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Best E-learning Programs 2024

Overview of the best authoring tools for creating professional e-learning in 2024.

Best E-learning Programs 2024

E-learning and authoring tools

E-learning is an effective method of imparting knowledge and skills, and it is typically developed with what is called an authoring tool. In this post, we will take a closer look at what an authoring tool is and give you a brief introduction to some of the most relevant tools on the market in 2024.

Here you can see an overview of the topics we will cover.

What is an authoring tool?

An authoring tool is a program that allows you to assemble text, audio, images, and videos into multimedia presentations. You can also create interactive elements, such as quizzes, and publish the content in the SCORM standard so that it can be integrated into various Learning Management Systems (LMS).

There are a huge number of authoring tools on the market . Just a few years ago, there were already hundreds of tools to choose from, and the number has probably only grown since then. But fortunately, the most relevant tools can be quickly narrowed down to a handful, which we will review in this post.

Two types of SCORM authoring tools: Cloud or desktop?

When it comes to SCORM authoring tools, there are two main types: Cloud-based and desktop-based tools. Let me give you a quick comparison:

Cloud-based authoring tools: Online and easy to use

Cloud-based authoring tools are entirely online and hosted on a remote server. You don't need to download or install anything, and you can work on your e-learning projects from any computer with internet access. This gives you a high level of flexibility and makes it easy to collaborate with others.

Desktop-based authoring tools: Local installation and more control

Desktop-based authoring tools, on the other hand, install directly on your computer. They may require an internet connection for some features, but many of them can work offline. With a desktop-based tool, you often have more control over your files and settings, and you can work on projects without having to worry about your internet connection.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of SCORM authoring tools, so it's all about finding the solution that best suits your needs and work style.

The most relevant authoring tools in 2023

There are two major providers of e-learning authoring tools, as well as a host of smaller vendors and open source products. In this article, we will focus on the most relevant tools for e-learning in 2023, including Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Camtasia, and Adobe Captivate. We will also briefly mention other tools such as Elucidat, Lectora, iSpring Suite, and Adapt, to give you a sense of the different options available.

Articulate Storyline: The most versatile solution

When it comes to e-learning authoring tools, Articulate Storyline is one of the most versatile and popular solutions. In this section, I’ll tell you why Storyline is so great and highlight some of its key strengths.

Articulate Storyline: Strengths and Benefits

Articulate Storyline is a desktop-based tool that gives you incredible flexibility and control over your e-learning content.

Here are some of the main benefits:

  • User-friendly : Storyline has an intuitive user interface similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, making it easy for new users to learn and get started.
  • Interactivity : With Storyline, you can easily create interactive elements, quizzes, and simulations that make your e-learning content more engaging and effective.
  • Powerful and Versatile : Although Storyline is easy to use, it can really do a lot. The tool is capable of handling advanced features and interactions, allowing you to create e-learning content that is tailored to different levels of users and learning needs.

If I had to mention some limitations in relation to Storyline, it would be that it is not quite as easy to develop in as Articulate Rise and that functionality and design are therefore more dependent on your skills as a developer. On the other hand, there are almost no limitations to what you can do. I think the balance between freedom and learning curve is really good.

Articulate Storyline is part of the Articulate 360 suite , which also includes Articulate Rise.

Articulate Rise: The lightest choice with a nice responsive design

When it comes to ease of use and rapid creation of e-learning content, Articulate Rise is an excellent choice. This cloud-based authoring tool is especially suitable for those who want to create beautiful and responsive content without having to spend too much time on design and technical details.

Articulate Rise: Strengths and Benefits

Here are some of the key benefits of using Articulate Rise:

  • Very easy to use : Rise is known for its simplicity and ease of use. You don't need to be an experienced designer or programmer to create beautiful and engaging e-learning content with Rise.
  • Responsive design : Content created with Rise works well on different screen sizes and devices, ensuring a good experience for all users, whether they are using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
  • Template-based : Rise is based on a template system, making it quick and easy to create professional-looking courses. You can choose from a variety of predefined blocks and templates to suit your needs.

