Discover New Ways To Use Your Underappreciated Assets In Your Rapid eLearning Authoring Tool
You may be wondering why your new rapid eLearning authoring tool is falling flat or not delivering the best ROI. Sure, your training developers use it occasionally to update content and access free templates. But, there are other hidden assets that never get the attention they deserve. Assets that cut costs, prevent implementation delays, and jump-start employee engagement. Are you getting the most from your rapid authoring software investment? Check with your L&D team to see if these overlooked features are part of their design process.
8 Overlooked Authoring Tool Assets
1. Image Gallery
You might feel like a kid in a candy store when you visit the image gallery for the first time. Even if you’ve been there before, it’s wise to check back often for new additions. Or to see if you overlooked images that support the current subject matter. You may have to get creative and use the photo editor to modify assets. For example, remove background elements to make it more generalized so that everyone can relate to the photo. Not just employees in a specific region who can recognize the surroundings or road signs.
2. Interactive Templates
Many online training developers head straight for the template library. This means they’re missing out on interactive templates that let employees take control to at least some degree. They can click on hotspots and engage with moving elements to enhance the user experience. Use them as the foundation for your next course to improve aesthetics and employee participation.
3. Customizable Quizzes
You need to test your learners to see how much they know and what they need to work on. Instead of building assessments from the ground up, use the rapid eLearning authoring tool’s customizable quizzes. Some tools even have question templates to keep everything uniform and allow for quick updates. Another related assessment feature that’s highly underrated is customizable surveys that allow you to gather feedback from the team.
4. Video Editor
You probably have at least a handful of videos in your online training library that could use some TLC. They still hold value, but how do you update the content and make it relevant for modern employees? Use the built-in video editor to add sound effects, voice-overs, images, and transitions that leave learners wanting more. You can also repurpose video resources and create a microlearning repository. For example, divide an hour-long presentation into 5 clips, each with their own intros and follow-up links.
5. Animations And Triggers
Animations and triggers transform any online course into a gamified training experience, even though it may not be a full-fledged serious game. However, there are still embedded hotspots and moving elements that will keep learners entertained. Some rapid eLearning authoring tools go beyond interactions and allow you to create animated videos and comic strips. For example, you can chart an object's path and allow trainees to set things in motion with embedded triggers.
6. Cut-Out Characters
It can get lonely out there. Remote employees who train on their own can start to feel isolated from their co-workers. Cut-out characters are a great way to humanize the training experience and form an emotional connection. For example, they guide employees through the course and tell them where to go next and how to share quick tips. You can also use them in simulations, scenarios, and serious games. Try to find characters that relate to your audience. They don’t need to look like them since you have a diverse workforce. That said, they should wear similar uniforms or reflect personas they encounter on the job.
7. Gamification Elements
Motivation is hard to obtain. Especially, if the subject matter is boring or employees don’t feel like they’re getting any real-world value from the content. Badges, points, and leader-boards may be just what they need to actively engage in the course. Peruse your rapid eLearning authoring tool gamification elements for assets that suit employees’ interests or training objectives. For example, leader-board templates you can use to recognize top performers and give laid back employees a nudge. The tool should allow customization to some extent, such as changing the badge color scheme or adjusting the leader-board layout.
8. Branching Scenarios
Creating a branching scenario from scratch is no small feat. First, you must plan the decision paths and their corresponding outcomes, then move on to the aesthetics. There’s also the storyline and characters to consider. Your rapid eLearning authoring tool could save you the hassle if it has built-in branching scenarios. These are usually templates that you can modify and expand to incorporate more decision points. Convert a real-world example or demo video into a branching scenario to test employees’ ability to work under pressure. Time each decision to mimic real-world conditions. They don’t have all day to make a choice when customers are growing impatient. Incorporate cut-out characters, images, and sound effects from the repository to set the scene.
Conclusion
Though templates and themes get all the glory, these underappreciated rapid eLearning tool assets deserve their time in the spotlight. Of course, it’s not only the number of resources but the quality and diversity as well. Image galleries might be packed with thousands of photos when only a handful support your objectives. Likewise, cut-out characters and gamification elements may be limited in terms of customization. Keep the application in mind when evaluating your tool assets for the next online course design. In addition, speak with your vendor to see if add-ons are available. Many tool providers have character, image, and template packages you can purchase to expand your library.
If you’re an eLearning freelancer, you are more careful than most with your selection of eLearning authoring tools. How can you choose an eLearning authoring tool that will stand the test of time? Read the article Choosing The Best eLearning Authoring Tool: The eLearning Freelancer’s Guide to find out everything that eLearning freelancers need to know before choosing an eLearning authoring software.
