With the growth of the World Wide Web, the training industry is beginning to take advantage of the potential for cost-effective, worldwide delivery of interactive courseware. Initially, most of the documents and programs on the World Wide Web were created in HTML and programs such as PERL. Authoring languages, such as Authorware, ToolBook, and IconAuthor were limited to delivery via diskettes, CD-ROM, or local area networks.

Recently, Authorware, IconAuthor, Quest, and other authoring systems have added new features that allow for development to take place across multiple platforms and to accommodate delivery via the World Wide Web. This paper will focus on the considerations for selecting a Web-based authoring tool that is appropriate based on courseware content, target audience, and delivery requirements.

In particular, an outline will be provided that includes the advantages and disadvantages of using Macromedia's Authorware and Director, AimTech's IconAuthor, Quest, and Asymetrix's ToolBook II for Web-based delivery of training. Topics will also include comparisons between the authoring tools and other Web-based development programs, such as HTML, Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX.

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Catherine Rickelman