E-learning Content Creation Tools is a list of tools used to create, organize and deliver e-learning content.
These are the very best e learning authoring tools, e learning development tools and e learning content creation tools from the past year.
Articulate Storyline 360
A well-known name in the world of authoring, Storyline is clean, modern, and has plenty of powerful features. For example, it allows you to storyboard your courses and then dictates the path that your learner takes. And although it can take a little bit of time to get to grips with Storyline, it’s balanced by the quality of the results.
The platform has two pricing options for you to choose from: a Storyline 360 subscription or a one-off purchase of Storyline 3. The website has a helpful comparison chart that details what comes with each option. The subscription is probably the better choice as it gives you access to a host of other apps to use and the benefit of regular updates, but either option is worth a try.
Articulate Rise 360
The sibling to Storyline, Rise 360 is another top-quality authoring tool from Articulate. With a prime focus on mobile-responsive content, it’s a smart choice for those who want courses that are compatible with every device. Again, like Storyline, it has a clean, modern interface that delivers visually pleasing results.
Adobe Captivate
Captivate is one of the most feature-rich tools, especially when you take into account its interoperability with other Adobe tools.
We like that you can storyboard your courses and utilize advanced transitions and triggers – the result of which is engaging content for any scenario or subject. The PowerPoint integration is a must-use feature for anyone with content in this format, as it fast tracks your course creation process.
Elucidat
Elucidat is a cloud-based authoring tool that focuses on making it easy to produce awesome eLearning, super fast. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s light on features. It’s a user-friendly option that is made for big employers. Authors can start from pre-built blueprints – or build out courses from scratch using the intuitive “what you see is what you get interface”. Flexible user permissions let L&D collaborate better with SMEs, while maintaining central control.
Content is responsive to all screen sizes, so it’s ideal for mobile learning. And tools to manage variations and updates makes keeping pace with change a piece of cake.
Elucidat has an in-depth review of tools on their site.
Gomo
Gomo is a cloud-based authoring tool that allows you to create web-style content. Your courses can be hosted online via the web, or offline using the Gomo app. It avoids a lot of the headaches that come with desktop-based tools but has some limitations in the amount of customization you can do.
Quality of elearning output
Gomo comes with a range of themes you can tweak to quickly create elearning that looks modern and on-brand. It’s worth noting that fully customized themes require specialist development, which can be costly if you have grand plans for your visuals.
There are a range of interactive templates available to bring your elearning content to life. The interactions all sit in a two-column structure, which limits your designs a little.
Speed and efficiency of authoring
Pre-built templates and quick-start wizards soften the learning curve with Gomo, so you can get up and running quickly. The interface is separate from the finished course, though, which means you can’t see what your course will look like as you go.
Scalability
Being cloud-based, Gomo allows authors to collaborate on creating courses. There’s also a multi-sco option that allows translated versions to sit in one package, with learners choosing the language they want to take the course in at the start. This is a handy feature if you’re delivering content globally.
Supported elearning formats
Gomo is a cloud-based authoring tool designed for both windows and mac. It produces HTML5, mobile-first content that can be released to its own LMS.
Supports:
- HTML5, SCORM, xAPI (TinCan)
- Windows, Mac OS
Gomo Strengths
- It’s a cloud-based authoring tool, offering greater flexibility than desktop tools
- You can produce responsive elearning output
- They have an offline mobile app and Gomo Central, which is a cloud-based learning portal
- Ability to provide multi-language courses
Gomo Weaknesses
- Layout restrictions limit your creativity and give courses a templated look and feel
- The interface is not intuitive and is tricky to use without a WYSIWYG interface
- Customization options may not be enough for creative visuals
Best for:
- Authors of any level
- Multi-language elearning
- Basic themes that are easy to tweak
- Collaboration between multiple authors
Case studies and awards
Gomo’s case studies include GDK, Royal Mail, Santander and Godiva Chocolatier.
Lectora Inspire and Lectora Online
In the arena of course authoring tools, Lectora is an elder statesman. The Windows desktop authoring software has been around a long time and is geared towards more experienced authors.
