Best Course Authoring Tools for Educators and Trainers
The Covid-19 pandemic and the digital revolution have made online learning a lifeline of modern education. The eLearning market can potentially reach $1 trillion by 2032 globally. This unprecedented growth has challenged educators and professionals to design interactive and engaging eLearning content.
The good news? Course authoring tools make course creation easier and smoother. With the help of such authoring platforms, educators and corporate trainers can develop interactive digital content. The e-learning authoring software market will grow by 18.8% CAGR by 2029.
Educators and trainers will be looking for an integrated digital publishing and distribution platform that can enable the administering of digital content across devices. KITABOO is one such platform that helps in creating interactive digital content, publishing, and distributing the content developed.
This article lists the features of the top 8 eLearning authoring tools, and the key factors to check while choosing the right digital course design platform.
Table of Contents
I. eLearning Authoring Software – An Introduction
II. How to Select Appropriate eLearning Authoring Platforms?
III. Top 8 eLearning Authoring Platforms
IV. Final Thoughts
eLearning Authoring Software - An Introduction
E-learning authoring software is considered one of the most important elements that educators and trainers need to develop effective and engaging online courses.
Is an eLearning authoring software different from a course authoring tool? Yes, the former is used in a broader sense and includes several components.
- Course creation tools create and deliver online courses across different online learning platforms, updating them too.
- Learning management systems (LMS) automate the testing process, tracking, reporting, and administration of courses.
- Learning Management Content System (LCMS) helps in creating and hosting online content delivery.
How to Select Appropriate eLearning Authoring Platforms?
Above 77% of organizations in the U.S. and 63% of high school students use eLearning platforms. Choosing the correct eLearning authoring platform like KITABOO is vital for creating engaging digital content.
1. Define Your Learning Objectives
- Decide the type of content – interactive courses, video-based learning, or modules for LMS integration.
- Finalize the course interactivities for learner engagement.
- Pinpoint the target audience: corporate, K12, or higher education.
2. Assess the Platform’s Features
Check if the course authoring tool has the following features.
- User-friendly design
- Collaborative features- multiple users reviewing and amending courses.
- Ready to use customizable templates
- Multi-device compatibility
- Should comply with industry standards such as SCORM and xAPI.
- Should allow easy integration into your LMS
- AI capabilities Built-in analytics and reporting features for tracking the effectiveness of the content and learner progress.
3. Budget and Licensing
- Choose platforms within your budget.
- Also, check if they provide a free trial before subscribing to the platform.
Top 8 eLearning Authoring Platforms
Listed below is a curated list of the best authoring platforms.
1. KITABOO
KITABOO is a cloud-based authoring platform to create multimedia content using a simple drag-and-drop option. With its simple interface, you can create interactive content targeted at all ages- from K12 to corporates. KITABOO has over 15 million users across schools, colleges, and organizations in more than 32 countries and 25 languages.
- User-friendly interface
- Powerful analytics
- Wide range of templates
- Completely responsive HTML5 output
- The WYSIWYG feature lets you preview how your content will look.
- AI-powered learning assistant
Get the accurate pricing here!
2. Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is a robust software for digital course design and developing training simulations. The course creation tool can be used for highly interactive and responsive eLearning content and SCORM-compliant training modules for schools and organizations.
- In-built template library
- Software simulations and screen recordings
- VR content support
- Mobile learning capabilities
- Integration with other Adobe products
You can buy a single subscription for $33.99/month.
3. Storyline 360
The course creation tool, with its versatile features, allows users to create highly interactive digital course designs and supports multimedia elements.
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable template library
- Slide-based content creation
- Strong community and support resources
Storyline 360 is a part of a software suite and is not sold separately. The software costs $899/year and $1124/year for personal and team plans.
4. Lectora
Lectora is a robust eLearning authoring platform known for its accessibility, standard compliance, and HTML5 content creation.
- AI-based content creation
- Template library
- Highly customizable
- Analytics capabilities
- Capacity to create interactive elements, quizzes, complex branching scenarios, and assessments
Studio Gold Suite is priced at $117/month, and Learning Creation Studio costs $799/month.
5. iSpring Suite
It is an end-to-end eLearning authoring platform that helps in creating interactive, engaging digital course designs. An easy-to-use course authoring tool, it seamlessly integrates with PowerPoint, making it a good choice for educators and trainers.
- Reliable customer support and resources
- AI tools
- Complaint with SCORM, xAPI, and AICC standards
- Video lectures and screen recording with iSpring Cam Pro
The Spring Suite costs $770/year. The iSpring Suite Max option includes a content library and the real-time collaboration option costs $970/year.
6. Camtasia
Use Camtasia, a reliable screen recorder and video editor, to produce tutorials, software demonstrations, and video lessons.
- Produce high-quality videos with no video production expertise
- It is known for its user-friendly design and video editing tools.
- Can create interactive quizzes within videos, annotations, and callouts.
- A drag-and-drop timeline editor for easy video compiling.
Three pricing structures are available. $179.88/year for basic, $249/year for advanced, and $499/year for premium version. There is an option for a seven-day free trial.
7. Elucidat
Elucidat is a scalable cloud course creation tool for creating high-quality, responsive eLearning content.
- Use friendly interface
- Supports mobile learning
- Collaboration and review options
- Multilingual support
- Template library
- AI course creation
Pricing varies according to the four tiers- Pro, Growth, Team, and Enterprise.
8. Gomo Learning
Gomo is another cloud-based authoring platform with advanced collaborative features, making it easier for teams to work together.
- Course wizard for engaging content compatible across devices
- SCORM and xAPI compliance
- Theme Library
- User-friendly interface
- Easy to publish and share content
There are three pricing tiers- Small, Medium, and Enterprise.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an appropriate course authoring tool is significant for educators and trainers while devising effective digital content. You can find the right one by considering the ease of use, multimedia capability, collaboration, and pricing. The right platform will ensure returns in terms of effective, impactful courses for learners at every level.
If you are looking for a reliable eLearning authoring platform, KITABOO is your best bet. KITABOO is also a one-stop solution for online publishing and facilitates eBook development for academic and corporate purposes. Contact us to schedule a demo today!
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