Boosting Your ROI With The Right Rapid eLearning Authoring Tool
You certainly aren't limited in options when it's time to purchasing a new rapid eLearning authoring tool. In fact, compiling a shortlist may be the most time-consuming—and headache-inducing—part of the implementation process. Be prepared for dizzying amounts of features, user ratings, and free demos. Actually, this is probably why so many organizations stick with their outdated software instead of purchasing a replacement, even if they know it's time for a change. Wouldn't it be great if there was a must-have list to point you in the right direction that could help you choose a rapid eLearning authoring tool and bypass all those software selection hurdles?
Look no further than this article, which features the top 9 features to consider for good eLearning ROI.
1. Intuitive UI
Every member of your team should be able to use the new rapid eLearning authoring software, not just the resident tech gurus. The platform must have a user-friendly UI that allows you to choose from customizable templates. Simply upload your assets and personalize the layout to create content that's engaging and learner-centric. Of course, there's always a learning curve; your team needs time to acclimate to the new tool. However, the software must be easy to navigate.
2. Built-In Collaboration
Training development is ateam effort. Does the rapid eLearning authoring tool allow your designers to communicate and collaborate from anywhere in the world? It should. Team members must be able to assign tasks, share feedback, and designate roles within the group. Stakeholders should also have the opportunity to get in on the action and provide their input. For instance, allowing your instructional designer to invite external partners or managers to test drive the new branching scenario and identify areas for improvement.
3. Compatibility
Imagine that you've spent weeks designing a new online training simulation or demo video only to discover that the content isn'tcompatible with your LMS. Look for rapid eLearning authoring tools that publish in multiple formats like SCORM, XAPI and HTML5. Otherwise, you can expect software replacement costs and/or lengthy revision and reformatting rounds.
4. Tracking Tools
The only way to verify training performance and effectiveness is through learner metrics. A rapid eLearning tool that's worth the investment features integrated tracking tools. Your team should be able to read out on results and track employee progress and proficiency. It should also enable them to schedule training sessions based on skill gaps and job roles as well as create groups, individual learning paths, and manage learner profiles remotely.
5. Gamification
Motivation is the key to learner engagement and active participation, which means it's also crucial for online training ROI. Consider eLearning authoring tools that support gamification. Such as adding pop-ups to your presentations, developing interactivebranching scenarios, and sending them on virtual missions thanks to built-in hotspots.
6. Responsiveness
Your back-end developers aren't the only ones who need an intuitive UI and remote access. Employee training participants often use their mobile devices for on-the-go training. As such, you need a responsive eLearning authoring tool that's multi-platform friendly. For example, buttons that automatically shrink in size so that they're suitable for smaller screens.
7. Quiz Maker
Assessments are the most direct diagnostic tool. You can find out how much learners know, pinpoint hidden gaps and then develop a personalized plan of action. Thus, the rapid eLearning authoring tool should have a quiz maker for frequent knowledge checks. This includes various question types, grading rubrics and stress-free quiz integration. For instance, you can add it to your video to ensure learners assimilate the information before they move onto the next activity.
8. Interactive Video
Interactive videos are all the rage, which comes as no surprise. They're immersive, engaging and attention-grabbing, making them the best training tool for distracted learners. Can you upload custom videos? What about recording your screen to produce demos and tutorials? Are you able to include subtitles and closed captions for learners with special needs or training requirements? Does your current software support third-party video streaming? If not, it's time to look for arapid eLearning authoringreplacement that recognizes the impact interactive videos have on every aspect of online training, including knowledge retention, employee participation rates and ROI.
9. Content Repurposing
Content upcycling is the new norm. However, you need software that makes repurposing stress free. For example, being able to simply add your assets to the centralized library and reuse them for any scenario, video or eLearning slide show. This negates the need to import individual resources every time you develop new courses. Everything is stored in the repository, which also simplifies the collaborative process. Team members far and wide can contribute assets and draw from the communal library to enrich their own deliverables.
Good ROI is more than just software features and goes beyond the interface design and mobile device readiness. You also need a platform that's backed by vendor support and stellar customer service. They should offer flexible pricing plans to suit your budget and provide free trials. And let's not forget about hosting. You must be able to publish content anywhere, anytime, as well as analyze training results.
At the end of the day, rapid eLearning Authoring Tools should give you the ability to design amazing eLearning content quickly and cost-effectively. Absorb Create could be that authoring tool for you. Get a free tial below and see the difference for yourself.
