Choosing Authoring Tools

Peter BerkingADL Co-Laboratory Hub

An Overview

5/19/2010

Disclaimer

Vendor citations or descriptions are for illustrative purposes only

and are NOT an endorsement by ADL. All vendors and products are listed in

alphabetical order unless otherwise noted.

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Purpose & Scope-1

Present considerations forchoosing tools Categorize tools and

provide examples Not intended as Comprehensive survey

of available tools Comparative rating or

evaluation of products

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Purpose & Scope-2

Title is Choosing Authoring Tools (plural) since usually one product will not suffice

Tool 1

Tool 2

Tool 3

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Overview

What Is an Authoring Tool?-1

Creates, edits, reviews, tests, and configures e-learning

Software may not be designed specifically for e-learning

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What Is an Authoring Tool?-2

Can be part of systems that perform broader e-learning functions (ex: LCMSs)

Authoring ContentRepositoryCourse Delivery

LCMS

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What Is an Authoring Tool?-3

Primary tools vs. auxiliary tools

Tools discussed hereare primarily for WBT

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Why Use Authoring Tools?

Reduce technical overhead

Automate time-consuming tasks Enforce standards and workflows

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VS.

WYSIWYGProgramming or

scripting language

Why Is Choice So Important?

Defines capabilities of your organization May or may not support your Types of e-learning products Delivery platforms File formats Standards Workflows

Maximize durability

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Process for Choosing Tools

1. Determine requirements for Type(s) of training Learning functions needed Media Level of interactivity Skill sets of authors Need for non-technical

staff to edit content Output file format Standards compliance Support and training the

tool requires

Interworking with other tools

Collaborative authoring Number, roles, and

distribution of potential tool users

Bandwidth and other IT environment factors

Budget for purchasing tool(s) and associated support/training contracts

Process for Choosing Tools-1

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2. Determine budget for purchase including support and training contracts

3. Determine categories of tools you will need

4. Identify specific tools for theidentified key categories

Process for Choosing Tools-2

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Process for Choosing Tools-3

5. Develop matrix that assesses tools identified in Step 4 against requirements developed in Step 1

6. Filter and eliminate candidates. Send RFP if applicable.

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ToolRequirementsMatrixMedia supported

Interactivity level

Authoring skill set

Editing by non-technical staff

Output file formats

Standards compliance

Support and training reqd

Collaborative authoring

Number, roles, and distribution of users

IT consider-ations

Budget

Tool name

Process for Choosing Tools-4

7. Compile features list for all remaining candidate tools

8. Develop and complete a matrix that weights features and identifies tools that have them

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ToolFeaturesRatingMatrixFeature 1

Feature 2 Feature 3 Feature 4 Feature 5 Feature 6 Feature 7 Feature 8 Feature 9 Feature 10 Rollup score

Tool name

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

Weighting factor

000000

Process for Choosing Tools-5

9. Contact highest scoring vendors andask for demo

10. Make decision based on feature comparison, taking into account price, licensing, and other intangibles

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Categories of Tools

Categories-1

Purpose of categorization is to facilitate aligning your e-learning product requirements to tools Categories not mutually exclusive

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Categories-2

Self-contained authoring environments Web site development tools Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools E-learning development tools Web-based Desktop-based

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Categories-3

Self-contained authoring environments (continued) Simulation development tools System simulation 3D simulation

Game development environments

Virtual world development environments

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Categories-4

Self-contained authoring environments (continued) Database-delivered web application systems

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Categories-5

Learning content management systems (LCMSs) Virtual classroom systems Mobile learning development tools External document converter/optimizer tools Web-based Desktop-based

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Categories-6

Auxiliary tools E-learning assemblers/packagers

Specific interaction object creation tools

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Categories-7

Auxiliary tools Media asset production tools

Word processors, page layout, and document format tools

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Categories-8

Auxiliary tools (continued) Database applications

Web-based collaboration and web 2.0 authoring tools

Web page editors

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Comparison of Categories

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Development Time and Cost

Chart concept fromhttp://www.suddenlysmart.com/smartbuilder.htm

HighLow

Power and

Flexibility

High

External document converter/optimizer tools

Web development tools

Rapid Application Development tools

Web-based E-learningdevelopment tools

Desktop-based E-learningdevelopment tools

Virtual world development environments

Game development environments

Simulation development tools

Database-delivered Web application systems

LCMSs

Virtual classroom systems

Special Features and Issues

Open Source and Freeware

Pros No license cost Flexibility in engineering to your requirements Not forced to rely on vendor for support Potentially quicker response to evolving requirements

Cons Higher cost of installation, customization, and support Greater reliance on user networks, communities

Freeware may not be open sourcerestrictions might apply.

