Implementation issues in SIMPLE learning environments

SIMPLE makes it easier to construct and implement intensely interactive computer simulated learning environments. For construction of the environments, the primary strategy is to combine existing software components rather than to write new ones. Because SIMPLE is built on a powerful relational database engine, authors can structure and modify SIMPLE learning environments without writing programs or control scripts. The feature set of SIMPLE is not fixed, however, but is readily extensible. SIMPLE includes provisions for the construction and implementation of context sensitive help for learners. Automatic answer checking and configuration management make practical implementation of interactive learning environments easier for instructors. SIMPLE includes tools for automatically logging learners' activities and for processing the recorded information to make it useful to the instructor. SIMPLE runs on Microsoft Windows machines and is available at no cost for educational use.