How companies choose the right e-learning authoring tool
Choosing the right e-learning authoring tool is a key success factor for companies that want to create learning content internally. Internationally active companies in particular have to consider numerous aspects that go beyond the mere range of functions. The most important criteria that decision-makers should consider when selecting an e-learning authoring tool are highlighted below.
- Scope of functions
- Appearance of e-learning modules
- Collaborative work processes
- Reusability
- Language and content variants
- Recording
- Output formats
- Information security
Scope of functions and customisability
A key criterion when selecting an authoring tool is the range of functions. Many commercially available tools offer a wide range of presentation and interaction options. However, important details often make the difference: Can feedback texts be customized? Can images and videos be integrated via hotspots or drag-and-drop interactions? Can complex formats such as 360° media or 3D objects be used?
The design of the e-learning modules also plays an important role. Companies are increasingly attaching importance to the fact that all design elements such as fonts, color palettes, logos and navigation elements can be fully adapted to the corporate identity (CI). If different brand or department designs are used within a company, it is helpful to be able to switch easily between different layouts to make it easier to reuse content.
Cooperative creation and teamwork
E-learning content is usually not created by individuals, but by teams of subject matter experts, editors and designers. An authoring tool that supports collaborative work processes can save a lot of time and money. Ideally, the tool offers a role-based system of rights and permissions as well as special user interfaces for creation, review or translation tasks.
Reusability and variant management
Content management elements facilitate collaboration by enabling the finding of content and media or the administration of different module versions. For multilingual course content, central administration of the language versions or the connection to external translation systems considerably accelerates the localisation process.
Modern tools offer not only classic slide-based page formats but also responsive output formats for mobile devices. However, it is important that different formats can be created and edited from the same tool in order to minimise the training effort and maximise the reusability of content.
Recording and interoperability
Another important aspect is the logging of learning programs. Common formats such as SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004 and xAPI enable integration into various learning platforms. In practice, however, minor incompatibilities can occur. The authoring tool should therefore enable adaptations to ensure smooth interoperability.
Information security
Information security is becoming increasingly important in the creation of e-learning, especially if the content is confidential during production. In the case of cloud-based applications, aspects such as server location, certifications and terms and conditions must be taken into account and all necessary data protection and IT security agreements must be concluded with the provider. For desktop applications, it must also be clarified whether and which sensitive data is transmitted to the provider.
Taking these selection criteria into account, nothing stands in the way of successful in-house production of e-learning modules.