I have written a book on how to construct interactive learning environments
using Authorware. The book uses the "project-based approach" -- the
reader is shown how to build, from scratch, working prototypes of simple simulations
and games. Each chapter provides step-by-step instructions on how to construct
a fun, simple, yet fully-functional project in one or two sittings. For example,
one chapter shows how to make a simulation about Newton's laws of motion, called
Space Shuttle Commander.
This text is meant for people who are just beginning to learn Authorware but
want to take full advantage of the interactive potential of computers. It is
applicable for use in graduate and undergraduate courses, high school multimedia
classes, and home study. It relies heavily on the use of Authorware's variables
and functions. It also takes full advantage of the ability to construct "data-driven"
animation based on user input -- ideas that are at the heart of the best computer
simulations and games. The book is based on sample demonstrations I have developed
over the past 12 years while teaching courses on CAI design and development
while using Authorware as my main authoring tool. The book also shows how to
construct features such as letting the user "walk through" a Quicktime
movie by "clicking and holding" on different screen areas to move
forward and backward and the ever popular (and important) option of letting
the user turn the software's sound on and off! The book also has in-depth appendices
covering topics such as Shockwave and cross-platform compatibility. The book
is also sprinkled with my own light-hearted commentary on interactive design.
Three editions of the book are available -- one exclusively
for Authorware 5 Attain, one exclusively for Authorware 4.0, and another for
versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5. All three editions are being distributed via the
world wide web using the Portable Document Format (PDF) and viewable/printable
with Acrobat Reader (available
free of charge from Adobe).
If you want to know more right now, click here for instructions
on downloading the book's Preface. This is a good way to learn more about
the book and also to learn more about the PDF file format. (Both the Preface
and Acrobat Reader software are available at no charge.)
You don't have a copy of Authorware? Go to the Macromedia
web site and download a trial version of Authorware 5 Attain for Windows. This
trial version gives you access to most of Authorware's features for a period
of 45 days. You can do all of the book's projects with this trial version. This
is an excellent way to explore Authorware quickly to see if it is worth the
investment for you or your school or company.
