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