E-learning has been around for quite a while and, with the constant forward march of technology, it won’t be going away any time soon. According to the definition set forth by the European Commission, e-learning is “the use of new multimedia technologies and the internet to improve the quality of learning by facilitating access to resources and services as well as remote exchange and collaboration.
In the face of the COVID health crisis, many companies that had previously been using a blended learning approach (mix of e-learning and face-to-face learning) for their employee training have had to scramble to move their efforts 100% online. Because of this, e-learning is part of the new normal, and training managers at all types of companies are on the hunt for resources that allow them to train their employees online without missing a beat.
Quick and easy-to-use authoring tools for creating e-learning courses
There’s a wide array of software that lets training managers create online classes, but to the untrained eye, the differences between them may become blurred. In this article, we’ll be looking at five tools in particular that let you create courses quickly and freely and, in most cases, without needing to know how to program.
1. Articulate 360
Articulate 360 is an authoring tool that lets you create personalized interactive activities with a responsive design, i.e. they are adaptable to any electronic device (smartphone, computer, tablet, etc.). Lessons can be text or presentation-based and allow users to integrate many different types of content.
2. The Editor
Gamelearn, the most award-winning game-based learning platform on the market, has just made its serious game authoring tool available to its clients. The Editor allows users to create professional-grade training video games in a matter of hours and without having to write a single line of code. This tool works like a LEGO set — place the game pieces you want where you want them, with no technical know-how required.
By tapping into video games’ ability to engage students through simulations, storytelling, gamification, and experiential learning, students retain information and complete courses at a much higher rate than with traditional e-learning methods. An added bonus is that students can also receive individualized feedback in real-time, which keeps them moving forward in the right direction.
3. Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is undoubtedly one of the most well-known e-learning course creation tools on the market. It’s certainly one of the oldest, having been around since 2002. Previously called RoboDemo, it’s undergone many changes to keep up with the e-learning market.
The latest version of Adobe Captivate (2020) lets you create e-learning content using various cutting-edge technologies like VR and interactive videos.
4. iSpring Suite
Like Adobe Captivate, iSpring Suite has been around for quite a while, since 2005. It incorporates a wide range of e-learning elements: multiple-choice questions, videos, interactive exercises, and more. There are multiple versions of the software but the most recent is iSpring Suite 9, which was released in 2018.
5. Easy Generator
Last but not least is Easy Generator, a Dutch authoring tool that lets users digitize their in-company training courses. It’s less sophisticated than the others mentioned above, but it’s easy to use and has been around for a long time, 22 years. The platform provides pre-designed templates to create all-in-one courses as well as an LMS to oversee student results.
Some tips to help you choose the best author tool for you
When choosing the best e-learning authoring tool, it’s important to consider exactly what it is your employees and HR professionals need. After all, they will be the ones using the platform and learning the materials you present to them.
By picking the right tool, you can change your training regiment for the better in a variety of ways:
- Students will be excited to take your courses.
- Student engagement and course completion rates will be up.
- Employees will be able to give feedback on what’s working and what isn’t.
- Your courses will be innovative and fun.
- Employees will be able to reskill and upskill.
- You’ll be able to quantify results.
If you’re looking for some expert advice on which e-learning tool would be best for your students, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer any of your questions.
