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allowing you to align your eLearning product requirements to tool types and characteristics. It is
important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive. Many tools have elements that qualify
them for two or more categories. However, most tools can be assigned to one category as its primary
intended use or design architecture.
The following is an outline and description of the types of authoring tools, with examples. The websites
listed for each provide feature sets and further details on each tool. Note that some tools appear in more
than one category, as they fulfill multiple purposes.
Tools that are open source, GOTS (government off-the-shelf), or freeware are indicated. All other
examples are COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) products. For more information on open source, freeware,
or GOTS, see 5.3. Open source, freeware, and GOTS solutions.
Note: the lists of examples are not comprehensive, nor do they represent an endorsement of particular
products. They are based on ADL
’
s knowledge and ongoing research as of the date of this document.
³
Section 9: For further reference
´
lists web sites that may provide more comprehensive and updated
information about specific tools.
4.1.
Self-contained authoring environments
These applications enable building entire eLearning courses using capabilities within the authoring tool;
they do not rely on externally created documents (except for media assets and possibly databases). These
generally incorporate WYSIWYG features for screen layout and design, and use an object-oriented
approach for structuring course elements and activities.
4.1.1.
Website development tools
These are open-ended tools for website design; they can be used for any type of website or web pages,
including eLearning. Once your organization has developed templates and established workflows, these
open-ended tools can work well for authoring eLearning. All create output in standard eLearning web
formats using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Examples are:
•
Dreamweaver
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/
•
Visual Studio 2012
®
http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/team-foundation-service
4.1.2.
Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools
These are open-ended tools for designing robust interactive applications (usually for web delivery). They
produce binary runtime files that are executed by a player or plug-in. Examples include:
•
Flash
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/
•
Flex
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/
•
Flypaper
®
http://www.flypaper.com/
4.1.3.
eLearning development tools
These tools are specifically designed to produce eLearning, generally in one or two output file format
options. These systems are what training professionals are most commonly referring to when using the
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term
“
authoring tools.
”
The system architecture often relies heavily on templates and
“
skins
”
to maximize
production efficiencies. In some cases, the developer cannot create templates; the vendors must create
them. In addition to template-based tools, there are two other types: timeline-based tools and object-based
tools.
Timeline-based tools allow authors to create a sequence of actions on a timeline. These tools tend to be
more powerful in that they can natively support authoring animations and object state dependencies.
These two features in combination can be used to create simulations.
Object-based tools allow authors to build content using predefined objects with highly configurable
properties. Objects can include a wide variety of screen elements, such as search capability, wikis, etc..
Object-based tools can be thought of as a variation on the theme of template-based tools in the sense that
the individual objects are essentially the templates. They are less constrained because these objects can be
mixed and matched at a much finer-grained level than screen templates. Object-based tools are usually
more technical and complex than template-based tools; however, they require more development time and
training.
The simpler, easier-to-use tools in this category are sometimes loosely referred to as
“
rapid eLearning
development tools
”
due to both the speed with which authors (especially those that are not technically
inclined) can learn to use the tool and the speed of production. However, the term is generally better
suited for the tools described in 4.6. External document converter/optimizer tools.
4.1.3.1.
