The effort to develop CALL can be thought of as progressing through three eras. In the first era, the technology itself led the way; constraints on hardware and software dictated the pedagogical uses to which we could put the machinery. In the second era - where we still find ourselves - language teaching leads the way. In the third era - the golden age of CALL - it will be language learning which motivates and controls the development of the whole effort, but we are not there yet. (I shall discuss in more detail why I believe that current developments in ‘learner-centred’ and ‘learner-controlled’ activities on the computer do not as yet really qualify as computer-assisted language learning.)

This paper is about the development of an authoring tool for computerised reading comprehension exercises. The software tools used and some problems encountered using them are described. Using the authoring tools and running the program are discussed and the first experiences reported.

Since 1984, CALL materials have been used on a regular basis in the German Department at the University of Aberdeen in integrated language courses, in order to practise and consolidate the material taught in face-to-face contact classes. CALL work essentially forms a backup to the taught part of the course. What the students are taught one week, they practise in their CALL class the following week, and additionally have the opportunity to work on further exercises on a private-study basis. Within the field of language learning, our experience suggests that the computer can be above all a superb tool for revision and consolidation. With the development and use of hypertext materials, there is more than just the possibility that it can now become even more effective than hitherto.