Content Tools:
Authoring Tools
Authoring tools are tools used to assemble a course as a whole. These tools offer features that allow you to compile course elements such as text, graphics, and questions (Tools of the trade, n.d). The features, software, and pricing for these tools can vary significantly. Authoring tools can range from web authoring, HTML editors, media and application tools, course authoring, and PowerPoint authoring tools. Authoring tools have so many different features it is necessary to research to make a decision on what features are needed to build into individualized courses.
Element Tools
Element tools help with individual elements of a course. Some authoring tools allow you to create elements without needing separate tools to do so (Tools of the trade, n.d). Element tools that may be necessary for course development include photo editing software, graphics creation software, interactions and animations as well and computer simulations. Business and technical simulations may be necessary to create real world simulations. Most learning management systems also offer assessments tools such as test, quizzes and games.
Content Delivery
Depending on when the learning is occurring a variety of different methods can be used to deliver the content of a lesson. With primary synchronous features content is typically delivered in a webcast or using some sort of audio, video, or visual format. Chat features, surveys and polls offer a way for teachers and students to communicate and gather information.
A visual classroom platform offers both synchronous and asynchronous environments (Tools of the trade, n.d). In this type of platform the content is not usually delivered personally. The content is gathers by the students and the instructor focuses more on facilitating discussion, assigns and grades homework and provides feedback for the students (Tools of the trade, n.d).
Learning management systems allow for the management and administrations of the training provided in these courses. These systems range from simple systems where the learner can go to find the course and launch it to advances systems where there are complex management options for the course (Tools of the trade, n.d).
There are many different options in e-learning and the tools seems endless, it is important to take the time to research tools needed for creating a course to get the most our of the technology available.
great summary, I was just noticing how different platforms tend to focus on two of the three properties of content tools. With Udutu, for example, there's a strong connection with deploying via Facebook and staying connected to principles of education, but the screen limitations aren't can be frustrating for a graphic artist. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteJodi, good stuff. Your post really helped me to better understand this week's material in a condensed way. Seeing it all displayed this way, I am kind of amazed at the wide variety of tools at the disposal of content creators and educators alike. Though, I do agree with Joe, as I am a bit of a digital artist myself. There are plenty of limitations on Udutu. But I guess that would be the beauty in a custom made system, if you had the dollar for it.
ReplyDeleteJodi - You have really explained the differences between element and authoring tools. This is an area where most individuals think that they are both the same.
ReplyDeleteThe authoring tool is the collaboration application as you simply stated previously. It manages all of your data and allows you to create, but the element tool is equally important. You have to be able to create the elements that need to be used. You have addressed it with great detail.