New Fitures

Macromedia Authorware 7 provides all the tools you need to create media-rich, interactive,
and trackable e-learning for delivery on many platforms, including the web, corporate
networks, and CDs.
The following sections give an overview of the new features in Authorware 7.
Interface improvements
Authorware has a modern appearance, to provide an enhanced user experience:
• It's easier to change icon properties with the new Property inspector.
• The Toolbar and Icon palette are movable.
• Knowledge Objects, functions, and variables are easily accessible in panels that dock to the
right side of the application window.
• The Preferences dialog box is easier to use, with more Calculation window buttons enabled by
default and specific Authorware and JavaScript (JS) tabs.
Accessibility
Authorware now has a new Speech Xtra extension that allows easier implementation of
text-to-speech on a range of end-user computers, including the Macintosh and web player
in trusted mode.
New media features
Authorware users can now integrate DVD movies as components of their training applications.
The Laserdisc Movie icon has been replaced with a DVD Movie icon. The former Video
functions have been replaced by DVD functions. The DVD functions are located within the
Video category in the Functions panel.
In addition, Authorware users now have a stand-alone runtime player, packaging tool, and web
player for Mac OS X environments.
JavaScript engine
Authorware now supports coding and executing JavaScript. You have a new choice of
programming languages to use within calculation icons. You can continue to use the original
language (Authorware Script Language, or AWS), or you can use the new support for JavaScript,
version 1.5.
PowerPoint to Authorware
You can now import Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into Authorware. Authorware converts a
PowerPoint file into XML and then imports it directly onto the Authorware flowline. Then you
can add sophisticated branching, simulations, assessments, and a host of other features. This
process lets you quickly and easily create powerful, media rich, e-learning modules.
Trace/Debug window improvements
Authorware users now have additional features to help with the debugging process. The user can
specify which variables are visible, and can step through calculation icons.
Standards and tracking
Authorware has a new Learning Management System (LMS) Knowledge Object (KO). This new
KO lets Authorware communicate with any AICC/SCORM-compliant LMS. The LMS KO
contains a wizard that guides the user through the once-daunting task of setting up
communication with an LMS.
New properties, functions, and variables
Many new properties, functions, and variables are provided with Authorware 7. For complete
details, see System functions in Authorware Help.