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Michael Allen

Michael W. Allen, our CEO, has been a pioneer in the e-learning industry since 1975. He was the innovative force behind one of the most successful authoring tools ever created, Authorware, and our recently launched authoring and publishing system, ZebraZapps. Michael Allen has nearly 45 years of professional, academic, and corporate experience in teaching, developing, and marketing interactive learning and performance support systems. He has led teams of doctorate-level specialists in learning research, instructional design, computer-based training, and human engineering. For decades, he has concentrated on defining unique methods of instructional design and development that provide meaningful and memorable learning experiences through “true” cognitive interactivity. He developed the advanced design and development approaches we have used at Allen Interactions for the past two decades, including CCAF-based design and the SAM process for iterative, collaborative development. Michael is a prolific writer, sought-after conference speaker and recognized industry leader. In 2011, he received ASTD’s Distinguished Contribution to Workplace Learning and Performance Award. In 2012 Michael was selected by The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) Advisory Committee as a recipient of the 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He holds M.A and Ph.D. degrees in educational psychology from The Ohio State University and is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Michael Allen was the director of advanced educational systems research and development of Control Data Corporation’s famous PLATO computer-based education system used around the world. He was the founder, and former chairman of Authorware, Inc. and also the primary architect of Authorware Professional, which was based on Allen’s extensive research on creativity and creative problem-solving. It became a groundbreaking authoring tool combining power and ease of use, and ultimately the industry standard. Authorware, Inc. merged with Macromind/Paracomp to become Macromedia, which was later acquired by Adobe.

e-Learning Interface Reference Guide

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ID—>LXD: Moving from Instructional Design to Learning Experience Design

"What’s e-learning? Today’s definition of e-learning is so broad, the term has come to mean very little. e-learning can be everything from a pdf document distributed via e-mail to a complex, data-driven, simulation-based learning experience."

We're in this together

These are uncertain and challenging times. This pandemic is impacting everyone at many levels and has created a global ripple effect like no other. First and foremost, to each person who has contracted the illness, their loved ones, and all of the healthcare personnel working tirelessly to care for them - you are in our thoughts and prayers.

What is e-Learning?

Dr. Michael Allen - September 2019

Simply put, it’s instruction delivered or augmented electronically. Learners use their computers, tablets, or phones to access the instruction wherever they are, whenever they have time.

e-Learning comes in many forms, appearing in such variations as to look entirely different from other applications. It will often use integrated media, such as video, animation, photos and narratives. Because of the computer capabilities at hand, e-learning can be interactive, providing game-like learning experiences, simulations, and the advantages of a personal mentor.