Authorware 6 (Inside Macromedia)

This is the first book I've found on the use of AW that covers it all. It begins with the basics and then goes beyond...into detail on writing scripts, using functions and variables, using lists, etc. all inside one cover.

The tutorial style of the book is very appealing to me, and the accompanying CD includes plenty of example files that are very helpful. There's no way you can learn what this book offers without doing the exercises, so it is highly interactive.

I still have a lot to learn - it's great to have such a handy reference and "teacher" sitting on my desk! Thank you, Jennie and Scott!


Almost as good as going to a training class!   February 16, 2002
11 out of 14 found this review helpful

Thank you so much Jennie and Scott! I work in Alaska and my boss would not pay for me to come to San Francisco and take your Authorware class. I have bought ALL of the other Authorware books on the market, but this is the only one that took me, step-by-step, from being a complete multimedia-novice to producing my first 1/2-hour long training piece that is running over the Web!

The best part was when I realized that I had gotten everything I thought I needed out of Authorware and I had only gone through 12 of the 27 chapters in this MASSIVE book. I am thrilled to have gotten such a great introduction to this software product.

My advice to anyone is that if you need to produce a training course and can't go to a class, buy this book and copy all of the application chapters...they even give you the authorware files on the CD...you will have your own working WBT in no time.

Thanks again...hopefully, NOW I can convince my boss to send me to your intermediate classes!


Authorware has a new Bible! By Dan 6.0   March 14, 2002
8 out of 10 found this review helpful

Finally I can lay my tattered, dog eared, coffee stained copy of Authorware 4 to rest.

I once took some classes from Jennie at The Alternative Authorware Conference 6. I found her teaching style light, friendly, and very very thourough. That is reflected in this book. Never in the years I have used Authorware have I found a more complete Guide to ALL aspects of Authorware programming.

This book will help the beginner with a detailed look at the interface, menu's, and nuances of every Icon.
It will further help the beginner by looking at the aspects of Multimedia beyond the software i.e. how to set up a project, what the roles are for various team members during development, and what instructional strategies there are to consider, How to build your navigational structures to fit your project.

The book then ventures into territory few others dare tread by taking a complete look into scripting covering base programming constructs, functions and variables, Arrays, and how to easily make that all work for you regardless of your prior experience.

Other areas reaching beyone Just the Authorware program itself include; connecting to databases, using XML, and active X.

Finally Jennie and Scott show you how to use the tools you have been given, by showing you how to create Dynamic structures that adapt based upon the input, subroutines that simplify your code by using the same piece over and over again by simply changing the variable data and jumping back to it as it is needed. Imagine building One multiple choice question on the flow line that can be used 100 times as a lesson is run Each time with different questions and answers.

Finally, every bit of this is supported with well thought out comprehensive examples that show your exactly what has been decribed. All at an extremly resonable price. Buy this book, weather just starting out or well versed in Authorware, this Book will be invaluable on your journey.

Dan 6.0


Most Comprehensive Approach to AW   February 21, 2002
Holly S. Hollan (Austin, TX USA)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

I work for a state agency that can't afford to send me to high-dollar training in Authorware development. Since I was made Project Manager for TX Parks & Wildlife's E-learning initiative, I tried four other sources to learn AW so I could get a solid foundation for application development.

No other book handled the subject in as succinct, direct, definitive, profoundly complete fashion as this book does. Not only do you get basic, elementary instructions, but you get background fundamentals and related technical know-how as Tips and Hints to round out the total educational experience. You are presented with an extremely logically structured approach that immediately gives the beginner a sense of satisfaction at having grasped major concepts early in the learning.

I should have used this book first, and it would have saved me about 4-6 weeks of floundering about and frustration!

I'm not finished with it yet, but I've already developed the confidence to begin putting together at least the introduction to our "New Employee Orientation" E-learning project, have done so, and have very much pleased my customer.

Thanks, Dr. Wilson & Ms. Thornton! EXCELLENT job!


A great intro to Authorware 6.0   March 8, 2002
John Cordero
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a great book to learn the fundamentals of Authorware 6.0. The examples are well done and the additional focus on good instructional design is helpful. I just wish the authors of this book would write an advanced Authorware text emphasizing the use and development of Xtras, more detail about connecting Authorware to databases, ActiveX controls, etc.