You’re struggling to create engaging e-learning content. What are the top-rated tools that can help you?

As a former teacher who is now a VP of L&D, a common problem I see is that companies are so focused on the digital component of the transformation that that they neglect to consider the learning portion. Unless the learning strategy is sound from both a business and an educational perspective (it must be both), then it matters very little which platform you choose. I liken it to installing the doors and windows before building the foundation of the house. With that said, Storyline, Captivate and Docebo are all fine choices. Trainual is good if it's your company's first L&D initiative.

E-learning provides employees with instant access to their learning content 24/7. As organisations become leaner the traditional classroom training sessions become harder to fill and organise, which opens up the opportunity to utilise e-learning when the content and expected outcome can be achieved using this medium. The opportunity to allow learners to learn at a time which best suits them and a pace they can manage also makes e-learning a good option.

When I'm crafting engaging e-learning content, I rely on top-rated tools in various categories. For graphic design and multimedia, I turn to Adobe Creative Cloud & Canva to make visually appealing content. Video hosting and streaming platforms such as YouTube & Vimeo are also my go to for multimedia content. Collaboration and communication are vital, so tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams keep my team connected but I alternate depending on my specific needs, budget constraints, and team proficiency, while staying informed about evolving e-learning trends for continuous improvement.

Far too often, eLearning development is looked at through the lens of SCORM. This approach often results in the use of mainstream tools like Storyline or Captivate. The major problem with this approach is that you have immediately constrained your learning design, your learning designer and the learning experience of your learner. Why not consider making your LMS do some of the heavy lifting? Instead of using the LMS as a place to plonk SCORM objects, actually use it to house your learning experience. Use cool tools such as Genial.ly, Powtoon, Vyond, etc. Use Polls and live interactions. Add 3D learning such as vrty.io. Get your trainers adding content such as embedding a Ted Talk that they found that is relevant.

Claramente los procesos formativos en la ed superior están atravesando un etapa de transformación increíble. En ese marco contar con una estrategia con uso de e-Learning ya dejó de ser un lujo, ahora ha pasado a ser una necesidad. Pero necesidad de que? De asegurar procesos de aprendizaje más profundos y mejor adaptados a las condiciones cognitivas de los estudiantes. Distintas investigaciones van acumulando información y evidencia sólida que ofertas formativas combinando lo presencial con diseños en e-Learning tienen mejores resultados no solo en profundidad sino en duración de niveles de aprendizaje.

Les critères de choix des outils e-learning peuvent inclure la convivialité de l'interface, la compatibilité avec les appareils, la variété des fonctionnalités (telles que les quiz interactifs, les forums de discussion, etc.), la capacité à suivre la progression des apprenants, la disponibilité de support technique, la possibilité d'intégrer des contenus variés (vidéos, documents, etc.), la personnalisation des parcours d'apprentissage, la sécurité des données et la rentabilité par rapport au budget alloué.

while choosing the e-learning tool depends on varied factors based on the organization need. Below to be considered and evaluated at the basic step before choosing the tool: 1.Compatability 2.User friendly 3.Easy Access 4.Budget Friendly 5.Easy customization 6.Data Insights and Reports

Ease of use: The platform should be intuitive and user-friendly for both learners and instructors. Accessibility: Ensure the tool caters to diverse learning styles and offers accessibility features for learners with disabilities. Engagement: Look for features that promote active participation, interaction, and gamified elements to keep learners motivated. Content delivery: Consider if the tool supports your preferred content formats (videos, simulations, quizzes, etc.) and delivery methods (mobile-friendly, offline access). Learning management: Does the tool offer features for tracking progress, assessments, feedback, and reporting?

Nicely summarised👌. Ability to use AI and automations in creating content will benefit further by making the tool future proof. Also consider industry specific learning tools, methods and how those can be integrated further into the tool.

I believe that all learning tools are beneficial and while having a specific criteria is important, the dynamic factor is "you!" I have found that it is possible to make any type of E-Learning tool relevant and useful for the subject area being focused on. I am positive that through consistent collaboration and creative thinking, there will always be a plethora of tools to help facilitate learning.

Incorporating the right tools in class can improve the learning experience drastically. Some top rated tools are, Connect from McGraw-Hill which is a versatile educational platform that includes SmartBook, an adaptive reading tool that personalizes content delivery. It highlights critical points and assesses understanding, focusing students' attention on areas that need improvement. For Math and Chemistry, ALEKS stands out for its adaptive learning technology. It assesses a student's knowledge and skills, then provides personalized instruction tailored to their unique learning needs. ALEKS is particularly effective in helping students achieve mastery through targeted practice and exciting interface.

As with all tools, its the practitioners skill and application that leads to quality content. Often those tasked with creating content are experts in software but in my experience those with an aptitude for design and creativity often become the best content creators. The best course content, should be geared to engage the learner from the very start until the end, with a variety of mediums to meet the specific learning needs of the individuals.

Vyond (formerly GoAnimate) is a cloud-based animation tool that enables you to create animated videos for e-learning. It offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built characters, templates, and a wide variety of animation effects. It also allows you to add voiceovers and customize the visuals to match your content.

I found Gnowbe to be a superb enablement platform. It allows us to use sources of multimedia content plus leverage fun features for higher engagement & effectiveness. We were able to make our presentation and communication skills courses mobile and accessible anytime and anywhere via mobile, tablet and web. Most importantly, we were able to package complex content in clear and conscise ways using microlearning.

