SoftChalk V5 Integrates Online Content Creation

Ed tech developer SoftChalk has released SoftChalk V5, an update to the company's authoring suite for instructional content.

SoftChalk is an and interactive content authoring and instructional materials authoring tool for K-12 and higher education. It's designed to let instructors create and edit e-learning content on the Web with no HTML or other programming knowledge required. It includes built-in style sheets for page navigation, layout, and other design elements and automatically packages the content for use in a learning management system or other delivery medium.

The new version 5 adds an enhanced digital repository, with the ability to perform searches across multiple repositories, including outside repositories, such as YouTube. It also adds new Web 2.0 features, including the ability to use blogs, polls, surveys, wikis, and video via widgets.

Other new features include:

A new eCourseBuilder tool for combining lessons into "eCourse modules," with the ability to carry scores and other information over from lesson to lesson;

  • Direct publishing to Blackboard;
  • A new photo album;
  • A quiz group function;
  • Table of contents capabilities; and
  • New accessibility options.

"I found that the improvements are significant," said Rick Hubbard, Media Specialist at Palm Beach Atlantic University, in a prepared statement. Hubbard beta tested the latest release. "The nesting of lessons into a course makes it easy to keep all material on a subject together in a nice organized way. It is also valuable to have the ability to create your own library of items to share with others or to save for other uses. PBAU has a site license with gold support so we are very excited for the release."

SoftChalk V5 is available now. Further information can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • college student working on a laptop, surrounded by icons representing campus support services

    National U Launches Student Support Hub for Non-Traditional Learners

    National University has launched a new student support hub designed to help online and working learners balance career, education, and family responsibilities as they pursue their education. Called "The Nest," the facility is positioned as a "co-learning" center that provides wraparound support services, work and study space, and access to child care.

  • image of a white AI chip with circuit lines, flanked by interlocking gears and a neural network brain icon

    Researchers Develop AI-Powered Method for Business Process Redesign

    Researchers have developed a novel AI-powered approach that enables non-technical users to modify complex process models through simple conversations with chatbots.

  • college students in a classroom focus on a silver laptop, with a neural network diagram on the monitor in the background

    Report: 93% of Students Believe Gen AI Training Belongs in Degree Programs

    The vast majority of today's college students — 93% — believe generative AI training should be included in degree programs, according to a recent Coursera report. What's more, 86% of students consider gen AI the most crucial technical skill for career preparation, prioritizing it above in-demand skills such as data strategy and software development.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.