Sharpest tool in the box:Choosing the right authoring tool for your learning strategy

Nick Eastham@nickeasthambrightwavegroup.com

The technical landscape has changed significantly.

Learning professionals demand more from authoring tools than ever before.

Authoring toolsExplosion & disruption

“One size does NOT fit all”

Selecting your tool

- Frank Zappa

Established tools:CaptivateArticulate StudioCoursebuilder 6LectoraArticulate Storyline

What’s the best tool… for you?

New contenders:ElucidatgomoAdaptCoursebuilder 8Rise etc. …

DesignDevicesUsability

DesignDo you need standard or bespoke features?• Upfront diagnostic or Role filter• Topic or page locking• Complex, scored scenarios• Guide features with supporting

tutorials• Others…

Design

• Variables

• Actions

• Triggers

Do you need standard or bespoke features?

DesignDo you need to include systems simulations?• Captivate, Storyline, Lectora and

Coursebuilder can all record sequences of screens

• Other tools may allow you to create approximations of simulations using click to reveal functionality

DesignDo you need a bespoke user interface?

• All tools come with a selection of pre-designed interface options

• Only a few offer complete artistic freedom

DevicesQuestion to ask…

Will your users be accessing the elearning from desktops, tablets or smartphones?

Some tools offer mobile support but might not be suitable for smartphones!

Devices

DevicesWill your users be accessing the elearning from desktops, tablets or smartphones?

1. Download a trial copy2. Build a few simple screens3. Publish for HTML5 and SCORM4. Upload to SCORM Cloud5. Launch it on your tablet

Established tools all output HTML5

DevicesWill your users be accessing the elearning from desktops, tablets or smartphones?

• If you need smartphone support, you really need a responsive authoring tool

• HTML5 generation tools tend to deliver smoother UX

DevicesVertical approach

Text box element

Imageelement

Carousel reveal

Multiple Choice Question

DevicesHorizontal, paginated approach

DevicesResponsive authoring tools

• New rules to follow

• Certain interaction types and features are difficult to replicate on a small smartphone screen

UsabilityQuestions to ask…

• How technically adept are your proposed users?

• Where will your users be located?

UsabilityHow technically adept are your proposed users?

• The best tools allow a lot of technical configuration – but don’t require it

• Well supported – online communities etc.

UsabilityWhere will your users be located?

• Hosted tools allow their users to be located remotely

• Some offer project management features and user testing and review mechanisms

• Established and new tools offer this

In summary…• There’s no best tool

• Prioritise your requirements and make a shortlist

• Trial those you’re interested in to help make the final choice

Thank you

Any questions?

brightwavegroup.com