Selection of a Computer-Based Training Authoring System: Functional Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Abstract

A computer-based training (CBT) authoring system is a special kind of software tool kit for training developers to use in CBT materials. Since the late 1970s, many CBT authoring systems have been developed that serve the same purpose but have different theoretical approaches, functional features, and power. Thus, selection of an authorizing system requires a systematic evaluation. This paper proposes a set of evaluation criteria for selecting an authoring system on the basis of its functional capabilities. A CBT authoring system can be evaluated according to the following criteria: 1) its functional capability to provide computer programming aids for a training developer with minimal or no programming skills; 2) the quality of instructional design guidance available for the training developer with limited experience in instructional design and training development; 3) the system's flexibility to expand its functional capability through interface with other software tools and hardware peripherals; 4) the ease with which the system can be learned and used; and 5) the cost, including price, hardware requirements, contract conditions, and training expenses.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA207141

Entities

People

  • Ok-choon Park
  • Robert J. Seidel

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Training
  • Classification
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer-Aided Instruction
  • Computers
  • Materials
  • Operating Systems
  • Programming Languages
  • Social Sciences
  • Software Development
  • Software Development Tools
  • Students
  • Tool Kits
  • Training
  • Training Management
  • Word Processors

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Software Engineering.