A computer-based training tool for Jovial J73

The authors present one approach to training maintenance programmers in an older language, Jovial J73, in the context of the development of a computer-based training course. The benefits of this type of course include continuous availability and relatively modest cost. The course design was based on a two-week JOVIAL class that was conducted by SofTech for the US Air Force (ASD) Language Control Facility (LCF). The methodology used in transforming a human-teacher-based class into a computer-based training course is examined. The benefits and difficulties of using a computer to teach a computer language are compared with those of the traditional classroom teaching method, from an education perspective. An overview of the final training system is presented, showing some of its unique features