Free and Open Source Authoring Tools for e-Learning

As an e-Learning consultant I was always a fan of open source software. Why? The answer is simple. Because I could use them as I wish, for whatever I wish, without long-term commitments and with the extra bonus of a community of professionals that use, extend and support them.

In this post I am not going to talk about open source learning management systems such as eFront[1] but rather dedicated open source “authoring tools”. The list that it follows is not in particular order. I highly encourage you to leave a comment if you know any other open source authoring tool.

=> If you know a free or open source authoring tool that is not included in the list I will highly appreciate if you write a comment with a link!

Free & Open Source Authoring Tools for e-Learning http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=freeandopensourceauthoringtoolsfore-learning-110210125315-phpapp01&rel=0&stripped_title=free-open-source-authoring-tools-for-elearning&userName=CPappasOnline

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W2L

What2Learn makes it easy for e-Learning developers to create interactive games and quizzes and track learners’ attainment. W2L is an award winning interactive learning solution which provides effective educational resources and revision games. A great tool for learners with learning difficulties such as ADHD. (Update 01/06/2011: Free not Open Source)

xical.org
With Xical you can produce web-based slide shows, tutorials, tests and whatever else you can think of that can make use of integrated rich media, such as audio (speech and music), video, animations or interactive visual diagrams and the likes.

ClassTools.net
Create free educational games, quizzes, activities and diagrams in seconds! Host them on your own blog, website or intranet! No signup, no passwords, no charge!

eXe
The eXe project developed a freely available Open Source authoring application to assist teachers and academics in the publishing of web content without the need to become proficient in HTML or XML markup. Resources authored in eXe can be exported in IMS Content Package, SCORM 1.2, or IMS Common Cartridge formats or as simple self-contained web pages.

Wink
Wink is a Tutorial and Presentation creation software, primarily aimed at creating tutorials on how to use software (like a tutor for MS-Word/Excel etc). Using Wink you can capture screenshots, add explanations boxes, buttons, titles etc and generate a highly effective tutorial for your users.

Multimedia Learning Object Authoring Tool
Multimedia Learning Object Authoring Tool enables content experts to easily combine video, audio, images and texts into one synchronized learning object. All assets are configured to be played back in a pre-configured order. Users do not need to perform any programming tasks, but rather going through a graphical user interface to generate the learning object.

CourseLab
CourseLab is a powerful, yet easy-to-use, eLearning course design authoring tool that offers programming-free WYSIWYG environment for creating high-quality interactive e-learning content which can be published on the Internet, Learning Management Systems (LMS), CD-ROMS and other devices. (Update 10/23/2010: Free not Open Source)

Xerte
The Xerte Project provides a full suite of open source tools for e-Learning developers and content authors producing interactive learning materials.

LAMS
LAMS is a revolutionary new tool for designing, managing and delivering online collaborative learning activities. It provides teachers with a highly intuitive visual authoring environment for creating sequences of learning activities. These activities can include a range of individual tasks, small group work and whole class activities based on both content and collaboration.

JelSim
The JeLSIM Builder toolkit is a FREE toolkit for producing educational simulations. The tools are written in Java and allow the user to create Java applets which can be delivered through a standard web browser. Creating simulations requires experience of the Java programming language to create a numerical model of the system/concept being simulated. Once the model has been written, simulation interfaces can be developed by teachers and content developers who have no knowledge of Java. Using the tools is little more difficult than using a drawing package.

Quandary
An application for creating Web-based Action Mazes. An Action Maze is a kind of interactive case-study; the user is presented with a situation, and a number of choices as to a course of action to deal with it. On choosing one of the options, the resulting situation is then presented, again with a set of options. Working through this branching tree is like negotiating a maze, hence the name “Action Maze”. (Update 10/23/2010: Free not Open Source)

RELOAD
RELOAD is a project funded under the JISC Exchange for Learning Programme (X4L). The project focuses on the development of tools that are based on emerging learning technology interoperability specifications. It is managed by the University of Bolton with staff located at the University of Bolton and the University of Strathclyde. The primary aims of this project are to:

facilitate the creation, sharing and reuse of learning objects and services
enhance the range of pedagogical approaches realisable through the use of lesson plans

(Update 10/26/2010: suggested by Neil Prior)

CAMSTUDIO
CamStudio is able to record all screen and audio activity on your computer and create industry-standard AVI video files and using its built-in SWF Producer can turn those AVIs into lean, mean, bandwidth-friendly Streaming Flash videos (SWFs)
(Update 10/26/2010: suggested by Neil Prior)

Hot Potatoes
The Hot Potatoes suite includes six applications, enabling you to create interactive multiple-choice, short-answer, jumbled-sentence, crossword, matching/ordering and gap-fill exercises for the World Wide Web. Hot Potatoes is freeware, and you may use it for any purpose or project you like. It is not open-source.
(Update 10/26/2010: suggested by Neil Prior)