AUTHORING SYSTEMS FOR COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT: WHAT SHOULD BEGINNERS LOOK FOR?

This paper is an introduction to courseware authoring systems, which are defined as software devised for an instructional  environment that simplifies courseware development. The process of courseware authoring is described as consisting  of two basic elements: computer and lesson. These two elements are further subdivided and the use of authoring systems to simplify each of these subcomponents is described. Suggestions are made for educators who are considering authoring systems to be used to develop courseware.