Web authoring tools are software programs that help create and manage websites. These tools can be used to create entire websites from scratch through a WYSIWYG editor.
The best part about web authoring tools is that they are specifically designed for people who are not tech-savvy.
The last thing anyone wants to do when starting an online course or eLearning project is spent hours authoring their content in a WYSIWYG editor. So, they usually opt to use a word processing program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
There are several distinct benefits to using such software, including cost savings, flexibility, and accessibility. In this article, you’ll discover why you should use web authoring tools for creating interactive content. Read on.
1. Building Sites with Web Authoring Tools is Fast
Building sites with web authoring tools are fast, easy, and affordable. Authoring tools make it simple to design and publish web pages regardless of where the content is stored or what device or system you use.
They also let you work on several things at once, so you can concentrate on creating content rather than formatting.
Authoring tools can speed up your web development process by simplifying the designing and building process.
More specifically, they permit you to develop a website without having to write full HTML code. These tools help you to create graphic designs and incorporate them into a web page without learning how to create graphics or write HTML code.
Furthermore, there are plenty of free content management systems out there that you can download and install on your own web server.
Some of the best authoring tools are hosted by someone else, meaning you don’t have to worry about managing a server.
2. Suitable for a Variety of Courses
Web authoring tools might be the ideal tool for creating a learning management system, e-learning courseware, or online training programs.
With easy-to-use authoring tools and flexible interface options, web authoring gives you great results for a variety of courses.
It is possible to present company policy, define processes, and demonstrate explanations on PC and Mac, in English or any other language.
Web authoring tools are suitable for all courses. They are plain and easy, with a simple learning curve.
3. Authoring Tools are Web-Based and Easily Accessible
The rise of web authoring tools has made it easier than ever to create and deliver online courses. The main advantage of web authoring tools is that they are web-based and easily accessible.
Also, the development of these applications has been drastically improved by the ongoing progress in web technologies.
Web authoring tools can be accessed through a browser on any computer. When you use them, you will see your work as it will appear to users, so there are no surprises when you launch the course.
Authoring tools also streamline the creation process with templates and drag-and-drop features that allow you to add text or multimedia with ease.
Authoring tools are available 24/7, so you can access them wherever you are and whenever you need to. Because everything is web-based, all your resources will be stored in one place, making it a lot easier to find the document you need.
4. Great for Demos and Workspaces
Web authoring tools are great for showcasing your work. You can create demos and workspaces and include them in client presentations.
They allow you to upload and share files, write blog posts, email, share photos, and more. Their powerful online tools make it easy to present your work to the world by providing graphics, animations, audio, and video support.
These tools can make your life a lot easier, especially if you have to build or edit sites that share the same look and feel but have different content.
These kinds of projects tend to be called “workspaces.” They are used in e-learning, where it’s common to take courses for more than one audience.
5. Creates Consistency Between e-learning Systems
Over the years of development, many technologies have been introduced to create rich-media e-learning content.
Unfortunately, this creates inconsistency in how instructors use those systems. In addition, it can be difficult for IT professionals to troubleshoot problems when they arise.
Web authoring tools allow content creators to build courses using one application that can then be shared with all systems.
One of the main benefits of using web authoring tools is that it will create consistency between e-learning systems. This is why such tools have become one of the easiest ways for businesses and educators to go about their training programs.
These tools allow instructors to use existing templates to develop courses that can be used on other e-learning systems. This helps companies by creating a large consistency in training when employees are trained throughout different locations.
Consistency between e-learning systems is important in terms of both usability and branding.
A consistent look across the board will help learners adjust to your new system faster because they already know what to expect. The more consistent the system, the easier it will be to use and enjoy.
6. Compatible with Most Platforms
Web authoring tools are compatible with most platforms and can speed up the web creation process. They can also fit into your department’s workflow, allowing your development team to tackle their projects without a hitch.
Authoring tools can allow you to share content with colleagues who don’t normally handle the development process. They also allow you to create more detailed stories that engage learners and help them achieve their goals.
This allows you to create your courses once, and then use them on multiple devices without having to spend time reworking them.
