REFLECTIONS ON CAI LANGUAGE DESIGN

Language The need for a high level computer-assisted instructional (CAI) course authoring language is discussed and the capabilities of COURSEWRITER, BASIC, and APL for meeting this need are covpared. The demand for such a language in first documented and some historical trends of CAI language development and use are reviewed. Following this, the appropriateness of each of the three languages for authoing purposes is examined, and the main general design features and functions of a CAI authoring language are outlined. Econonic and other considerations involved in the selection and implementation of a lexicon of operations are scrutinized. The conclusion is reached that it would seem fruitful to design a meta-language based on APL which would embody functions for the necessary instructional strategies and response analyses. It is stated tha such a language would greatly facilitate the use of CAI by the non-sophisticated teacher-author by allowing him to confine his activities to stating the content of his lesson and the strategy of his presentation. (PB) 11161,14,ftt 6t pE tt tft tt01)2 rt 171 It Of it gf 4111,co4AL APO oiutt (it Eat/CA/10