Traditionally, trainers have created their training materials offline using applications like PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. Offline (or manual) methods of authoring has proven to be problematic as it can be difficult to create powerful content and time consuming to manage.
So, authoring tools were developed for two primary reasons:
- To create training materials that were interactive, engaging, and beautiful.
- To provide an easy way to manage your training resources.
Here are the top three reasons why you should be considering an authoring tool for your organization.
1. Rapid authoring
A study by Qualtrics found that 31% of trainers faced challenges when it came to learner engagement levels.
Most authoring tools will have built-in design templates, so you don’t need to do the hard yards when it comes to making your content look and feel beautiful. Leaving you to focus on the important stuff!
2. Consolidate, centralize, collaborate
Say goodbye to frustration and hello to organization.
Trainers no longer need to spend unnecessary time searching for training materials, as authoring tools provide you with a resource library, where you can consolidate and centralize all your training materials.
Tools can simultaneously offer collaboration between your trainers so they can create content together. This is particularly helpful if you have an in-house design team, or even if you have trainers that teach and develop content for the same courses.
3. Ease of use
Authoring tools can range in complexity but overall aim to be easy to use, and easy to share your content.
As a result, you don’t need a graphic designer or someone with a technical background to create content. Anyone can author engaging bite-size learning using the platform.
Tools should ensure that content created is WCAG 2.0 compliant. In-platform instructor tips and audio narration can also help your learners glide through their courses.
Content created can also be delivered simply by a URL or email, so it can be accessed easily.
The wrap
To sum it up, authoring tools are an emerging necessity for any organization looking to take their training to the next level. Authoring tools provide powerful and engaging training materials, whilst simultaneously reducing the time spent on creating and maintaining your training materials.
