An efficient, portable authoring language for microcomputers
Mark Luker · 1986
An authoring language is a programming language that is optimized in some way for the efficient production of computer assisted instruction lessons. This paper summarizes nearly twenty years of experimentation and development of authoring languages at the University of Minnesota, then presents the main characteristics of a new language that embodies many of the lessons learned over this period. The new language is called AL, for author language. Based on Pascal, it is easily transportable across most microcomputers, requires no special operating system or tools, and makes no assumptions regarding educational style or method. It was designed to maximize efficiency over the entire process of authoring, testing, distribution, and maintenance of lessons. This is in stark contrast to most CAI languages, which were designed primarily to simplify the author interface.