Limitations: Template-based design

It’s worth mentioning that the template-based design in Articulate Rise can also have its limitations. While it makes creating content quick and easy, it can also mean you have less creative control and flexibility compared to other, more advanced authoring tools. Here are some of the drawbacks that can arise with template-based design:

  • Less creative control : Since Rise is based on predefined templates and blocks, you may find that your options for customizing the design and layout of your courses are limited. This can be a disadvantage for those who want to create more unique and custom-designed content.
  • Locked design : In some cases, template-based tools like Rise can lead to uniform and recognizable content that doesn't necessarily stand out from the crowd. If creating truly unique e-learning courses is important to you, this may be a factor to consider.

Despite these limitations, Articulate Rise is an excellent choice for those looking to create beautiful and responsive e-learning content with minimal effort and time. If you prioritize ease of use and speed in your e-learning work, Rise is a tool worth considering.

Articulate Rise is part of the Articulate 360 suite , which also includes Articulate Storyline.

Vyond: An e-learning outsider with great value

Although Vyond (formerly known as GoAnimate) is not technically an e-learning authoring tool, it still deserves an honorable mention due to its versatility and ability to create engaging animated videos that can be used in e-learning contexts.

Vyond: Fast, easy and creative

Vyond is an online tool that makes it easy to create animated videos for a variety of purposes, including explainer videos and e-learning content. Here are some of the key strengths of Vyond:

  • Easy to learn and use : Vyond is designed to be user-friendly and quick to work with, making it accessible to users of all levels.
  • Wide selection of elements : Vyond offers a wide selection of backgrounds, objects, and shapes, as well as three different drawing styles, making it easy to create diverse and engaging videos.
  • Customization and Integration : Customization and Integration: You can create custom characters and upload your own graphics and sounds in Vyond. The tool also integrates nicely with other e-learning tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise, making it easy to include your animated videos in your e-learning courses.
  • Lively and engaging videos : One of the things we particularly appreciate about Vyond is how the characters move and interact throughout a scene. This makes the videos more dynamic and engaging to watch.

Overall, Vyond is a great tool for creating animated videos that can enrich your e-learning projects and give your courses a professional and engaging look. While it is not a dedicated e-learning authoring tool, it is definitely worth considering as part of your toolbox when working with e-learning content.

Camtasia: The perfect tool for video-based e-learning

When it comes to video-based e-learning, Camtasia is one of the best tools on the market. It's a good solution if you want to create content that primarily focuses on video recordings, screen captures, and light editing of video and audio.

Easy and quick to work with

Camtasia is known for its user-friendly and intuitive user interface, which makes it easy and fast to produce high-quality video content. It is a desktop-based tool, which means you can use it even if you don't have an internet connection.

Camtasia is equipped with many practical features such as the ability to record your screen, add effects and animations to your videos, insert quizzes and interactive elements, and much more. I probably wouldn't use Camtasia to make quizzes when I have Articulate Storyline or Rise, but in a narrow sense it can be used.

You can edit your videos with effects and transitions, add high-quality text and images, and adjust audio and color.

Flexibility and integration

Camtasia can export your content in a variety of formats and sizes, giving you the flexibility to use your content on different platforms. You can also integrate your Camtasia content with other e-learning tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise, making it a great solution if you want to combine different media.

Conclusion

Camtasia is a great solution for creating video-based e-learning content with its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and flexibility. If you want to produce professional and interactive videos for your users, Camtasia could be the perfect choice for you. If you have already decided to buy the Articulate 360 suite, wait to buy Camtasia until you have investigated whether you can “make do” with Articulate Replay that is included in Articulate 360. Articulate Replay can do some of the same things as Camtasia, so you may be able to save some money there.

