Authoring Tools

 

Introduction

An authoring tool is a tool used to create e-learning content by using a variety of different media besides writing and word processing. Moreover, keep in mind that authoring tools do not create media, instead its function is to manage the media of the user’s choice (Loh, 2016).

Importance

Authoring Tools bring a variety of multimedia features together in the proper context. ELearning benefits the learner by making learning interactive with a variety of multimedia features, thus making information memorable. More importantly, engaging eLearning will challenge, assess, and educate the learner on how to apply new skills (LeanForward).

Criteria for Choosing the Best Authoring Tool

For the development of E-learning content, selecting the best authoring tool/software for the user is critical because you want to make sure that you are making the right investment. Think about the people that will be using the resource. Different users such as trainers, instructional designers, and eLearning developers, have different needs and eLearning tools have different capabilities. So, you need to look at the existing content or material you have and think about the outcome expected. Furthermore, you need to think about the price, capabilities, delivery, ease, and support of the product (Loh, 2016).

Common Misconceptions

One misconception about eLearning Authoring tools is that they are too expensive. If you are only looking at the cost of the software, then yes, it can look expensive because they can cost into the thousands. However, if you look at it as investment, you can see that in the end you will be saving money by eliminating the cost for training (masterchief, 2016).

Some people think that eLearning Authoring Tools are time consuming but with the right authoring tools, creating content can be quick and easy (masterchief, 2016). That is why it is important to know what existing materials you are working with and what outcome you are expecting.

Another statement that has been said, is that eLearning Authoring tools are not as effective as classroom-based learning, however if the instructional strategies are similar, then the delivery of the content doesn’t make a difference (masterchief, 2016). Although they are different experiences, remember eLearning is flexible and face-to-face learning is not.

More misconceptions are about the effectiveness of using eLearning tools. Clicks do not mean engagement, fun does not equal value, not completing the training does not equate to poor content, and passing does not indicate successful learning. The best way to measure eLearning value is to set up scenarios where the learner can apply the knowledge versus simply recalling information (masterchief, 2016).

Shareable Content Object Reference Model - SCORM

SCORM is a standard for online learning. It aids the learning management system (LMS) collaborate with the learning content. Before SCORM getting these two elements to work together was difficult, and the course content didn’t work on a variety of devices. To remedy this issue, SCORM was developed as a blueprint with a collection of technical requirements that would allow trainers and content developers to cooperate and use multiple tools to move course content to different systems.

Lastly, keep in mind that even though a product claims to be SCORM compliant, that simply means that vendors only need to follow to the required elements of the specifications and not the optional ones. When looking for a SCORM compliant learning management system, you want to be sure that the compliance covers all elements of the specifications and not just the required specifications (Anderson, 2021).

My goal is to develop training material for future financial aid counselors. There are so many different policies and concepts to financial aid that need to be understood. Every student on our reports has different situations and counselors need to know how to navigate through the issues. The training I was given when I started was to observe another person. This idea took time out of their busy schedule and it’s hard to learn when you are merely watching. I would have appreciated a training with hands on scenarios to help me apply what I was learning.

 

References

Loh, K. (2016, May 13). eLearning Authoring Software. YouTube. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://youtu.be/7y3QdAB9J44

LeanForward. (n.d.). Custom Elearning Development & Mobile elearning programs. LeanForward. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://www.leanforward.com/elearningdevelopment#elearning

masterchief. (2016, April 13). 9 myths about elearning authoring tools and how to use them properly. ITyStudio. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://itystudio.com/9-myths-elearning-authoring-tools-use-properly/

Anderson, D. V. (2021, May 12). What is SCORM? 5 essential scorm facts you should know. eLearning Industry. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://elearningindustry.com/what-is-scorm-5-scorm-facts-know

WEBSITE DESIGN STANDARDS

 

 Change

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, online learning has been a major factor in education. New technology keeps developing, many people have some sort of mobile technology, the world is going digital and so should education. If we want our students to be successful in a digital world then they should be educated in a classroom that encourages learning through digital media. As John Dewey said, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”

Platforms for Classroom Websites

There are many ways to boost learning in a digital world. Some of the best platforms for creating blogs or a website are Google Sites, Blogger, Wix, WordPress, and Edublogs. Most have pre-made templates to choose from. Many have pricing plans that will offer custom domains, data analysis, ad free website, more storage space, marketing tools, and extra features (Kharbach, 1970).

