Future Directions

Abstract

From the numerous examples that were presented in the previous chapter it is not difficult to see that courseware development tools (in general) and author languages (in particular) have to cater for a diverse range of CAL application domains. Furthermore, within these domains there is significant latitude with respect to individual requirements. Sometimes a CAL application need will be highly specific — as in the case of the handwriting tuition example described in section 5.8 or the film analysis unit for sports biomechanics (see section 5.14). However, in other situations the requirements will be of a more general nature — perhaps facilities for creating a simulation or providing audio and/or graphic support to accompany a CRT screen presentation. This chapter examines some of the more generic functions that author languages for CAL might have to support.