For example, if your audience uses an iPad, iPhone, or Android device, you can use authoring tools to design a site that adapts to the screen size of each device.
7. Allows Complete Reuse of Content with All Benefits
Web authoring tools allow the complete reuse of content with all its benefits, reducing costs, improving user experience, and lowering maintenance.
In this way, it is possible to use your own content and provide it to your audience in the form that you want. With the use of authoring tools, students can save time by not having to retype assignments or documents.
The tools also allow instructors and students to upload and download files from a central location. Web authoring tools are also useful for educators who want their courses posted on the Internet to be used by other instructors.
8. Improve the Teaching Experience by Adding Visual Elements
Everyone knows that a picture is worth a thousand words. Web authoring tools help to improve the teaching experience by adding visual elements. This is not just a matter of aesthetics.
Visuals contribute significantly to learning. They help us to form mental images in our minds, and they can be processed by our brains much more quickly than words alone.
In addition, these tools can help you build and design your learning material to make it more appealing, engaging, and interactive for learners.
You can also modify the content or format of the material, adding images, videos, or animations that help with understanding.
The visual elements make lessons more responsive and help learners focus on key concepts.
They also provide a unique way to differentiate between the various sections of an e-learning course. As a result, students will find it easier to follow along and retain information.
9. Create Lessons, Collaborative Exercises, and Content
Web authoring tools help to create lessons, collaborative exercises, and content for your website. It is the perfect tool for the teacher because it provides the opportunity to create and maintain a large number of lessons.
As a teacher, you can use this tool to create a learning management system to help your students and even yourself study and practice for different tests.
Web authoring tools allow you to create eLearning courseware as simple or complex as you need it to be. It is ideal for small business owners and educators with little time or resources to create their courseware but with valuable lessons to teach.
10. Create Webinars, and Online Training Events Without Limits
Creating webinars and online training events used to be a huge hassle. Creating videos for a course could be done either by an expert or by purchasing various tools that were too complex for the average user to handle.
Today, anyone can create a live-action interactive webinar or live virtual event without needing any technical expertise.
Web authoring tools allow you to create webinars, live webcasts, and online training events without the limitations or delays often found in self-hosted environments. Additionally, web authoring tools can be used on any device, including tablets and smartphones.
FAQs
What are the popular features of web authoring tools?
Web authoring tools make it possible for people without much technical knowledge to create their own web-based content.
The most popular features of these programs include easy integration with existing social media networks; editing of rich media; and seamless sharing across multiple devices.
Do you have to learn HTML to use web authoring?
No, you do not need to know HTML to use web authoring tools.
Using a web authoring tool gives you the power to create professional-looking pages without having to learn HTML.
Many offer an easy point-and-click method to build a site. Most of the time, it is just a matter of deciding what you want on a page and then deciding how best to arrange it.
Do you need a template for web authoring?
You don’t need a template, but it will save you a lot of time. Templates provide a useful visual reference on how to layout content, graphics, and functionality.
Web authoring tool templates are very simple to use and require little or no programming knowledge.
How do authoring tools impact learning?
Authoring tools are applicable throughout the e-learning industry to create engaging, dynamic content for the web, tablets, and mobile devices.
Authoring tools give you the ability to create interesting lessons that can be available for viewing on any device.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of assembling manuals from hand-crafted HTML, or if writing code makes your head spin, developing content shouldn’t involve technical jargon.
You should select a tool that allows you to discover hidden talent within your organization and hire existing employees rather than incurring new costs.
Today, we have identified several reasons why one must consider using web authoring tools. The reason why you should use an authoring tool over other software is quite simple.
By using an authoring tool, you will spend less time creating the learning material and more time working toward your business goals.
They are powerful, easy to use, and have many benefits. And with more educational institutions adopting e-learning, there has been a corresponding increase in the demand for web-based e-learning courses.
Whether you are an educator creating web-based courses or an instructional designer, web authoring tools can benefit you greatly.
Now that you know why you should use web authoring tools, it’s time for you to decide which is best for you. Learn more in the article that compares the best authoring tools for beginners and experts.
Thanks for reading.
