Establishing the Criteria for an Authoring System: The Example of Private Tutor and the Macintosh Computer

Abstract

This article outlines the design considerations that go into the making of an authoring system. The author uses examples from his own authoring system, Private Tutor, to illustrate the points made. Many of the proposed criteria apply equally well to CAI materials in general. The emphasis of the article is not on the technical aspects of creating an authoring system but on the concepts that define its operation. In particular, the program should be intuitive and leave most of the control in the hands of the student. The author also discusses the design principles of Private Tutor in relation to the Macintosh computer. The Macintosh is seen as an excellent vehicle for the implementation of a well designed authoring system.