Anyone wanting to create digital learning content can quickly feel overwhelmed by the number of creative tools on the market. Today we present 19 tools recommended by e-learning expert Claudia Grajek for creating content for online courses. From general design tools and image databases to editing video and audio files. Includes an infographic for download!
Recommendations shared: Our selection of creative tools for creating learning content
Experienced trainers and coaches know: if you want to digitalize your learning content, simply pulling out the scanner is not enough. You also shouldn't upload pages of presentation slides 1:1 into your online course. In e-learning, your participants sit alone in front of the screen and quickly get bored if they have to click through text documents.
Today, the choice often falls on a colorful media mix of videos, quizzes, images, audio, and – yes, occasionally text documents too. To create such media content, you have plenty of tools to support you. For example, Canva, Filmora, various PDF converters, and many more. You probably have a few tool providers in mind already. Yet it feels like new creative tools crop up daily, some with horrendous prices or hidden subscription traps. Server location and GDPR compliance are also key criteria for many customers.
Besides the range of features and price, you should also keep an eye on your own production speed. A tool is only useful if it helps you create content faster and in a more structured way – instead of slowing you down with complicated menus and unnecessary features.
Everyone knows different tools and exciting ideas for use in digital training. That's why blink.it Success Trainer and e-learning expert Claudia Grajek started a survey and asked: What are your tool tips for e-learning? The results can be split into two categories:
Tools for creating digital learning content
Tools for interactive online learning
We present the first category in this article – Part 2 follows next week!
Claudia Grajek
Claudia is an independent social media consultant and previously worked as a Success Manager at blink.it. She regularly speaks with people who digitalize and share their knowledge and content. In one of her webinars, she exchanged ideas with trainers and coaches on helpful third-party tools – the results form the basis of this article.
These 19 tools help you create digital learning content
Based on Claudia's recommendations, we have created an infographic for you here with 19 tools, which can be divided into 5 categories:
General design
PDF
Image databases
Video
Audio
Disclaimer: Of course, the selection of tools mentioned here is subjective and incomplete. They only reflect Claudia's and our experiences, and we are not associated with the respective software providers in any way.
Quick Access: All links to the tool recommendations for online content
Tools for general design applications
Tools for converting and creating PDFs
Digital databases for images and videos
Tools for the video format
Camtasia (Link leads to a third-party site)
Losslesscut (Link leads to a third-party site)
Tools for the audio format
Interview: Extra tips on the tools from Claudia Grajek
Claudia, 19 tool tips is quite a lot. What are your top 3 tool recommendations for creating content for online courses?
Without a doubt, Canva is in first place. I do so much with it and always show it to my clients. Second place would probably be Filmora, because you can edit videos quickly and cheaply with it. And third place is Loom: in the free basic version, you can use it to record screencasts in your browser. For advanced screencasts, I also recommend the Pro version, which allows you to record other screens and offers additional features like a pen tool.
Which tool do you think is worth spending a bit more money on?
I'm just a fan of Canva, which also costs money in the Pro version [Link to Canva pricing page]. When it comes to video editing, Filmora is sufficient for many purposes. But if you want to make a lot of explainer videos with screencasts, I recommend the more expensive video tool Camtasia. And of course, investing in blink.it is worthwhile to offer online courses where creating them is already fun because it's so easy.
Are there any tools you would personally advise against?
Not fundamentally, no. Every use case is different and each tool can be useful in different ways. However, I am not a fan of the expensive Adobe world, like Photoshop etc. If you are not a designer yourself, there are numerous tools that are easier to use and, above all, significantly cheaper.
Thanks to Claudia for the brief interview and the great tips on creating learning content!
Conclusion
Digital learning content does not work through a variety of tools, but through pedagogical clarity and a well-thought-out combination of the appropriate formats.
The presented tools can help you create diverse and professional content. Crucially, however, you must use them strategically: Which media truly support your learning objective? Which content needs video, which needs a quiz, which needs a simple graphic?
If you choose tools deliberately and structure your content clearly, you won't end up with a technical patchwork, but rather a coherent online course with real value for your participants.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What tools do I really need to create digital learning content?
For digital learning content, you don't need a large number of tools, but a specific selection. Crucially, the tools must simplify your workflow and fit your learning objectives. Often, just a few applications for design, video, audio, and simple interactions are enough.
What types of tools are particularly important for e-learning?
Important categories include design tools, software for creating and editing PDFs, image and video databases, as well as tools for video and audio production. This combination enables a varied media mix in online courses.
Why does a media mix make sense for digital learning content?
A media mix ensures that content is delivered in a diverse and understandable way. Videos, text, images, and quizzes appeal to different sensory channels and help to process and retain information better in the long run.
What should I look out for when choosing creative tools?
Along with features and price, you should pay attention to user-friendliness and speed. A tool is useful if it helps you create content efficiently. Additionally, aspects like GDPR compliance and clear cost structures play an important role.