Web-based eLearning development tools
These tools are web-based in terms of the authoring tool itself, not just the output files (i.e., the tool uses
the web browser as the application interface). These server-based applications have the advantage of
enabling collaborative authoring and permission/role-based production workflows. Some web-based
applications require installation of a thin desktop client or a browser plug-in. The web-based aspect of
these tools also enables centralized control and enforcement of standards. Examples include:
•
Brainshark Learning Cloud
®
http://www.brainshark.com/solutions/learning-cloud.aspx
•
CHOOSE-IT [under development by Army Research Institute for use in DoD only]
[contact Dr. Cheryl Johnson: cheryl.i.johnson@us.army.mil]
•
Claro
®
http://www.dominknow.com
•
Course Avenue Studio
®
http://www.courseavenue.com
•
D2 Interactive Multimedia Instruction Framework
®
http://www.d2teamsim.com/d2-products/DIF.html
•
Easygenerator
®
http://wwww.easygenerator.com
•
Ilias SCORM Editor [open source]
http://www.ilias.de
•
Lectora Online
®
http://lectora.com/online-e-learning-lectora-online
•
Luminosity Studio
®
http://www.cm-luminosity.co.uk/
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•
Mohive
®
http://www.crossknowledge.com/en_GB/elearning/technologies/mohive.html
•
Oppia [open source]
https://www.oppia.org/
•
Podium
®
http://www.authoronpodium.com/podium/
•
RapideL
®
http://www.rapidel.com/rapideli.html
•
Rapid Intake
®
http://rapidintake.com/overview
•
ROCCE
®
[GOTS]
http://www.ntis.gov/pdf/08.133.08B%20Rapid%20Online%20Content%20Creation%20Environ
ment.pdf
•
Skilitix Interact
®
http://www.skilitix.com/
•
SmartBuilder
®
http://www.suddenlysmart.com/smartbuilder.htm
•
Udutu
®
http://www.udutu.com/
•
ZEBRAZAPPS
®
https://zebrazapps.com/#/list?visitor&zapp
4.1.3.2.
Desktop-based eLearning development tools
Many vendors are moving away from desktop-based authoring applications since they cannot be used
collaboratively; some are retaining desktop-based versions as an option. Desktop-based applications
generally perform better than their web-based cousins, and have more features. Some desktop tools (for
example, those with video editing tools) do not have web counterparts due to high minimum performance
requirements. Examples include:
•
Captivate
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/
•
Content Publisher
®
http://www.elicitus.com
•
Course Builder [open source]
https://code.google.com/p/course-builder/
•
CourseLab
®
[available as a commercial product (latest version) and as freeware (earlier version)]
http://www.courselab.com/view_doc.html?mode=home
•
e-Learning Suite
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/elearningsuite/
•
eXe [open source]
http://exelearning.org/
•
EXPERT Platform [open source
–
limited to government and non-profit organizations]
for information contact Bill Bandrowski
–
band@ctc.com
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•
Expert Author
®
http://www.knowledgequest.com
•
GLO Maker [open source]
http://learning.londonmet.ac.uk/RLO-CETL/glomaker/index.html
•
Impression Learning Content Framework
®
http://impressionlcf.com/
•
iSpring Suite
®
http://www.ispringsolutions.com
•
Learn
®
http://www.sumtotalsystems.com/enterprise/learn/
•
Learning Content Development System (LCDS)
®
[free]
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/tools/lcds/default.mspx
•
Learning Suite
®
http://www.kenexa.com
•
Lectora Inspire
®
http://lectora.com
•
MOS Solo
®
[free]
http://www.moschorus.com/centre/MosPub/solo_en/index.html
•
Multimedia Learning Object Authoring Tool
®
[free]
http://www.learningtools.arts.ubc.ca/mloat.htm
•
SmartBuilder
®
http://www.smartbuilder.com/product/smartbuilder
•
Storyline
®
http://www.articulate.com
•
Xerte [open source]
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/xerte/xerte.htm
4.1.4.
Simulation development tools
These tools are specifically designed for developing simulations and their component animations. Some
incorporate scientific data sets that allow modeling of physical phenomena to simulate the real world as
closely as possible (for example, weather conditions in a flight simulator). Many Rapid Application
Development (RAD) tools can create simulations as well.
4.1.4.1.
System simulation development tools
These tools are optimized for systems training, producing essentially a recording of what is happening in
a computer screen (often called
“
screencasts
”
). They allow easy capture and captioning of interface
features with voiceover narration, additional graphics, and interaction. Examples include:
•
Assima Training Suite
®
http://www.assima.net/training-suite.html
•
Captivate
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/
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•
Camtasia Studio
®
http://www.techsmith.com
•
Firefly Simulation Developer
®
http://www.mzinga.com/products/omnisocial-content/firefly-simulation-developer/
4.1.4.2.
