Digital Engineering & Technology | Elearning Solutions | Digital Content Solutions

  1. Home
  2. Digital Engineering & Technology
  4. Maximize Your Content Creation Efficiency with These 5 Top Authoring Tools
Maximize Your Content Creation Efficiency with These 5 Top Authoring Tools
Ravi Sharma
April 24, 2024

Maximize Your Content Creation Efficiency with These 5 Top Authoring Tools

Content creation is the process of generating content for businesses, educational institutions, corporate training, healthcare training, etc. It involves creating eLearning modules, documents, presentations, and interactive elements using the best digital authoring tools.

The corporate digital learning sector has grown from a $86.78 billion industry in 2018 and is expected to reach $153.41 billion by 2028. Considering this massive development, the digital learning industry is looking for the best solutions to optimize content.

Content creators have a vast variety of the best authoring software available in the market that comes with specialized applications, user-friendly interfaces, and unique experiences without applying extensive technical know-how.

The best eLearning authoring tools support the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), which is well integrated with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and can be easily published and distributed.

Let us dive deeper into learning about the best eLearning authoring tools!

Table of Contents:

What Does SCORM Mean? 

SCORM, short for the Sharable Content Object Reference Model, is a set of technical standards that helps create training content and courses that are compatible with a particular platform. It interacts with the LMS of the platform and outlines the course structure.

SCORM 1.0 completed its 20 years in 2020, while SCORM 2004 is another version that offers comprehensive reporting capabilities. SCORM 1.2 was established in 2001 and accounts for more than 70% of eLearning content even today.

Also Read: Unlocking the Potential: How SCORM Integration Enhances eLearning Platforms?

What are SCORM Authoring Tools? 

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) authoring tools are software that helps to design and create SCORM-compliant learning and training content. This includes academic content, simulations, graphics, videos and audio, quizzes, gamified solutions, and other multimedia-rich content.

SCORM creation software empowers creators with the best courses that can be easily shared and reused, can save time, and ultimately reduce costs by eliminating the need to recreate content for each new platform.

Course authoring software can convert various materials, such as PDF files, PPTs, and DOC files, into SCORM courses. Knowing the best SCORM authoring tools is fundamental for designing learning materials and courses.

Different Types of SCORM Authoring Tools

There are mainly two broad categories of SCORM authoring tools that vary based on various factors:

1. Desktop SCORM Authoring Tools

This SCORM creation software is installed on a computer and can be operated offline. Such tools come with various customization options and advanced authoring features.

2. Cloud-Based SCORM Authoring Tools

These tools are accessible anytime and anywhere and are accessible via a web browser. They work best for remote teams and have rich features.

How to Select the Best SCORM Creation Software

With the plethora of tools available online, it is a crucial task to pick the best one for creating eLearning content. Here are some critical factors that you must consider before settling for the best authoring software:

1. Content Authoring Capabilities

Determine the type of content you need to create, assess your team’s technical proficiency, and ensure compatibility with the complexity of the chosen software.

2. Collaboration Capability

Choose a tool that supports collaboration and feedback gathering. The chosen software must offer multi-language support, shared resource centers, and co-authoring functionalities to facilitate teamwork. It should also be equipped with ready-made templates and eLearning assets to meet tight deadlines.

3. Integration with Existing LMS

Ensure compatibility with your Learning Management System to facilitate smooth integration and data exchange. Besides, always trust authoring tools that offer reliable and responsive customer service to assist with any technical issues.

4. Intuitive User Interface

Look for a user-friendly interface that manages content creation, design, publishing, and distribution, Look for a platform that promotes efficiency and ease of use.

5. Assessment Capabilities

Choose authoring tools equipped with assessment features. This will help you measure learner comprehension and training effectiveness.

6. Training Data Analytics

Look for the best authoring tools that provide comprehensive data analytics. Such measures can help you track learner progress, performance, and engagement. You can make informed decisions and edit the content for continuous improvement.

