Some software packages allow students to use either the keyboard or a joystick as a paintbrush. Not only colors, but textures and brush strokes can be controlled. In addition to programs, students can use graphics tablets to create designs. Students place light pens at various points on a tablet, and the corresponding design appears on the screen. Music can also be created on the computer.
Electronic keyboards make writing music easy for students who play the piano.
Like graphics tables, keyboards are peripherals that can be interfaced with a microcomputer. As a user plays the keyboard, the notes and parameters are temporarily stored in memory. The piece can then be saved on a disk for later use or further alteration. Authoring Systems Authoring systems and languages allow users to create computer programs even if they know very little about conventional program languages. Typically, authoring programs allow the user to create drill and practice or tutorial programs.