Authoring systems
Encyclopedia
The "Intelligent tutoring system
" research community uses the term authoring system to refer to a computer based system that allows a general group (including non-programmers) to create (or author) content for intelligent tutoring systems. While a few intelligent tutoring systems have been successfully created, they are very costly to construct.
In the development of educational software, an Authoring System is a program that allows a non-programmer to easily create software with programming features. The programming features are built in but hidden behind buttons and other tools, so the author does not need to know how to program. Generally Authoring Systems provide lots of graphics, interaction, and other tools educational software needs.
An authoring system usually includes an authoring language, a programming language built (or extended) with functionality for representing the tutoring system. The functionality offered by the authoring language may be programming functionality for use by programmers or domain representation functionality for use by subject experts. There is overlap between authoring languages with domain representation functionality and domain-specific languages.
While true Authoring Systems, with easy, effective use by a domain area specialist like an English teacher, may be few and far between, many educators can and do use commercial products such as Adobe's Dreamweaver and Flash, and Microsoft's Power Point to create tutorials for their students.
which developers use to create and package content deliverable to end users.
Though authoring tools have a range of uses, they are commonly used to create e-learning
modules. These modules are generally written to conform to some international standard, such as SCORM
(Shareable Content Object Reference Model) or AICC (CBT)
(Aviation Industry CBT Committee).
Distribution of content created with authoring tools also varies. Distribution methods include: web, kiosk, interactive CD-ROM, and executable file.
Since the term is somewhat general, many programs can be considered authoring tools, including Flash
, and PowerPoint. However, only a small group of programs specifically include support for e-learning content standards including e2train Composica, Macromedia
(Adobe) Authorware
, Director, Mohive, Lectora
, Composer FX, and iSpring Presenter.
Intelligent tutoring system
An intelligent tutoring system is any computer system that provides direct customized instruction or feedback to students, i.e. without the intervention of human beings, whilst performing a task. Thus, ITS implements the theory of learning by doing. An ITS may employ a range of different...
" research community uses the term authoring system to refer to a computer based system that allows a general group (including non-programmers) to create (or author) content for intelligent tutoring systems. While a few intelligent tutoring systems have been successfully created, they are very costly to construct.
In the development of educational software, an Authoring System is a program that allows a non-programmer to easily create software with programming features. The programming features are built in but hidden behind buttons and other tools, so the author does not need to know how to program. Generally Authoring Systems provide lots of graphics, interaction, and other tools educational software needs.
An authoring system usually includes an authoring language, a programming language built (or extended) with functionality for representing the tutoring system. The functionality offered by the authoring language may be programming functionality for use by programmers or domain representation functionality for use by subject experts. There is overlap between authoring languages with domain representation functionality and domain-specific languages.
While true Authoring Systems, with easy, effective use by a domain area specialist like an English teacher, may be few and far between, many educators can and do use commercial products such as Adobe's Dreamweaver and Flash, and Microsoft's Power Point to create tutorials for their students.
Authoring tool
An authoring tool is a software packageSoftware package (installation)
In package management systems, which are commonly used with Linux-based operating systems, a package is a specific piece of software which the system can install and uninstall....
which developers use to create and package content deliverable to end users.
Though authoring tools have a range of uses, they are commonly used to create e-learning
E-learning
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process...
modules. These modules are generally written to conform to some international standard, such as SCORM
SCORM
Sharable Content Object Reference Model is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning. It defines communications between client side content and a host system called the run-time environment, which is commonly supported by a learning management system...
(Shareable Content Object Reference Model) or AICC (CBT)
AICC (CBT)
The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee is an international association of technology-based training professionals. The AICC develops guidelines for aviation industry in the development, delivery, and evaluation of CBT, WBT, and related training technologies.AICC specifications...
(Aviation Industry CBT Committee).
Distribution of content created with authoring tools also varies. Distribution methods include: web, kiosk, interactive CD-ROM, and executable file.
Since the term is somewhat general, many programs can be considered authoring tools, including Flash
Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages. Flash is frequently used for advertisements, games and flash animations for broadcast...
, and PowerPoint. However, only a small group of programs specifically include support for e-learning content standards including e2train Composica, Macromedia
Macromedia
Macromedia was an American graphics and web development software company headquartered in San Francisco, California that produced such products as Flash and Dreamweaver. Its rival, Adobe Systems, acquired Macromedia on December 3, 2005 and controls the line of Macromedia...
(Adobe) Authorware
Macromedia Authorware
Macromedia Authorware was an interpreted, flowchart based, graphical programming language. Authorware is used for creating interactive programs that can integrate a range of multimedia content, particularly e-learning applications...
, Director, Mohive, Lectora
Lectora
Lectora is an Electronic learning development tool, also known as authoring software, developed by Trivantis Corporation. Lectora is used to create online training courses, assessments, and presentations...
, Composer FX, and iSpring Presenter.
See also
- see also: :Category:Authoring system
- Authoring languageAuthoring languageAn authoring language is a programming language used to create tutorials, computer-based training courseware, websites, CD-ROMs and other interactive computer programs...
- ChamiloChamiloChamilo is an open-source e-learning and content management system, aimed at improving access to education and knowledge globally...
- DokeosDokeosDokeos is a company dedicated to open source Learning Management Systems. Its main product is a SCORM-compliant open source learning suite used by multinational companies, federal administrations and universities....
- Hollywood (programming language)Hollywood (programming language)Hollywood is a commercially distributed programming language developed by Andreas Falkenhahn which mainly focuses on the creation of multimedia-oriented applications. Hollywood is available for AmigaOS , AmigaOS 4 , MorphOS, WarpOS, AROS and Windows...
with its Hollywood Designer graphical interface. - Learning management systemLearning management systemA learning management system is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content...
- SCORMSCORMSharable Content Object Reference Model is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning. It defines communications between client side content and a host system called the run-time environment, which is commonly supported by a learning management system...
- XML editorXML editorAn XML editor is a markup language editor with added functionality to facilitate the editing of XML. This can be done using a plain text editor, with all the code visible, but XML editors have added facilities like tag completion and menus and buttons for tasks that are common in XML editing, based...
- Web design programWeb design programA Web design program is a computer program used to create, edit, and update web pages and websites. The purpose of such a program is to make it easier for the designer to work with page and site elements through a graphical user interface that displays the desired results, typically in a WYSIWYG...
- Authoring language