Intended for reading and language arts teachers at all educational levels, this guide presents information to be used by teachers in constructing their own computer assisted educational software using the BASIC programming language and Apple computers. Part 1 provides an overview of the components of traditional tutorial and drill-and-practice computer assisted instructional (CAI) software. A history of CAI design follows, beginning with linear programs, and proceeding to branching programs, frame protocols (information frames, question frames, and prompts), and types of feedback. Sources of information for the history section and a list of commercial software are included. Part 2 outlines the basics of planning and constructing CAI software in nine steps. Step 1 involves unit plans, with substeps including choice of topic, goal statement formulation, and topic research. Lesson plans are discussed in Step 2, and the rough draft stage is dealt with in Step 3. Screen Grids, where the CAI author begins to transfer contents of the draft to the screen, are exemplified in Step 4, while Step 5 covers the program rough draft. Steps 6 through 8 focus on the program's different pages, and Step 9 shows how to finish and link the screen displays. A section describing sources of information, including software and books, follows the text. The remainder of the document consists of 14 figures and diagrams that illustrate screen design and provide sample BASIC programs. (SKC)