3D simulation development tools
These tools are used to create 3D simulations, usually that look and act like the physical world. The tools
can either model the physical world using geotypical or geospatial data. Geotypical modeling renders
artifacts and environments using databases of scientific data sets that predict, for example, the state of
cloud cover over a location at a certain time of the year and day (not limited to the clouds
’
appearance,
but also including physical properties such as altitude, moisture content, etc.). The clouds are then
generated synthetically (as vector-based 3D models) using a library of textures and skins, and can interact
with other items in the environment based on their assigned physical properties.
Geospatial modeling renders artifacts and environments using satellite imagery, archived photographs,
GPS surveys, and live data feeds from sensors. This type of modeling would render the state of cloud
cover over a location for a particular date and time, as it truly exists or existed. It may include their
physical properties as they actually exist/existed as well.
Geotypical modeling is more flexible and better suited for most simulations, since it allows on-the-fly,
dynamic changes to the physical appearance and attributes controlled by either the user or simulation
itself. This permits a wide variety of
“
what if
”
scenarios. Examples of 3D simulation development tools
include:
•
CodeBaby Studio
®
http://codebaby.com/elearning-solutions/get-free-trial-now/?cpid=ELGad100112
•
ESP
®
[this tool is still available, but Microsoft no longer supports it]
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff798293.aspx
•
Flex Builder
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/
•
Kuda
®
[open source]
http://code.google.com/p/kuda/
•
SimWriter
®
http://www.simwriter.com
•
Thinking Worlds
®
http://www.thinkingworlds.com/
4.1.5.
Game development environments
Although you can use many RAD and simulation tools to create game-based learning applications, tools
in this category are specific to a particular game engine or game standard. Examples include:
•
GameSalad
®
[optimized for producing mobile games]
http://gamesalad.com
•
GameStudio
®
http://www.3dgamestudio.com/
•
Torque Game Engine
®
http://www.garagegames.com/
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•
Truevision 3D
®
http://www.truevision3d.com/page-14-create-3d-game-development
•
Unity Pro
®
http://unity3d.com
•
VBS Worlds
®
http://www.vbsworlds.com/
•
Visual3D
®
http://www.visual3d.net/
4.1.6.
Virtual world development environments
Although you can use many RAD, simulation, and game development tools to create virtual world
learning applications, these refer to those that are specific to a particular virtual world or virtual world
type. Examples include:
•
3Dxplorer
®
http://www.3dxplorer.com/
•
OpenQwaq [open source]
http://code.google.com/p/openqwaq/
•
OpenSim [open source]
http://opensimulator.org/wiki/Main_Page
•
Open Wonderland [open source]
http://openwonderland.org/
•
Protosphere
®
http://www.protonmedia.com/
•
Second Life
®
http://www.secondlife.com
•
Vastpark Creator
®
[freeware for up to 5 users]
http://www.vastpark.com/
•
Vizard Virtual Reality Toolkit
®
http://www.worldviz.com/products/vizard
•
World Visions
®
http://www.aesthetic.com/home_frame/home_frame.htm
4.1.7.
Database-delivered web application systems
These tools represent the ultimate leveraging of the concept of separation of content and appearance;
developers store the content (text and media assets) in a database, and apply formats to them on a
presentation layer at runtime. This can be a great advantage if learning content information is volatile;
you can update content simply and cleanly by replacing objects in a database through a web form. This
approach can minimize course maintenance costs for clients by allowing them to make minor updates
themselves rather than paying the content developer for every change.
The authoring tools rely on manipulating screen placeholders (that call objects in from the database), and
provide form-based methods for configuring and populating the database. These tools require server
software to deliver the eLearning. Examples include:
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•
ColdFusion
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/coldfusion/
•
ASP.Net
®
[programming language built in to all Microsoft servers]
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/centrum-asp-net.aspx
4.2.
