Stand-Alone Computer Systems — Our Educational Future

Abstract

We can sketch a number of scenarios for the future of education. All these scenarios involve heavier use of the computer than at present. A number of important or auxiliary devices, such as the videodisc, will also play a role. The trends in modern technology suggest that stand-alone systems, perhaps incorporating the videodisc, will represent the major systems of the future. These systems will be widely available in homes, libraries, and educational institutions. Their use in education will expand greatly.

Alfred Bork is director of the Physics Computer Development Project at the University of California, Irvine. He holds a joint appointment in physics and in computer science. The Irvine group has a worldwide reputation for the development of effective computer-based learning material, and for the development of courses employing such material along with other media. Of particular concern is the development of authoring systems for producing such material. Bork has published extensively in this area; a list of papers is available on request. He received a Distinguished Service Award from The American Association of Physics Teachers in 1976 and was the Millikan Award Lecturer in 1978. Bork is the Physics Series editor for CONDUIT, and is on the Steering Committee of the Conference on Computers in the Undergraduate Curriculum.