From rapid and responsive, to video and cross-browser capability we, as learning professionals, demand great things from the authoring tools available to us. And there are many to choose from. This session explored the key factors we recommend you consider when choosing an authoring tool. These vary according to environment and culture, to the needs of your learners and the objectives of the learning. Choosing the right authoring tool and ensuring it is based on your needs ensures your learning content is not simply fit for purpose, but meets the aims of your wider learning strategy. With plenty of examples from real courses and solutions, the session covered a list of questions you need to ask, and provided a framework to help guide you through the tool-selection process. ● Great expectations - why the right authoring tool is the foundation of quality learning content. ● Key considerations - the right questions to evaluate the range of tools and make the right decision. ● The future - what can we expect from the next generation of authoring tools? This presentation was delivered by Konathan Archibald and Nick Eastha, on Thursday 29th January at Learning Technologuies 2015 exhibition

1. Sharpest tool in the box:
Choosing the right authoring tool for
your learning strategy
brightwave.co.uk

2. Jonathan Archibald
Chief Technology Officer
Nick Eastham
Solutions Technical Manager
brightwave.co.uk

3. The technical landscape has
changed significantly.
Learning professionals
demand more from authoring
tools than ever before.

4. Authoring tools
Explosion & disruption

5. “One size does
NOT fit all”
Selecting your tool
- Frank Zappa

6. Established tools:
Captivate
Articulate Studio
MoHive
Coursebuilder
Lectora
Articulate Storyline
What’s the best tool…
for you?
New contenders:
Elucidat
GoMo
Adapt
Brainshark
Dictera
many others…

7. Design
Devices
Usability

8. Design
Do you need standard or bespoke features?
• Upfront diagnostic or Role filter
• Topic or page locking
• Complex, scored scenarios
• Guide features with supporting
tutorials
• Others…

9. Design
• Variables
• Actions
• Triggers
Do you need standard or bespoke features?

10. Design
Do you need a bespoke user interface?
• All tools come with a selection of
pre-designed interface options
• Only a few offer complete artistic
freedom

11. Design
Do you need to include systems simulations?
• Captivate, Storyline and Lectora can
all record sequences of screens.
• Coursebuilder has a pretty good
mechanism for building simulations
training – but need to capture the
screens using another method.

12. Devices
Question to ask…
Will your users be accessing the
elearning from desktops, tablets or
smartphones?

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

14. Devices
Will your users be accessing the elearning from
desktops, tablets or smartphones?
1. Download a trial copy
2. Build a few simple screens
3. Publish for HTML5 and SCORM
4. Upload to SCORM Cloud
5. Launch it on your tablet
Established tools now output HTML5

15. Devices
Will your users be accessing the elearning from
desktops, tablets or smartphones?
If you need smartphone support, you really
need a responsive authoring tool

16. Devices
Responsive Authoring Tools - Adapt

17. Devices
Responsive Authoring Tools - Elucidat

18. Devices
Responsive Authoring Tools
• Remember!
• New rules to follow
• There are certain interaction types and
features that are difficult to replicate on a
small smartphone screen.

19. Usability
Questions to ask…
• How technically adept are your
proposed users?
• Where will your users be located?

20. Usability
How 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.

21. Usability
Where 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

22. 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

23. The future of authoring?

24. Thank you
brightwave.co.uk
Questions?
Come to stand 60