Choosing the right software can be difficult. Not every software will serve you right. And not every software can be faulty. It’s a struggle to choose the right custom e-learning needs. Over the past years, Rapid Authoring Tools for eLearning have been the favorite among e-learning developers. It’s the best tool to create custom e-learning. They are popular for a variety of reasons.
Some of the reasons are:
- Inbuilt templates
- Backgrounds
- Numerous media elements
Furthermore, such tools are easy to use and don’t require programming skills. You can provide responsive courses that run smoothly on multiple devices as an organization.
Hence, if you consider implementing authoring tools, make sure to read this blog ahead.
What is Rapid Authoring Tools, and How Does it Work?
An e-learning authoring tool enables you to create digital content. Later, you can convert it into an e-learning format and distribute it among learners via Learning Management System.
Such digital content includes e-courses, video lectures, assessments, and simulations. In simple words, it covers most of the work of instructional designers.
These tools contain a slide-based course structure. You can create multiple slides and fill them with text, images and animations. Once everything is final, you can publish it to your learning management system.
Helpful Tips to Choose the Right Rapid Authoring Tools
1. Choose a Familiar Tool
With a plethora of options available, ensure to choose the tool you are best at. Remember, your learning designers must be comfortable with the tool. Choosing a complex tool will only be a waste. They will fail to make the best use of its features.
However, if you still need a tool that your designers aren’t familiar with, ensure to gather the technical support review. Check the tool’s online tutorials and understand how easy or difficult it would be.
If you are still unsure about the tool, then you can hire an expert to handle it effectively. Or you can just outsource the course development to a company that is better at using that tool.
2. Compare the Features and Analyze it
Every e-learning course has specific features. You must choose a tool that suits your needs the best. By analyzing the tool correctly, you can make a proper decision. You must know the functionalities of each tool thoroughly.
For instance, if you want a short course with complex interactivities, Articulate Storyline is perfect. For PowerPoint interface, iSpring can be good. On the other hand, for rich interface, Adobe Captivate is ideal.
Ensure to understand the drawbacks and strengths of each tool. That will help you choose the correct one.
3. It Must Support Your Resposive Design
Custom e-learning demands responsive design. The courses must be available in multiple devices to ensure easy access for learners. That way, learners can learn numerous courses on the go.
Today, most rapid authoring tools support responsive design. But, there are some that offers a better responsive system. And thus, will meet your expectations.
One of them is Articulate Rise. It provides seamless experience across multiple devices. Lectora comes with play publish option and auto play media. Hence, if the tool that doesn’t support your responsive design, your course will fail to lure the audience.
4. Be Aware of the Assets and Media Libraries
Be aware of the assets and media libraries present in the tool. That will help you understand how to leverage them the best. For instance, you can create visually rich courses, if a tool offers side templates, characters, videos, and photographs.
Furthermore, ensure to check the different assessment templates offered by such tools. And check whether the customized feedback options are available or not. In short, you must assess the tool thoroughly before proceeding further.
5. Check for the Translation Feature
Custom e-learning courses are translated to cater to a wider audience, speaking different languages. An authoring tool must support the translation with less time and effort.
It must enable the developers to export the translated text into a word document quickly. And once the text is translated, they can import it back to the course using its translation manager feature. Therefore, ensure to check the compatibility of the translation feature. Go for the one that consumes less time and minimal effort.
The Various Types of Authoring Tools
The various types of authoring tools mentioned below will help you choose the right one. Have a look,
a. Standalone Authoring Tools
Standalone rapid authoring tools are specially designed for eLearning development. Such tools require intense training and programming skills. It is best fit for organizations that want to provide different types of learning content. Only an experienced developer can handle this complex tool.
b. PowerPoint Based Tools
Such tools work as add-ins to PowerPoint. With it, you can turn existing PowerPoint presentations into e-courses. This tool provides a familiar interface. It is best for smaller companies that don’t need to create complex courses. You won’t need much training to use this tool.
c. Cloud-Based Tools
With this tool, you can create web-style content. It offers better flexibility. Furthermore, you can create professionally designed pages, interactions and assessments. It is best for organizations that need better work flexibility. Multiple authors working on the same project can use this tool.
d. Highly-Specialized Tool
A highly-specialized tool is best for those who want to use a major authoring tool with certain features. There are several specialized tools for creating video lectures, software simulations, or branching scenarios. This tool makes the authoring process more easier.
Read : Successful Tips to Teaching Online: Guide for English tutor jobs
Wrapping Up
With the availability of so many options regarding Rapid Authoring Solution, it is not easy to choose the right one. However, if you are well versed with the features and know what you want, you can choose the correct tool. Moreover, you can rely on professional e-learning developers to make this job done right.
