In our previous post we discussed what SCORM is and how to add it to Moodle. Click here for a reminder. In this post we will look at some of the excellent proprietary and open-source tools that can be used to create SCORM compliant learning content.
A large amount of the tools on offer allow instructors to convert Microsoft Powerpoint presentations or Microsoft Word documents into Flash. We have provided a short list of such tools below:
Other, more complete SCORM authoring tools include the following…
eXe Learning – exelearning.org
eXe (elearning XML editor) Learning is an open-source freely available SCORM package authoring tool for teachers. There is plenty of support for eXe on the web. A Video playlist of eXe tutorials can be found athttp://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=71F832AF244327F8
Reload – www.reload.ac.uk
Reload Editor allows you to develop a SCORM package using a graphical interface. SCORM structures are created using a file tree type structure. Files can be added to the SCORM package by simply dragging the file into the package as a resource. Items are then connected with resources using the dropdown menu in the item’s property pane. This makes structuring the SCORM package very easy, although it does not aid the definition of SCO communication with the LMS.
Exerte – www.nottingham.ac.uk/xerte
Exerte is a suite of open source learning content authoring tools from the University of Nottingham. Exerte allows e-learning developers to produce interactive learning material. Learning material can then be packaged using SCORM allowing for delivery by Moodle and other LMSs.
To have an idea of the type and quality of learning material that can be produced with Exerte have a look at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/xerte/media/loDemo/rloObject.htm
Articulate – www.articulate.com
Articulate Presenter and Articulate Quizmaker allow the e-learning content creator to produce high quality e-learning content. Articulate Presenter’s authoring environment integrates into Microsoft Powerpoint. Presenter allows the content creator to enhance a basic powerpoint slide show by adding voice-over and integrating a wide variety of media. The aim here is to keep the learner engaged with the learning content.
Articulate Quizmaker allows the content creator to create powerpoint slides that the learner must interact with, generally in the form of a quiz or assessment. Content produced in both Presenter and Quizmaker can be export as SCORM objects to be imported into Moodle. To see how interactive SCORM content can seamlessly be integrated into Moodle have a look at the screen cast at http://screenr.com/RON. To learn more about Articulate, a free 30-day trial of Articulate is available fromarticulate.com.
Adobe Captivate – www.adobe.com/products/captivate/
Captivate allows e-learning content developers to create interactive, high quality content. You will find more details on Adobe Captivate including examples of interactive e-learning created using Adobe Captivate athttp://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/
Adobe Presenter – www.adobe.com/products/presenter/
Presenter allows you to create high impact presentations with a high degree of interactivity through quizzes and animations. For more details on Adobe Presenter have a look at their web site athttp://www.adobe.com/products/presenter/
The video below outlines how Presenter is used to create interactive learning content.
iSpring QuizMaker – www.ispringsolutions.com/products/ispring_quizmaker.html
iSpring QuizMaker provides the e-learning content author with a quick, easy way to create interactive slick quizzes. Quizzes can be integrated with audio, video and other media. iSpring provide a 30 day free trial that can be accessed fromhttp://www.ispringsolutions.com/products/ispring_quizmaker.html
Conclusion
At Enovation we have have worked on many projects with these tools for client requirements. All the tools we have mentioned here have advantages and trade-offs. Its about finding the tool that best fits your e-learning needs. It could also be the case that a combination of content creation tools is the best approach, an example of such a case can be found in the video below:
We should also note that this was just a taste of the range of tools available for creating SCORM content. A more complete list can be found at http://docs.moodle.org/en/Tools_for_creating_SCORM_content
Contact us to find out more about the courses and training that we run in creating content and using Web2.0 for LMS.
