This paper describes SEF.ASSISTANT, a special software shell for authoring languages to be used in the development of courseware serving computer based education (CBE). The capabilities of SEF.ASSISTANT are identified: (1) it will generate programs written in the IBM SEF.PC authoring language; (2) it is compatible with external standard software (such as LOTUS and dBase III) as well as customized software; and (3) it can be used to drive videotapes and other multimedia. The functions performed by the software shell are described, and the use of the shell and the authoring language in coordinated procedures to construct courseware are detailed. The text is supplemented by three figures, one chart, and a SEF.ASSISTANT Quick Reference Sheet. (EW)