AI Tools for eLearning Development

Creating engaging eLearning content requires diverse media elements to enhance the learning experience. Aside from the text-based GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, here are some AI tools that can aid in the development of digital learning items, grouped by useful categories.

1. Image Creation

High-quality visuals are essential in eLearning to illustrate concepts clearly and engage learners. They come in the form of text-to-image generative AI but can also take in reference shapes or images for style or structure direction. Here are some AI tools that can streamline image creation:

DALL-E – from OpenAI available in ChatGPT and Copilot.
Firefly – uses fully licensed content from Adobe Stock.
Midjourney – various artistic styles used via a discord UI.
Stable diffusion – multi-parameter text-to-image generator.
Leonardo – Can create characters based on reference.

2. Video Production

Videos are a powerful way to deliver content and AI tools can simplify the production process, making it efficient to both create and edit videos. Here are some useful AI video tools:

Veed.io – online video editor/creation platform.
Pika – use text/image/video to video via Discord UI.
InVideo – editable video creation tool from text prompts.
Sora – from OpenAI to create video from text instructions.
Runway – remove background, rotoscoping, inpainting and image expand tools.

3. Presenter Avatars

Presenter avatars are AI-generated digital personas that can deliver content in a human-like manner. They can be used as a pedagogical agent to narrate lessons, demonstrate procedures, or simply add a personal touch. These tools offer various presenter, voice, and language choices. Here are a number of tools that provide corporate-like presenter avatars:

4. Audio Enhancement

Clear, high-quality audio is crucial in eLearning. These AI tools can be used to enhance audio clarity and overall sound quality.

Descript – remove background noise, enhance voices, and remove filler words.
Auphonic – leveler, De-Esser, Reverb reduction, cut filler and silences.
Krisp – noise-cancelling real-time audio recording for meetings.
Lalal.ai – voice cleaner and stem splitter (extract vocals, instruments).

5. Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech tools convert written content into spoken words, useful for audio narration and improving accessibility. They are especially useful when your existing audio requires editing. Most tools provide age, gender, and country options for voices.

Elevenlabs – free tier with monthly credits.
Murf – various tools for pronunciation, speed and pitch.
Play.ht – AI voice agents and text-to-speech.
APIs and pay-as-you-go – from Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft.

6. Lip Sync

Accurate lip sync can bring eLearning avatars and characters to life, making them more engaging and relatable. This can be achieved from real-time input or via text or audio for the words, and image or existing video footage for the visuals.

Adobe Character Animator – real-time character with viseme controls.
Reallusion iClone – 3D character lip sync animation tool.
Pika – text/image/video-to-lip sync tool with free credits each month.
Runway – text/voice & image-to-lip sync tool with initial free credits.
Hedra – beta version of text/audio & image-to-lip sync tool.
VASA-1 – Microsoft research project of image-to-lip sync tool.

7. Music / Sound Effects

AI-powered tools for music and sound effects streamline the process of creating, customising, and integrating audio elements.

Suno – text to music tracks tool with 10 songs per day.
Udio – text to music for longer songs.
Pika – range of sound effects from text prompts.
Eleven Labs – options for sound effects from text with free credits per month.
Stable Audio – free music and sound effects from text prompts.
Soundsnap – 5 free non-commercial sound effects per month.

Review

Pros: Great as specific tools as part of your development toolbox, as this can save time during the editing process and bring learning experiences to life.

Cons: Licensing concerns exist, especially around image and music generators.