There are a number of tools I like to generate content. Invideo.io - helps you generate videos, allows scenes, scenes from text, a wide database of photos and videos. Promtsmart+ teleprompter that actually recognizes what you are saying so it can adjust to your speed instead of you having to adjust to its speed. Genial.ly cool annimated infographics The noun project - a site with thousands of icons Storyblocks.com royalty free stock video, photos, icons and audio. Great and well done selections. I recommend subscription.

A tool is valuable but if the content design is not well developed, the tool is meaningless. As a first step, determining the learning design, macro learning or micro learning is critical. The next step is the creator. Many e-learning tools are developed for experienced instructional designers. Simplicity and speed to develop could be valuable. The next component would be the audience. Front line workers have a very different need than students, or corporate staff. Finally, start small and pilot. Get a feel for time to develop, the content, and the audience/learner needs. Build one program and test it. Get feedback and then edit and iterate. The final challenge: keeping content current. Consider ease of updates. Plan before tools.

Set realistic goals: Divide your learning into manageable chunks and set achievable goals for each session. Create a dedicated learning space: Minimize distractions by finding a quiet and comfortable environment to focus on your studies. Actively participate: Don't just passively consume content. Take notes, answer questions, participate in discussions, and complete activities. Review regularly: Schedule time to revisit key concepts and practice what you've learned to solidify your understanding. Communicate with your instructor: Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, or share your feedback with your instructor.

Les bonnes pratiques pour utiliser les outils d'apprentissage en ligne efficacement incluent la définition d'objectifs clairs, le choix de plateformes fiables, l'organisation du temps, l'interaction active, la diversification des ressources, la pratique régulière, la recherche de feedback, et l'autonomie dans l'apprentissage. En les suivant, les utilisateurs peuvent optimiser leur expérience d'apprentissage en ligne et progresser de manière significative.

Best practices to have the best use of the tool is to: 1.Provide enough training to the learners 2.enhancing the content based on the organizational needs 3.Aligning with training needs

Don't add e-learning tools into a lesson just because you can. Know what your objective is before you start, use something that is accessible to the students you are teaching and ensure it contributes to your lesson outcomes rather than being a shiny side attraction.

Lack of motivation and self-discipline: Learning independently requires strong time management and focus, which can be difficult for some. Limited interaction and social engagement: Traditional classroom interaction and peer support can be absent, leading to feelings of isolation. Technical difficulties: Unreliable internet connection, incompatible devices, or software issues can disrupt the learning process. Information overload and distractions: The abundance of digital resources can be overwhelming, leading to difficulty focusing and retaining information. Accessibility barriers: Learners with disabilities might face challenges with platform accessibility features or content formats.

En mi experiencia, las herramientas de e-learning deben estar enfocadas a las características de los usuarios y no sólo considerar los aspectos técnicos. Por lo tanto, debemos designar un embajador entre el área de sistemas de formación que asegurar que lo que la herramienta adaptada sea atractiva y viable para sus usuarios.

Consider - maintenance (updating, etc) and….is credit in any form needed? (E.g. compliance solutions, etc). Two considerations that will really dictate the tool you choose and even the structure of the content as well as the medium.

Les défis de l'utilisation des outils e-learning incluent l'accès limité à Internet, la fracture numérique, le manque d'engagement des apprenants, et la nécessité de maintenir l'interaction humaine. Les solutions comprennent l'utilisation de technologies adaptatives, la conception de contenus attractifs, l'offre d'un soutien technique et pédagogique efficace, ainsi que l'intégration de méthodes d'évaluation variées pour suivre la progression des apprenants.

The biggest challenge in online classrooms can vary depending on the specific context, but some of the most commonly cited issues are in the domain of - Engagement and Interaction , Motivation and Self-Discipline , Accessibility and Equity , Assessment and Evaluation

Always consider ‘Why? ‘ Why do we want to offer E-Learning? In this answer you’ll find your clarity as you look to pick a platform. Don’t chase shinny! Provide options for your prospective learners that you’ve pre-vetted. Highlight ‘why’ you are considering each in a way that allows the learner to have agency in the decision. This step will go a long way in fostering adoption which is essential to foster learning.

To create engaging E-Learning content, consider using tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Camtasia for interactive courses. Utilizing platforms like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard can enhance the overall learning experience. Additionally, incorporating multimedia elements with tools like Vyond for animations or Canva for visual content can boost engagement.

An engaging e-learning tool I have used is Padlet. It serves as a centralized hub for course resources, fostering interactive discussion boards and facilitating group activities. With its user-friendly interface and multimedia-rich features, Padlet promotes collaboration, and community-building within the online learning environment, enhancing overall engagement.

Utilizing technology to enhance training can be exciting and engaging for participants. But remember, fancy tools will never replace high quality facilitation that leads to session participants feeling truly seen, their perspectives stretched, and their time worth spent. So find that balance: e-tools, but also humanizing facilitation. That's how you'll get them to return for more learning opportunities with your organization.

Existem várias ferramentas e plataformas que podem ajudar na criação e distribuição de conteúdo de e-learning: Moodle; Canvas; Blackboard; Google Classroom; Edmodo; Adobe Captivate; Articulate Storyline.