6 Common Misconceptions About Rapid eLearning Authoring Tools And The Facts Behind Them

Rapid eLearning Authoring Tools: Myths And Facts
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Summary: Human beings are often more likely to believe rumors than facts, simply because gossip has more virality. So, what are the myths regarding rapid eLearning authoring tools? And will the truth convince you that these eLearning authoring tools are worth the investment?

What You Need To Know About Rapid eLearning Authoring Tools

Rapid eLearning authoring tools can bring an L&D windfall to the corporate world. In the past, the only way you could source online training tools was to buy potentially expensive canned eLearning software. Or to hire potentially pricy programmers to build yours in-house. You might opt for an LMS, but they often require specialized tech skills as well. Rapid eLearning authoring tools allow even the most Luddite among us to design eLearning content. Most of them are intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners. But what are the assumptions that come with this seemingly perfect eLearning authoring tool? Here are 6 common misconceptions and myths about rapid eLearning authoring tools and the facts behind them.

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1. You Get What You Pay For

Many rapid eLearning authoring tools are on the lower end of the price spectrum. Especially when you factor in all the additional savings. For example, a rapid eLearning authoring tool typically features eLearning templates and other assets that cut eLearning development costs. It usually involves a low learning curve. You don’t have to foot the steep payroll bill to train your L&D team on how to use it. But that doesn’t mean it won’t allow you to produce high-quality online training content. Rapid eLearning authoring tools can be priced low because their uniform structure and pre-set eLearning templates allow mass production, which cuts vendor expenses. That said, there are some rapid eLearning authoring software options that are at a higher price point. For instance, those that feature larger asset repositories or advanced eLearning design tools.

2. It’s Just A Copy-Paste Job

When we hear eLearning "template" we assume minimal functionality. We assume it’s something like the pre-set slide designs on PowerPoint. Or the invoices, letterheads, and other tools built into Word. Or that the eLearning authoring tool designers simply copy-pasted free frameworks from the net. But an eLearning authoring tool offers a far deeper dive. Its developers understand the scope needed for typical eLearning content. This means they’re equipped with eLearning templates—yes—but these eLearning templates are diverse, in-depth, and cut across video, audio, stills, and text. You can use them in hundreds of combinations and deeply customize each component. It’s anything but "Ctrl C + Ctrl V." You still need a certain amount of eLearning design and development experience to maximize its functionality.

3. It Won’t Be Interactive

Getting online learners actively engaged enhances knowledge retention. But interactivity is assumed to be complex. We imagine it involves Virtual Reality, game simulations or high-end haptic eLearning feedback. First off, these are all things that can be part of rapid eLearning authoring. You just have to buy the right eLearning authoring tool. And second, interactivity doesn’t need to be expensive. Even your most rudimentary text-based branching scenario is a form of (inter)active employees' online training participation. The key is to look for rapid eLearning authoring tools that are geared toward real-world activities. For example, one that features serious game templates and drag-and-drop interactions. As well as cut-out characters to help with relatability and immersion.

4. eLearning Templates Take The Pizzazz Out Of Your eLearning Course Content

Most of us don’t like to be boxed in. While preset eLearning course structuring options save time, we assume they’ll be boring and unoriginal. We figure if we design an online training course using eLearning templates it will look just like everyone else’s. Especially those using the same eLearning authoring tool. This isn’t true because rapid eLearning authoring software often has hundreds of options. Mixing a few hundred eLearning templates in multiple patterns gives you thousands of variations. And they won’t be boring or dry. Plus, you usually have the ability to purchase add-ons to expand your online training library or personalize the eLearning templates based on learner preferences.

5. Cloud-Based eLearning Authoring Tools Are A Bad Idea

The question of hosted vs. native eLearning authoring software comes up in every area of tech. Most people are wary of cloud-based systems because they hand over control to your host. However, running your own servers is expensive and limits redundancy in case of physical mishaps—the building might catch fire, the server room might flood, your equipment may be stolen. Also, cloud-based systems work faster, update in real-time, and often have deeper tracking options. Your team has the ability to develop, share, and fine-tune the online training content from anywhere in the globe.

6. Rapid eLearning Authoring Omits Optimization

Similarly, it’s easy to assume an eLearning template-based system won’t have any advanced features like offline mode and full portability via mobile. In reality, you can have a built-in mobile app template as part of your rapid eLearning authoring resources. You can also get your eLearning authoring tool to enable mobile responsiveness, where the page automatically adjusts to screen size. Or mobile adaptability where multiple screen size settings are preloaded, like an eLearning template. When a user switches devices your online training course content detects it and reflexively shifts to the right screen layout.

They say haste makes waste but this doesn’t account for time management. The idea behind rapid eLearning authoring tools isn’t just to do things faster. It’s to optimize online training resources and save time while still ensuring quality. What are some false beliefs clients have regarding these eLearning authoring tools? They think rapid eLearning authoring is sub-par because it’s often less expensive. They worry the online training courses built using these eLearning authoring tools will be dull, static, and non-interactive copy-paste jobs. Or that cloud-based eLearning authoring tools are inadequate, and that no quick tools can facilitate mobile optimization. But if you do your research and buy the right rapid eLearning authoring tool, you will see all these myths dispelled in minutes.

eLearning Authoring Tools Comparison Guide: How To Pick The Right Platform For Custom eLearning Content Development is your go-to guide to help you analyze, compare, and contrast all the possible eLearning authoring tools that compliment your organization's goals. Download it to discover how you can choose the best platform for custom eLearning content development.