E-Learning Authoring Tools Compared (Articulate, Captivate, Lectora)

Articulate Uses PowerPoint as the main development environment and overlays interactions, audio and Flash media over the top. Then, it exports it out into a handy, single .SWF file for distribution on the web. It has a nice wrapper that creates a nice, contained package for navigation and user controls.

Pro:

If lots of your training is already in PPT, then maybe Articulate is a good be: Import your PPT, add some audio and a couple questions and after export, you are good to go.

Con:

It uses PPT as the basic development platform and plugs in over the top. Your training looks like a glorified PPT.

Captivate Uses itself as a development platform and does screen recordings and your desktop. It adds interactions and demonstration pop ups, while also allowing for a degree of branching, quizzes and the new version has great audio controls. Then, when you are done, it exports out to a handy, single .swf file for distribution. It also has a nice wrapper that has great navigation and user controls.

Pro:

Captivate is great for capturing mouse movements and screen shots. If you are developing training on a new computer system or software Captivate is really, really good.

Con:

Not suitable for more advance e-learning.

Lectora Is its own development platform specifically designed for eLearning creation. It allows for the most flexibility, and the pro package has screen capture, audio capture and PPT import as well. It has lots of interaction templates, learning templates and other features that allow you to jump right in and start programming great eLearning.

Pro:

Lectora is great for everything. Everything Articulate and Captivate does, you can do it in Lectora. Plus, the flexibility of Lectora allows you to go beyond and really do some creative eLearning. If you want to build training distributed over the web, and you have a team of creative designers who want no limits, try Lectora.

Cons:

Not as intuitive. There is a learning curve.

Recommendation So which e-learning software is best? Depends on your skill level and type of material you are creating. My advice to you is don’t spend a lot of time looking for a "One Size Fits All" solution instead consider using a combination of software and integrating them to achieve the best results for your targeted audience.