How do you evaluate and compare the features and functionalities of different SCORM authoring tools?

1 Content creation

One of the main aspects of SCORM authoring tools is how they enable you to create and customize your e-learning content. You should look for tools that offer a user-friendly interface, a variety of templates and layouts, and a rich set of media and interactive elements. You should also consider how the tools support different types of content, such as text, images, audio, video, animations, quizzes, simulations, and games. Additionally, you should check how the tools allow you to import and export content from other sources and formats, such as PowerPoint, PDF, HTML, or XML.

2 SCORM compatibility

Another important factor to evaluate and compare SCORM authoring tools is how they comply with the SCORM standard and its different versions. You should look for tools that support the SCORM version that your LMS requires or prefers, such as SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, or SCORM 2004 4th Edition. You should also check how the tools handle the SCORM packaging and manifest files, which are the files that contain the metadata and structure of your e-learning content. Moreover, you should test how the tools generate and validate the SCORM output, which is the zip file that contains your e-learning content and can be uploaded to your LMS.

3 Collaboration and feedback

A third aspect to consider when evaluating and comparing SCORM authoring tools is how they facilitate collaboration and feedback among different stakeholders, such as instructional designers, subject matter experts, reviewers, and learners. You should look for tools that offer features such as cloud-based storage, online editing, version control, commenting, sharing, and reviewing. You should also consider how the tools enable you to collect and analyze feedback from your learners, such as surveys, ratings, reviews, and reports.

4 Accessibility and responsiveness

A fourth criterion to consider when evaluating and comparing SCORM authoring tools is how they ensure accessibility and responsiveness of your e-learning content. Accessibility means that your content can be accessed and used by people with different abilities and preferences, such as visual, auditory, cognitive, or physical impairments. Responsiveness means that your content can adapt to different devices and screen sizes, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. You should look for tools that offer features such as keyboard navigation, text-to-speech, captions, transcripts, alt text, color contrast, font size, layout options, breakpoints, and preview modes.

5 Cost and support

A fifth factor to consider when evaluating and comparing SCORM authoring tools is how much they cost and what kind of support they provide. Cost can vary depending on the type of license, the number of users, the duration of use, and the level of customization. You should look for tools that offer a transparent and flexible pricing model that suits your budget and needs. Support can include technical assistance, customer service, documentation, tutorials, forums, blogs, webinars, and updates. You should look for tools that offer a reliable and comprehensive support system that helps you resolve issues and improve your skills.

6 Innovation and integration

A sixth criterion to consider when evaluating and comparing SCORM authoring tools is how they innovate and integrate with other tools and platforms. Innovation means that the tools are constantly updated and improved to meet the changing needs and expectations of the e-learning industry and the learners. Integration means that the tools can work seamlessly with other tools and platforms that you use or plan to use, such as LMSs, content management systems (CMSs), social media, analytics, gamification, or artificial intelligence (AI). You should look for tools that offer features such as new media and interactive elements, advanced tracking and reporting, adaptive learning, personalized learning, and cross-platform compatibility.