An authoring tool is software that allows trainers and instructional designers to create interactive digital training content, such as e-learning modules, without requiring advanced technical skills.
The authoring tool is one of the essential elements of tools for digitizing training. This tool is designed for the development of e-learning. The learning modules are available on an LMS to better manage training for learners. So author tool, LMS and LCMS are closely intertwined.
There are many authoring tools out there today, there is something for everyone and for every budget. Author tools were created to make up for a lack. Indeed, progress in terms of e-learning is only increasing. Previously, creating online training was very complicated to create and time-consuming to create. The authoring tool facilitated the design of training courses.
Author tool: definition
The authoring tool, or also called authoring tool by English speakers, is a software to create digital content and, in particular here, training. This software therefore makes it possible to create e-learning modules. The author tool allows you to create images, as well as texts and documents when creating educational content. It is possible to add multimedia content found on the Internet to create animations for example.
How does it work?
The authoring tool available to administrators and trainers is a library listing all characters, images, icons, text formats, in particular for testing and subsequently creating training courses. The authoring tool can be compared to a slideshow where you can create your own slides and build them according to your own will (text, video,...).
The advantages of the authoring tool
The modules are fun and engaging.
When the instructional designer creates the course module, can make classes fun and engaging. The advantage: the learner will then be much more concentrated and learn better. It is possible to create all forms of learning materials where it is good to integrate challenges, competitions and rewards.
Save time
The authoring tool allowed to industrialize training. Previously, creating a training module could take several months, today this is no longer the case thanks to the authoring tool. It is very intuitive and easy to use. It only takes a few days to create engaging learning. Plus, the price is reasonable.
Create a unique training
Learners are increasingly looking for courses that are ever more unique and fun. So you have to create relevant and rewarding learning. To do this, it is necessary to study the target and define the needs and objectives that it previously had. The authoring tool makes it possible to succeed in training the employees of a company with a unique training of its kind.
Autonomous and responsible learners
Learners can complete the courses remotely. So, they learn at their own pace in the way they want to be an actor in their skills development.
Reminder: however, they are monitored by the trainers since the results are then analyzed.
The authoring tool is not enough
The authoring tool only allows you to create training offers, but it does not in any way allow them to be distributed and shared with learners. In addition to the authoring tool, it is essential to equip yourself with a LMS to be able to distribute training courses, to manage them and to analyze the results so that employees can train. The authoring tool can also work with a LCMS, which adds certain functionalities such as organization and storage.
