Since the early 1970s, the computer-based training industry has grown to the point where most American government agencies and private organizations, and a significant number of international organizations, implement some type of interactive courseware (ICW) in their training programs. Some organizations rely solely on ICW to deliver training, while others combine ICW with other delivery methods, such as classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and simulator-based training.

Historically, the process of developing ICW has been viewed as complicated and risky. There are as many documented cases of cost overruns and poor-quality products as there are successful programs. However, even with the risks and high costs associated with ICW, it has emerged as the most popular training delivery system within the last 30 years. With more powerful computing technologies now available at lower cost, and the emergence of digitial multimedia, the popularity of ICW is increasing.

It has long been accepted by those who develop multimedia ICW that it is necessary to automate critical aspects of the ICW development process. There is less agreement on which aspects should be automated and the approach that should be taken to automation. This paper will describe a research project in which critical elements of an automated development system were identified and prototyped.

The prototype system incorporates a multimedia database which contains all completed, planned, and partially completed media elements. A Web-based approach was taken to overcome the problems of platform dependence. The system consists of an electronic storyboard tool which allows designers to enter data elements as they perform preproduction design and development activities; a media production tool which provides access to and reports from the multimedia database; and a project management tool which provides information to ICW development managers.

A comparison of ICW development using the traditional approach and the automated approach with the prototype system was performed. The result was a reduction in labor hours of approximately 30 percent using the automated approach.

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Claire Bartoli