Tutorial Zero: Some cautionary notes for new authors

 

Authorware has come out with some tools in recent years that, while they may be of some assistance to authoring, can cause a new author no end of grief and puzzlement. In many cases, these tools actually impede the learning process, as they replace good authoring practice with "tricks."

Knowledge Objects

One of these sets of tools are the (new with Version 5) "Knowledge Objects."

While these little "Wizards" may come in handy at times, I strongly recommend that the new author avoid the use of them, as they give the author no hint as to what they are actually doing, and the use of them may prevent the users' learning of some valuable techniques.

The Framework ()

The Framework and its associated navigational capabilities make up a sophisticated tool. Unfortunately, it is:

1) A fairly complex tool for beginning authors, and

2) An invitation to new authors to create "Page Turner" applications in which the only user actions are the clicking of "Next" and "Back" buttons.

This author recommends not using the Framework unless a program has specific needs for the capabilities that it provides.

(So, yes, I am a "retro-grouch!")