ELearning Dev Tools Overview

By: Justin Ferriman • June 26, 2015
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Just yesterday I wrote an article explaining how to create online courses on a budget and elluded to the wide variety of options we have available when it comes to elearning course development.

If you are just starting your project and are not sure which tools are best for you, the infographic below (created by ATD) will provide additional insight.

Outlined are some of the major elearning development tool categories, including:

  • Web Authoring tools
  • HTML Editors
  • Media & Application tools
  • Rapid ELearning Authoring tools

Depending on your needs, you may find that one (or perhaps multiple) tools are ideal for your project.

While there are a slew of tools that fall into these categories, below is a list of a few examples.

Web Authoring tools: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Microsoft LCDS, LessonWriter, LearnDash
HTML Editors: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, LearnDash, the ELearning Authoring Tool
Media & Applications tools: Easygenerator, SmartBuilder, Adobe Flash
Rapid ELearning Authoring tools: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Lectora Inspire

As the infographic points out, there are pros and cons to each one of these options. In some situations the tools are rather complex and come with a steep learning curve.

This isn’t to say that they are bad options, but if you’re on a tight timeline then these might not be the best options. Also, consider that anyone who has to maintain the elearning after initial creation has to come up-to-speed with these tools as well.

No matter which tool you use there is one feature that you should require for your project: responsive support.

You will have questions at some point, so make sure to choose a provider with a good reputation in this area.

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter