A First Look

There are many ways to use Web design and development skills, and one of the most popular uses of the Web is with online learning or elearning. But there's more to building an online training course than just slapping together a Web page. Businesses spend lots of money creating complex training programs for their customers, clients, and employees.

On June 2, 2003, Macromedia announced that Authorware® 7 is scheduled to come out in about a month. This new version offers some great functionality that was sorely needed in the package. New features include:

• Support for Macintosh OS X playback
• Importing of Microsoft PowerPoint presentations
• JavaScript support to augment the existing Authorware scripting
• Integration with learning management systems

This new version of the software looks to be even easier to use for new users, while offering all the power and functionality that existing users and power users expect.

System Requirements

Extensibility

Nonmodal Commands:

Nonmodal commands make it easier to write and use such commands as the improved spell checker, bug trackers, and importers.

Xtra Extensions:

Extend Authorware 7 with Xtra extensions, third-party plug-ins that provide such additional functions as printing, encryption, advanced database support, and text-to-speech.

Extensible Commands Menu:

You can now launch the RTF Objects Editor or the Find Xtras command from the Commands menu. Leverage over 35 new open properties to create custom commands. Authorware 7 recognizes any packaged Authorware file in the Commands directory, and automatically adds it to your Commands menu.

Flexibility

Powerful Navigation:

Create complex paging and navigation structures with the framework and navigation icons. Import RTF text into the framework icon and Authorware 7 will automatically set up a multipage navigation system. Use the menu-driven interface to link to other pages, locations, or text in your application.

Full-Text Search and Retrieval:

Perform full text searches on any text within the application. End users can utilize search capabilities to navigate to the information they need.

External Media:

You can now store all application media—including rich-text files—outside of your application, so you update without modifying the Authorware application. You can also create hybrid applications that combine internal media with external links.

Media Management:

Manage media assets internally, externally, or in libraries. Authorware 7 libraries and the external media browser let you separate application content from logic and still effectively track your files.

Enhanced Calculation Editor:

The calculation editor provides syntax highlighting, formatting, and other useful features.

Alpha Channel Support:

Alpha channels let you add rich transparency effects to graphics for a more professional appearance.

Versatile Delivery:

Develop once and deliver across a broad range of platforms, including corporate networks, CD, and the web. Authorware applications maintain a consistent high-fidelity experience across browsers on both Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh platforms.

Accessibility

Authorware Application Accessibility:

Make your learning applications accessible to all users. Use Authorware 7 application accessibility to tap into Knowledge Objects, commands, models, and techniques to make text audible; run movies with captions; and create accessible user interfaces, menus, and quizzes.

Text-to-Speech Xtra:

Take advantage of templates and wizards that address common learning functionality, such as student logons, course frameworks, questions, quizzes, and more. Or create your own reusable models or Knowledge Objects.