What is built-in LMS Authoring Tool? And Reasons To Invest In An Authoring Solution with built in LMS?

The significance of having a comprehensive authoring tool for creating effective online learning materials cannot be overstated. A tremendous authoring tool has the potential to transform your online course into a learner-centric, user-friendly, and engaging experience. Even inexperienced instructors can improve their content and create an optimal learning experience with the right tools. Instructors must consider how authoring tools can integrate with their Learning Management Systems to ensure a seamless online learning experience.

However, it can be daunting, particularly for subject matter experts who need more expertise in IT solutions and have limited time to learn new software. Fortunately, the Paradiso LMS has a built-in authoring tool to simplify your online instruction. So, let’s delve into how the built-in LMS authoring tool can streamline your online teaching.

Why do e-learning course designers consider using a built-in LMS authoring tool?

LMSs designed for education often include a built-in authoring tool, making it easier for teachers who are also e-learning course designers and developers to create and deliver online courses. However, it is mainly helpful for blended learning experiences, where online components complement face-to-face instruction.

However, if the core learning experience is entirely online, courses consisting solely of links and PDFs may need more engagement and effectiveness. Paradiso LMS offers powerful and user-friendly authoring features, which have increased the uptake of online and blended learning in universities. Similarly, workplaces with subject matter experts creating courses can benefit from built-in LMS authoring tools.

However, subject matter experts may not consider instructional design principles, potentially compromising the quality of the learning experience. Most teachers and lecturers in schools and universities must add content to courses, but equipping everyone with expensive authoring tools may be challenging. with a built-in LMS authoring Tool, does not require additional costs, and is a widely used alternative.

Let’s discover the difference between built-in LMS Authoring tools Vs. External authoring tools

In today’s digital era, most Learning Management Systems have integrated content authoring features that allow users to write lessons, upload media, and create quizzes, among other things. With technologies, interactive content can also be developed.

Although each LMS has unique capabilities and interfaces, it’s worth examining the advantages and disadvantages of using built-in content creation tools versus external authoring tools. To make an informed decision, the following factors should be considered.

1. eLearning course content designer’s Skill and knowledge
Most higher education institutions rely on the built-in authoring tool capabilities of their LMSs, as instructors develop their course content. As a result, it could be more practical for them to learn external authoring tools.

Similarly, in corporate settings, subject matter experts creating the content need an easy interface to reduce the learning curve and ensure the learner’s experience is appropriate for the content creator’s skill level. If an instructional design or training team is involved, using the best technology possible can enhance the learning experience and overcome the limitations of built-in LMS tools.

2. Emphasize giving a better user experience
External authoring applications are solely designed for authoring, offering a wide range of activities, interactions, and experiences that experienced learning designers can create.

In contrast, the built-in tools of LMSs are merely add-ons to the platform’s core function and are less effective. They prioritize integration and ease of use over providing a suite of features for the learning designer. Using an external authoring application like CogniSpark AI enables the creation of highly interactive, immersive, and engaging courseware, which is impossible at the LMS content-creation level.

3. Always try to update the courses frequently
The built-in tools of LMSs are advantageous for courses that require frequent updates, as changes can be done directly in the LMS. However, this can sometimes lead to version control issues.

For example, if an external authoring tool like CogniSpark AI is used, changes must be made to the source file and then republished and uploaded to the LMS for the change to take effect. Industry-standard authoring tools offer a wide range of capabilities. Still, it’s essential to safeguard source files and all other content like videos, graphics, and storyboards to facilitate easier course maintenance.

What are the benefits of investing in a built-in LMS authoring tool?

Built-in LMS authoring tool claims to provide a comprehensive solution for creating courses, but is it the best choice? While there are some disadvantages, there are also unexpected benefits to consider.

Therefore, it’s essential to explore why all-in-one LMS platforms should be on your list of options. With these platforms, you don’t have to worry about integrating various tools or managing multiple vendors, and they typically have a smoother user experience.

Moreover, all-in-one LMS platforms come with advanced features that offer more flexibility and customization options. So, before you decide, carefully check the pros and cons of both options to determine which fits your needs best.

1. Reduces development time
Using an authoring tool, whether built-in or independent, can significantly accelerate the process of creating course content. These tools typically offer pre-designed templates, shortcuts, and editing features that streamline content development. Combining these features simplifies the creation of course materials even further.

In addition, opting for an authoring program that is integrated with your LMS provides easy access to additional content-generation resources. You can easily access digital documents within the office space with just a single click and adapt them to suit your needs.

2. Minimizes your licensing costs
There are two main ways to deploy software, namely self-hosted and cloud-hosted. While several mixed options are available, such as self-hosted clouds and VPS, acquiring a user license is typically required for any possibility. If you choose a cloud-based system, your subscription fee might include the license fee.

