Authoring Languages/Systems Comparisons

Abstract

Authoring Languages and Systems (AL/S) are being marketed to K-12 educators with hopes that teachers will use them to develop their own CAI. Because the literature has not addressed the use of AL/S in K-12 settings (they only recently have been made available to K-12 educators), there is a need to examine the AL/S and how teachers are using them. This article describes twelve AL/S which are being marketed to K-12 teachers and compares their features. Also included in the article is a discussion of the probability of wide-spread use of AL/S in K-12 settings, the factors affecting the extent of their use, and some new approaches to CAI development tools.

Keywords::

• computer assisted instruction
• authoring languages
• courseware

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael L. Burger

Presently Dr. Burger is an assistant professor of educational technology at Texas A&M University and Director of the Learning Technology Center—a cooperative effort linking engineers and educators with the purpose of conducting research and development activities in educational technology. The Center is currently working with three public schools in Texas in the design and development of a CMI/MIS system which reduces the paperwork load and provides a dynamic data base for research on teaching and learning. Dr. Burger has taught high school physical sciences and served as a junior high/high school principal. His doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is in administration, curriculum and instruction.