Authoring tools

Also known as authorware, a program that helps you write hypertext or multimedia applications. Authoring tools usually enable you to create a final application merely by linking together objects, such as a paragraph of text, an illustration, or a song. By defining the objects' relationships to each other, and by sequencing them in an appropriate order, authors (those who use authoring tools) can produce attractive and useful graphics applications. Most authoring systems also support a scripting language for more sophisticated applications.

The distinction between authoring tools and programming tools is not clear-cut. Typically, though, authoring tools require less technical knowledge to master and are used exclusively for applications that present a mixture of textual, graphical, and audio data.

Though authoring tools have a range of uses, they are commonly used to create e-learning modules. These modules are generally written to conform to some international standard, such as SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model) or AICC (CBT) (Aviation Industry CBT Committee).CBT

Distribution of content created with authoring tools also varies. Distribution methods include: web, kiosk, interactive CD-ROM, and executable file.


Since the term is somewhat general, many programs can be considered authoring tools, including web editors, Flash, and PowerPoint. However, only a small group of programs specifically include support for e-learning content standards including LectureMAKER e2train Compose, Atlantic Link Content Point, Macromedia (Adobe) Authorware , Director, Dynamic PowerTrainer, Lectora, ToolBook, Compendle, RWD uPerform, STT Trainer by Kaplan IT, Articulate Studio and DSRC Studio and Simulator.