Michael W. Allen

Michael W. Allen (born 1946) is an American software developer, educator, and author. He is known for his work on, and led the development of the Authorware software platform.

Education
Allen received a B.A. in psychology from. He received a M.A. and Ph.D. in educational psychology from.

Career
From 1971 to 1984 Allen worked for (CDC) on its computer-based education system called   (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations). He became the director of R&D of advanced educational systems R&D and worked on developing a visual version of PLATO. When CDC expressed little interest in the project, Allen was permitted to to make a bid for the technology.

Authorware and Macromedia
He then founded the Authorware company in 1984, which was incorporated the following year. Authorware captured 80% of the web learning market in about 3 years; 30% of the company's revenue came from professional consulting services. Authorware merged with MacroMind-Paracomp in 1992 to form Macromedia, which was later acquired by Adobe Systems.

After Macromedia
Allen formed a spinoff of the professional services division of Authorware called MediaPros, which was acquired by Lifetouch a year later.

Allen founded Allen Interactions in 1993, acting as chairman and CEO. The company designs custom interactive e-learning applications and provides consulting and training services. He founded Allen Learning Technologies in 2010 and serves as chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The company announced project Zebra in 2010, a new e-learning authoring system.

He is associated with the as an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. He consulted on a study that used e-learning to reduce the spread of.

Allen is the author of several books, most notable being Michael Allen's Guide to e-Learning, and is editor of Michael Allen’s e-Learning Annual, first published in February 2008. In May 2011 the presented him a distinguished contribution award.

Allen was a 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.