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Hosted Solutions

Applies to web-based tools only Vendor installs and manages on their server Pros Eases your hardware and network infrastructure needs Lowers your staff costs for admin and maintenance Enables faster implementation

Cons Restricts opportunities and scope for local customization May not meet your security requirements

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Templates and Skins-1

Definitions Skins are style sheets and/or interfaces Templates are starting points for building screens or

course structures Both can include a lot of functionality as well as

appearance

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Templates and Skins-2

Advantages Saves time Reduces requirement for technical expertise Simplifies authoring process Enables non-technical staff to author Can enforce uniform standards Skins enable local variations on parent content objects Some LMSs apply skins dynamically according to user

role/organization

Disadvantages Can restrict creativity and create cookie cutter

look and feel31

Output File Formats-1

Most important question What output file format(s) does it produce?

Establishing output format before choosing tools ensures that9Files will work within your infrastructure9You are not stuck with non-durable file formats

LCMSs assemble and deliver files at runtime

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Output File Formats-2

Drivers for output format decision Type of training Requirements of delivery system Compatibility with network and firewalls Compression and streaming features Ability to edit in other tools Support for mobile learning

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SCORM 2004 Support-1

The tool must be able to create SCORM 2004-conformant content packages (4th Edition is current version)

The tool should Support object-based learning design Allow SCOs to be defined at any level of course

organization Support incorporation of all SCORM data model

elements Allow direct viewing and editing of manifest files Enable reuse of course packages and manifests Allow creation of SCORM metadata Allow definition of sequencing and navigation rules

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SCORM 2004 Support-2

For SCORM 2004 sequencing and navigation, use any of the following if authoring tool does not include features to support it XML and Javascript Reload (free)

http://www.adlnet.gov/Technologies/scorm/SCORMSDocuments/2004%204th%20Edition/Reload.aspx

Test sample SCO produced by authoring tool through SCORM Conformance Test Suite View sample content on your target course delivery

system to ensure it functions as intended35

SCORM 2004 Support-3

ADL does not certify the ability of an authoring to create SCORM conformant content View SCORM Adopters lists on the ADL

Web site (http://www.adlnet.gov) under What We Do then SCORM. Look in the SCORM Adopters section.

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Section 508 Support

Tools should facilitate generating compliant approaches/code/functions and disallow non-compliant ones Some authoring tools have built-in compliance

checkers Verify compliance by testing with screen reader

37Orca

Criteria for Assessing Quality and Suitability of Tools

Caveat

The important question is:

What can the software do in a right-out-of-the-box, plug-and-play use case scenario?

notWhat can the software do?

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Quality Criteria-1 (desktop and web-based tools)

Learning technology used Sequencing and navigation Assessment features Technical characteristics of output Authoring ancillary documents Ease of learning and use User training, support, documentation Technical architecture

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Quality Criteria-2 (desktop and web-based tools)

Acquisition and maintenance Automation and process optimization Programming features

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Quality Criteria (web-based tools only)

Collaborative authoring and process management System access System performance Permissions and roles

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General Recommendations

Recommendations-1

Keep in mind that most software tools that are easier to learn and use have fewer capabilities, and vice versa Avoid first releases of software Ask vendor Who are your clients? How do your clients use the tool? Can we talk to your clients?

