10 Elearning content authoring tools to check out

1. SC Training (formerly EdApp) Elearning content authoring tool

Why use SC Training (formerly EdApp)?

SC Training (formerly EdApp) is an award-winning free elearning authoring content tool that makes it incredibly easy for managers to create training courses. The elearning development software features the most intuitive AI course creator tool, which will undoubtedly speed up the process of developing training content. You can generate a ready-to-go course within minutes!

To spice things up, there are a ton of microlearning and gamification templates, available in the template library, which you can apply to make your training materials and manuals interactive.

You can also modify any pre-made course from SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s course library at any time to match your training needs. Apart from adding or changing your training information, you can also redesign it with your company logo and company branding.

You can even insert slides of gamified questions from its Rapid Refresh quiz generator, to make the courses more engaging and entertaining.

Features:

• Create courses from scratch with SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Create with AI
• Grab any expert-made course from the course library
• Engage your learners by adding microlearning and gamification
• Check your learner’s understanding with Rapid Refresh

Cost: Free (up to 10 users)

Download SC Training (formerly EdApp) today.

2. Elucidat elearning content authoring tool

Why use Elucidat?

Elucidat offers a data-driven approach to eLearning content creation. Its intuitive interface allows content authors to develop responsive courses while tracking learner engagement and performance. This tool empowers training managers to continually refine their content for the best results.

Features:

• Data-driven elearning authoring tools to speed up course creation
• Takes advantage of user data and other analytics for learner engagement
• Compatible with multiple devices

Cost: Request a quote

Platforms Supported: HTML5, Video, SCORM (1.2, 2004), xAPI (TinCan) Windows, Mac OS

Learn more about Elucidat

3. Camtasia elearning content authoring tool

Why use Camtasia?

Camtasia, by TechSmith, is a powerful elearning software for those aiming to create visually appealing eLearning content. It allows you to screenrecord, edit videos, and include animations and quizzes, making it ideal for software tutorials and demos.

Features:

• Create stylish elearning content with their elearning content authoring tools
• Add in animations, images, videos, and quizzes to courses
• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop video templates for tutorials

Cost: 299.99 USD

Platforms Supported: Mac and Windows

Learn more about Camtasia

4. Adapt elearning content authoring tool

Why use Adapt?

Adapt offers an open-source solution for eLearning content creation. With a focus on responsive design, it guarantees that courses adapt flawlessly to various screen sizes. The open-source nature of Adapt allows for customization and collaboration within the eLearning community.

Features:

• Creates fully responsive and HTML5 e-learning content
• Content can be accessed through different types of devices
• Updated with the latest elearning trends

Cost: Free

Platforms Supported: Windows

Learn more about Adapt

5. DominKnow elearning content authoring tool

Why use DominKnow?

DominKnow's Claro is a cloud-based authoring tool that emphasizes adaptive learning. With accessibility as the top of its priority, DominKnow’s eLearning content is compliant with Section 508 standards. This lets your learners have an inclusive learning experience for all learners.

Features:

• Design elearning content with their employee elearning tool
• Empowers your teams to create together to author, edit, and review content

Cost: Request a quote

Platforms Supported: Web, Android, iPhone/iPad

Learn more about DominKnow

6. Lectora Online elearning content authoring tool

Why use Lectora Online?

Lectora Online offers a cloud-based platform for collaborative eLearning content creation. Its responsive design capabilities make sure that courses adapt seamlessly to different devices. The real-time collaboration features enhance teamwork among content creators.

Features:

• Device compatibility is a top priority for Lectora Online
• Course authors can collaborate in real-time for course creation
• Built-in access to the learning library to learn anytime, anywhere

Cost: Starts at 1,399 USD per year

Platforms Supported: Linux, Mac, Windows

Learn more about Lectora Online

7. Adobe Captivate elearning content authoring tool

Why use Adobe Captivate?

Adobe Captivate stands out for its ability to create immersive eLearning experiences. With features like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), trainers can engage learners with interactive and visually captivating content.

Features:

• Easily create all kinds of fully-responsive eLearning content, training materials, training manuals
• Amplify video-based learning by adding interactive videos

Cost: Starts at 33.99 USD per month

Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows

Learn more about Adobe Captivate

8. BranchTrack elearning content authoring tool

Why use BranchTrack?

BranchTrack is a tool specifically for creating interactive branching scenarios and simulations. It's great for creating decision-based learning experiences. Its focus on scenarios might limit its use for creating other types of content.

Features:

• Create digital scenarios for learners to improve customer interactions
• Collect actionable data to use to enhance learning

Cost: Starts at 999 USD per year

Platforms Supported: Linux, Max, Windows

Learn more about BranchTrack

9. Gutenberg Technology elearning content authoring tool

Why use Gutenberg Technology?

