Free eLearning authoring tools are the best for all those who are new to this industry and want to explore things quickly without charges. Luckily, there are multiple open source tools available for small businesses and for new users which can be use anytime anywhere without paying for. As eLearning developer or learner you may always look for an open source software. The reason behind this approach is that it is simple to use these tools and are easy to deploy. Here in this article you will find a list of free and open source eLearning authoring tools which will help you in starting your career in this industry. The list given below is not complete, may be the tools which you are using is not included in this list, if so please leave a comment at the end of this post.
LCDS by Microsoft
It is developed by Microsoft a leading IT company. The Microsoft learning content development system also called LCDS is a free tool which enables the community to create high quality, attractive, engaging and interactive eLearning contents/courses.
SmartBuilder
It is introduced by Suddenly Smart; it is award winning free eLearning authoring tool that enables you to create content with flash media. Its user interface is friendly and attractive.
eXe
This project is developed for all those students and teachers who want to publish content and don’t have enough knowledge of HTML or XML. This is open source authoring tool which is a great assistant for all learners. Contents created in eXe can be export to all packages supported by LMSs like SCORM 1.2, Content Package or IMS Common Cartridge samples.
Wink
Wink is an open source eLearning authoring tool. It is used mostly for developing tutorials and presentations. Its primary focus is of creating tutorials on how to use a particular software like PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Word, Photoshop etc. You can capture screenshots as well as can add extra explanation boxes, buttons and can give titles to develop high quality and engaging eLearning contents and courses.
CourseLab
It is simple and a powerful free eLearning authoring tool. This is helpful for those learners who are zero in programming skills, because it is programming-free tool for creating high quality and attractive eLearning courses which can be then publish on the world wide web through learning management systems like Moodle as well as courses created in CourseLab can be export to other platform like DVD as well as to other devices.
W2L
W2L or What2Learn helps eLearning developers and designers to create interactive courses rich with games and quizzes. It is also one of the best tool to track the learner’s progress and attainment. It provides a huge amount of effective educational resources and revision games. A great open source eLearning authoring tool in the eLearning industry.
LessonWriter
It is developed by Lesson Writer, it is a tool for teachers and for all those want to create courses and lessons from any passage. This tool allows teachers to create creative contents with their lesson plans in less time. It is a best tool for saving precious time.
CAM Studio
This tool is used to record screen activities including audio activity on your computer and then create high quality and industry acceptable video files from recorded screens. After developing videos then these videos can be export to the web using different media platforms.
Scratch
Best and powerful free tool for eLearning developers and learners to create interactive courses for free and in less time. Scratch is a creative tool that helps users create content that is beyond the barriers of traditional page-turners. Scratch users can create interactive stories, animation, music, and art, then share their creations on the web.
Document Suite 2008
Document Suite is used to transform documents into online help modules.
