Visual Constructor: Remote Authoring in a Web-based Learning System

This paper describes an authoring tool, Visual Constructor, that is being developed to help users without technical knowledge to create and organize World Wide Web-based course contents. The following goals of Visual Constructor are highlighted: (1) it does not require any knowledge of evolving Web technology; (2) the user interface is easy to understand and operate; (3) it is a Web-based remote authoring environment, so that authors can use a Web browser to accomplish all the tasks at any location; (4) course authors do not need to worry about the physical files; and (5) information can be updated or modified as course content evolves. The underlying methodologies that form the basis of the Visual Constructor authoring environment are summarized, including course layout templates, document templates, logical view, and physical file management. The hierarchical software modules are explained, and the authoring process is illustrated with an example. The three major features supporting presentation and navigation of a Web-based learning environment created by Visual Constructor (i.e., structural layout, service modules, and presentation flow) are described. The paper concludes with a discussion of future work. Three figures present the hierarchy of software modules, and screens for configuring the course layout and authoring the course content. Contains 14 references. (AEF) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************