Gutenberg Technology gives a unique approach to elearning content authoring by transforming content from documents into interactive eLearning. It's ideal for converting existing materials into digital courses. But, it might not offer as much flexibility for creating complex interactions from scratch.

Features:

• Collaboratively create with other users on the platform
• Convert existing training materials into digitized courses
• Streamline delivering courses to learners

Cost: Request a quote

Platforms Supported: Windows, Smartphones, Tablets

Learn more about Gutenberg Technology

10. LumiNUS elearning content authoring tool

Why use LumiNUS?

LumiNUS is a learning management system offered by the National University of Singapore. It includes authoring tools for trainers to create content for their courses. A downside to this is its focus is more on the integration of authoring within the broader context of education, not corporate training.

Features:

• Easy content creation with LumiNUS’ authoring tools
• Manage elearning content and learner’s progress on the learning management system

Cost: Request a quote

Platforms Supported: Web

Learn more about LumiNUS

eLearning content management in organizations is often overlooked and can cause many issues for staff onboarding and upskilling. One of the reasons it’s overlooked is that the content in the courses given to staff is seen as a ‘one off’ project. A create and forget kind of thing.

Companies are now, more than ever, embedding a culture of learning into their very backbone to guarantee continuous learning. The need to keep staff up to date with the skill sets they need is driving this. 

Many are starting to recognize that this is the only way to remain competitive in an oversaturated market. Because of the increasing importance of training agility within organizations, the use of elearning authoring tools for learning content management is no longer a ‘we’ll get to it later’ task. 

Here’s everything you need to know about elearning content authoring tools and how your organization can take advantage of them.

What are elearning content authoring tools?

eLearning content authoring tools are software applications designed to facilitate the creation of digital learning materials, courses, and educational content. These are helpful for online training, education, and professional development.

These tools help instructional designers, educators, and content creators to design, develop, and package interactive and engaging learning experiences. You can do all of these even without extensive programming knowledge.

Using eLearning content authoring tools, you can:

1. Create Content: These tools offer a platform for creating a wide range of content types, including text, images, videos, quizzes, simulations, interactive modules, and assessments.
2. Design Interactivity: They allow for the integration of interactive elements such as buttons, click-and-reveal interactions, drag-and-drop activities, quizzes, branching scenarios, and more. These enhance learner engagement.
3. Customize Layouts: Users can design and customize the layout, theme, and appearance of the learning content to match their branding or instructional design preferences.
4. Incorporate Multimedia: eLearning authoring tools create a seamless integration of multimedia elements like audio, video, animations, and infographics to enhance the learning experience.
5. Responsive Design: Many tools offer features for creating responsive content, making sure that courses adapt and display properly on various devices, such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
6. Assessment and Feedback: They allow the creation of quizzes, tests, and assessments to evaluate learners' understanding and give immediate feedback.
7. Track and Analytics: These tools often include tracking and reporting features that help monitor learners' progress, completion rates, and assessment scores.
8. Export and Publishing: After creating the content, these tools facilitate exporting the courses in various formats, such as SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) or xAPI (Experience API). These are standards for eLearning interoperability.

eLearning content authoring tools come in various forms, including desktop applications, cloud-based platforms, and even built-in authoring features within learning management systems (LMS).

They play a critical role in democratizing the creation of educational content, allowing corporate trainers and organizations to produce high-quality, interactive online courses and training materials. This is all without the need for extensive coding or design expertise.

What are the 3 types of authoring tools?

The three main types of eLearning authoring tools are:

1. Desktop-Based Authoring Tools

Desktop-based authoring tools are software applications that need to be installed on a computer. They offer powerful features and greater control over content creation. Users can work offline and typically have access to a broader range of customization options.

These tools are ideal for more complex projects and scenarios where advanced interactivity and customization are required.

2. Cloud-Based Authoring Tools

Cloud-based authoring tools operate entirely online, accessible through web browsers. They offer the advantage of collaboration, as multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, regardless of their physical location.

These tools are often more user-friendly and offer simplified collaboration features. They’re great for trainers and teams working together on eLearning content, as well as for creating more straightforward courses quickly. 

3. Learning Management System (LMS) Built-In Authoring Tools

Some LMS come with built-in authoring powers. These tools are integrated directly into the LMS, allowing educators and trainers to create content within the same platform where they deliver the courses.

While these tools may not be as feature-rich as standalone authoring tools, they offer convenience by eliminating the need for third-party software. Organizations that want to keep all their eLearning processes within a single system will love LMSs.

Each type of authoring tool has its own advantages and drawbacks, so the choice depends on factors such as the complexity of the content you want to create, your team's collaboration needs, your technical expertise, and your preference for managing content creation.

SC Training (formerly EdApp) is a mobile learning management system designed for today’s digital habits, delivering more engaging and effective micro-learning directly to learners anytime and anywhere.

Sign up for this elearning content authoring tool today.