Because finding software that exactly complements curriculum objectives is so difficult, many software designers have developed educational programs with authoring features that allow teachers to change the content but not the format of coursework. Four programs simple enough for students to take creative control of are reviewed. (MT)

Discusses the use of interactive media in computer-based training and describes a workbook and software package--Interactive Toolkit--designed for students learning to use interactive media. The package covers the basics of instructional design and how interactive media works, and a simple authoring system for creating computer-based training…

Presents a detailed analysis of courseware design activities based upon the use of conceptual data models for content elaboration. Highlights include discussions of computerized training systems, authoring languages and authoring systems, and the distinction between processing and data. (Author/LRW)

This study suggests a new model for the evaluation of educational software authoring systems and applies this model to a particular authoring system, CSR Trainer 4000. The model used is based on an integrated set of software engineering and instructional design principles. (Author/LRW)

Primary advantage of authoring languages is special subroutines facilitating educational programing; primary disadvantages are execution speed, memory limitations, and little gain in programing ease. Primary advantage of authoring systems is menu-driven editors; primary disadvantage is significant limitation in the frame-based branching programed…

Defines the role of the instructor-user in computer-assisted learning (CAL) and discusses the need to be able to alter and adapt existing CAL software for particular teaching needs. SPELEO, an authoring system developed in France that allows the modification of courseware content, is described. (eight references) (LRW)

Describes the design of a prototype of a computerized courseware production and presentation system that provides a user-friendly environment for the creation, maintenance, and presentation of courseware. Object-oriented material is discussed, types of operations that may act on the objects are explained, and interaction techniques are described.…

Discusses collaborative authoring, computer-supported collaborative work and the reuse of multimedia courseware; describes a consolidated model, Open Systems for the Collaborative Authoring and Reuse (OSCAR) of courseware, that was drawn from other abstract models; and examines hypermedia systems, object-oriented communication models, and the…

Many current software systems for authoring interactive microcomputer/video instructional materials have noticeable drawbacks. Advantages of interactive software systems are examined and a research project to develop interactive video authoring tools without the drawbacks is described. (JN)

At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, interactive video serves both as an instructional tool and a project for creative students in graphic communications. The package facilitates courseware development and teaches students simultaneously about microcomputer and video technology. (SK)

Two components of Scenario, a computer program designed for instructional use, are reviewed, and their applications are discussed. Without learning a programing language, teachers and students can author lessons or presentation materials, including color or monochrome text, graphics, and sound. The program is adaptable to foreign language…

Compares the strengths and weaknesses of four authoring systems that can be used for courseware development: (1) Quest; (2) PCD3; (3) IconAuthor; and (4) Course of Action. Evaluation procedures used to assess their power, ease of use, and productivity aids are explained; menu and icon structures are described; and interactive design implications…

Discusses the development of computer-assisted music instruction at Ohio State University and describes a courseware development system for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer that facilitates the creation of sophisticated computer-assisted music instruction programs. Walter Hewlett's pitch representation system is described, structured programing…

Discusses the interrelationships of the concepts of adaptability and portability of educational software. A conceptual framework for adaptable educational software is offered, a seven-stage model of adaptation is presented, and the research approach of the USE project in the Netherlands--which is concerned with the development and use of adaptable…

Presents results of CAMCE (Computer-Aided Multimedia Courseware Engineering) project research concerned with definition of a methodology to describe a systematic approach for multimedia courseware development. Discussion covers the CAMCE methodology, requirements of an advanced authoring environment, use of an object-based model in the CAMCE…