eLearning Development Software or Apps

WordPress

LearnDash is a learning management system that offers the creation of courses, lessons, topics and quiz to companies worldwide.

Unique features:

• widgets

• database tables

• users have control

• drag-and-drop course builder (easy to use)

Downsides:

• Not recommended for beginners

• Third-party plug-ins are required

Cost:

• $159 - $369 (Annually)

LearnDash

Articulate

Part of Articulate 360

Create interactive presentations, activities, and assessments

Unique features:

• Device-aware delivery

• Expansive content library

• Triggers, drop buttons, dials, sliders, markers, hotspots, drag and drop, personalized interactions

• Easily save in HTML5

Downsides:

• Videos are not always as high a quality

• Fill in the blank only allows one blank per question

• No default way to add a table in Storyline

• Expensive

• Subscription based

• Cannot be used in MacOS without Bootcamp/Parallel desktops

Cost:

• $1,299 per user, annually

• Academia: $499/one user, annually

Storyline 360

Adobe

Create interactive demonstrations, simulations, branched scenarios, quizzes

Unique features:

• Easily save HTML5

• Easy storyboarding

• Device-aware delivery

• Interactive elements

• Branch-aware quizzing

Downsides:

• Limited support for .GIF images

• Higher cost than some

• Not as many animation effects as other authoring tools

• User interface clunky

• High learning curve

Cost:

• Subscription: $33.99/month

• Perpetual License: $1,299

• Student/Teacher edition: $399

Adobe Captivate

Elucidat

Create responsive course material

Unique features:

• Easy, consistent branding

• Drag and drop interface

• Multiple authors with individual permissions

• Adaptive

• Integrates with all LMSs

• Can publish online, or as an app

Downsides:

• Not as many options as other authoring tools.

• Elucidate.com branding shows up everywhere

• Can't record screen or video directly into course

Cost:

• Not available from vendor

• According to ITQlick.com (Sep 2019) $2,400 per user/year

Elicidat

iSpring

PowerPoint based authoring toolkit. Includes: quiz editor, conversation simulator, screen recording tool, interaction editor, PowerPoint converter

Unique features:

• Each element can be used as a standalone tool as well as in combination

• Interactive assessments

• Supports multiple publishing formats: HTML5, Flash, mp4

• Easily uploaded to LMS

• Free Basic tool

Downsides:

• Branding not available

• Limited functionality

Cost:

• Free Basic tool

• Suite: $770 per user/year

• Discounts available for academic, non-profit, and government

iSpring

TechSmith

Video editor for tutorials and presentatins; uses direct screencast or PowerPoint plug-in

Unique features:

• Multiple audio and video tracks

• Export many different file types

• No video length limits

• Publish and share directly to YouTube

Downsides:

• More crashes than other programs

• Limited customization

• Unlike Adobe, poor keyboard commands

Cost:

• $249

• Maintenance $49.75/annual fee

  • Guaranteed next version

  • Priority support

  • Certification available

Camtasia

Joubel

Allows authors to create fast, engaging content on web pages

Unique features:

• Easy to use

• offers over 20 layouts

Downsides:

• Doesn't have many of the same features as many paid platforms

• No PowerPoint option

• Minimal customization

Cost:

• free

H5P

Composica

Fully functioning LMS designed for startup companies. Can provide interactive content, gamification, and team authoring. Your course can be published in HTML 5 or PDF.

Unique features:

• Free trial available

• Unlimited storage, reviewers and courses

• Lower cost

Downsides:

• Often difficult to reach customer support

• Peer support in general is minimal and difficult to find

Cost:

• $1188 annually

• $129 Monthly

Composica

Knowbly

Capable of creating interactive content that is also responsive. Templates are available to help create content

Unique features:

• Easy to navigate

• User-friendly

• Can be integrated with any LMS

Downsides:

• Questions can be limited

Cost:

• Currently $395 per year.

• New pricing guide should be released soon

• Free trial offered

Knowbly

Telestream

Screencasting, multiple device, and webcam recorder with a non-linear editing interface.

Unique features:

• Robust exporting options for different formats, frame rates and sizes

• Built-in transitions and effects (like annotations, mouse cursor highlights, and callouts)

• Vast array of tutorials

• Stock library

Downsides:

• Complex for beginners

Cost:

• $129-$209/year

Screenflow

Ensemble

Screencasting and/or webcam recording

Unique features:

• Direct upload to Ensemble library or exported as mp4

• Direct interface with Ensemble library website

• Simple to use

• Annotation, captioning, and gesturing during recording

Downsides:

• Can be a drain on memory

• Confusing editing interface

• Editing can only be done after recording, not done later

• Limited exporting options

• Requires Ensemble subscription

Cost: Not publicly listed

Ensemble Anthem

Pear Deck

Pear Deck is a platform for communication for students and teachers. Teachers can create interactive slides and students follow along on their in-class devices

Unique features:

• Engaging features

• Data can be collected immediately

Downsides:

• No follow-ups for students

• Minimal features for collaboration

Cost:

• Basic = Free

• Individual = $149.99 (annually)

• There is also an option for a custom package. Contact Pear Deck for more information.

Pear Deck