An authoring tool is software that creates an eLearning lesson or course. Once created, the course is usually packaged in a software wrapper before being distributed to clients who then themselves distribute the course via a Learning Management System. They are often very expensive and usually require some training and expertise to use. This, in turn, means they are not particularly flexible or agile and that any courseware created with one is often tricky to update. The nature of the eLearning industry throws other spanners into the works, too: company training courseware is often produced on a one-size-fits-all basis with multiple companies subscribing to it. As such it tends to be rather boring as all modern interactive features must get stripped away to maximise compatibility and market size. What’s typically left is a tedious, clunky, unengaging lesson that’s delivered via a bloated SCORM file. It’s not very effective. Fortunately, whether you want an altogether new way of creating courseware or simply a way to enhance what you’ve already got, microlearning can considerably improve matters as the following authoring tool examples demonstrate.
With microlearning, the authoring tool can be built into the Learning Management System. That’s because the LMS relies upon powerful and engaging interactive templates. These easily transform boring question and answer content into engaging quizzes and even games. With each template almost acting like its own authoring tool, there are subsequently many authoring tool examples.
This methodology has added benefits in that anybody can create a lesson. You don’t need to spend a fortune commissioning an external company to create a course, or wait weeks for it to be delivered. Literally anyone can create an engaging course this way which opens the door to Peer Learning – whereby employees learn from their colleagues. Lessons generated in this manner are much more engaging and effective as the content is more relevant and the creator more relatable. With that in mind, here are authoring tool examples of microleesson templates in use.
Five best authoring tool examples
1. Find a word
This word search-based template is a great way to embed knowledge: instead of answering a multiple-choice question, let your learner hunt for the answer.
2. Scratch to reveal
This interactive template is simple but effective at illustrating our rapid authoring examples. Instead of passively absorbing content, the learner has to uncover it.
3. Image map
In this example, the authoring tool allows the user to overlay hotspots on an image. Once tapped, the information relevant to that part of the image is revealed.
4. Authoring tool examples: Adding a timer
It’s possible to gamify any output from the authoring tool by adding a timer. This way, higher scores can be achieved with fast completion times.
5. Number templates
There are numerous authoring tool examples of number templates. In this one, the learner has to set a virtual dial to the correct answer.
Whatever your interest in authoring tools, find out how EdApp Microlearning can help make your learning more effective. Get in touch at enquiries@edapp.com. You can also try EdApp’s Mobile LMS and authoring tool for free by signing up here or in the box below.