools are incorporating functionality that allows for the development of mLearning content. For example, most of the new mLearning tools can publish a project as HTML 5 or in the mp4 video format. This gives eLearning developers an easier path towards running a course on Apple mobile devices such as the iPad.