Ask vendor for demonstration on your enterprise system(s) Avoid companies with short history in the market

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Recommendations-2

Check to see if the company is ISO and/or CMMI certified Buy only the components you need, especially if

buying an LCMS Consider a hosted solution (for web-based tools) Do not overlook open source, freeware, or GOTS

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Recommendations-3

Use tools in combination Test tool on system configuration your authors

typically use Err on the side of choosing a more powerful tool Determine skill sets of your authors and match to

tool

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Current Trends in Authoring Tools

Trends-1

Team-based life cycle production and maintenance Use of XML Separation of content and appearance Integration and complexity of templates and skins Learning object-centric architecture Embedded best practice design principles Automated metadata generation and extraction Open architectures

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Trends-2

Support for team-based learning Gadget-based interface Support for social media Support for immersive learning technologies

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References and Resources

Resources-1

ADL Initiative http://www.adlnet.gov/

ADL Registry http://adlregistry.adlnet.gov/

DAVIS/DITIS http://defenseimagery.mil/index.html

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Resources-2

Industry surveys, product comparisons, reports, buyers guides Bersin & Associates

http://www.bersin.com/ Brandon-Hall

http://www.brandon-hall.com/ E-learning Guild

http://www.elearningguild.com/ Training Media Review

http://www.tmreview.com/

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References

ADL Guide to Creating Reusable Content with SCORM 2004 www.adlnet.gov

The ADL Registry and CORDRA, Volume 2: ADL Registry Overview and User Guide http://adlregistry.adlnet.gov/

DOD Instruction 1322.26, Development, Management, and Delivery of Distributed Learning, June 2006 http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html/132226.htm

Learning Technology Lab

Vendor-neutral Evaluation Environment Hosted at ADL Co-Lab Hub

in Alexandria, VA Expert support to help resolve

interoperability concerns Unbiased facilitation for dispute resolution

Hosts a variety of LMSs, LCMSs, & authoring tools Support test and evaluation of content across platforms

Showcase exemplar content and tools Enable rapid troubleshooting to quickly identify problem

areas54

Learning Opportunities-1

Webinars: 1-hour sessions each week Current topics SCORM 2004 4th Edition Overview Creating Reusable Content with SCORM 2004 Sequencing SCORM 2004 Content (2-part series) Contributing to the ADL Registry Version 1.7 Federated Registry Architectures Choosing Authoring Tools Visual Design Principles for Reusable Learning

Content Custom sessions may be available For details, visit www.ADLNet.gov 55

Learning Opportunities-2

Online Office Hours Every Thursday from

1:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern Instructional Systems

Designer (ISD) and technical expert support For details, visit

www.ADLNet.gov

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Communications

Bookmark ADLNet.gov Topic sections with new

feature stories each month More resources for

designers and developers

ADL Initiative Insights Newsletter (monthly) Subscribe at

www.ADLNet.gov

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Follow ADL on @ADL_Initiative

Slides for This Webinar

Download at Navigation path:

ADL Welcome>What We Do>Learning Technology Lab>Quick Links>Library>Webinar_ChoosingAuthoringTools_20100519.zip Direct link:

http://www.adlnet.gov/Technologies/Lab/Learning%20Technology%20Lab%20Documents/Library/Webinar_ChoosingAuthoringTools_20100519.zip

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Questions or Comments?

Peter Berkingpeter.berking.ctr@adlnet.gov

+1.703.575.2017

Choosing Authoring ToolsDisclaimerPurpose & Scope-1Purpose & Scope-2OverviewWhat Is an Authoring Tool?-1What Is an Authoring Tool?-2What Is an Authoring Tool?-3Why Use Authoring Tools?Why Is Choice So Important?Process for Choosing ToolsProcess for Choosing Tools-1Process for Choosing Tools-2Process for Choosing Tools-3Process for Choosing Tools-4Process for Choosing Tools-5Categories of ToolsCategories-1Categories-2Categories-3Categories-4Categories-5Categories-6Categories-7Categories-8Comparison of CategoriesSpecial Features and IssuesOpen Source and FreewareHosted SolutionsTemplates and Skins-1Templates and Skins-2Output File Formats-1Output File Formats-2SCORM 2004 Support-1SCORM 2004 Support-2SCORM 2004 Support-3Section 508 SupportCriteria for Assessing Quality and Suitability of ToolsCaveatQuality Criteria-1 (desktop and web-based tools)Quality Criteria-2 (desktop and web-based tools)Quality Criteria (web-based tools only)General RecommendationsRecommendations-1Recommendations-2Recommendations-3Current Trends in Authoring ToolsTrends-1Trends-2References and ResourcesResources-1Resources-2ReferencesLearning Technology LabLearning Opportunities-1Learning Opportunities-2CommunicationsSlides for This WebinarQuestions or Comments?