eLearning Software Guide

In the vast land of eLearning, there are two targeted territories: educational facilities and businesses. In the business world, eLearning fills a void of typical of classroom-based employee training courses that lacks interactivity and engagement. This absence of effective, interactive in-person employee training can result in a lack of comprehension and failure to retain essential and necessary information. That’s where training authoring software comes in. This type of eLearning allows companies to create training in a digital format and share among your team through a learning management system. And unlike traditional classroom learning, eLearning presents learners a better chance of digesting the material and makes learning courses more fun, easy, and of course, engaging.

Today’s eLearning tools include authoring software that enables fast and efficient creation of content. The best programs allow anyone with technological familiarity to create rich, valuable content that learners can absorb from anyone. That’s why it is crucial for companies to leverage this newfound ability to teach employees from anywhere.

Modern learning

We are living boldly in the age of modern technology where 85% of Americans own smartphones or tablets. Today’s learners now expect a wide range of options when it comes to learning content for training and education purposes. Gone are the days of making the commute to attend long and typically boring employee training classes onsite. It is an inconvenience for employees and an added expense that is simply not necessary for the employer.

Savvy companies are turning to learning software to create eLearning experiences for online training that are not only user-friendly for both the learner and the trainer, but also offer engaging and interactive learning content they will enjoy. Modern learning opportunities that include cloud-based learning software with an easily navigable user interface makes creating eLearning materials easy, affordable, and the perfect solution to take your organization to the next level of technology.

With eLearning software, learners get the advantage of modern learning online and while keeping the on-demand “work-from-anywhere” perks they crave. Being able to access the online training lessons on demand allows them the freedom they desire to work anytime, from anywhere, so they can work on their schedule, which enables them to excel. In addition, it lets employees know they are part of a progressive company who stays on top of technology and cares about and listens to their team members. The cloud-based online training will also better prepare employees for their roles in the organization which leads to better job satisfaction and enjoyment.

Companies who use modern learning software to create eLearning opportunities for employees will see success in the form of a team that learns, practices, and grows. In addition, using this modern cloud-based learning opportunity will allow organizations to experience faster onboarding, higher NPS scores, more closed deals, and superior customer experience.

Types of eLearning

Company-wide training is evolving and a simple PowerPoint presentation no longer suffices. Instead, businesses are turning to eLearning software to create captivating content for their employees. More companies are recognizing the advantages of eLearning software, and the industry is experiencing rapid growth. That’s why we’d like to provide a few strategies to support eLearning software for businesses.

Every eLearning situation requires a different set of content authoring tools and requirements. We’ve boiled down eLearning software into three types to simplify creating content.

1. Text-driven E-Learning software: At this level, companies only use a few content authoring tools, and the content is relatively straightforward. For the most part, the authoring software is basic and content includes text, graphics, a little audio, and a small set of questions. Training information that doesn’t delve too deep, such as compliance training, is perfect for this format. The goal or purpose of text-driven eLearning software to simply present and grasp the content as quickly as possible.
2. Interactive eLearning software: Every type of eLearning training has some overlap. Interactive eLearning software is similar to text-driven, except for a few key differences. The level of authoring software needed is a bit more complicated, takes a bit more time to get accustomed to, and content is more dynamic. For example, consider a graph or chart that users can interact and change the displayed content. The key to this format of eLearning software is that it’s interactive. In addition to text, graphics, and audio, interactive eLearning software has charts, graphs, diagrams, and videos.
3. Simulation eLearning software. This type of eLearning software is the most complex as it relies significantly on graphics, video, audio, even handles multimedia authoring using Macromedia flash. There are often custom elements and aspects created by specific content authoring tools. The authoring software needed includes tools to develop 3D components, graphics, texts, audio, video, and much more. The heart of simulation E-Learning software is to offer custom elements that aid in the learning experience by creating a more personalized journey.

Finding the right authoring software can be complex but the right eLearning software will help companies simplify the training process and save time, financial resources, and mental effort.

Rapid eLearning best practices

Here are a few strategies to consider when it comes to creating effective and engaging eLearning:

The flipped-classroom approach: We suggest taking the material you use to train and assigning it before work hours. Whether it’s before a first day or a new quarter, the material can be learned and then immediately exemplified by the learner.

Bite-size lessons: Shorter lessons and more frequent quizzing make for higher retention. Lessons should be under 15 minutes and questions should be sprinkled throughout

Content switch-up: We’re big fans of changing up the type of content within course creation software. Look for ways to provide training content via text, images, video, and more.

