SPIRES (Stanford Public Information Retrieval System) is a computerized information storage and retrieval system intended for use by students and faculty members who have little knowledge of computers but who need rapid and sophisticated retrieval and analysis. The functions and capabilities of the system from the user's point of view are…

The lecture notes of two courses in Systems Programing, given by Professor Niklaus Wirth in 1965 and 1966 at Stanford University, are reproduced. Overall subjects covered with the theme of general systems programing include: assemblers, interpreters, input-output programing, supervisory programs (monitors), an introduction to compilers, phrase…

The evolution and current operation of the Ontario Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) Network are described. Sponsored by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and including 11 community colleges in Ontario, the network has computer installations and access devices throughout the province. Initial development work was done using a…

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the application of the PLATO IV system to training interpersonal skills. As part of the development of an experimental design to be undertaken in the future, several activities were involved. Suitable interpersonal skills were considered and a single one, giving effective performance feedback, was chosen…

Intended as an overview of the nature and use of computers in schools, this document describes the history and development of computers generally and of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) specifically. Included is information on several CAI systems currently in operation including (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO),…