L&D tools part 1: The best 5 Course Authoring Tools in 2022

In an age where physical interaction is in the doghouse, eLearning is the queen, and technology tools are favored above all else. Companies have paid more attention to creating training materials with the aid of technology to enhance the learning experience to the fullest. In order to deliver better digital learning, content authoring tools are must-haves for L&D training leaders. If you’re starting on developing your training courses, why not take a look at our collection of the best 7 eLearning authoring tools? Let’s compare and contrast with each other and find the perfect fit for your company!

Course authoring tools

But first, what are content authoring tools?

The definition

Authoring Tools is one of our suggestions when it comes to learning & development tools in general. It is a piece of software that facilitates the creation of digital material, and this software is known as an authoring tool. This might be as basic as generating a paper in Microsoft Word or as sophisticated as using a graphic design program. With the help of eLearning authoring software, users may create and change multimedia items for whatever purpose.

This form of L&D tool is also used to develop digital learning content. In the field of learning and development. Instructional designers in L&D teams most typically utilize eLearning authoring tools to develop training materials for their staff. Compliance, onboarding, hard and soft skills, and other topics may be covered in this training. Elearning authoring software might be quite complex and specialized, or it can be very basic.

The classification

1. Cloud-Based eLearning Authoring Tools

The first variation of Authoring Tools is hosted in the cloud. As a result, there is no need to install any software on your local hard disk, and more specifically, it means mobility, unlimited storage, sustainability, to name a few. This type of content authoring tool is simple to utilize because all you need to do is to log in to the software and seek the user dashboard or interface. 

2. Locally Hosted eLearning Authoring Tools

Unlike the previous one, this form of eLearning authoring software is downloaded and installed locally. It’s time to say goodbye to the old method that we had to buy the software on a disc. Most of them are now available for download straight from the vendor’s website.

3. Multimedia 

These eLearning authoring tools might be cloud-based or locally hosted, but they often concentrate on a single component of eLearning course design. Make interactive slideshows or animated eLearning films, for example. Most systems enable you to input media from external sources and then export the final result to the third-party eLearning platforms.

4. PowerPoint Ribbon

These are content authoring tools that may be accessed using PowerPoint add-ins. Thanks to the ribbon interface, content creators can build eLearning content easily. For eLearning professionals who already use PowerPoint on a regular basis, they’re a natural fit.

5. Screen Capturing And Recording 

These L&D tools are specifically designed for screen capture. Because you can capture everything that shows on your screen, they’re great for creating lessons that allow simulation. The majority of these solutions also provide tools for editing and annotating.

The purpose

We can see 5 key points empowering the use of content authoring tools:

• Allows you to tailor your material and take an eLearning strategy that is people-centered.
• Allows you to efficiently interact with your team, allowing writers, SMEs, and stakeholders to work together in a fluid manner.
• Allows you to swiftly and easily roll out eLearning courses in multiple places and change material to meet with new laws.
• Allows you to improve your eLearning over time by analyzing data and gathering feedback on its performance.
• Allows you to swiftly adjust to changing demands and create accompanying eLearning material.

5 most high-quality course authoring tools for 2022

You may use an authoring tool to design interactive courses that will facilitate the improvement of the engagement, the learning experience, and the effectiveness of your corporate online learning. Take a look at the greatest content production tools on the market:

1. Adobe Captivate
2. iSpring Suite
3. Articulate Storyline 3
4. Elucidat
5. Gomo

1. Adobe Captivate

To begin with, Adobe Captivate is an L&D tool for advanced eLearning content creation. This tool’s distinguishing characteristics include the ability to build Virtual Reality projects, interactive movies, and courses that can be published as iOS/Android applications. Adobe Captivate is a powerful tool, but it’s best suited to expert creators since it may seem a bit complicated for beginners to comprehend.

2. iSpring Suite

iSpring Suite is a comprehensive authoring tool with a user-friendly interface. It’s a PowerPoint add-in that works. As a result, you can use the advantages of both PowerPoint and iSpring Suite to augment your existing PowerPoint presentations with interactive eLearning content and to construct courses from the start. Some of its main features are Assessment, Dialogue simulations, Screencasts, video lectures, etc. 

3. Articulate Storyline 3

Articulate Storyline 3 is yet another powerful authoring tool for creating interactive courses. It contains a number of amazing content creation features, including strong animation and interactivity choices that help learners engage, which is both a plus and a negative. Articulate Storyline 3 can be the appropriate option if your organization has a learning and development department with advanced course creators on staff. If you don’t, you might find this tool too difficult to use at first.

4. Elucidat

Elucidat, as a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool, aids your creators in producing digital learning at scale. Elucidat, in particular, includes a large library of pre-built templates that make it simple for even inexperienced authors to construct professional-looking interactive experiences. Take a look at how it works.

5. Gomo

Finally, we have another cloud-based content authoring tool that lets you edit your course following web style. You may host your classes either online or offline using the Gomo app. It eliminates many of the drawbacks of desktop-based tools, but it does limit the amount of customization you can do. 

Conclusion

The functionality of the finest e-learning authoring tools presented here overlaps a lot. Still, your needs – such as the quality and size at which you want to develop digital learning – will help you narrow down your options. Finally, the ideal eLearning software for you and your team will be determined by your requirements.