Specialized E-learning Tools

Based from my experiences on researching on such a topic, I have come to a conclusion, although I believe it is already an accepted truth, that elearning tools, being a product of technological advancements, follows that it likewise has a need to constantly renew and evolve in order to keep up with the changing times. Its design, processes, strategies and tools must be updated in order to meet the need of efficiency and productivity of various businesses in different industries.



In the past, the standard for developers was that an E-learning product must conform to the standards of web based HTML, Javascript and Flash. However, certain constraints prove these slightly ineffective, hence the recent need to go beyond generalist web tools. Now, there are E-learning tools used for authoring. Each of these new tools have the capabilities to function as authoring systems and at the same time deliver output similar to that of the previously standard web based files. Examples of these E-learning authoring tools are Trainersoft and DazzlerMax. To remain in pace with Trainersoft and DazzlerMax, Click2Learn developed and adapted Toolbook which allows authors to have the option to produce output directly into HTML and JavaScript.

The E-learning market is growing at such an enormous pace, that countless market entrants are exploiting a variety of new technologies and even more specialist E-learning tools in order to maximize the advantages of E-learning.

There are certainly advantages to these specialist E-learning authoring systems, but like most technology, it has disadvantages as well. These new development is beneficial because it can protect an E-learning developer from the need for expertise in specialist programming makes it easier for them to use a variety of interactive techniques, and have the ability to communicate their content with learning management systems. The disadvantage to this, on the other hand, is a certain loss of flexibility. This is because as a tool becomes easier to wield, it becomes more limited. There is less a person can do with it.

I think that in the long run, these specialist E-learning authoring tools will continue to dominate because of its contribution to better content and design. A simplified, yet specialized tool answers the need for a sensible budget and a reasonable, effective timetable as well. That’s why the loss of flexibility is but a small price to pay for progress and the many advantageous effects it would have in the industry.