Identifies some of the common features of authoring programs. Outlines factors to consider when buying an authoring software package, including access to equipment, development and maintenance of courseware, purchasing and updating hardware and software, platform selection, and authoring skills. Presents a list of questions to ask vendors before…

This issue presents 11 articles that address issues relating to the production of CD-ROMs. Highlights include current uses of CD-ROM; standards; steps involved in producing CD-ROMs, including data capture, conversion, and tagging, product design, and indexing; authoring; selecting indexing and retrieval software; costs; multimedia CD-ROMs; and…

Reviews DRILL 2.0, an Apple Macintosh courseware authoring system with several exercises that can be tailored for foreign language classes. Such aspects as student operation, instructor design, and disadvantages are considered. (CB).

Provides practical information on multimedia and mass storage devices, productivity tools and authoring systems, and software/hardware compatibility for language training. Also provided is an extensive list of recommendations for creating effective software and another for selecting, developing, and adapting software. (GLR)

Reviews several software packages that analyze text readability, check for spelling and style problems, offer desktop publishing capabilities, teach interviewing skills, and teach grammar using a computer game. (SRT)

Describes results of a survey of teachers belonging to the Texas Computer Education Association that was conducted to determine whether authoring tools were being used to develop software for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Teachers' prior computer education and experience are examined, and the selection of authoring tools is addressed. (six…

Reviews the McGraw-Hill Interactive Authoring System which allows authors to create computer-based courses with or without interactive video. Use of the program requires no programming skills and authors do not need to learn a special language. The system's operation, performance, ease of use, documentation, and management are considered. (JN)

The updated HyperCard is reviewed, and instructions are given for "unmasking" the full program. It is concluded that the improvements are powerful and give the program the potential to be a useful tool for educators who need to customize or create their own applications. (six references) (LB)

Describes EntryWay, a hypertext authoring extension for HyperCard, and presents eight case studies that examined hypertext navigation patterns created by seven users of EntryWay. Five patterns of navigation are identified and explained, comparisons of navigation patterns are discussed, and implications for hypertext use are suggested. (17…

Describes the creation and use of macros for simple computer-aided instruction using the Open Access integrated software from SPI (Software Products International, UK). Sample screen displays are included. (MES)

Describes an attempt to "teach" computer software Spanish so that it could be programed to "understand" commands given it in Spanish for use in a Spanish-vocabulary database. (CB)

Reviews research on the efficacy of word processing programs in teaching students how to revise their papers and speculates on what kinds of programs will be available in the future. (JC)

Reviews two software packages for the Macintosh series. "Course Builder 2.0," a courseware authoring system, allows the user to create programs which stand alone and may be used independently in the classroom. "World Builder," an artificial intelligence software package, allows creative thinking, problem-solving, and…

The article considers possible health education uses for microcomputer authoring systems in such areas as instructional, questioning, and feedback strategies; answer judging capabilities, frame displays and design, student recordkeeping, and performance tracking. Also considered are documentation/user support, technical quality, and ease of…

Describes features and uses of IBM PILOT authoring language. Indicates that it is relatively easy to learn and use, that its power is more than sufficient, and that the documentation and tutorial are good. (JN)