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An authoring system is not an automated instrument that authors contentware. It is a software package that assists developers in the "process" of producing contentware and gives them the means to create e-learning materials more efficiently and in a standardized manner. The authoring system is particularly helpful in creating multimedia modules that bring together different components: text presentations, graphics, interactive questions, simulation, video and audio clips, and animation.
Guidelines for designing and developing IVT-enhanced content are presented in Tool 4.5.
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software program that streamlines the management of course offerings and learners. Typical features include:
- Student register
- Course register
- Facility for tracking learners' progress
- Systematic reporting
- Scheduling
Most LMSs also include additional features such as
- Communication features such as email, chat rooms and bulletin boards
- Bookmarking, so that users can restart a module at the point where they left it last time they used it.
Combined authorship and LMS. Many instruments on the market combine features of authorship and learning management. They are sometimes referred to as LCMSs (Learning Content management Systems). They normally contain the following components: authoring application, data repository, delivery interface, and administration tools. In addition, some LCMSs offer collaboration tools including chat rooms, integrated email, and discussion groups.
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