Author Languages for Computer-Based Learning

Author languages provide a means to facilitate the development of courseware material for use in computer-based instructional systems. In this paper the role of an author language is explained and some examples of those currently available on small, medium and large computers are briefly described. Particular emphasis is given to exploring the author's interface with these systems. Future developments in author languages are likely to be significantly influenced by current trends in microelectronics, telecommunications, video and information storage technology. In view of this, three important problems need to be discussed: author language evaluation, system integration and the dissemination of courseware materials. Each of these topics is briefly considered.