Monday, September 21, 2009

eLearning Authoring Tools Review -- Help!

I am working on a presentation in a few weeks about eLearning authoring tools. A high level overview for learning and development types who don't actually use the tools, but want to know what's out there, when you might use it, and some of the pros and cons.

Now, I'm not much of a tool user myself. I've got some understanding of tools. But I would love the input of some actual tool users -- or perhaps recipients of eLearning created with those tools. Experience counts. Any experience.

Could you help me out and go play around with this mind map here? Feel free to add tools (Once you're into editing mode, just click on the central hub of the diagram and click Enter. Mindmeister seems to be a pretty easy tool to use. Go on. Try it!)

Our output will be the property of everyone -- so feel free to add to, share and reuse.

Thanks!

14 comments:

Judy Unrein said...

Cool idea, Cammy! I added SmartBuilder in the hopes someone will fill me in a little; I've been wanting to learn more about this tool!

Cammy Bean said...

Thanks, Judy! So far no one has added anything there -- hope to see something myself.

Dr. Christiana said...

I added info on SmartBuilder! I've used it. Love it! Feel free to contact me to talk more.

Mark Drechsler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mark Drechsler said...

I put in info on CourseLab, Wimba Create and eXe - hope that helps :)

Mark Drechsler
www.markdrechsler.com

GreenCurry said...

I've added Xerte and RWD Info Pak.

Cammy Bean said...

I love that I'm learning about tools I've never even heard of. I think my next step is to look into authoring tools and market share. Who's actually using these tools?

Danielle said...

This is some GREAT info! Thank you for this. Question for you; I am looking for a pretty basic start at an authoring tool. Do you know of another tool besides adobe connect for creating an on demand module that has the webcam/video locked in the upper corner while having a ppt. advance simultaneously? any help is much appreciated! FYI anyone that has any questions whatsoever in regards to webex, training center I am an exteme expert.

Cammy Bean said...

Hey Danielle -- I just asked my network and came back with this tool: Zentation http://zentation.com/index.php

Don't know anything beyond that. Good luck!

GreenCurry said...

Hi Cammy, I just tested Camtasia as a tool for recording a screencast. It has a feature that allows you to add a recorded webcam layer on top of your Powerpoint, etc...

Cammy Bean said...

Check out the survey I posted on freelancer ID's toolboxes -- interesting results: http://learningvisions.blogspot.com/2009/11/independent-instructional-designers.html

Jennifer said...

I added to SmartBuilder - Wish Articulate Engage has a progressive download for video. We had to move to a different tool because of this and I'm much more comfortable with Articulate. Sigh. Maybe the next version.

Continuum Media said...

Hi Cammy. Great blog and Mind Map. I added Dreamweaver and some comments on Articulate and Presenter.

Danielle, you can insert a swf as the presenter image and duplicate Presenter. This only works on auto advance.

Continuum Media said...

Hi Cammy. Great blog and Mind Map. I added Dreamweaver and some comments on Articulate and Presenter.

Danielle, you can insert a swf as the presenter image and duplicate Presenter. This only works on auto advance.