Here is a comparison of seven different e-learning authoring software:
1. Cloud-based tools
Simply put, cloud-based authoring tools exist online and don’t require you to install anything on your desktop. These tools are ideal for teams that collaborate remotely and on content creators who work across multiple devices. Let’s look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- Accessible anytime, anywhere with any internet-connected device.
- Accessible from both Windows and Mac devices
- Ideal for remote collaboration, including co-authoring and content reviews
Cons
- Inability to work offline since internet connection is required
Best suited for
2. Desktop-installed (locally hosted) tools
Locally hosted authoring tools require you to install software on your desktop before you can access it. These types of e-learning software may be ideal for employees that frequently work offline. They’re also usually designed for trained content creators, offering a range of creative functions. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- Ability to work offline
- Wide variety of content creation functions
Cons
- Usually comes with a complex user interface
- Dependency on one device to complete the content creation process
Best suited for
- Employees who frequently work offline
- Professionally trained instructional designers or content creators
3. Rapid authoring tools
These are very similar to desktop-installed tools, but they come in the form of Microsoft plug-ins, allowing you to add assessments and interactivities to a PowerPoint presentation. Articulate Studio and Adobe Presenter are examples of rapid plug-ins. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros
- Easy to use given that PowerPoint is widely known
- Relatively cheap way to produce learning content quickly
Cons
- Requires desktop installation of Microsoft software
- Limited creative and interactive features
Best suited for
- Microsoft users looking for e-learning plug-ins
- Those new to e-learning who are looking for simple solutions
4. Quiz and assessment tools
If you want to create a simple quiz or an online assessment for your employees, there are a variety of e-learning authoring tools that focus on doing just that. However, do bear in mind they are assessment tools only. Their functionality is limited, which means you cannot add additional pages or information to your assessments. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros
- Faster and cheaper than most authoring tools
- Relatively easy to use
- Wide range of question types
Cons
- Limited features that only allow you to ask learners questions
Best suited for
- Those looking to create specialized quizzes and assessments.
5. Specialized media tools
These tools focus on one specific form of content creation, like videos or animation. They usually work together with other e-learning tools. For example, you could create a video in one tool, edit it using a specialized tool, and then publish it on your LMS.
These tools offer many advanced media features because of their narrow focus on one type of content creation, which could benefit advantageous if your organization has a strong preference for a particular e-learning format. However, there may be compatibility issues, because these tools almost always rely on your other programs or e-learning infrastructure to deliver the finished product. Universal e-learning formats like SCORM help reduce compatibility issues, but incompatibility is still a risk that needs to be considered. Let’s look at the overall pros and cons:
Pros
- Advanced media features thanks to its narrow focus on one content type
- If it exports to SCORM, the content you create is compatible with other e-learning tools.
Cons
- More complex user interface because of advanced features
- Dependency on other e-learning tools as specialized media tools don’t have hosting capabilities.
Best suited for
- Organizations that prefer publishing a specific type of content
- Experienced content creators who can navigate complex design features
6. Authoring tools built into Learning Management Systems
While Learning Management Systems are primarily for storing and managing learning content, some do offer built-in authoring tools, allowing you to create simple e-learning pages. Still, an LMS won’t enable you to build an entire course or assessment. That’s why we recommend using an authoring tool that’s SCORM or XAPI compatible and can, therefore, be integrated with an LMS.
Pros
- Offers an all-in-one e-learning solution that enables content creation, storing, and tracking.
Cons
- Limited content creation features
- Not optimized for course creation
Best suited for
- L&D teams that prefer to work entirely in their LMS
7. Screen recording tools
If your e-learning activities include software simulations or visual step-by-step tutorials, then screen recording tools can be very helpful. These tools allow you to record voiceover commentary of your onscreen activities and even annotate them. However, these tools can be difficult to use, making the content creation process lengthy. You may also run into compatibility issues here, as these programs will generally work with specific file types and project files that won’t work universally.
Pros
- Provide visual walk-throughs to guide learners through complex processes
- Easy-to-consume content enables on-the-job learning for employees
Cons
- Complex user interface, resulting in a lengthy content creation process
- Compatibility issues as a result of limited file formats
- Can’t be used to deliver e-learning courses
Best suited for
- Visual performance support resources
- L&D looking to provide visual simulations and step-by-step guides
Looking for a cloud-based authoring tool? Let us help you!
Easygenerator’s cloud-based authoring solution is among the best e-learning software when it comes to remote team collaboration and scalability. Being able to access the authoring tool from any internet-connected device means you can start the content creation process on one computer and continue it on another. Moreover, you can invite remote co-authors and have additional colleagues review your content.
At the same time, our user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface offers a zero learning curve, enabling anyone in your organization to create engaging e-learning content. This allows you to easily scale your e-learning output using Employee-Generated Learning — a peer-to-peer knowledge sharing approach that speeds up your content creation process and helps you save costs over time.