Reviews the development of authoring systems from those present in mainframe computers to the newest versions in desktop training systems. Advances in microcomputers and the corresponding authoring systems are described, programing languages are discussed, and computer-based instructional development that includes graphical user interfaces and…

Describes differences between authoring systems and authoring languages for teachers interested in creating their own educational software, discusses selection criteria and features to consider before choosing a package, recommends specific authoring systems and Pilot language programs, and provides a chart of currently available packages. (MBR)

Compares two authoring tools that were developed to enable users without programing experience to create and modify software. HyperCard, designed for Macintosh microcomputers, and ToolBook, for microcomputers that run on MS-DOS, are compared in the areas of programing languages, graphics and printing capabilities, user interface, system…

Discussion of the use of authoring systems for courseware development focuses on guidelines to be considered when designing authoring systems. Topics discussed include allowing a variety of instructional strategies; interaction with peripheral processes such as student records; the editing process; and human factors in computer interface design,…

This manual has a dual purpose: to teach about programming in the Logo language for teachers, and to teach Logo in a structured manner to students. The publication is divided into 41 sections, each of which focuses on a particular Logo word or idea, and is designed to give both teachers and students the opportunity to experiment with ideas while…

This survey of authoring languages that are used in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) highlights recent developments in Macintosh authoring languages and discusses their use in courseware development. CAI effectiveness is defined, advantages and disadvantages of CAI are described, and future research needs are suggested. (27 references) (LRW)

Describes the process for developing tutorials for computer-aided learning (CAL) using a programing language rather than an authoring system. The workstation used is described, the use of graphics is discussed, the role of a local area network (LAN) is explained, and future plans are discussed. (five references) (LRW)

Instructional applications for NeXT computers were developed by nine faculty members from the biology, mathematics and computer science, fine arts, chemistry, physics and astronomy, and geology departments as part of a grant awarded to the California State University at Los Angeles. These notes provide a schedule of events and reports from a 2-day…

This study presents a review of selection factors for the seven major general-purpose programming languages: Ada, BASIC, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL, and PL/I. The factors covered include not only the logical operations within each language, but also the advantages and disadvantages stemming from the current computing environment, e.g., software…

Developed to help educators locate computer software programs they may want to preview for students in K-12, this guide lists commercially available programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are listed alphabetically by title within curriculum areas: art; business education…

Discusses the use of hypertext for publishing and other document control activities in higher education. Topics discussed include a model of hypertext, called GUIDE, that is used at the University of Arizona Medical School; the increase in the number of scholarly publications; courseware development by faculty; and artificial intelligence. (LRW)

Dr. Allen discusses computer based instruction, today's educational software, qualifications for software designers and the importance of the author in the purchaser's view, courseware authoring tools and subject matter, interactive videodiscs, predictions on future hardware characteristics and capabilities, and the microcomputer as a catalyst for…

Describes a system that combines computer-assisted learning (CAL) with interactive video. It was designed in England for an undergraduate pathology course. Hardware, based on a BBC microcomputer, is described; the design of interactive graphics is explained; and the tutorial design, using an authoring system, is discussed. (26 references) (LRW)

These proceedings include papers on such topics as authoring systems, computer-managed instruction, testing, instructional design, management education, simulations, intelligent computer-assisted instruction, and other areas related to computer-based education. Fifty-six papers and 104 abstracts are organized by Association for the Development of…

This guide reports the opinions of a group of five computer coordinators from educational software and preview agencies about software products that seem promising, but have not necessarily been tested. The 22 software packages reviewed include applications for math, language arts, science, social studies, health, graphics, authoring, and database…