16 Jun
2004
16 Jun
'04
3:41 p.m.
On Thu, 17 Jun 2004, Tony Duell wrote:
I don't dispute you _can_ teach real computing
using PCs, although IMHO
Acorn machines (which were designed for eduactional uses) are IMHO more
suitable (and of course a room of Beebs or Archs is just as reliable as a
room of PCs, I wasn't talking about having a multi-user mini).
I don't dispute that Acorn machines are BETTER. and certainly more fun
But,...
the goal at that time (before I got there) was NOT to teach real
computing. It was to teach introductory programming in FORTRAN,
COBOL, RPG, etc.
PCs with aftermarket expansion and IBM (MICROS~1) compilers
(site license!), were the cheapest way to get a few dozen
machines.
The cost benefit situation is considerably different for a college
computer lab than it is for personal or business use.
With a finite budget, would you get two dozen mediocre machines,
or half a dozen good ones?
Interfacing was a topic covered by the Electronics department,
NOT the DP department, until the Electronics department was
assassinated.
And now the administration has taken over all purchasing decisions,
and won't let us get anything other than one specific model of HPaq.
And FWIW, according to the current UK educational
standards I don't know
how to use a computer (!)...
I don't have the formal prerequisites to be allowed to take
some of the courses that I teach.
unless I sign up for my own beginning classes,...
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin(a)xenosoft.com