Recently I have been exploring the popular suite of eLearning authoring tools that have been created by Articulate Global, Articulate 360, in particular the Rise 360 application. eLearning authoring tools, also known as rapid authoring tools, enable individuals to create learning content without needing to have skills in computer programming (Orsborn, 2017). These types of tools can be described as types of “software that allows you to create digital training content, convert it into an eLearning format, and distribute it among learners via a learning management system, or on the web” (Kokoulina, 2019, para. 2).
Overview
Articulate 360 is marketed as an all-in-one solution for creating eLearning content and experiences. There are various pricing packages available, including academic personal and teams plans. The Articulate 360 suite consists of the following main tools:
Rise 360 - A responsive browser-based content authoring platform that can be used to host courses as well as having options to export courses as SCORM and Tin Can API compliant packages that can be imported into learning management systems.
Storyline 360 – A content authoring platform that allows you to create more interactive courses and elements than are possible using Rise 360. This software is only available on Windows machines but can be run using the Boot Camp Utility on a Mac device.
Content Library 360 – This media repository houses over 8.3 million royalty-free assets that can be accessed from Rise 360 and Storyline 360.
Review 360 – a browser-based platform that enables content designers to gather feedback from subject matter experts on their Articulate 360 content.
For the remainder of this post, I will focus on my experience using the Rise 360 platform.
Functionality
I must admit that I have not spent a vast amount of time using the Rise 360 platform. However, my experience to date has been positive. As part of my doctoral studies, I created a 10 lesson course called course design principles which support all learners. I found the platform easy to navigate and it had a wealth of different options available for adding content. For the more adventurous, custom assets can be created in Storyline 360 and used within Rise 360 courses and lessons. All of the features present in the platform can be found on the following webpage.
It was very easy to create accessible content using Rise 360. The platform consists of the following accessibility features:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 support
- Option to add alternative text to images
- Screen reader support
- Video closed captions
- Keyboard-accessible navigation
The wealth of course creation options also make it very easy to provide differentiated instruction. Branched scenarios and decision-making interactions can be made in Rise 360 and instruction can be further enhanced through creating custom simulations in Storyline 360 and using them in Rise 360. Audio and Video can be used in course design, as well as a variety of different knowledge checks and interactive elements.
Limitations & Suggested Improvements
During my short time using Rise 360, I have noticed that the template categories could include a section for education, specifically K-12. This is not a major limitation of the platform but it is a feature that would entice more educators, and K-12 developers, to use the platform. It would also be great to have more customisation options available to tweak the look and feel of the overall course layout and course description page.
Summary
Overall, I think it is too early for me to recommend the Articulate 360 suite as being the best eLearning authoring solution. I am currently engaged in a project focused on evaluating a wide range of different platforms and feel that I need to spend some more time exploring different solutions. However, with the breadth of tools that are offered within the Articulate 360 suite, it's going to be a hard one to beat!
References
Kokoulina, O. (2019, December 30). What is an authoring tool? iSpring Solutions Inc. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/what-is-an-elearning-authoring-tool
Orsborn, G. (2017). Use of rapid e-learning authoring tools in higher education. Whitireia Nursing & Health Journal, 24, 47–51.