e-Learning Blog

Before explaining the e-learning creation tool, let's review the basic knowledge of e-learning. We will also explain the "materials" of e-learning that are necessary when creating them.

<Learning Designer>What is e-learning? Characteristics and Benefits</Learning Designer>

e-learning is a method of learning that utilizes electronic devices (such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) through an internet connection, and can also refer to the entire education system. It is possible to learn anytime and anywhere with an internet connection, and you can learn at your own pace. Another attractive feature is the variety of learning materials, such as animations and quizzes.

<Learning Designer>Essential for e-learning operation, delivery system and teaching materials</Learning Designer>

To implement e-learning, you will need a "system" for delivery and "materials" for content.

●What is the e-learning delivery system?

The e-learning delivery system is a tool called LMS (Learning Management System ※) that is used for designing, implementing, and managing learning programs. It also functions as a platform for providing access to learning content and tracking progress, evaluation, and reporting.

※Currently, the main trend is not an LMS specialized in education, but a "talent management system" that manages personnel information and related information.

●What is the content material?

Text and illustrations, as well as videos, images, animations, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other formats can be utilized in e-learning. These can make it easier for learners to understand information visually and auditorily, and can be expected to enhance learning effectiveness.

〈How to Obtain e-Learning Materials〉

●How to Obtain.1 Purchase Pre-made Materials

This is a method for purchasing and utilizing pre-made educational materials. Since the content is already set, it is not possible to add original elements from your company. For general topics such as business etiquette and compliance knowledge, pre-made educational materials can be used effectively by many companies.

When purchasing materials, the method of purchase will vary depending on whether or not the company has an LMS.

▶If your company has an LMS
If the specifications of your company's LMS match the materials, you can register and operate them on your company's LMS. Check the specifications and purchase only the materials.

▶If your company does not have an LMS
Receive delivery service (cloud service) from a vendor (sales company) that provides teaching materials.
Since there is no need for physical equipment such as servers, it is not troublesome and the security management is also handled by the management company.

In some cases, such as when learning management is not particularly necessary, an LMS may not be required, so please respond accordingly to each situation.

●How to Obtain.2 Customize Pre-made Materials

This is a method for customizing part of a pre-made educational material package for our company. By adding and modifying information while covering some of the existing material, we can create educational materials that align with our company's objectives.

●How to Obtain.3 Customize Your Materials

This is a method for ordering custom-made materials from vendors. One of the major benefits is being able to create original materials from scratch with professional support. Companies that are unsure of what materials to use or are looking to turn their expertise into e-learning may want to consider custom-made options.

●How to Obtain.4 Create Original Teaching Materials in-house

This is a method for creating teaching materials in-house. There are two types of cases: one where all processes are performed and one where a "teaching material creation tool" is used, with the latter being easier and more common. The advantage is that costs can be kept down because there is no need to rely on professionals.

eLearning authoring tools are tools that allow you to create interactive learning materials relatively easily by combining various media such as text, images, audio, and video.
eLearning authoring tools are equipped with various functions to create effective and attractive learning materials.

Main Features of e-Learning Authoring Tool
・Create content based on materials such as PowerPoint
・Video recording and editing
・Automatic screen capture
・Narration creation
・Creation of tests, quizzes, surveys, etc.
・Formatting for multi-device compatibility (HTML5 conversion)
・Standardization for LMS (Learning Management System) compatibility (SCORM conversion), etc.

e-Learning creation tools can be used to create high-quality learning materials without specialized knowledge such as programming. Due to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, it is widely used.

What are the benefits of using e-learning authoring tools specifically? We have summarized them below.

〈Benefits 1〉Utilize Existing Company Materials
By utilizing PowerPoint materials that have already been created within the company, you can create e-learning content. By converting them to HTML5 or video format, they can be viewed and used online. Furthermore, by using tools that support SCORM (e-learning standard), you can create materials that can be installed on an LMS. In this way, the easy sharing of existing company materials can streamline the provision and management of learning.

〈Benefits.2〉Easily Create Video-based Learning Materials
eLearning authoring tools make it easy to create video-based learning materials. You can use data taken with your smartphone as material. There are also software programs that allow you to create materials with just a few edits after uploading the video. The advantage is that you can significantly reduce the amount of work required without the need for special equipment or the hassle of renting a studio.

