My e-Learning Toolbox

Every so often I see my fellow bloggers posting lists of what they have in their e-learning toolbox. These posts are always interesting and helpful. It is a glimpse not just into their development tool preferences, but it also provides some reflection into the approaches they take in creating courses.

Here is what I have in my e-learning toolbox and some notes on how I use these tools.

• ToolBook authoring tool - this is the DHTML authoring tool used at my company, but prior to this I used TrainerSoft (now Outstart Trainer), which is my preference.


• Adobe Fireworks - editing graphics.


• Adobe Flash - creating interactive elements, including animation, games, immersive learning simulations, etc.


• Adobe Captivate - creating simulations (software sims and occasionally soft skill, branching sims).


• Sumtotal LCMS - already determined by the company I work for, but no complaints.


• SnagIt - grabbing screenshots.


• Adobe Dreamweaver - creating web pages and occasionally jerry-rigging the HTML in courses.


• Adobe Acrobat - creating PDFs included in courses (e.g. job aids).


• Notepad -  editing XML.


• Windows MovieMaker - editing WMV files.


• PowerPoint - creating storyboards.


• Wordpress - editing and publishing my blog.

FYI: Most of what I make are asynchronous WBTs. Please feel free to share what is in your toolbox or any recommendations on tools I should add.