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This product, created for MIT 513-Computer Based Instruction, is an instructional multimedia project constructed in Authorware. It was created to practice computer based design principles while learning the popular authoring software. Most of the work was done in class in the presence of classmates, who were very helpful to one another in solving problems in working with this difficult software. 

This product required a task analysis of the math lesson, identifying entry level skills and necessary cognitive abilities. Support for the learner was provided in a glossary of terms, a table of mathematical operators, and a times table for reference. A storyboard was created in PowerPoint before beginning the design in Authorware.  Graphics were gleaned from the Web and incorporated into the lesson. 

This lesson was an experimental undertaking. Although I learned a lot about Authorware, I was not able to complete the project to the level of satisfaction I would require to use this lesson in actual practice. Because I do not see Authorware as the authoring tool of the future, I do not intend to revisit and improve this product. I am instead learning to use Macromedia's Flash software, which I see as a more powerful and user-friendly application. I will, however, be able to make use of the computer based instructional design techniques and considerations that I learned in developing this product.

This was an individual product, but it turned out accidentally to be collaborative in nature because the students in the class were eager to help each other with hints and tips, and shared efforts to solve problems that occurred in others' products. Although not a stated objective of the course, it was a valuable lesson in the advantage of collaboration in improving the level of knowledge of learners.

I believe this product succeeded on several levels even though the final product lacked a truly professional look and feel. I was able to create a level of interactivity to mediate the instruction. I was able to use animation as a form of feedback. I was able to use a motivating  paradigm, baseball, to increase the interest of the targeted learners. This was a truly challenging project. Although I feel I would need more time to be involved with the Authorware software to be productive, this project gave me a good resource of knowledge should I be employed in a situation where Authorware is the preferred authoring tool.

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