Elucidat Review: Create HTML5 eLearning Courses

Elucidat Review: Create HTML5 eLearning Courses
Summary: The mLearning industry is rapidly growing, thanks to the rise of smartphones and tablets. This presents a problem for many eLearning pros, as many devices are not able to support Flash-based courses. However, making the switch to HTML5 course design can be quick and painless if you know which authoring tool is right for you. In this article, I’ll review the Elucidat HTML5 course authoring tool, and offer insight into its pricing, ease of use, and support services.

Elucidat Review For Creating HTML5 eLearning Courses

Elucidat is an eLearning authoring tool that features a custom theme builder, pre-made templates, collaboration tools, and a user-friendly design interface. It focuses on HTML5 course creation, and gives eLearning professionals the opportunity to develop online learning materials that load quickly and run on any browser or mobile device. If you’ve been looking for an HTML5 authoring tool that is robust and intuitive, then Elucidat may be at the top of your list after you read through this in-depth review.

7 Elucidat Top Features

  1. Collaboration Tools.
    Elucidat doesn’t disappoint when it comes to online collaboration. The software features a built-in review and commenting platform that allows you to provide feedback and communicate with members of your learning team. No need for a third-party project management platform.
  2. Quick Deployment.
    Publish your eLearning course online or export it to your existing LMS. Elucidat supports SCORM, MOOC, and Tin Can. They also feature built-in hosting, which gives you the ability to immediately share your courses online, thanks to their Elucidat Rapid Release system. Just update your eLearning course content directly in the LMS without exporting modified SCORM files.
  3. Analytics.
    Elucidat offers built-in learner analytics that you can use to track learner progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and gain insight into the effectiveness of the eLearning course design. You can also share user data with third-party software by using the Elucidat API.
  4. Image Library.
    Gain access to over 25,000 ElearningArt images, which includes cut-outs, graphics, and a wide variety of other learning resources. You can even manage your own images within the program, in order to keep all of your eLearning design elements in one place.
  5. Gamification Tools.
    Elucidat offers gamification elements, like badges and points, and supports content that is non-linear. All of these tools help you develop an online course that boosts learner motivation and engagement.
  6. Brand Integration.
    You can use premade templates or design your own to match your brand image. You are also able to ensure brand consistency throughout your eLearning course by collaborating with other authors via the online platform, or integrate new brand images into current eLearning modules.
  7. Localization Tools.
    Elucidat supports XLIFF Translation, which enables you to localize your eLearning course for international audiences. It’s easy to manage your localized versions, as well, due to the fact that the software allows you to modify and update your online content via a master course.

Elucidat Pricing

Elucidat offers a free 14-day trial that allows you to test out its features and functionality. All plans include software upgrades, email and chat support, offline SCORM downloads, content hosting, Elucidat Rapid Release, which covers up to 2,000 learners per year, analytics, and access to the ElearningArt library. Contact Elucidat directly for pricing information.

Ease Of Use

One of the best things about Elucidat is that it’s ideally suited for new and experienced eLearning professionals. If you’ve never worked with an eLearning authoring tool before or are relatively new to eLearning course design, you can use their premade themes and templates to design effective online courses. You simply input your data into the template and make minor adjustments to suit the needs of your learners.

If you are more experienced, Elucidat also offers custom themes. You are able to make changes to your design via the HTML editor and integrate your brand, giving you complete freedom during the development process. You can also determine which authors have access to which projects and define their roles. Last but not least, you may invite your stakeholders to evaluate the online course, as reviewers do not have to pay the annual fee.

Elucidat Support

Elucidat features an extensive online knowledge base, which covers topics such as: themes, managing projects, translation, browser support, and author and developer training. Elucidat also offers a “get started” menu, which covers all the basics that you will need before diving into your first eLearning project. Members have access to phone and email support, as well as a YouTube with informative how-to videos.

Live chat is also available during UK business hours.

Conclusion

Elucidat is ideal for eLearning professionals looking for an HTML5 authoring tool that can create mobile-friendly online courses. It may not have the vast library of templates and interactions that some eLearning authoring tools offers, but it is easy to use, and the templates it has can easily be customized with the built-in HTML editor. In fact, one of its strong suits is course customization and brand integration. You can quickly add branding into your eLearning course design, even if you’re working with a premade template or theme.

Another unique feature that helps Elucidat stand out is their device previewer, which gives you the chance to test your online course on different screen resolution sizes while you’re working. This significantly reduces revision time after developing your eLearning course, as you can see what works and what doesn’t every step of the way. You can rest assured that your online course is going to be tablet and smartphone accessible, thanks to the Flash-free design.

Its Rapid Release system and built-in hosting are major points, as well. eLearning professionals are able to share courses with their learners in an instant, and make changes to existing eLearning courses without having to re-upload the SCORM files. This saves time and resources, which improves the ROI. If you have room in your budget for the annual licensing fee and want to deploy courses quickly, then Elucidat may be the ideal choice.

If you want to know what Elucidat’s customers think about this software, check out the latest reviews from other eLearning Industry members on our review listing.

Originally published on August 24, 2015