Software authoring facilities for computer assisted learning

Date
1988
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Abstract
Authoring languages for Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) have undergone significant developments during the last 25 years. The languages used in the early mainframe computer and minicomputer CAL projects were initially limited by available hardware facilities. Nevertheless, attempts were made to provide authoring flexibility and to implement desirable instructional paradigms. Many CAL programs for the early microcomputers were written in general purpose programming languages. However, the difficulty of using these and their limitations led to the development of CAL application languages, some converted from mainframe counterparts and others produced especially for microcomputer courseware authoring. With limitations of processing speed, memory, and inflexible authoring features, these application languages were frequently perceived by authors as being too restricted. As microcomputers have become more powerful and as they have acquired extensive memory on hard disk, they have also become capable of supporting languages more suitable for CAL authoring. In effect, these languages may be classified into three types: more powerful general purpose programming languages, object oriented languages, and graphics oriented languages. In order to assess the value of such languages in a variety of teaching/ learning applications, three CAL programs were written. The first, written in a general purpose language extended by means of templates, macros, and a shell, was concerned with English grammar. The second, written in a powerful object oriented language, was intended to teach the process of creating an outline. The third, written in a graphics oriented language with builtĀ­in utilities, was concerned with the teaching of higher level cognitive skills. The analysis of results from the writing and use of the three programs indicates the strengths and weaknesses of each of the three types when used for CAL. It is clear that further facilities are required which are not provided by any of the three; however, it is also concluded that the field is not sufficiently mature for an attempt to be made to provide any one language which will meet all needs.
Description
Bibliography: p. 106-112
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Citation
Kopp, G. D. (1988). Software authoring facilities for computer assisted learning (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/15608
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