However, regardless of your option, you will require two separate licenses since you need to use both an LMS and an authoring tool. Combining these two pieces of software into one reduces your licensing fee by half, at least in principle. Although some all-in-one LMS platforms may have a higher upfront cost, you should consider the cost savings from not buying third-party authoring tools or paying their renewal fees.

3. Eases distribution process
Built-in LMS Authoring Tool offers a convenient all-in-one solution that can be highly beneficial. With proper configuration, you can perform various tasks within the same platform, including sending emails, receiving memos, clocking in and out, checking your corporate pension, or engaging in instant message conversations with HR. When training materials are created using built-in authoring tools within the LMS, they can easily be shared within the same centralized system. The LMS can also generate individual employee reports and track their performance. Additionally, notifications can be sent to learners needing to remember to complete their training.

4. Simplifies advancements and updates
By opting for an all-in-one LMS, you can avoid the expense of advancements. For example, some vendors charge an additional fee for newer versions that improve efficiency.

However, a built-in LMS authoring tool saves you the hassle and time of updating a separate content creation tool. It also implies that your IT team and LMS administrators will only need to fine-tune the upgraded tool once instead of searching for errors and learning new features for each platform.

What are the built-in authoring features to determine in your next LMS?

An LMS with integrated authoring tools can provide various advantages to your organization. It eliminates the need to search for a different platform to create content and eliminates compatibility issues since the entire eLearning development process uses a single tool.

However, it’s important to note that not all Learning Management Systems that offer a comprehensive package are the same. Before selecting a vendor, it’s crucial to identify the course authoring features you require. Here are the top 7 built-in authoring tool features to consider during the LMS selection process.

• 1. Built-In Authoring
  By utilizing the built-in authoring tools of an LMS, you can easily create and deploy content for your online training course without worrying about compatibility issues. It allows you to launch your online training course more quickly and seamlessly. Moreover, specific Learning Management Systems come with pre-built online training libraries containing templates, themes, and images, which can be accessed easily for efficient content creation.
• 2. Upload virtual custom-made training course content
  Instead of solely depending on pre-built resources, you can integrate your customized online training content into your LMS. It allows you to allocate your online resources and stretch your budget efficiently. You can easily add it to your LMS repository and incorporate it into your existing eLearning course design or repurpose it in the future. In addition, some advanced Learning Management Systems allow you to upload interactive content, like simulations and serious games that align with your training goals.
• 3. Capability to incorporate presentations, PDFs, and Videos
  With the course authoring feature, you can seamlessly integrate downloadable media into your eLearning course design, providing corporate learners convenient access to essential resources from anywhere and anytime. For instance, learners can access the PDF offline to refresh their product knowledge. You can also enhance learner engagement by uploading videos and creating a more interactive online training environment.
• 4. Allot tasks according to your user responsibilities
  In your team, specific members may need access to unnecessary online training resources for other departments or positions. For instance, customer service associates may require different skills and knowledge than your warehouse staff. An LMS equipped with integrated role assignments enables you to assign tasks based on user roles or groups. This feature applies to both the front-end and back-end of your L&D program, as you can assign admin or user roles to allocate work tasks and restrict access to sensitive reports or user data.
• 5. Course backups for the safety of the online training content
  Having backups of your online training course is essential to ensure the safety and integrity of the content you’ve put much effort into creating. In addition, by having backups, you can repurpose the material to meet different needs without losing the original. Although many systems have an automated backup feature that saves your content periodically, it’s also possible to manually save and restore the data in an emergency. Therefore, ensuring your backup location is secure to protect your information is crucial. To do so, your LMS vendor should offer remote server backup with encryption.
• 6. Organize live programs to enhance skills
  Corporate learners can be effectively engaged through live events, which offer a quick means of imparting time-sensitive knowledge. For example, these events are beneficial when there is a need to update remote sales teams on changes to the latest product or new laws that impact the industry. Today, many Learning Management Systems come equipped with authoring tools that facilitate live events and allow attendees to participate. In addition, such systems can track sign-ups, support self-registration, and even enable online payments.
• 7. Provide tailored learning curriculums
  Tailor your corporate learners’ education by offering personalized learning paths that cater to their unique needs. By doing so, they can select online training activities that align with their objectives, job responsibilities, or areas that require improvement. Sometimes, the LMS can automate this process by assessing their past performance and assigning appropriate resources. Nevertheless, corporate learners still have the autonomy to choose the course resources they want to access and when. To enable this, seek an LMS with a learning path designer and templates, such as eLearning course maps or catalogs, where you can upload your online training content.

Conclusion

Utilize Paradiso LMS’s built-in authoring tool, CogniSpark AI, to create engaging content without the inconvenience of dealing with multiple software and licenses. With the option to incorporate content in various formats from a centralized tool, course authors can save time navigating complex software integrations and focus on content creation.

In addition, it can assist you in bringing your online course to life, whether it is a micro or complete degree program, with the inclusion of third-party integrations, digital certificates, or integrated SCORM support. If you want to know more about Paradiso LMS’s built-in authoring tool, contact us for a free trial.