Monograph No. 8: Microcomputer Development

Microcomputer Development

September 1982

Publication of the Mathematics Council of The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Editor’s Comments

Since 1977, with the introduction of commercially available microcomputers, educators have been anticipating the availability of computers for widespread classroom utilization. Articles with titles such as “Prepare! Prepare! The Micros Are Coming! ” “You and Your Home Computer,” and “The School Should Lead Computer Technology” suggest that we should be doing some major things right now. Another article tells us “Computer Technology Still a Toy,” and suggests that educators not rush into technology that is just beginning to grow.

Exactly what should be the role of the computer in the classroom? How should· we go about developing resources? What resources are needed? What is now being done in Alberta and · elsewhere in the field of microcomputers?

The purpose of this monograph is to give some information to the mathematics teachers of Alberta regarding these questions. An attempt has been made to be as current as possible; however, the development of hardware, software, and support materials seems to be occurring at an ever-increasing rate.

Ron Cammaert

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Front Matter

Editor’s Comments

Ron Cammaert

Part I: Impact of the Microcomputer

5 – 11

Computers and Education: Opportunities for the 1980s

Dale Bent

12 – 14

The Impact of Technology On Public Education

Desmond E. Berghofer