How to Utilize a SCORM Authoring Tool 

Here is a step-by-step procedure to use SCORM authoring tools:

Step 1 – Select an Appropriate Tool and Setup an Account

After doing your homework on the best SCORM authoring tools, assess the benefits and select the option that best suits your needs.

Initiate your cloud-based account and add users to commence content creation. For desktop tools, you can download and install the software and launch it to initiate course development.

Step 2 – Initiate a New Project and Incorporate Content

Begin a new project by opting for a template or starting from scratch. Establish brand styles to ensure consistency.

Add your content to the project, and keep it concise and engaging to enhance learner retention. Integrate interactive elements to maintain learner focus.

Step 3 – Seek Guidance

It is imperative to invite team review after sharing your course content with your team.

Seek feedback and guidance, and make relevant changes and edits based on industry demands and the personalized needs of the learners.

Step 4 – Test Your Course

After the course is completed, it is crucial to test it across devices, screen sizes, and formats to ensure compatibility and smooth operation. You must also ensure that your eLearning course complies with SCORM standards.

Step 5 – Publish Your Course

Once you are satisfied with the outcome, you can release your eLearning course as a SCORM package and upload it to your LMS. Start monitoring the progress of learners, and use your authoring tool to make necessary updates for continuous improvement.

5 Best SCORM Authoring Tools

Here are the top 5 authoring tools:

1. iSpring Suite Max

iSpring Suite Max stands out as a SCORM-compliant authoring tool. It features a PowerPoint add-in and standalone apps, which can be customized for various types of learning content creation. Here are some of its key features:

  • It has designated features and in-built applications, like its QuizMaker crafts quizzes, Cam Pro facilitates screencast recording and editing, and Flip converts PDF/DOC files into learning modules.
  • This tool is well-equipped with distinct eLearning tools, a vast Content Library, and pre-designed templates and images.
  • The content creation process is quick, and even beginners can use iSpring Suite.

2. Elucidat

Elucidat simplifies corporate eLearning content creation. Its cloud-based infrastructure enables collaboration among stakeholders and helps produce mobile-friendly eLearning content. Its key features are:

  • It comes with ready-made templates and intuitive blueprints.
  • Other features include multi-language support and hassle-free updates across multiple courses.
  • This tool is equipped with a multi-device slider for screen size checking, easy project duplication, and personalized learning pathways.

3. Whatfix

Whatfix revolutionizes in-app guidance by offering the world’s first SCORM-compliant tool for creating interactive courses. Some of its key features are:

  • Whatfix facilitates in-app guidance and does not only depend on traditional how-to articles.
  • This authoring tool leads users through application use cases and troubleshooting problems with its extensive tech support teams.
  • It comes with several advanced features and includes interactive walkthroughs.
  • Users receive real-time guidance until task completion.

4. Articulate 360

Articulate 360 encompasses various SCORM-compliant functionalities. Some of its core features are:

  • It includes a quiz maker and screen recorder.
  • The core tool, “Articulate Storyline 360,” focuses on creating interactive slides for building SCORM-compliant eLearning courses.
  • It features a content library and a review tool for collaboration.
  • Its online authoring solution called “Articulate Rise 360” works best for browser-based SCORM content creation.

5. Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate serves as a robust standalone slide-based content maker. Its best features are:

  • It is equipped with a quiz builder, video creator, and content library.
  • Its extensive features allow for converting PowerPoint content into interactive videos.
  • This course authoring software creates mobile-ready courses and develops virtual reality walkthroughs.
  • It allows for scalable changes with minimal effort.

Also Read: SCORM and AI: A Powerful Combination for Personalized Learning

Conclusion

The market is plentiful with numerous SCORM authoring tools; thus, collaborating with the best authoring software can be quite a task. You must conduct extensive research and review some of the best SCORM software available. Choose one based on features and requirements and start creating compliant eLearning content and courses today.

At Hurix Digital, our team of professional experts will help you produce eLearning and course content that is highly engaging and rich in multimedia and digital forms. Hurix Digital is one of the best course authoring software that streamlines content creation, facilitates smooth uploading of eLearning courses onto the LMS, and presents a cost-effective content development solution.

To know more, contact us today!