Discusses a computer software program called "The Author" which allows computer-assisted instruction lessons to be written by an instructor with no programing experience. The authoring system provides printed formatting sheets which enable the instructor to write out lesson text, questions, and instructions prior to entering them on the…

Explains the role of authoring languages in the development of courseware material for use in computer-assisted instruction and describes examples available on small, medium, and large computers with emphasis on the language/author interface. Briefly considers authoring language evaluation, system integration, and distribution of courseware. 82…

Discusses a computer-assisted instruction authoring aid called PROFORMA which converts ordinary text into output on a computer screen in a format which contains, as desired, framed tables, reverse video, boldface print, moving text, and question-and-answer sequences. Use of PROFORMA in the teaching of French is discussed. (Author/JJD)

This manual presents an overview of the PILOT educational computer language, a simplified teacher-directed alternative to the use of BASIC for designing computer assisted instruction, and provides examples to illustrate its features. These features are described in terms of format, labels, numeric variables, alphanumeric variables, system…

The problems inherent in developing programed materials for the gifted are examined, and a list of 15 characteristics that programs for these children should include is discussed at some length. Appended is a list of over 25 references. (LS)

Foreign language teachers are encouraged to participate in developing computer courseware. Advantages include the potential for higher quality and more plentiful materials, increased confidence with computers, and the kind of discipline a computer affords in focusing on and organizing an exercise. (MSE)

Reviews an authoring system for courseware development (Applesoft Basic) consisting of a programed template allowing preparation of instructional units composed of text, questions, and graphics. A higher-priced version includes a game. Geology, oceanography, space science, meteorology, human/plant anatomy, and cells/genetics diagrams are available…

Describes use of authoring systems--software packages which guide authors through the programming process, eliminating the need to know how to program--as a practical solution to the problem of teachers developing their own microcomputer courseware. Some representative authoring systems, their benefits and costs, and specific products are…

This theme issue provides brief descriptions or reviews of specific authoring tools including the Digital, TenCORE, EASE, Courseware (Apple), and PLATO authoring systems. Articles on conceptual or practical issues emerging from extensive experience in specific settings or based on use of specific authoring systems are also presented. (MBR)

Defines eight software production stages, and argues that the key to the production of a higher quantity of reasonable quality software lies in development of support technologies to assist teachers in software development. Three approaches--software toolboxes, computer assisted instruction (CAI) program shells, and software CAI analysts--are…

Created to help teachers develop, evaluate, and use computer-assisted instruction (CAI), this guide is intended for "first-time" CAI authors who do not program. (As used here, an author is the teacher who designs and develops objectives and content and creates learning strategies for CAI.) Content of the guide is organized into the five…

As part of its ongoing effort to develop Army embedded training (ET) systems in which a tactical computer system is used to train personnel about its own utilization, a project was conducted to develop and evaluate courseware on how to program lessons for computer assisted instruction (CAI). Since PLANIT (Programing Language for Interactive…

An analysis of portions of the HumRRO (Human Resources Research Organization) developed computer-assisted instruction (CAI) course in COBOL programing, and a survey of representatives from Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA) PLATO IV installations indicated a need for authoring aids that could be prepared and programed easily and quickly. The…

Advances in multimedia and video technology have made more sophistication in educational software almost necessary, requiring complex team authorship and production considerations. Colleges and schools can be active in software development and perhaps keep software production down to earth. The transition will be expensive and require many and…

The goal of this special demonstration project was to develop adult secondary business education courses related to the computer. An additional phase focused on the development of a microcomputer-based program providing the needed computer literacy and applications for its use. An advisory committee identified five areas of instructional need:…