Learning content management systems (LCMSs)
These applications integrate the authoring functions with content management, storage, and delivery,
leveraging the advantages of integrating these functions. They also generally assemble and deliver the
eLearning dynamically at runtime from a central content repository. This provides great flexibility for
reuse of content and media. Users do not develop actual files during the authoring process; they assemble
virtual learning objects from database and file elements, similar to the database-delivered web application
systems described in section 4.1.7. Database-delivered web application systems. See the ADL paper
Choosing an LMS at http://www.adlnet.gov/resources/choosing-an-lms-white-paper?type=research_paper
for more details on LCMSs. Examples include:
•
ATutor
®
http://www.atutor.ca/atutor/index.php
•
SilkRoad Greenlight
®
http://www.silkroad.com
•
Impression Learning Content Framework
®
http://impressionlcf.com/
•
LCMS by KeneXa
®
http://www.outstart.com/outstart_lcms.htm
•
Learn eXact
®
http://www.exact-learning.com/en/products/learn-exact-suite
•
Mindflash
®
http://www.mindflash.com
•
MOS Chorus
®
http://www.moschorus.com/centre/MosPub/chorus_en/index.html
•
SAP Enterprise Learning
®
http://www.sap.com
•
Sumtotal Learn
®
http://www.sumtotalsystems.com
•
Xyleme LCMS
®
http://www.xyleme.com/
4.3.
Virtual classroom systems
Vendors design these applications specifically to create eLearning that is delivered via an online
collaboration tool (usually one that is optimized for eLearning, with familiar classroom metaphors). The
collaboration functionality is usually combined with the authoring functionality in one system. LMS
functions are often included as well.
Developers use these systems to author synchronous or asynchronous virtual classroom training; most are
capable of creating asynchronous eLearning only by virtue of the fact that the synchronous session can be
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recorded and played back for self-paced learning. These are not standalone systems, because they require
files to be generated externally and imported (for example, PowerPoint
®
slides). Examples include:
•
Adobe Presenter
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/presenter.html
•
Blackboard Collaborate
®
http://www.blackboard.com
•
Classroom
®
https://cloud.saba.com/classroom/
•
Connect
®
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/
•
GoToTraining
®
http://www.gotomeeting.com/fec/training/online_training
•
OmniSocial HR and Learning Suite
®
http://www.mzinga.com/a/pdf/MzingaDS-HRSolutions.pdf
4.4.
Mobile learning development tools
Many authoring tools can deliver content to mobile devices. The tools provide this capability by using a
mobile device screen template and output files that work with the mobile device operating system.
However, tools are emerging that are specifically designed for mobile learning (mLearning), for instance,
providing authoring capability for audio learning content (e.g., spoken word, podcasts) along with
associated interactive assessments and surveys. Other tools are optimized to provide eLearning content
through the phone
’
s web browsing capability.
Note that some of the mLearning authoring tools are designed to run only within their own LMS
platform; stand-alone portability isn't always possible. Also, some target only one screen size (for
example, the Apple iPad
®
). Some of them support SCORM output (for details on SCORM
implementation strategies, see
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=YWRsbmV0Lmdvdnxtb2JpbGUtbGVhcm5pbmct
Z3VpZGV8Z3g6MzM2ZDcyMDQ0ZjkwOTZmYw).
See 5.2. mLearning authoring tools for more information on these tools.
