What are eLearning Authoring Tools and Why Organizations Need Them

In the fast-paced world of business, the need for effective and efficient training has never been greater. As companies strive to stay ahead of their competitors, they must constantly develop and refine the skills of their workforce and that’s where authoring tools come in. eLearning authoring tools are powerful software applications that enable companies to create custom eLearning content, tailored to their unique training needs. They provide an easy-to-use platform for trainers to create engaging, multimedia content that can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. This blog highlights the importance of eLearning authoring tools and lists a few tools apart from the mainstream ones.

What are eLearning Authoring Tools and Why Organizations Need Them

eLearning authoring tools are software applications that enable organizations to create their own eLearning content, without the need for extensive programming or technical expertise. These tools provide an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows trainers to create and edit content easily, using a range of multimedia elements such as images, videos, and interactive quizzes. From compliance training to skills development, authoring tools can help companies improve employee performance and drive business success. Here are a few benefits of using eLearning authoring tools –

1. Flexible

They allow organizations to create eLearning content that is tailored to their specific needs and can be accessed by employees anytime, anywhere. This is particularly useful for organizations with remote or distributed teams, as it enables them to provide consistent training across multiple locations. Employees can access the eLearning content on their desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, making it convenient for them to learn at their own pace and in their preferred environment.

Moreover, eLearning authoring tools also allow trainers to create different types of eLearning content, such as microlearning modules, simulations, and gamification-based courses. This means that trainers can choose the most appropriate type of eLearning content for their employees, depending on their learning needs, preferences, and goals. This flexibility can help to improve employee engagement, performance, and productivity, and ultimately contribute to the organization’s success.

→ Download eBook Now: 32 eHacks to Jumpstart Your eLearning

2. Cost-Effective

eLearning authoring tools can help organizations create and deliver training content online eliminating the need for traditional classroom-based training. eLearning authoring tools allow organizations to create reusable eLearning content that can be used for multiple training programs. This means that organizations can save on the costs associated with creating new training materials for each program. Additionally, eLearning content can be easily updated and modified, which means that organizations can avoid the costs of reprinting training materials or hiring trainers to deliver updated content.

3. Track Employee Progress

eLearning authoring tools enable organizations to track the progress of their employees, by providing built-in learning analytics and reporting features. This allows trainers to identify areas where additional training may be required, and to adjust their training programs accordingly. eLearning authoring tools enable trainers to track employee progress through the eLearning content, including how much content has been completed, the time taken to complete the content, and the quiz scores. This information can be used to monitor employee progress and identify any issues that may be hindering progress.

eLearning authoring tools can also provide feedback to employees based on their performance and progress. Trainers and managers can use the analytics and reporting features to identify areas of improvement and provide personalized feedback to employees. This feedback can help employees to improve their performance and progress through the eLearning content. Organizations can also track course completion rates and assessment scores to ensure that employees have completed the required training and are compliant with regulatory requirements, and thus eligible for relevant certifications.

4. Consistent

eLearning authoring tools ensure that all employees receive the same training, regardless of their location, department, or shift. Consistent training is particularly important in industries where compliance and safety regulations are a significant concern, such as healthcare and manufacturing. By using eLearning authoring tools, organizations can ensure that all employees are trained to the same standard, reducing the risk of compliance breaches or workplace accidents. This consistency helps to ensure that all employees receive the same level of knowledge and skills, which can improve productivity and performance.

5. Easy Updation

eLearning authoring tools allow organizations to easily update their training materials to keep them relevant and up-to-date. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, it’s essential for organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices. However, updating traditional training materials can be time-consuming and expensive. eLearning authoring tools provide a simple and cost-effective way to update training materials, without the need for a complete overhaul of the entire training program. Trainers can quickly make changes to existing training content or create new content, using a range of customizable ready-to-use templates and multimedia assets to keep employees engaged and interested.

6. Interactive and Engaging

eLearning authoring tools enable trainers to create engaging and interactive eLearning content, which can increase employee engagement and retention. With the use of multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and game elements, eLearning courses become more engaging and entertaining, making it easier for employees to retain the information. This can result in better performance and productivity, as well as increased job satisfaction and employee retention as employees feel valued and supported by their organization.

