3 key reasons cloud-based eLearning authoring tools are perfect for a global workforce

Between newly emerging technologies and employees increasingly choosing remote work, the way companies create and deliver eLearning has changed. To keep up, global workforces had to shift rapidly when the pandemic shuttered office doors and sent staff home to work. One way we’ve seen learning departments adjust is through the use of cloud-based eLearning tools.

Today’s wider audience of eLearning tool users enjoy deeper collaboration—and a better connection with their L&D teams—when they use their tool to produce and deliver courses to multi-language speakers in various time zones. So let’s explore more reasons why a shift to cloud-based eLearning is beneficial for adapting learning programs to the new way of work.

What is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool?

We should probably start with a definition: A cloud-based eLearning authoring tool provides users with a faster way to create learning courses—without the need to install or configure on every machine you want to use it on. Users can access the software via any browser (desktop, tablet, or mobile) by simply logging in. From there, you can create, view, or share course content with anyone in the organization regardless of physical location.

Because there is no software to download or maintain, learning designers using a cloud-based authoring tool can deliver content to a global network of learners when they need it—no strings or software licenses attached!

1) Enhanced collaboration with colleagues

A cloud-based content authoring tool can make collaboration easier for home or global workers as it allows multiple people to work on and review a course at once. There is no time wasted waiting for others to finish working in the tool—or trying to track down the latest course version so you can contribute.

For L&D teams who work across a diverse group of learners and hold responsibility for developing talent, it’s important to be efficient and organized. With an easy-to-use tool, new users can be onboarded and authoring content within a few hours.

What are the benefits of collaboration for L&D teams?

As opposed to cloud-based tools, desktop authoring tools are particularly time-inefficient when working with others. At best, you’ll be messaging each other to coordinate when a file on your local network is open for editing—forced to take turns by the one-at-a-time nature of the file. At worst, you’ll be emailing each other a succession of half-finished files, tripping over an ever-increasing set of version names, and hoping the mess can be compiled into a single, finalized file.

Cloud-based content authoring removes those barriers and makes life easier for SMEs and learning designers. One less thing to worry about as you manage shifting priorities. Better communication across teams (and throughout the organization) can increase productivity and lead to an increase in employee trust—a key driver for companies coming out of a pandemic.

The bottom line: enhanced collaboration helps learners access high-quality eLearning content in less time, when it is most relevant to them. A great way to help them stay engaged throughout the learning process!

2) Anywhere access to content authoring

Cloud-based content authoring tools should allow access to the latest version of your work, wherever you are, no matter how many other people are working on the same file, as long as you have an internet connection and access to a web browser. This makes them similar to cloud-based project management tools or co-working spaces we log into every day. If a user is making changes to a course, you’ll be able to see this in real-time. And, you can edit along with them. There are no IT hoops to jump through or software updates to distract you as you progress.

Content creation, editing, and delivery can be done without the use of additional tools and complicated integrations. It also means that dispersed SMEs, who have better access to the specific requirements in their region (compliance, regulatory, or otherwise), can directly provide specialized content.

Regional content

Relatable content is a powerful learning tool for a global organization. To achieve this, your authoring tool should allow for courses to be created in different languages. This ensures wider knowledge adoption and a productive workforce.

3) Improve ROI with faster workflows

One of the biggest payoffs from a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool is that it saves you time, and therefore money. This is because it allows for dynamic content authoring and delivery, and it doesn’t require a lot of software maintenance. Accessing a cloud-based tool is as easy as logging into your email or social media account.

• No software install. One major time/cost-efficiency point is that using the Cloud doesn’t require involvement from your IT or HR teams. As long as you have an internet connection and a web browser, you’re all set.
• Always up to date. On that same line of thought, there are no software updates required on the user’s end—so you’ll always be working in the latest version.
• Shared content assets. Because a cloud-based authoring tool provides a single point of access for all designers, everybody will have access to the same images, video, and other training assets. Designers won’t have to maintain separate libraries on their own machines, eliminating inconsistencies and making sure every designer can select from (and add to) the same pool of images.
• Instant content delivery and updates. Your authoring tool should also offer seamless delivery and updates for global workforces too. Gomo’s enterprise customers, for example, can deliver personalized content directly to learners, websites, LMSs, social media sites, and more with just one click. This is achieved via an LMS wrapper—a tiny file uploaded in place of your usual, cumbersome SCORM file. Upload this file once and your designers will never have to touch it again: all edits to the course in the authoring tool will be delivered directly to your LMS. Instant updates are nothing to sniff at—and are only possible with a cloud-based tool.