Tools for Learning Development

From time to time, we get asked what tools and equipment we use to create the learning objects that we give to our clients, so we thought we would take some time and go through the tools that we use to create learning. Below is a list of software that we use and what deliverables can be created in the program. I also list out some positives and negatives for each, and if possible, provide some alternatives.

This is not an exhaustive list, just the most common applications leveraged by our customers. We develop with whatever tools our customers use to ensure that lifecycle maintenance is easy and content can be maintained.

Name of Program	Deliverables	Pros/Cons	Alternative
Microsoft Word	Print Documents (QRG, Job Aide, Facilitator Guide/Participant Guide, etc.)	Pros: Easy editing and reviewing. Familiar to most people. Cons: Images can be tricky to place into the document. Formatting can be a challenge.	Google Docs can be used as a free alternative; however, it does not have as many capabilities in formatting.
Microsoft PowerPoint	Presentations for Instructor-Led and Virtual Instructor–Led classes Storyboards for eLearning	Pros: Familiar to most facilitators. The designer feature can help with picture placement. Cons: Presentations can become boring if not used correctly. The content library is not extensive.	Google Slides can be used as a free alternative.
Microsoft Excel	Asset Management Data Analytics	Pros: Easily manipulated lists. Can be used to analyze data and make it more appealing to the eye. Capable of handling a large amount of data. Cons: Can be difficult to learn.	Google Sheets
Adobe Photoshop	Manipulate photos for asset creation.	Pro: Powerful tool that can change a photo in any way imaginable. Cons: Expensive. Tall learning curve.	SnagIt Editor can be used for a few of the changes, but Photoshop has more options.
Adobe Illustrator	Create and manipulate vector graphics for asset creation.	Pro: Powerful, can create any visual needed. Cons: Expensive. Tall learning curve.	PowerPoint can be used for some changes.
Adobe Premiere	Video editing and audio synchronization	Pro: Basic composition is easy, while still retaining advanced features. Cons: Expensive. Can use most of computer resources.	Camtasia
Adobe After Effects	Special effects for videos	Pro: Can create dazzling special effects for your videos. Cons: Expensive. Difficult to learn. Can use most of your computer resources.	Camtasia
Articulate Storyline	Branching and custom eLearning	Pros: Branching and user-choice capable. Content library included. Review tool included. Cons: Development time can be extensive. Learning curve can be steep. Packaged SCORM content is difficult to parse by AI for multiple modalities.	Adobe Captivate Lectora
Articulate Rise	Simple eLearning	Pros: Web Based platform. Easy to use. Review tool is included. Can add more complicated assets in a simple UI. Cons: Simple interactions only. Little to no user customization. Packaged SCORM content is difficult to parse by AI for multiple modalities.	N/A
VYOND	Animated Videos	Pros: Easy to use web interface. Does not use all computer resources. Cons: Only certain designs are available. All videos are hosted on the site, so if your subscription lapses, you can no longer edit your videos.	Doodly