A technique was developed to facilitate creating computer-based instruction (CBI) with a minimum of effort on the part of the author/coder, and the feasibility of using a structure which puts control of the lesson strategy into the hands of the student learner was investigated. A model which relieves the author of CBI strategy selection was developed for the PLATO IV system and was tested in two instructional situations: training students to use a multimeter to measure resistance and current flow, and assisting Navy mess management specialists in recipe conversion. Student performance using the learner control mode was compared to that of other students using the regular CBI method. Students using the learner control mode experienced a savings in training time, and the use of an authoring aid was shown to save time over other methods of lesson preparation. (CH)