Ongoing training: Training doesn’t end after onboarding. Even seasoned vets need to learn new things. Ongoing training is important for everyone in the company so that everyone remains on the same page. eLearning software helps prevent messages from being mixed up and serves as a constant source for learning.

Finding the right eLearning software

eLearning software is an investment, and companies want to ensure they make the best one possible. Since the needs of a company can vary dramatically, it’s important to create a clear vision of what a company wants to accomplish with eLearning software. As the company evolves, it’s also natural for training resources to change, especially when it comes to eLearning software. A rapidly changing company may need more advanced types of eLearning tools, such as an adapt authoring tool, a set of SCORM authoring tools, or a basic learning management system. Whatever the company needs, it’s crucial to ask the right questions, so we’ve compiled a list to help with the search of new eLearning software, content authoring tools, or authoring software.

• What’s our vision for eLearning software and what do we hope to achieve?
• What specific tools does the company need to obtain this vision, such as content authoring tools, authoring software, or a learning management system?
• How can the company be sure they’re buying the right eLearning software or content authoring tools?

The eLearning software comparison

When you’re looking for eLearning software, you are probably aiming for the right balance between a reasonable price, user-friendliness, flexibility, and range of options. However, with the number of options on the marketplace, it’s sometimes impossible to tell where to start. Should you prioritize the cost-effectiveness or efficiency of learning outcomes? What do you need your program to do? Who are you teaching?

These are tough questions and not always easy to answer. The best way to make an eLearning software comparison is to start by reading eLearning software reviews. If you compare file software and discover that one looks better than another, that’s great, but don’t give up there. Let’s take a look at some eLearning software options available to you:

eLearning authoring tools and features

The best eLearning authoring tools can be found for purchase individually, but a system with all the tools and the eLearning authoring software necessary proves time and time again to simplify the learning involved with onboarding and ongoing training. Look for eLearning development tools that support:

• Text formatting: Lessons with hyperlinks, bolded texts, and even underlined sections are easily to read and understand.
• Images: Learning material with images are more engaging.
• Video: If you’ve taken the time to put together really great how-to videos or have timeless videos that have worked well in past training, you can position those within a lesson.
• Embed: People have media all over different platforms these days. Look for a tool that allows you to embed other content from YouTube, SlideShare, Prezi, and more.
• Doc: Sometimes you’ll need to upload supplemental forms, guides, or resources, so look for a tool that supports .doc, .xlsx, .csv, and .pdf files.

Open source eLearning Software

Open source is significant these days. Many people find the idea of open source software very appealing, because it not only is free, it has the backing of hundreds and sometimes thousands of different designers. In instructional design, the contribution of many different minds often results in a great product, but just as with free eLearning software, there are some significant downsides as well.

In an open source eLearning software comparison, you not only have to think through an open source LMS comparison, but you’ve also got to make sure that you’re getting the best product possible. The thing about open source learning management systems is that they often incorporate the most cutting edge software, which isn’t always that user-friendly. “Cutting edge” might sound good, but sometimes this moniker translates to messy, barely-beyond-beta systems that make sense only to the people who designed them and not to the people trying to use them.

The other thing about open source LMS software to keep in mind before jumping in is that it usually doesn’t offer much support doesn’t supply compatible hardware and doesn’t come with warranties. While open source eLearning tools may add a valuable layer to your eLearning program, open source is not always the best way to go.

Free eLearning software

To leverage the explosive growth of eLearning and mobile learning in the past few years, many companies have jumped into the game for free. They provide free eLearning authoring software, allowing anyone to create and disseminate eLearning programs to their employees or the masses. Although free eLearning software has some definite upsides, there are plenty of downsides as well. Let’s consider a few of each.

Among the benefits of free learning management system software is the fact that any company can create and put out training materials to help better its systems and its employees’ knowledge base. Considering that in past creating eLearning materials has been cumbersome and expensive, this is no small thing.

However, the downsides include unreliable origins of such materials, the sometimes-poor nature of the design, and the unvetted safety of importing them onto company systems, where they can bring malware and viruses along for the ride.

Make the switch to eLearning software

Seismic Learning (formerly Lessonly) is an online training software for frontline teams. Our mobile platform makes it easy for teams and employees to learn when and where it’s best for them. Seismic Learning makes content creation intuitive and supports a variety of file types. Lessons and courses are quickly created and easily distributed to teams or individual employees. With the quizzing and open-ended question features, managers can see how well learners learn, track their progress, and gather feedback for further training improvements. Ready to learn more? Get a demo from one of our teammates and we’ll show you Seismic Learning in action.