Abstract:

This article describes the development of SuperMacLang, the 1990's version of the MacLang authoring system, originally distributed in 1986. A joint project between Harvard and Dartmouth, SuperMacLang (SML) is more powerful than MacLang, although the rationale has remained the same. SML is based on the belief that second language acquisition involves at least some degree of automatic processing requiring practice of structures and vocabulary, and that such practice will be effective only if it is meaningful and contextualized. An analysis of various features of the program explains the ways in which various aspects of collaboration and funding affected developer and programming decisions. References to message archives reveal some of the problems that occur with multiple developers. Mention is also made of why features of MacLang were retained or rejected and why new ones were added to SuperMacLang. Along with a description of the development process, the attentive reader will find a list of do's and don'ts which can help anyone who has the courage, energy, perseverance, and funds to embark on a similar undertaking.

Author: Judith Frommer, Otmar K.E. Foelsche