Macromedia Authorware
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Authorware is an interpreted, flowchart based, graphical programming language. Authorware is used for creating interactive programs that can integrate a range of multimedia content, particularly e-learning applications. The flowchart model differentiates Authorware from other authoring tools, such as Flash and Director which rely on a visual stage, timeline, and script structure.
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[edit] History
Authorware was originally produced by the Authorware company founded in 1987 by Michael Allen. Allen had contributed to the development of the PLATO collaborative learning system during the 1970s.
It's very first name was Course of Action (CoA) was a Macintosh only program. It produced runtime programs for DOS. Authorware came later and produced DOS runtime versions until about 2.0 which was the first Windows version.
Authorware merged with MacroMind-Paracomp in 1992 to form Macromedia. In December 2005, Adobe and Macromedia merged, under the Adobe Systems name. The most recent version of Authorware is 7.02; version 7 was released in 2003. Adobe has announced plans to release a new version of Authorware in late 2007.
[edit] Usage & Features
Authorware's distinctive style revolves around a central icon : interaction icon. The structure of the authoring environement encourages rich interaction, complex user feed-back is not only possible but somewhat suggested by the software, rather than suggesting the usual media diffusion. This interaction icon allows various forms of user feed-back ( move object to, along a line, clic an object, plus the usual text, press-key, etc)
The original strength in education of authorware could be linked to its roots in pedagogical models based on constructivist views.
Authorware programs start by creating a flowline, which is a flowchart showing the structure of the user's program. The user can add and manage text, graphics, animation, sound and video; develop interactivity and add navigational elements such as links, buttons, and menus. Macromedia Flash and Macromedia Director movies can also be integrated into an Authorware project. Xtras, or add-ins, can also be used to extend the functionality of Authorware, which is similar to HyperCard's XCMDs. Authorware's power can be even better utilized with the use of variables, functions and expressions. Authorware can interpret both a proprietary scripting language and javascript version 1.5.
Over time Authorware has lost its specificity : graphical design, interaction, integration as more scripting was added, more power was gained, but Authorware's special interaction-centerd, clean simple design was lost along the way.
Authorware programs can be distributed as stand-alone executable files, or over the web which requires a proprietary Authorware player.
[edit] Use in E-Learning
Authorware is particularly well-suited to creating e-learning content, as it includes highly customizable templates for CBTs and WBTs, including assessment tools. Working with these templates, businesses and schools rapidly can assemble multimedia training materials without hiring a programmer. Intuitively named dialog boxes take care of input and output. The flow chart model makes reusing lesson elements straightforward. Being both AICC and SCORM compliant, Authorware can also be used to deliver content via any AICC or SCORM compliant Learning Management System.
Moving beyond the templates, however, requires either the importation of interactive Flash or Director movies, or scripting, which can be done either in Authorware's native scripting language or in JavaScript.
