The first computer-assisted training programmes were developed by using general-purpose programming languages. These programmes provided a transposition of computer programmed training manuals. Later languages were developed specifically for the development of training programs, which increased the number of courses.

The introduction of patterns facilitated the process of instructional courses elaboration. With the introduction of personal computers it became possible to use multimedia resources in training courses. Course content was delivered on magnetic media (magnetic tape, diskette), then on optical - CD-ROM.

The main disadvantage of training programmes developed in this period lies in the impossibility of their use outside the original context. The learning content and presentation system of this content could not be separated.