Check out the blog to know what features you must look for in a rapid authoring tool to develop online training programs in less time.
To stand firm in this heavily competitive world, organizations are expanding their market, frequently launching new products, and introducing new services. With so much to manage in so less time, they also have to train their employees quickly. E-learning authoring tools are one way you can meet the needs of training employees in quick succession. When you go online and search for authoring tools, you will be surprised to see the choices you have. So, how do you choose the right one?
Through this blog, I’ll help you make the right choice. There are a few ‘must-have’ features in an authoring tool that are non-negotiable. Make sure the tool you choose offers these features. With them, you can cut down your development time to a great extent. So, you wouldn’t want to compromise on it. Would you?
Here are 3 must have features for every rapid authoring tool to develop online training programs in less time.
1. Trigger/Actions and Variables
To create interactivities, assessments, or any activity, people usually write pages and pages of codes, which is quite a laborious process. Moreover, you might not get the output you want at the first attempt, which is again irritating. So, look for a rapid authoring tool that provides triggers/actions and variables. This feature lets you create any interactivity, assessments, or activities without the need for writing codes.
The triggers come with built-in codes. So, you need not have to work on it again. Simply access the feature, choose the appropriate combinations and apply to the object you want.
Variable, on the other hand, is a way to store information such as the name or a numeric value. They act as conditions for the execution of triggers.
2. Asset Store
Creating each and every element of the course is also a time-consuming and tedious task. Along with time and effort, you will also need different tools to create them. So, a built-in asset store can save your time, efforts, and money.
Look for a rapid authoring tool that has various built-in elements, such as different screen templates, interactivity templates, assessments, and characters. If not built-in, they should at least have an online asset store where you can log-in and download all these for free.
3. Dockable Panels
I know this feature seems too small to be considered. But believe you me, just like they say, “little drops of water make the mighty ocean”, this small feature saves a lot of your development time.
Usually, the windows and panels in you rapid authoring tool occupy a major portion of your interface, making the working area smaller. At times, you might have to zoom in or out for a comfortable view of the onscreen elements after you open any panel. If your panels are dockable, you’ll have more space to work on, and you’ll not have to open it again and again for every object.
The above mentioned features help you to minimize the course development time. You must not rely on only these features to select an authoring tool. You must also see if it fulfills your training needs. For example, if you want to develop software application training, you must see if the rapid authoring tool you chose has the ability to create software simulations.