6 Non-Mainstream eLearning Authoring Tools

There are various eLearning authoring tools in the market today and you must have heard about the mainstream ones, like Lectora, Adobe Articulate, and Articulate Storyline. But, there are a few non-mainstream ones that can still get your job done and thus they deserve a bit more recognition. Read on to explore 5 such tools –

1. H5P

H5P is an open-source eLearning authoring tool that allows users to create and share interactive content. With H5P, users can create a wide range of content, including quizzes, presentations, games, and more. H5P is known for its ease of use and flexibility, making it a popular choice for educators and instructional designers. Some of its key features include responsive design, accessibility support, and the ability to integrate with popular learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle and Canvas. H5P’s unique selling point (USP) is its open-source nature, which means that anyone can use and modify the tool to suit their needs.

2. WizIQ

WizIQ is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool that offers a wide range of features for creating and delivering online courses. With WizIQ, users can create interactive content, collaborate in real time, and deliver live classes and webinars. The platform is designed to be easy to use and intuitive, with drag-and-drop functionality and a customizable interface. Some of its key features include multimedia support, mobile compatibility, and built-in analytics. WizIQ focuses on live learning, making it an ideal choice for instructors and trainers who want to engage with their learners in real-time.

3. Adapt Learning

Adapt Learning is a free and open-source eLearning authoring tool that specializes in creating responsive content. With Adapt, users can create courses that are optimized for different devices and screen sizes, ensuring that learners can access the content from anywhere. The platform is designed to be modular, with a wide range of plugins and templates available to extend its functionality. Some of its key features include adaptive learning, branching scenarios, and support for SCORM and Tin Can API. Adapt, just like H5P, has an open-source nature, which makes it a popular choice for organizations that want to customize and extend the tool to meet their specific needs.

4. Gomo

Gomo is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool that provides a comprehensive range of features for creating responsive and engaging courses. It is designed for users with no programming knowledge, allowing them to easily create interactive courses using a drag-and-drop interface. One of Gomo’s key features is its responsive design, ensuring that courses look great and function smoothly on any device, from desktop computers to smartphones. Another standout feature is its collaborative authoring capability, which allows multiple authors to work on the same course simultaneously, making course development more efficient and streamlined.

Additionally, Gomo provides multi-language support, making it an ideal choice for organizations that operate in multiple regions. Another feature that sets Gomo apart from other eLearning authoring tools is its ability to create personalized learning paths. Using its powerful analytics engine, Gomo can track individual learners’ progress and deliver personalized content to meet their specific needs. This adaptive learning feature ensures that learners receive the right content at the right time, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.

5. BranchTrack

BranchTrack is an eLearning authoring tool that specializes in creating interactive simulations and branching scenarios. With BranchTrack, users can create engaging scenarios that allow learners to explore different paths and outcomes. The platform is easy to use and has a wide range of templates available to design engaging courses. Some of its key features include multimedia support, analytics, and integration with popular LMS platforms. BranchTrack’s USP is its focus on storytelling, making it an optimal choice for organizations that want to create immersive learning experiences.

6. Easygenerator

Easygenerator is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool that offers a wide range of features for creating responsive courses. With Easygenerator, users can create adaptive learning paths, branching scenarios, and interactive assessments. The platform is designed to be easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of templates available. Some of its key features include analytics, collaboration tools, and integration with popular LMS platforms. Easygenerator is easy to use, making it a suitable choice for organizations that want to create and deliver eLearning content quickly and efficiently.

Wrapping Up!

With the rise of online learning, eLearning authoring tools have become more accessible and easier to use than ever before, allowing even non-technical users to create high-quality courses. These tools offer a wide range of features, from adaptive learning and personalized learning paths to responsive design and collaborative authoring. As the demand for eLearning continues to grow, the importance of eLearning authoring tools in facilitating effective and engaging learning experiences cannot be overstated. If you are not able to choose from one of these tools, you always have the option to go with the mainstream ones. This eBook will help you choose the perfect eLearning authoring tool for your organization.