For those of you who have followed us and read our blogs over the past year, it wouldn’t come as a surprise when we declare ourselves as eLearning Authoring Tool aficionados. For those who are new to the Knowzies blog, we have already discussed what and why of using authoring tools, shared our list of top 10 authoring tools, and also discussed in detail about the process of creating mobile learning using authoring tools. Well, and we thought that we had covered it all.
But, recently a client posed this very interesting question in front of us and that got us into a process of listing the must-have and good-to-have features of authoring tools. This however, is just our point of view and can be different for every organization or individual too.
The 5 must-haves that we list below are purely based on today’s eLearning requirements.
- Responsive Output - We had mentioned this as one of the key trends of authoring tool based eLearning development, and we emphasize on it again. Responsive eLearning is something that cannot be overlooked with the influx of all the devices that have found their place in the eLearning market and this will continue to be the case. So, if you are investing on an eLearning authoring tool, then invest in one that can give you a multidevice/responsive output. After all, you have to be future ready.
- Screen Recording - Some may consider this as a not-so essential feature. But, consider the fact that most organizations use eLearning to train the employees on usage of at least one kind of software. Don’t you think having an on-screen recording feature would help in creating a much better and explanative eLearning course?
- Video Incorporation - This might almost sound like a no brainer. But, as most authoring tools do have this feature, it would be better to check whether the new, cheaper version of an authoring tool offers the feature too. After all, an investment should be worth the money.
- Template Library - Yet again a point that may trigger a debate. In our opinion having at least, a couple of templates (having more wouldn’t hurt), is always good. If we were to guess, most organizations opting to invest on authoring tools would usually not have a graphic designer, or an instructional designer even, so designing a template would almost be out of question let alone creating one by coding.
- Simple Navigation - And why that be? Well, ease of use remember! The very reason why we choose authoring tools over custom development is that fact that it neither requires much expertise nor experience for functioning. So, if the navigation is complex where would the ease of use be?
PCMag did an extraordinary job at listing the top 10 authoring tools of 2016, along with a detailed list of features, key differentiators and cost comparison too. It sure will help you in finding the right authoring tool, and if not then Knowzies team of experts are always ready to help you.
