Courseware Authoring Essay

Courseware authoring is when one develops computer-based learning materials.   In order for computer-based learning to be effective, the programs need to be designed and authored successfully. There are many courseware authoring tools available in the market today.   Depending on the industry, the tools vary from simulations to software that creates simple presentations.   The essential elements that need to be included in successful courseware authoring are all the components of different learning styles and learning strategies. According to Mr. Alfred Low, an educational technologist, there are four courseware authoring strategies that one can adopt to create superior learning environments (Low, 2002): †¢ The Socratic Approach: develops a questioning approach that engages students in a dialogue and enables students to see their own mistakes and misconceptions. †¢ Simulations/Games: uses the computer to develop simulation models of an imaginary world designed for pedagogical purposes. †¢ The Computer-As-Pupil: learners construct knowledge and develop problem-solving skills as they interact with the computer. †¢ The Intelligent Assistant: aims to provide support as the learner interacts with the program and monitors the student’s progress. There is no single courseware authoring strategy that will address every instructional problem.   Therefore a needs analysis must be performed to determine the desired final outcome of any instructional materials. Courseware authoring is simply designing computer-based learning tools.   There are many authoring tools and strategies to ensure the most complete success in the learning environment.