EDUCATOR-FRIENDS: 5 semi-free tools to create e-learning materials

Traditional, 4-walled schooling has eventually fully morphed into online learning (at least in countries with high Internet connectivity) during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sharing here 5 semi-free tools that allow educators to produce well-designed learning materials that can be disseminated even without physical meetup. These come with corresponding fees, though some have free packages, albeit with downgraded features.

1. iSpring Suite - This is an easy-DIY e-Learning authoring tool that is a mere Powerpoint plugin. It is pegged simply as "Powerpoint on steroids". It actually does take Powerpoint slides to the next level. The interface is very intuitive and the learning curve is not too steep. It allows interactive slides, drag-and-drop type of quiz questions, and many other features worth checking.

It has a free, lite version with lifetime license [yes, educators can actually avail basic features at $0 cost for life - check here], but upgraded packages come with a reasonable cost and 30-day free trial [check here].

Sample outputs which I have personally delivered for work are here: Digital Literacy and Cyber Wellness. Full subscription allows Cloud storage. This makes learning packages more shareable with links.

Alternatively, the package can be published as SCORM, which can be linked in a learning management system's grade center. This makes completion of the learning package trackable. Educators can monitor how much of the package were covered by the students in asynchronous learning.

2. Articulate 360 - This is a more advanced counterpart of iSpring Suite [features-wise]. I personally do not have background using the software, but have worked on a collaborative, inter-School project that used the same.

Sample output from a Librarian-friend is here. Those who have programming knowledge can reportedly do more complex interactions using the software.

There is no free package for Articulate 360 but it has a 60-day free trial. Pricing plans are here.

3. Animaker - This allows educators to create videos that can complement textual content. The software requires no prior knowledge on video editing, and has a wide library of audio-visual templates which are very professionally done. The software can come free or with minimal monthly or annual cost (depending on the package). A free subscription can get you 5 2-minuter videos per month. Check more about the software pricing here.

Sample outputs I have done for work are here: Online Scams, Public Shaming, Media & Persuasion.

4. Piktochart - This is a very intuitive tool for creation of high-impact infographics, flyers, social media posts, and Powerpoint presentations. The commercial pricing plans are here.

Educators can avail of a special package that includes professional features at a discounted rate of USD39.99 per annum.

5. Canva - This is another option if you wish to create high-impact visuals. I personally use the free, lifetime-license version, and am totally fine with all its inclusions.

Free templates are downloadable, but paid ones can be exported with watermarks. You can become an overnight designer with tons of templates for birthday cards, newsletters, social media posts, brochures, etc. Check the pricing plans here.