A classroom website will allow students to create, share, and interact with others by allowing others to provide feedback through commenting. It can be the center for learning and information for parents as well (Kharbach, 1970).

Online Portfolios

Many people use e-portfolio to organize, promote and show collections of their work, skills, and experiences. An e-portfolio is like an electronic resume because when creating the portfolio, you want to highlight your best work just as you would highlight your best skills on a resume. Just as you would write a cover letter for a specific job/audience, the same goes for your e-portfolio. You need to know your audience and do research to include work that is related to their needs. For both, a resume and an e-portfolio, you want to make it is easy to read or navigate otherwise an employer may skip it. An e-portfolio is different from a resume because it can showcase projects through pictures and use drop down menus through tabs so that viewers can select what they are interested in. Something to keep in mind when using an e-portfolio is that you want it to work across several browsers and when using pictures, you want to make sure that the images are clear (Tufts University, 2022).

Web Design – Keep it Simple

When creating a web design keep in mind that you want your audience to have an enjoyable experience when they visit your page. To accomplish this, the website should be functional and easy to navigate. Most tabs and search bars can be found near the top of the page. Keep navigation options to a minimum because you want to keep the experience simple. (Juviler, 2021)

When choosing the colors for a web design, again keep it simple and know your audience. Some cultures associate certain colors with something negative. It’s good to know some color basics such as color psychology, primary colors, secondary colors, tertiary colors, and color theory such as color shades and combinations that go well together. The right or wrong colors can have an effect on how people appreciate a website (Taei, 2021).

Font size and contrast are ways to establish a visual hierarchy to grab the audience’s attention. A newspaper is a prime example of how font size and contrast create a visual hierarchy because of the various headings it has. To give the viewer a pleasant experience you want to make sure that the font has white space around the text, so the font does not look cluttered. Many brands use typography to create brand recognition (Hannah, 2022). Some examples of this are brands such as Coca-Cola, Disney, and Google. Once again, you want to keep the different typefaces to a minimum. Keep it simple!

Images for Web Design

Images or graphics should be functional and arranged so that the audience will be drawn to important information. Choosing the appropriate image size is important because it will determine how well the website performs. Web pages will load faster, clear images will give the user a quality experience, search engine or SEO ranking will be better, and with a better ranking, sales can increase Keep in mind that for retina devices you’ll want to double pixel sizes so that the pictures will display crisper and smoother. Make sure you double the pixel sizes before you export and upload images to your site.  The Image Size Info extension for Chrome and the Inspector Tool on Chrome and Safari can help you find the correct images for your website (Mark, 2022).

Different Image Sizes for Different Site Areas

·         2400x1600px - full width images and hero images.

·         1500px - horizontal content images, slideshow galleries, and portrait images.

·         1000px - vertical content images, if using a masonry grid, and landscape images (Mark, 2022).

 

 

Screenshot of the Image Size Info extension for Chrome

 

When you right click on an image, the inspector tool will be at the bottom of the menu.

 

In closing, Covid-19 does not seem to be going away. Although we have been on a digital path for a while, the pandemic has changed the way we learn and communicate. This is the new normal and we should prepare ourselves and our students for what is now and what is to come. Submitting e-portfolios will possibility become the new resume for employers. My goal is to use this information to create an e-portfolio that I can use for future opportunities. 

 

 

References

Kharbach, M. E. D. (1970, January 1). Best platforms to create a classroom website and blog. Educational Technology and Mobile Learning. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/04/10-excellent-platforms-to-create-your.html  

Tufts University. (2022, January 31). Online portfolios: Who, what, how & why. Career Center | Tufts University. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://careers.tufts.edu/resources/what-is-an-online-portfolio/

Juviler, J. (2021, May 27). 9 guidelines & best practices for exceptional web design and usability. HubSpot Blog. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/30557/6-guidelines-for-exceptional-website-design-and-usability.aspx  

Taei, P. (2021, November 24). 6 tips to choose a stunning website color scheme. WordStream. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2019/10/03/website-color-scheme  

Hannah, J. (2022, January 5). What is typography, and why is it important? [2022 guide]. CareerFoundry. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ui-design/beginners-guide-to-typography/  

Mark, A. (2022, February 4). Best image sizes and how to save images for the web (2022). Flothemes. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://flothemes.com/flothemes-image-sizes/  

Google. (n.d.). Image size info. Google. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/image-size-info/oihdhfbfoagfkpcncinlbhfdgpegcigf?hl=en