Elearning Tools: Comprehensive Guide with Examples

What are eLearning tools?eLearning tools are software applications or platforms that allow educators and trainers to deliver content, monitor learner progression,...

What are eLearning tools?

eLearning tools are software applications or platforms that allow educators and trainers to deliver content, monitor learner progression, and assess performance. They can range from simple content authoring tools to sophisticated learning management systems (LMS). These tools facilitate online learning and instructional design through a variety of features such as simulations, animations, quizzes, and more.

What are the 5 ways to create eLearning?

1. Templates: Using pre-built course templates, educators can quickly produce elearning courses tailored to their needs.
2. PowerPoint Presentations: Tools like iSpring Suite transform PowerPoint presentations into interactive eLearning content.
3. Screen Recording: Software like Camtasia allows trainers to capture screen activities, creating tutorials and software simulations.
4. Custom Content Creation: Tools like Adobe Captivate and Elucidat offer functionalities to create customized elearning content from scratch.
5. Gamification: Incorporating game elements to make the learning experience more engaging.

What is the difference between eLearning and eLearning tools?

eLearning refers to the delivery of educational courses via electronic means, usually the internet. eLearning tools, on the other hand, are the software applications used to create, deliver, and manage eLearning courses.

What are the 4 stages of eLearning?

1. Content Creation: Using elearning authoring tools to design learning materials.
2. Course Development: Compiling and formatting the content for online delivery.
3. Delivery: Distributing the course to learners, often through an LMS.
4. Assessment & Feedback: Monitoring learners’ progress and assessing their understanding.

Why do you need an elearning authoring tool?

An elearning authoring tool facilitates the design, creation, and packaging of digital learning content. They offer functionalities like drag-and-drop, interactive elements, and responsive design. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, these tools enable course authoring with ease, even for those without a technical background.

What are the 3 types of Elearning tools give examples of each.

1. Content Authoring Tools: Software like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and iSpring Suite used for creating elearning courses.
2. Learning Management Systems (LMSs): Platforms like Moodle and Canvas where courses are hosted, and learners' progress is tracked.
3. Collaboration Tools: Applications such as Microsoft Teams that facilitate team members' collaboration during course development.

What is a Web-based eLearning tool?

A web-based eLearning tool is a cloud-based platform or application that can be accessed online, without the need to download or install software on a local computer. This offers real-time collaboration and updates, accessible from various devices and locations.

5 Use Cases for eLearning Tools:

1. Corporate Onboarding: Companies utilize eLearning tools for employee training during onboarding.
2. Higher Education: Professors and educators employ eLearning tools to supplement traditional lectures.
3. Software Tutorials: Companies like Microsoft use screen recording and simulations to create tutorials for their products.
4. Compliance Training: Businesses need to regularly update their staff on legal and procedural changes.
5. Skill Development: Platforms offer courses on a range of topics, from coding to cooking, for learners seeking personal development.

Platforms, OS, and Devices for eLearning Tools: eLearning tools are designed to operate on a variety of platforms and devices. Most are compatible with Windows and Mac OS, with many offering mobile app versions for iOS and Android. The aim is to provide learners with the flexibility to access courses from desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

The Top 9 Elearning tools

1. Adobe Captivate
• Description: Adobe Captivate is a powerful eLearning authoring tool that allows the creation of responsive eLearning courses. With a strong emphasis on mobile learning, Captivate facilitates the design of content that works seamlessly across all devices.
• iOS/Android: No specific companion apps.
• Top 5 Features: VR Learning Experiences, Responsive Design, Geo-location, Advanced Quizzing, Interactive Videos.
• Pricing: Starting at $33.99/month.
2. Articulate Storyline
• Description: Storyline is renowned for its user-friendly interface. It is suitable for those who are just starting with eLearning design as well as experienced developers, offering a rich set of features.
• iOS/Android: Has a mobile app called "Articulate Mobile Player" available on both platforms.
• Top 5 Features: Drag-and-Drop, Screen Recording, Gamification, HTML5 Publishing, Interactive Elements.
• Pricing: $1,299 for a perpetual license.
3. iSpring Suite
• Description: Tightly integrated with PowerPoint, iSpring Suite is great for those familiar with the Microsoft tool. Beyond PowerPoint conversions, it offers comprehensive eLearning solutions.
• iOS/Android: Yes, companion apps available for both iOS and Android.
• Top 5 Features: PowerPoint to HTML5 conversion, Quizzes, Dialogue Simulations, Screen Recordings, Mobile App.
• Pricing: Starting at $970/year.
4. Elucidat
• Description: A cloud-based eLearning authoring tool, Elucidat is designed to help big teams and companies reduce eLearning production time.
• iOS/Android: Web-responsive design but no specific apps.
• Top 5 Features: Collaborative Authoring, Responsive Design, Branding Customizability, Analytics, Learning Accelerator.
• Pricing: Quote-based.
5. Camtasia
• Description: Predominantly a screen recording tool, Camtasia is widely used for creating video tutorials and presentations.
• iOS/Android: No companion apps. However, videos can be viewed on these platforms.
• Top 5 Features: Screen Recording, Video Editing, Annotations, Animations, Voice Narration.
• Pricing: $249 for a one-time fee.
6. Lectora Online
• Description: Lectora offers cloud-based eLearning course development. It's popular for its SCORM-compliant courses and ease of use.
• iOS/Android: No specific companion apps.
• Top 5 Features: Responsive Course Design, Built-in Templates, SCORM Compliance, Quiz Builder, Collaborative Tools.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,299/year.
7. Easygenerator
• Description: A web-based eLearning design tool, Easygenerator is user-friendly and caters to those who are new to instructional design.
• iOS/Android: No specific companion apps.
• Top 5 Features: Content Co-creation, Template Library, Quizzes and Questionnaires, SCORM Compliant, Collaboration Features.
• Pricing: Starting at $19/month.
8. Adapt
• Description: An open-source tool, Adapt allows the creation of responsive eLearning content. It has a community that offers pre-built modules and components.
• iOS/Android: Web-responsive design but no specific apps.
• Top 5 Features: Open-Source, Responsive Design, Extensive Plugin Library, SCORM Compliance, Community Support.
• Pricing: Free, as it is open-source.
9. TalentLMS
• Description: More than just an authoring tool, TalentLMS is a comprehensive learning management system. It’s cloud-based, offering a holistic solution for training needs.
• iOS/Android: Yes, available on both platforms.
• Top 5 Features: Gamification, Reporting & Analytics, Course Catalog, Personalization, Video Conferencing.
• Pricing: Starts at $59/month for the Basic plan.

FAQs

• Which of the following are common types of eLearning tools?
• Content authoring tools, LMSs, and collaboration tools.
• What is an example of eLearning software?
• Adobe Captivate is a prominent example.
• What are the eLearning materials?
• These are the resources used in online courses, including text modules, videos, quizzes, simulations, and more.
• What are some eLearning tools?
• Some popular tools include Articulate Storyline, iSpring Suite, and Camtasia.
• What are some types of eLearning platforms?
• Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle, and content authoring platforms like Elucidat.