Authoring system

An authoring system is a program that has pre-programmed elements for the development of interactive multimedia software titles. Authoring systems can be defined as software that allows its user to create multimedia applications for manipulating multimedia objects.

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.

Authoring tool

An authoring tool is a software package that 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).

Some examples of software created specifically for creating e-learning content are those created by Articulate and Adobe's Captivate.

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 are created specifically for creating e-learning content these include Articulate and Adobe's Captivate, Vivo from Training Bricks, Elicitus, IMC Content Studio, iSpring Suite, Lectora, Macromedia (Adobe) Authorware and Director. Types : 1.Card-/Page- Based 2. Icon Based or Event Driven 3. Time Based

Easygenerator is an online or cloud based authoring tool used for Elearning. Instructional designers as well as subject matter experts use this robust program. It is a SAAS (service as a subscription) type program. It is an affordable, easy and yet powerful tool that puts learning objectives at the center of the design process. There is also a free version that requires no subscription. Easygenerator.com

Authoring language

An authoring language is a programming language used to create tutorials, computer-based training courseware, websites, CD-ROMs and other interactive computer programs. Authoring systems (packages) generally provide high-level visual tools that enable a complete system to be designed without writing any programming code, although the authoring language is there for more in-depth usage.

Examples of authoring languages

Examples of Web authoring languages

ASP XHTML

See also

External links