Home > News > February 2005 > 21-Feb-2005

Bersin & Associates review e-learning authoring tools

Research and consulting firm Bersin & Associates have announced the availability of its newest report - 'E-Learning Authoring Tools: Product Reviews and Selection Guide'.

Co-authored by Training Media Review and targeted at training developers and managers, the 92-page report covers 17 authoring tools in six categories: general, instructional, presentation, general simulation, software simulation, and help.

"The e-learning authoring tools market is highly fragmented market with dozens of options," said Chris Howard, principal analyst for Bersin and Associates. "Each tool is designed for a particular type of user and fits a particular need. This report gives developers a holistic view of all choices, with clear recommendations and comparisons to help readers identify the right product for their needs. Our analysis is based on first-hand experience and evaluation of each tool, not vendor-supplied information."

Each authoring tool is reviewed on installation, overall ease of use, documentation, help and support, interface, functionality, compatibility, and dollar for value. Reviews include the technical requirements for each product, the cost, and an overall recommendation. The report also guides the selection of tools based on required skill level, budget, project suitability, standards compliance, technical compatibility, and technical constraints.

"I took the perspective of someone fairly new to using authoring tools and asked other reviewers to do the same," said Patti Shank, editor of the report’s reviews and general manager of Learning Peaks. "This approach allowed us to hone in on the specific factors that make a tool more or less valuable and worth the time and effort to use."

The report covers the following tools: Articulate Presenter, Authorware, Breeze Training, Camtasia Studio, DazzlerMax, Designer’s Edge, Dreamweaver MX, Flash, Lectora Publisher, Macromedia Director, ReadyGo Web Course Builder, RoboDemo (Now called Captivate), RoboHelp X5, ToolBook, Trainsersoft, Quest, and ViewletBuilder.

The study can be purchased for $495 by going to http://store.bersinassociates.com/authtools.html

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