Adobe Captivate: A tried-and-tested alternative with its challenges

Adobe Captivate has a long history in e-learning tools, dating back to 2002 when it was launched as RoboDemo. After Adobe acquired the product in 2004, it has evolved into one of the most well-known e-learning authoring tools on the market.

Adobe Captivate: From screen capture to e-learning

Captivate started out as a screen capture tool and has since expanded its functionality to include e-learning content. It's a versatile tool that can do a lot and is reasonably stable to work with. It's the closest alternative to Articulate Storyline that we can think of.

Limitations: Confusing user experience and lack of focus

Adobe Captivate tends to have a disorganized and inconsistent user experience. This is partly because the product has evolved through a series of updates and additions that do not always follow a clear vision. Furthermore, e-learning and Captivate are only a small part of Adobe's large product portfolio, which means that it can sometimes seem like it is being prioritized compared to their other tools and products.

A powerful tool, but not our first choice

Despite its limitations, Adobe Captivate is still one of the better e-learning tools on the market. It is capable of handling a wide range of tasks and is a serious alternative to Articulate Storyline. However, as you may have guessed, our preferred e-learning tools are Articulate Storyline and Rise, due to their ease of use and consistent design.

If you are already familiar with Adobe Captivate or other Adobe tools, this might be the right choice for you. It is important to choose the e-learning authoring tool that best suits your needs and skills. However, if you are new to e-learning and are looking for a more intuitive and user-friendly tool, we would recommend taking a closer look at Articulate Storyline and Rise as the primary alternatives.

Adobe has released a new version of Adobe Captivate, called the "all-new Adobe Captivate". It sits somewhere between Articulate Rise and Storyline in terms of the type of content it can produce. Like Rise, it produces responsive content (where the content adapts to the size of the screen it is displayed on), but it has a lot more options for customizing the content.

In that respect it's more like Storyline. If I haven't fallen off my chair with excitement, it's because the user interface is still confusing and cumbersome. I'm simply not a fan.

When we talk about chairs, I also think that the "all-new Adobe Captivate" falls between two chairs. Rise is ideal for non-techies who want to quickly create some good content that looks good, Storyline can do (almost) everything, and is better for more technically advanced solutions that also require technical insight. "All-new Adobe Captivate" can do more than Rise and less than storyline - but difficult to use for both groups. I would consider it if I had a project that needed to be responsive and at the same time technically advanced.

Are there any good, free, authoring tools?

I regularly research what authoring tools are available, and of course I'm particularly interested in good free products. I've been looking into Adapt. Although Adapt is free and open-source, we've had some bad experiences with it, especially when it comes to SCORM support. This can lead to problems tracking student progress and storing data correctly.

Additionally, Adapt can have a steep learning curve for new users and can take time to master, which can be a challenge for those looking to get started quickly with e-learning content.

My conclusion is that I don't think any of the free products I've seen are worth the effort. They're either a bit difficult to use with either a programmer-like or very template-like approach. What you save compared to buying a license for Articulate 360, you quickly make up for in lost productivity and poor quality.

Another thing to consider when choosing an authoring tool: If you choose a product that is not backed by a large company, you risk that development on your authoring tool will stop - and you will then be in a situation where you cannot update your content.

Beware of 'dirty tricks' from LMS vendors: Choose the right tool for content production

When choosing an e-learning authoring tool, it is also important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of using content modules in Learning Management Systems (LMS). Although some LMS vendors claim that their platform can handle SCORM content, this does not necessarily mean that you can export the content you create in their content module as SCORM.

Locked to an LMS vendor

If you can't export your content as SCORM, you may end up locked into that LMS vendor. This can limit your flexibility and make it difficult to switch to another LMS vendor in the future if you need to.

Investigate the LMS's SCORM support

To avoid this situation, it is important to check whether the LMS you are considering supports exporting SCORM content before choosing a vendor. It is generally a good idea to create the content in a separate authoring tool so that you can easily export and import it into different LMSs as needed.

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