〈Benefits.3〉Easily Record Operation Simulations
When creating manuals or teaching materials for how to use a PC or operate software/applications, screen recording and editing are often necessary. These tasks are generally cumbersome and time-consuming, but this issue is resolved with e-learning authoring tools. By utilizing features such as automatic screen capture and explanatory displays using speech bubbles and frames, it is easy to create operation simulations.

〈Benefits 4〉Easy handling of revisions and updates
With e-learning creation tools, it is easy to make revisions and updates even after creating the materials. With intuitive steps, it is possible to quickly make changes, additions, and improvements to the content. This is especially useful for materials in fields such as law and technology, where information often changes. Some software also has a version control feature, making it easy to manage and ensuring accuracy.

By using e-learning authoring tools, it is possible to easily create teaching materials and achieve time and resource savings. For those considering the introduction of e-learning, e-learning authoring tools will be a reliable ally.

There are various types of e-learning authoring tools. Let's choose the most suitable one according to the direction of the materials and the needs of the learners. In this chapter, we will introduce three recommended tools.

●PowerPoint

When creating e-learning materials, PowerPoint is one of the most convenient tools. The period from starting the manuscript to delivery is relatively short, and by utilizing existing assets (such as materials for group training), you can create materials more efficiently. It is suitable for sharing information quickly and for materials that require frequent updates.

Main Features
・Can add animation and narration
・Displays bullet points in order
・Emphasizes target parts according to narration
→By recording these movements and exporting them in video format, it becomes a great teaching material.

Example of Suitable Teaching Materials
・Things that require regular revisions such as laws and regulations
・Internal system and rule revisions for dissemination

●iSpring Suite (iSpring Suite)

iSpring Suite is used as a PowerPoint add-in software※. Based on PowerPoint presentations, it allows for detailed adjustments and modifications of narration and animation using a timeline. Its attractive features include a wide range of templates and materials, which can improve the design and learning effectiveness of educational materials. Additionally, it is equipped with tools for generating quizzes and tests, as well as screen capture (a function for recording on-screen operations), allowing for the incorporation of more interactive elements into educational materials.

※Refers to software that is installed as an additional feature and provides extension capabilities.

Main Functions
・Fine-tuning and editing of narration and animation
・Generation of quizzes and tests
・Screen capture
・Ability to choose the format and layout of educational materials

Example of Suitable Teaching Materials
・Fields where quizzes and tests are effective, such as language learning and technical training
・Teaching materials that require role-playing simulations, such as customer service

●Vyond (Beyond)

Vyond is a cloud service specialized in animation that is used worldwide. It offers a wide variety of characters, backgrounds, and illustrations that are pre-made, making it possible to create professional animation content just by combining them. No special knowledge or skills are required. The completed animation can be published as is, or imported into PowerPoint or iSpring Suite for use as e-learning materials.

〈Abundant Templates〉
・Backgrounds: Over 1,900
・Characters: Over 1,300
・Small Illustrations: Over 14,000 small illustrations
・Actions (facial expressions and movements of characters): Over 2,400 patterns

Example of Suitable Teaching Materials
・Teaching materials that include complex concepts and procedures (expressed in easy-to-understand animations)
・Teaching materials that contain scenes that are difficult to reproduce in live action (e.g. accident case studies, harassment-related no-go cases)
・Storytelling

There are many options for creating e-learning materials, but among them, e-learning authoring tools are a reliable assistant for creating high-quality materials easily.

Of course, it is possible to cover all processes within the company, but even if only some processes or materials are covered, utilizing external resources can efficiently create higher quality learning materials. Additionally, by receiving advice from "e-learning professionals" such as vendors, it is possible to add improvements to the learning materials that can lead to increased motivation and learning effectiveness for learners.

Human Science, one of such vendors, has been producing over 2,700 e-learning materials since its service launch in 2000. We are flexible in responding to our customers' requests, including planning and design, mobile compatibility with videos and HTML5, and content migration for LMS replacement. For inquiries about e-learning implementation or e-learning authoring tools, please contact Human Science.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for educational materials utilizing animation, and at Human Science Co., Ltd., we also offer sales and production services for "iSpring Suite" and "Vyond" introduced in Chapter 4. Please feel free to consult with us about animation materials as well.

Please refer to Human Science Co., Ltd.'s e-learning site.
＞ e-learning material production
＞ iSpring sales
＞ Vyond (animation production) sales
＞ Animation material production outsourcing