In my previous blog, E-learning Authoring Tools: The Civil War, we have seen the comparison between the top three preferred e-learning rapid authoring tools – Articulate Storyline 2, Adobe Captivate 9, and Lectora Inspire 16. We looked at each feature such as their ease of use, possibilities in animations, developing software training simulations, built-in interactivities and the ease of customizing them, flexibility of characters, recording and editing audios/videos, creating assessments, and publishing options. These features will help you identify the strengths of these tools.
In this blog, we will see a few pros and cons of the three tools. This will help you zero-in on the tool that could best fulfill your needs.
Articulate Storyline 2
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-use interface | Not backward compatible with Storyline 1 |
| Simple slide layers | Not completely responsive |
| Converts static slides into free-form interactivities |
|
| Easy import of PowerPoint presentations | High cost |
| Auto recovery of unsaved work in case your files crash | |
| |
| Easy-to-develop software simulations | |
| Customizable illustrated characters | |
| Publishes to HTML5 and Android | |
| Variables & triggers eliminate the need for programming knowledge | |
| Free mobile app to view content on iPad and Android devices | |
| Flexible to customize components |
Articulate Storyline 2 has become quite strong than its first version and has many advantages compared to its rivals. But its few cons cannot be overlooked.
Adobe Captivate 9
| Pros | Cons |
| Specializes in creating software simulations | Users require training to get acquainted with the software |
| Library of characters | Import a character every time you want to its change pose/expression |
| Collection of templates | No slide layers |
| Converts text to speech | No motion path animations |
| Supports audio recording & editing | No video editor |
| Built-in templates | No mobile app to view content on iPad and Android devices |
| Gives responsive output | Not so easy to customize components |
Adobe Captivate 9 seems quite balanced in terms of its advantages and disadvantages, but the ability to create software simulations with this tool is unmatchable.
Lectora Inspire 16
| Pros | Cons |
| Variety of quizzing options | Requires more training than Storyline & Captivate |
| Transition effects | No slide layers |
| Library of characters | Import a character every time you want to its change pose/expression |
| LMS-compliant options | No motion path animations |
| Flash-based mini games | No built-in templates |
| Ability to create interactivities manually | Not flexible to customize components |
| Low audio/video recording & editing ability | |
| Gives only HTML5 output |
Considering the variety in assessments and the use of flash-based mini games, you might love to use Lectora Inspire 16.
These were the main advantages and disadvantages of the three most preferred e-learning rapid authoring tools. Hope you find them helpful in choosing the right tool for developing your online training courses. Do share your choice with us.
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