Evaluating Training Content & Development Tools for Today’s Workforce

Choosing the best authoring tool revolves around what needs to be created, how learners consume content, and which workflows need to be supported by the tool. As options are evaluated, it’s important to keep in mind AI has become an integral part of the authoring landscape.

Where to Begin

Start by clarifying the following:

• Target audience (new hires, frontline agents, team-leads, supervisors, QA, WFM, etc.)
• Content type (microlearning, scenario-based exercises, role plays, knowledge checks, etc.)
• Training team roles (instructional designers, SMEs, multimedia designers, AI specialists, etc.)
• Training delivery methodology (instructor-led, self-paced, simulation-based, LMS, Web, xAPI, etc.)
• The answers to these factors will help create the foundation for best-fit tool requirements.

High Level Requirements

Requirements can easily be divided into three distinct categories: functional, technical, and strategic – with each category requiring a deeper dive into tool capabilities.

• Functional Considerations
  • Content Creating and Editing
  • Instructional Design Support
  • Collaboration and Workflows
  • Publishing and Distribution
  • Assessment and Evaluation
• Technical Needs
  • Architecture
  • Compliance
  • Performance and Reliability
  • User Experience
• Strategic Planning
  • AI Generation (draft scripts, learning objectives, prompts, guided role plays, etc.)
  • Adaptive Learning
  • Translation Support

While AI is not a magic bullet and does not replace traditional learning altogether, it can accelerate course creation and learner engagement by producing draft scripts, learning objectives, prompts, guided role plays, knowledge checks, personalization, and much more.  We have many clients who have seen success utilizing AI-powered tools as part of an effective training approach.

Final Thought

As with any new tool, consider running a short pilot: build a module, test with SMEs and learners, and measure delivery time and quality. The pilot will reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Choosing well means matching features to real workflows – not looking for the showiest demo.

McIntosh would be pleased to provide assistance with business case and requirements documentation, demo evaluations, pilot implementation/management, and support with tool selection and rollout.