“Do I need an additional authoring tool with blink.it to create my learning content?” This question comes up time and again. That’s why we want to show you why blink.it is more than just a classic LMS! Learn all about the e-learning platform and why you no longer need an additional authoring tool thanks to blink.it.

Authoring Tool and LMS – What is the Difference?

In the field of e-learning, the question often arises: authoring tool, LMS, or some other e-learning software? Especially when e-learning is to be newly introduced in a company, it is not always clear to HR managers what tool is actually needed.

Your choice depends on your requirements. If you are currently looking for a suitable e-learning tool, you should know the difference between an authoring tool and an LMS:

Main Functions of an Authoring Tool

• Authoring tools help you create varied content and complete e-learning courses.

• Content: With images, texts, videos, and interactive elements, you can create e-learnings for a variety of topics.

• Templates: Most authoring tools offer you the option to create your own templates and reuse them for different learning content.

• Management: Authoring tools also offer management options, but these mainly relate to your learning content and resources.

• Interaction: Digital learning thrives on exchange, which is why most authoring tools have specific quiz or survey functions for course design.

• Digitization: To utilize existing offline content in e-learning, many authoring tools offer special functions for digitizing materials.

Main Functions of an LMS

• A Learning Management System (LMS) helps you manage e-learning courses and distribute them to your participants.

• Organization: An LMS not only helps you plan and structure your e-learning, but you can also send course invitations and reminders.

• Management: In the LMS, you can track the activities and learning progress of your participants and send reminders when necessary.

• Evaluation: For each participant, you can view their progress and send reminders if needed.

• Integration: Most LMS can be easily integrated with videoconferencing tools and other applications from Google or Office.

• Assessment: Thanks to certain assessment functions such as quizzes or reports, you can evaluate your participants' learning success.

Reading Tip: Nowadays, there are many different types of LMS with varying focuses. We have explained the difference in detail here: What is the Difference between LMS, LCMS, and LXP?

Important: You may need both an LMS and an authoring tool. This depends on the respective tools: some LMS do not have any ability to create content and require an authoring tool. Similarly, there are authoring tools that do not have participant management and must be integrated into an LMS. Therefore, when selecting tools, make sure whether they are interdependent or, like blink.it, function “standalone”.

blink.it – The Perfect Mix of Authoring Tool and LMS

We often describe blink.it as “LMS light”. This doesn’t mean that blink.it has fewer functions than a classic LMS. On the contrary: blink.it offers everything you need while still remaining clear! Pure LMS solutions are often “spaceships” with a multitude of functions that you don’t actually need in everyday life. At blink.it, the motto is “As much as necessary, as little as possible”.

With blink.it, you have an authoring tool and LMS in one. To clarify what we mean by this, we have created an overview: In the table below, you can see all blink.it features summarized, divided into LMS and authoring tool functions:

Example: How Convenient Are blink.it Authoring Tool & LMS Functions

We certainly don’t just want to talk about the various functions of blink.it but also show them to you. Therefore, I will introduce you to my six favorite features of the blink.it platform, from content creation to course management.

1. Create Your E-Learning Course Directly in the Learning Platform

Create your own e-learning with blink.it in just a few clicks. Thanks to an organized tile layout, you have all content directly in view.

blink.it Course Overview: Build your own online course directly in the learning platform. // Source: blink.it

2. Choose Varied Media for Your E-Learning Course

Use various media that suit your learning content. This makes e-learning fun and more effective at the same time. Find the right media mix for your e-learning now!

Create your e-learning with a mix of videos, images, texts, and additional links. // Source: blink.it

3. Regularly Send Emails to Your Participants Directly from Your Course

Contact your e-learning participants regularly via email. Welcome your participants comfortably via email before the course begins and remind them regularly to continue working on the online course.

Regularly send targeted messages as reminders and stay in touch with your participants. // Source: blink.it

4. Check the Statistics to See How Far Your Participants Are with Their Progress

Trust is good, control is sometimes better. Regularly check your course statistics to see your participants' progress. This way, you know when your next reminder email should be sent.

Keep track of your course participants' learning progress. // Source: blink.it

5. Encourage Exchange Between Participants and Answer Questions

Knowledge exchange and discussions are particularly important in e-learning. Ask and answer questions under individual learning contents. You can upload files or rate posts with a thumbs up or down.

There is an opportunity to exchange comments under learning content. // Source: blink.it

6. Conclude Learning Units or Your Entire Course with a Test

There are many question types and settings available for testing your participants' knowledge. Tests, quizzes, or surveys – you can also create them anonymously, as in this example.

Evaluate your tests and quizzes to assess the success of your course participants. // Source: blink.it

Did you enjoy these insights and would you like to learn more about blink.it? Then book a free demo now and discover the advantages for your use. Test the blink.it platform as an LMS and authoring tool directly in the demo course you have seen in the examples, from the perspective of a participant. Have fun!