Comparing eLearning software solutions: How do I choose the right authoring tool for my online courses?
Direct comparison of three tools
Choosing the right authoring tool can be difficult. Not only because there are so many suppliers on the market, but above all because authoring tools all have different features, strengths and weaknesses. But what criteria can we use to distinguish between them? And how can you tell if you’re looking at a truly professional tool that also meets your eLearning project? In this article, we look into all of these questions and compare three successful authoring tools for you.
Authoring tools: The software for creating your eLearning courses
No eLearning course can exist without an authoring tool. An authoring tool or learning-content management system (LCMS) is the software you use to create your online courses. Authoring tools basically work very similarly to systems such as WordPress or Typo3. Content management systems like these allow users to create and manage websites and blog posts without requiring any programming skills. Learning content management systems do exactly the same thing, but are specifically designed to create educational content for eLearning courses. They therefore have special features, such as learning interfaces with interactive media, quizzes and tests. But how do you choose the appropriate authoring system? There are a variety of different software solutions on the market and all claim to be the one for you.
What’s the difference between the various authoring tools?
While all authoring tools (learning content management systems) will help you to create eLearning courses, there are differences between the basic features they offer. The following criteria provide initial pointers to help you distinguish between individual software solutions and decide which authoring tool is right for you. The best thing to do is to draw up a table and note which of the functions you need for each individual item. You should also consider what future goals your company may have. Your answers will help you choose the right tool and avoid having to compromise.
One basic tip for choosing an authoring tool
Introducing eLearning usually takes up a lot of resources and can quickly become overwhelming, especially to begin with. However, once digital learning has become part of your daily routine, there will be lots of opportunities to extend your eLearning project to make it sustainable and effective. So when you’re choosing which eLearning software is right for you, don’t be put off by the initial challenges.
Lectora, Knowledgeworker Create, Storyline 360: Comparing the three foremost authoring tools
Knowledgeworker Create, Lectora and Storyline 360 are three different—but equally effective—authoring tools for creating eLearning courses. However, they have different features for different application scenarios. While Knowledgeworker is a professional solution and a good team player for global knowledge transfer, Lectora is more suitable for smaller companies. Storyline, on the other hand, is a user-friendly way of transforming PowerPoint slides into online courses when you’re in a hurry.
7 must-have features your authoring tool shouldn’t be without
No eLearning course can exist without an authoring tool. An authoring tool or learning-content management system (LCMS) is the software you use to create your online courses. Authoring tools basically work very similarly to systems such as WordPress or Typo3. Content management systems like these allow users to create and manage websites and blog posts without requiring any programming skills. Learning content management systems do exactly the same thing, but are specifically designed to create educational content for eLearning courses. They therefore have special features, such as learning interfaces with interactive media, quizzes and tests. But how do you choose the appropriate authoring system? There are a variety of different software solutions on the market and all claim to be the one for you.
The bottom line.
It’s not easy to choose the right authoring tool, but if you apply the criteria outlined here, you’ll quickly find your way through the software maze and be able to rule out a number of tools at an early stage.
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