Recently, they have released a cloud-based HTML5 version of the authoring tool called Lectora Online, which gives great flexibility. It can be powerful when you know how to use it, but like others of this ilk, it comes with a steeper learning curve than many of the other tools in the list.
Quality of elearning output
There are a ton of pre-built interaction templates available that can be used as they come or tweaked. Some aspects can be changed via the development interface, but for others, you may need to use a graphics package to replace existing images. You can create great-looking elearning content with Lectora; however, you need to be a relatively experienced instructional designer and confident with the tool to do so.
Speed and efficiency of authoring
The steep learning curve means you can’t expect amazing output quickly, but if you invest time, you can create web-style content that looks good.
Scalability
Lector has a translation feature to help you scale one course into multiple languages, but there’s no parent-child relationship between the files. This means that any changes need to be made to each version individually, which is a headache if you’re dealing with multiple versions and languages.
Supported elearning formats
Lectora is an online, cloud-based authoring tool that can be accessed from any operating system. The tool is highly customizable with optional programming elements (if you have the knowledge to do so!)
Supports:
- HTML5, xAPI (TinCan), SCORM, AICC
- Windows, MAC OS
Lectora Strengths
- Free access to Elearning Brothers graphics libraries
- Good for screen capture and simulations
- Has an online reviewer collaboration tool using ReviewLink
- Can import Powerpoint (although it’s worth considering if that’s a good idea!)
- Error check feature that flags issues before you release
Lectora Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve with limited support
- The interface is not user friendly, intuitive or easy to use
- According to online reviews, Lectora’s customer support is a bit slow and not very helpful
- Many of the advanced features are not Section 508 compliant
Best for:
- Experienced authors with design expertise
- Collating feedback from multiple stakeholders
- Mobile-friendly elearning content
- Professional-looking web content
Case studies and awards
Lectora’s most recent awards include a 2020 Silver Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence in Learning Award and EdTech Breakthrough’s Course Authoring Tool of the Year (2019 and 2020).
Lectora has multiple case studies on their website, including one on their work with the NHS.
iSpring Suite 4.7/5 (228 reviews)
iSpring Solutions is an international software company founded in 2001. They focus on providing solutions for eLearning content authoring and training management to both corporate and educational clients worldwide. The company is recognized by over 59,000 clients for its easy-to-use yet swift and reliable products, and exceptional technical support. The superior quality of iSpring products is recognized by authoritative industry awards and ratings.
Highlights
iSpring Suite Max is a fast and easy-to-use toolkit for creating eLearning content for any learning objective.
- Quick creation of eLearning courses, quizzes, video lessons, and role-plays
- Enjoyable online workspace that enhances teamwork
- Easy content delivery (LMS, YouTube, HTML5 conversion)
Absorb Create (formerly Koantic)
Absorb Create is an online course builder and authoring tool. This tool comes with all the power and functionality of legacy desktop solutions but without any limitations. Its users can create training fast by utilizing its drag-and-drop functionality and a robust library of customizable templates and themes. The Absorb LMS integration is so intuitive that you can easily craft and publish interactive eLearning courses to the LMS, or to SCORM, xAPI, and HTML5 formats.
Highlights
- Branching scenarios with the built-in visual editor
- Assessments, quizzes, and questions
- Interactive video maker
Easygenerator 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Easygenerator is a fast-growing and award-winning company that helps Subject Matter Experts to create learning and performance content. Having Subject Matter Experts create this content is faster and cheaper than when a central (learning) department produces it. But more importantly, it is the only way to keep this content up to date. They call this approach “employee-generated learning.”
It will help you understand why it is one of the best eLearning authoring tools.
Highlights
- Ease of use
- Their unprecedented support
- Free hosting and result tracking
Conclusion
There are many e-learning authoring tools available to use for learning designers in e-learning. The authoring tools that you choose are dependent on many factors, such as the type of delivery learning you will be creating (e.g., virtual classroom), the features that you require from your authoring tool, and the cost of the tool.