About
eLearning authoring tools are most often used to create portable packages of content with options for their own navigation, assessment, and media. They are frequently used for online learning modules, training programs, interactive assessment and self-guided study. The most common programs in this category are Adobe Captivate, and Articulate Storyline. Canvas also has a module tool, although it’s not quite as sophisticated. Below, you’ll find some examples of their use at UWSOM and their unique capabilities.
**Note that you may need to activate Flash if your browser prompts you to do so while viewing some of the examples.
Examples
Basic Modules
The most basic use for authoring tools is a simple screen-by-screen tutorial that can contain text, images, quizzing, and video. Below are two examples, one in Adobe Captivate and one in Canvas.
Examples from UWSOM
Delivering Serious News Module
Benchmarks for the Cardiac Exam
Feedback, Hints, and Branching
Options for feedback, hints, and branching questions are also included in Captivate and Storyline. The example module below uses some of these features, and more are available. These options are some of the strongest teaching tools included with these programs.
Pandemic Flu Clinic Volunteer Staff Training
Support
School of Medicine faculty have reported it took as long as a quarter of regular work with Captivate and Articulate to become familiar with the tools, but that the investment was worthwhile because they were able to create and package content in ways they couldn’t before. If you wish to do only a small project that may not justify this investment of time, ALT staff may still be able to help you put it together, so please ask if you’re interested in producing one or just trying the tool.