Introduction
Authoring tools are software applications that allow instructors and instructional designers to create interactive content for e-learning courses and modules. With authoring tools, educators can develop online lessons, simulations, assessment items, and other web-based instructional materials without advanced programming skills. There are many authoring tool options on the market today that vary in features, capabilities, and price. This article will explore some of the top authoring tools used for developing e-learning content.
Articulate Storyline
Articulate Storyline is one of the most widely used authoring tools and is known for its easy-to-use interface. With Storyline, users can create interactive courses, tutorials, presentations, and more using a simple drag-and-drop interface without coding. It allows for the incorporation of interactive elements like conditional branching, feedback, assessments, and media. Courses can be published to LMS platforms, as mobile apps, or as standalone HTML5 packages for distribution. Storyline includes many templates and themes as well as an asset library with icons, images, and additional multimedia. Pricing starts around $500 for individual licenses. Storyline is available for Windows and Mac.
Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is a versatile tool that allows users to develop a variety of e-learning content including software simulations, demonstrations, tutorials, games and assessments. Content can be created through recording user actions, importing PowerPoint slides, or building from scratch. Captivate uses both visual editing and scripting capabilities for advanced customizations. Developed content can be published as standalone HTML5 files, or integrated with Captivate Prime for ongoing management and delivery through any LMS or via mobile apps. Additional plugins extend Captivate’s functionality. Pricing starts around $350/year for an individual subscription though enterprise licenses are also available. Captivate is available for Windows and Mac.
Articulate Rise
Articulate Rise is a next generation authoring tool that allows subject matter experts and instructional designers to work together on e-learning projects from concept through delivery. Rise includes visual editing tools and templates to aid rapid content creation alongside collaboration features like version control, comments, and approval workflows. Courses developed in Rise can integrate with any LMS through SCORM, xAPI, or a custom API. Rise also includes a library of interactive elements and games for engaging instruction. Prices start at $30/month billed annually for individual licenses. Rise is web-based so it is cross-platform compatible with any modern web browser.
Lectora Inspire
Lectora Inspire is focused on creating highly visual and interactive e-learning experiences using a WYSIWYG interface. It provides tools for importing content from other authoring systems, PowerPoint, and other file types. Inspire allows for building interactive elements like simulations, assessments, multimedia, and more using a building block paradigm. Completed courses can be published as standalone HTML5 packages, shared via URL, or integrated with any LMS for ongoing delivery and tracking. Inspire is macOS only but its courses are cross-platform compatible. Pricing starts around $500 for individual licenses.
LearnUpon
LearnUpon is a cloud-based LMS that also includes authoring tools allowing trainers and designers to easily create, edit and maintain online learning content directly within the platform. It provides hundreds of interactive templates, activities and multimedia elements that can be used to develop compelling lessons without extensive technical expertise. Content can be published as scheduled courses or assigned to specific learners or groups. The platform also includes assignment, assessment and certificate capabilities. LearnUpon’s LMS and authoring tools are accessible from any modern web browser with no downloads required. Pricing begins at $29/month for the basic plan.
Elucidat Creator
Elucidat Creator is a web-based authoring tool focused on designing scenario-based and role-play simulations. It allows subject matter experts to develop contextualized, story-based learning experiences with branching story paths, characters, dialog trees and more. Content can easily import text, images, audio and video and be published for delivery on any device. Creator’s simulated environment gives learners an immersive experience that fosters applying knowledge and skills in a realistic context. Completed scenarios integrate seamlessly into the Elucidat LMS. Pricing begins at $39/month including unlimited storage and bandwidth.
Adobe eLearning Suite
The Adobe eLearning Suite bundles Captivate, Presenter, and Experience Manager into one package. Captivate offers robust authoring of software simulations, demonstrations and assessments. Presenter enables recording of live instructional sessions with annotations. And Experience Manager provides centralized content management and delivery through any LMS. Together these tools cover the full eLearning development cycle from content creation through online training management. The suite offers deep integrations between apps for streamlined workflows. Pricing starts at $150/month per author. It is available on Windows and Mac platforms.
Conclusion
As illustrated above, there are many different authoring tools on the market to choose from depending on specific needs and budget. Key factors to consider include available features, ease-of-use, publishing options, compatibility, pricing, and supported platforms. While some learning professionals rely solely on PowerPoint or generic video editors, dedicated authoring tools streamline content development and allow for highly interactive and engaging eLearning experiences. With the right authoring solution, subject experts and organizations can efficiently produce high-quality online training without extensive coding or technical skills.
Andrew Stroud