Learning anything new can be very effective when it is tailored to suit the needs of a learner. For instance, if a learner is a factory worker or someone from the corporate space, their respective workspace and the work culture will become their learning space.
It is crucial to understand, incorporating a structure and purpose to this informal learning ethics through formal learning initiatives can really boost the work efficiency of an individual. It is ideal to incorporate such initiatives in the working hours which is in coordination with their respective organization’s work process. In accordance with this process, the best solution to this learning requirement is eLearning.
There are numerous eLearning authoring tools available today that provide an alternative to cumbersome and expensive classroom training programs. Here’s for you a combination of ‘How to create a successful customised eLearning course?’ and ‘How to make it happen with free trial authoring tools?’—
1. Start with a ‘Why?’
Always begin with questioning the purpose of creating an eLearning project What is the purpose of your training? Who is your audience? Also, the most important question to ask—’Why are they interested in taking up this course’? This will not only help you analyse the need of the eLearning course but also help you understand the requirements, and expectations from it.
2. Understand Your Audience
Imagine writing an entire course in Spanish for people who are still at the beginner level of learning the Spanish language. Do you believe they will benefit from it? Of course, not. Yes, it is an extreme example of an eLearning course gone bad, however, the idea is to make you realise the importance of understanding your audience. The level of teaching has been categorised in Full-Service Company Developing eLearning Courses that helps the audience to choose which level they are suitable to study. It is imperative to know your audience thoroughly before creating an eLearning course or it is of no use, either to you or your audience.
3. Creating Impact with Your Content
Once you are sure of ‘Why?’ and know your audience well, the next step is to focus on the content and creating an impact. The easiest method to do is to break your content into categories and types;
— Categories: Procedural from procedural knowledge, meaning, knowing how to do something; Declarative from declarative knowledge, meaning, knowing something is the case and Situated from the combination of the two categories in terms of context, application and use of the knowledge.
— Types: Facts, Concepts, Procedure, Attitude
— Structure: Defining these categories into a structure will enable you to analyse the interconnectedness of each piece and how is it relevant to the course.
4. Refine Your Topic into a Script
Use all the materials you have compiled, including the notes, videos, images, etc. to create a script relevant to the topic of your eLearning project. Remember, the idea is to make sure it matches the goals you have set for interactions, assessments and other important aspects suitable for your course.
Also, it is important to get the approval of your content from your SMEs and all other company stakeholders before stepping ahead into the development phase of your course.
5. Choose the Right Authoring Tool
Depending on the interactivities designed for your eLearning course, the choice of authoring tool should be made basis the interactivities. Built-in interactivity whether implicit or explicit will enable the learners to engage with the material of your eLearning course on an interpersonal level. When you choose the right authoring tool, you are paving the way for your learners to experience learning in the most holistic manner making it easier for them to understand and get maximum output from your eLearning course.
6. One Cohesive Course
It is very important to bring everything together as a unit. The materials you’ve gathered combined with the authoring tools of your choice will enable you to bring everything into one cohesive course. That being said, here is a list of a few free eLearning Authoring Tools, which will help you build a successful eLearning course—
1. CourseLab
It provides an easy to use eLearning authoring tool with both paid and free options. It’s a freeware program with unlimited timelines for usage.
2. iSpring
With iSpring, you can add your current powerpoint presentation, quizzes and upload it directly to your LMS or any other content management system.
3. Glo Maker
It is an open-source eLearning authoring tool, offering the ability to create generative and interactive learning modules.
4. Udutu
Udutu will enable you to access templates, assessments, interactions and SCORM conversion on its free eLearning platform.
