When you’re faced with the challenge of creating eLearning courses, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right authoring tools for eLearning. With so many authoring software options available, the choice can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: the best decision doesn’t come from picking the most popular or cheapest tool. It comes from aligning the tool with your training goals and learning needs.
Start With the Right Question
Instead of asking “Which tool is most popular?” or “Which one is cheaper?” start by asking:
👉 “What am I trying to accomplish with my eLearning project?”
Once you clarify this, your choice of authoring tools becomes much clearer.
A Real Example: Converting Classroom Training to eLearning
In one of my past projects, I was tasked with converting long, instructor-led training sessions into engaging, digital eLearning modules. Budgets were tight, and companies couldn’t keep sending entire teams away for weekend training. The solution was clear: use authoring software to bring the sessions online.
We started with existing PowerPoint slide decks from presenters and recorded voiceovers using Audacity. We also included multiple-choice questions developed by subject matter experts and integrated video demonstrations that needed editing. I cannot stress this more: your need to work closely with your subject matter expert (SME), you may need to consult them on some design choices. Of course, the final product should have their approval.
From the beginning of the project, I knew that to make this work, I needed a combination of tools, which is what I recommend in this post:
- Articulate Presenter (part of Articulate 360) → Perfect for working with slide decks and quizzes.
- Camtasia Studio → Ideal for editing videos and enhancing interactivity.
- Quizmaker (included in Articulate) → Allowed us to create quizzes within the slides.
The final product was packaged as SCORM for eLearning, which meant the LMS could track quiz scores and learner progress seamlessly. You definitely need to learn about the SCORM standard, I have covered this topic in a previous post, check it out.
Why Using Multiple Authoring Tools Pays Off
In practice, no single authoring software does it all. While Presenter handled slides and quizzes beautifully, Camtasia gave us the power to edit videos and even embed in-video quizzes exported as SCORM. This complementary approach saved time and increased the overall quality of the modules.
Later projects allowed us to enhance slide decks with annotations, animations, and synchronized audio. We also used surveys to gather learner feedback, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Learners loved the convenience, flexibility, and asynchronous access compared to grueling in-person sessions.
Key Takeaways for Choosing Authoring Tools for eLearning
- Don’t rely on popularity or price → focus on your project goals.
- Choose complementary tools → one tool rarely meets all needs.
- Leverage SCORM for eLearning → ensures smooth LMS integration and tracking.
- Think long-term → invest in tools that will be useful across multiple projects.
Final Recommendation
If you’re serious about building professional eLearning, get your hands on at least two authoring tools that complement each other. Avoid choosing two tools that do the same thing (e.g., Articulate Presenter and Adobe Presenter). Instead, build a toolkit that allows you to handle slides, quizzes, video editing, and SCORM exports effectively.
By doing this, you’ll save time, create higher-quality courses, and deliver better learning experiences for your audience.
Happy eLearning!
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