Examples of mLearning development tools include:
•
AppCooker
®
[creates prototype mockups]
http://www.appcooker.com
•
LearnCast
®
http://www.learncast.com/
•
Claro
®
http://www.dominknow.com/
•
CourseAvenue Enterprise Mobile Solution
®
http://www.courseavenue.com/mlearning
•
eLearning Objects Navigator (eLON
TM
) [U.S. Coast Guard system for creating, classifying, and
retrieving reusable mobile learning objects]
http://uwf.edu/atc/projects/eLON.html
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•
Evernote
®
http://www.evernote.com
•
eXact Mobile
®
http://www.exact-learning.com/en/products/learn-exact-suite/exact-mobile-solution-for-mobile-
learning
•
EXPERT Platform [open source
–
limited to government and non-profit organizations]
for information contact Bill Bandrowski
–
band@ctc.com
•
Hot Lava Mobile
®
http://www.outstart.com/about-hot-lava-mobile.htm
•
iSpring Pro
®
http://www.ispringsolutions.com
•
StoryWorks OnDemand
®
http://www.storyworksondemand.com/
•
MASLO [open source
–
under development]
http://www.adlnet.gov/capabilities/mobile-learning/maslo#tab-main
•
mLearning Studio
®
http://www.rapidintake.com/products/mobile/mobile-learning-studio/
•
Mobile Study
®
http://www.mobilestudy.org/
•
Mobl 21
®
http://www.emantras.com
•
On Point Learning and Performance System
®
http://www.onpointdigital.com/new_site/products_content13.htm
•
Pastiche
®
http://www.xyleme.com/product/pastiche
•
QStream
®
http://qstream.com
•
Raptivity
®
http://www.raptivity.com/
•
ReadyGo Mobile
®
http://readygo.com/
•
Sencha Complete
®
http://www.sencha.com/
•
SumTotal Mobile e-Learning Solution
®
http://www.sumtotalsystems.com/products/learning-mobile.html
For a matrix of tool vendors and their capabilities in relation to mLearning (published July 2011), see
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=YWRsbmV0Lmdvdnxtb2JpbGUtbGVhcm5pbmct
Z3VpZGV8Z3g6MzM2ZDcyMDQ0ZjkwOTZmYw
See 5.2. mLearning authoring tools for more details on issues and opportunities involved in authoring for
the mobile platform.
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4.5.
Social learning development tools
Some authoring tools are designed to create learning that is based on learner-generated content, peer-to-
peer communication, and collaboration provided by social media tools. Use of these features in eLearning
is increasing rapidly; some vendors now specifically tailor collaboration tools to support eLearning and
their authoring and delivery systems. These authoring tools support publishing learning modules that
include such formats as:
•
Wikis (for example, Wikipedia
®
)
•
Social networking (for example, Facebook
®
)
•
Blogs (for example, Blogger
®
)
•
Micro-blogs (for example, Twitter
®
)
•
Social bookmarking (for example, Delicious
®
)
•
Social news (for example, Digg
®
)
•
Picture sharing (for example, Flickr
®
)
•
Video sharing (for example, YouTube
®
)
•
Communities of practice (CoPs)
•
Expert exchanges (for example, Experts-Exchange.com
®
)
Examples of tools include:
•
Bizlibrary Community
®
http://www.bizlibrary.com
•
Bloomfire
®
http://www.bloomfire.com
•
Scate Ignite
®
https://www.scateignite.com/s2.php?action=info.products
•
Composica
®
http://www.composica.com
•
Engage
®
http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Engage/Overview.aspx
•
Social LMS
®
http://www.outstart.com/trainingedge-lms.htm
4.6.
External document converter/optimizer tools
These applications usually offer limited ability to develop eLearning from scratch; they are primarily
designed to import and convert external documents (usually PowerPoint
®
and Word
®
documents) to web-
based eLearning (in DHTML or Flash
®
format usually). Often these external documents are legacy ILT
(instructor-led training) files (student guides and presentation slides, for example) that need to be
converted to eLearning.
This category of tools includes what is known as
“
rapid eLearning development tools.
”
See 5.1. Rapid
eLearning authoring tools for more information.
If you are using PowerPoint as the starting point for your content, you may not need to convert using one
of these tools. PowerPoint alone can be used to produce traditional asynchronous eLearning with the look,
Documents you may be interested
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