Rapidly evolving technologies are changing the way we develop and deliver online content. Content authoring tools, also known as e-content development tools, have become a popular means of creating digital content. A basic e-content development tool allows you to create a simple MS Word document; the more complex and sophisticated ones allow you to manipulate digital media, text, and interactions to create highly immersive content, lessons, and courses. Instructional designers use these tools to create training material for employees and educational content for K12 and higher education.

Much of this content is usually developed for use in a learning management system (LMS) and can be saved in various formats. Most e-content development tools are pre-programmed software with a user-friendly interface that includes templates, media, interactions, tests, and tools for manipulating themes to create and arrange custom content. These tools also support a range of eLearning formats, such as SCORM (1.2, 2004), HTML5, xAPI/TinCan, AICC, and LTI.

This being said, no two e-content development tools are the same.

In this article, we list some of the popular e-content development tools.

Table of Contents:

Top e-Content Development Tools

Created by different companies, these e-content tools offer various features and options to cater to different eLearning needs.

1. Elucidat

This cloud-based e-content development tool offers an extensive library of pre-built templates you can manipulate in sync with your brand, using the layout designer feature to build custom pages without any code. Elucidat also includes flexible rules and branching options to create personalized learning paths and deliver highly immersive experiences.

Some brilliant eLearning examples are included in the free trial account that you can use as a template. The tool also has an analytics dashboard to provide detailed data on how learners interact and respond to the course. The simple yet comprehensive list of features allows you to create high-quality eLearning content smarter and faster. The tool supports SCORM-compliant HTML5 eLearning, advanced xAPI data reporting, and mobile-responsive content.

2. Adobe Captivate

This desktop application is compatible with Windows and Mac. Its customization options, themes, color palettes, and slide masters allow you to create fit-for-purpose eLearning content. This e-content development tool has built-in recording, which you can use to create videos and system demos and build screens on which users can practice their skills.

The Fluid Boxes feature allows you to create responsive content that can be viewed on multiple devices. Mobile gestures, complex interactions, and geo-location features help to build a high-quality learning experience. While this authoring tool has several benefits, it also has a steep learning curve, which implies significant training time for new authors.

3. Articulate Storyline

This e-content development tool offers a PowerPoint look and feel and has a modest learning curve. As in the case of PowerPoint, you can control the theme pages with slide masters and a color palette for branding.

Various triggers, which activate by tapping, clicking, and rolling over a screen object, allow you to achieve interactivity in the content. When a user action is detected, other objects on the screen can be shown or hidden. These features allow you to add interactivity without coding. Articulate is one of the oldest e-learning tools and supports most e-learning formats, including SCORM.

4. El Design

This innovative e-content development tool supports a blend of approaches like AR, VR, next-gen gamification, interactive videos, social learning, microlearning, blended learning, and mobile learning. You can use its various features to create sticky learning and provide room for practice and proficiency gain.

5. Gomo

This cloud-based e-content development tool allows you to create web-style eLearning courses that you can host online via the web or offline using the Gomo app. The tool offers a range of themes you can tweak to look on-brand. There is also a library of interactive templates that you can use to bring your content alive. Authors can also collaborate while creating courses.

6. Lectora Inspire and Lectora Online

Lectora Inspire is a Windows desktop e-content development tool, while Lectora Online is the cloud-based HTML5 version. While it offers an interesting set of tools and features, it has a steep learning curve. Several in-built templates can be tweaked or used as they are. The tool includes a responsive course design feature that lets you develop courses in the desktop view; the tool then automatically rescales them for mobile devices.

7. Adapt

This open-source e-content development tool can be used to create highly responsive HTML5 content. Since it is open source, the tool makes available the tried and tested components from the user community. You can produce content using pre-built templates or create your own themes. It also has a range of interaction and assessment features and an asset library, making it easy to update content quickly.

8. DominKnow One

This tool builds on the features of its traditional e-content development tool, Claro. DominKnow One includes screen capture, responsive authoring, and simulation capabilities. You can use a range of in-built themes and templates and also import your PowerPoint content. The responsive design capabilities are strong, and you can also create varied page types and interactions.

9. Easygenerator

This cloud-based e-content development platform is focused on quickly and efficiently creating eLearning content. You can leverage the predefined templates to produce responsive content with simple interactions. Using the co-authoring feature, You can assign roles to different team members and collaborate on a course. This SCORM-compliant tool can be used to create basic HTML5 content.

Also Read: Top 5 Online Course Platforms for Educational Institutions

Benefits of Choosing the Right Content Development Solution

Choosing the suitable content development solution goes beyond mere functionality; it’s about matching tools with corporate objectives and learner demands. Here’s how a well-chosen solution could change your approach to creating content:

  • Efficiency in Content Creation: You can drastically cut the time needed to create excellent content by using a content development solution with simple processes and reusable templates.
  • Customization and Branding: Depending on the authoring tool types, content development tools can offer greater customization so that the material speaks to your audience and complements your business identity.
  • Scalability: Content development solutions, which typically incorporate elements for multi-language support, are absolutely essential for worldwide companies trying to localize their training or instructional materials.
  • Enhanced Learner Engagement: Advanced technologies, such as gamification, interaction, and tailored learning routes, can help increase engagement and retention rates.
  • Comprehensive Analytics: Many systems include strong reporting tools that let instructional designers examine student performance and incrementally improve material.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Content Development Solution

Take these elements into account when considering different content development tools:

  • Ease of Use: An easy-to-use tool lowers the learning curve, allowing team members to begin producing material with little instruction.
  • Integration Capabilities: Many modern organizations depend on tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications. A content development solution must integrate well with these systems to simplify processes and data exchange.
  • Supported Content Formats: Compatibility between content formats is essential for engaging a diverse audience and making content accessible across different devices and platforms.
  • Scalability and Future-Proofing: As your content needs expand, the selected solution should evolve alongside your organization and adjust to upcoming technological innovations.
  • Analytics and Reporting Features: Data-driven insights are essential for refining content and improving learner outcomes. An advanced content development solution should offer analytics and reporting features that enable you to monitor engagement and create reports on content effectiveness.

Also Read: Online Learning Courses – The New Reality for Institutions and Students

In Conclusion

Most e-content development tools overlap in functionality. So, the one you choose should depend on the quality and scale at which you wish to produce your eLearning content. Most eLearning content development companies offer a free demo and sometimes a free trial to let you have a feel for their e-content development tool. As these tools are pre-programmed, you can easily use them without writing code. However, some do have a steep learning curve, and you may need professional help to create tailored-to-fit, creative, and interactive courses. Also, remember customer support service for a seamless experience while choosing an e-content development tool.

Hurix Digital leverages some of these tools to offer highly flexible, high-value custom content development services. Our team will help you develop custom content for your learners.