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If you want to know something about authoring tools, Joe Ganci is usually the person to ask. eLearning Joe has a computer science background and has been designing and developing eLearning for many years. He is also adept at explaining and reviewing eLearning development tools and has a regular column (Toolkit) in Learning Solutions Magazine.
In this session, we compare authoring tools in terms of strengths and weaknesses. This is important, because as Joe points out, designers should select the best tool for creating the most effective and engaging learning experience, rather than attaching to an application as though it is a political party.
WE DISCUSS:
- A brief history of authoring tools
- Difference between authoring tools and programming languages
- Types of authoring tools
- Strengths of some of the most popular tools
- When IDers shortchange the learner
- Cloud-based authoring tools
- Responsive design and authoring tools
- Tips for designing mobile learning
- Joe’s mystical predictions for the future of authoring tools and learning
TIME: 34 minutes
TRANSCRIPT: Download the ELC 024 Transcript .
RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes
RESOURCES AND LINKS:
- eLearning Joe: Joe Ganci’s website
- Toolkit: Articles by Joe Ganci in Learning Solutions Magazine
eLearning Development Tools Discussed:
Hi Trista,
In answer to your first question, eLearning is one type of digital learning experience. There are many kinds of learning experience. Instructional Design is the practice of designing and developing learning experiences that facilitate and support learning. These experiences vary depending on the audience, context, and the skills and knowledge that need improvement. ID is an interdisciplinary field that’s evolved from the learning sciences, real-world experience, user experience and other fields.
As to what employers are looking for, there are a lot of people in your situation. I’d suggest doing a few informational interviews with hiring managers to see what competencies they are looking for in organizations that interest you. I don’t know of one source for the information you’re looking for. That said, I have some suggestions. I’ll start with my offerings since I know them well. Then some articles that might help you.
Finding a Job in Instructional Design
Tips and Tools for Creating an eLearning Portfolio
Breaking into Instructional Design (free 12-lesson email course about the field and career)
Mastering Instructional Design: membership community for people who want to learn or improve their skills in ID
Certification Programs (scroll down for the cert programs)
Other Resources:
Transition from Teaching to eLearning by Matt Sustaita
Instructional Design Experience Before Your First Job by Christy Tucker
Teacher to Instructional Designer by Chad Smith
I hope this helps!
Connie
Hi Connie,
I have recently started listening to a number of your podcasts and they are great! I have been in education K-12 for 20 years this year in a number of roles and am looking to change directions using my skillset in instructional design. I have listened to several podcasts this one included, with the hope of gaining a better understanding about what companies are looking for when recruiting instructional designers/elearning content writers etc. So i guess my question is two-fold: What is the difference between elearning and instructional design in the work place? Do you have a podcast that would address this? I would love to check it out! And… when searching for certification programs to learn the skillset that I am missing i.e., elearning authoring tools, writing content for this platform, etc., what are employers looking for? a certification vs. a certificate of completion (i already have a masters in education) or is there another line of coursework that employers would rather see? I would love to hear your thoughts and if there are podcasts that would better answer these questions, please direct me to them as i have yet to be disappointed with the very relevant information but have not been able to find specific info on the above questions.
Any guidance would be so greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Trista
Hi Angela,
Mac users definitely have fewer options and that would have been a great topic to cover. Sorry about that. Captivate has a Mac version and also check out some of the authoring tools that are cloud-based, like Lectora Online. I’m going to message Joe and see what he suggests. (I fixed your URL)
Best,
Connie
Wonderful podcast. Thank you. I was hoping Mac/PC options would be covered. It seems Mac users have less options. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Angela