With the production of SBAS, a combination of language and machine allowing for a disciplined and error-free approach to teaching programming is available. Instructional strategies for use with SBAS and basic concepts (decisions, repetitions/iterations, actions/processes) are discussed. Sample flow charts and program listings are provided. (JN)

A light box is an apparatus designed to show the logical states of the User Port Pins of a PET microcomputer. Details of this aspect of computer studies are provided to introduce students to the possibilities of microprocessor control. Details of PET User Port interface and sample programs are included. (Author/JN)

This study identified computer objectives based on recommendations of the authoritative accounting bodies, determined whether the typical introductory computer course has these same objectives, and examined the influence of the academic department responsible for teaching the course. Relationships between department and course objectives,…

Provides information on teaching the "logic" component of computer studies specified in the J.M.B. syllabi (ordinary and advanced levels). Indicates that the information may be useful for teachers contemplating or starting courses leading to A-level. Information is based on notes provided with DALECK and assume use of this kit. (JN)

The nature of the organization, Micros and Primary Education (MAPE) is detailed, and its history and development are noted. The primary purpose of MAPE is to promote and develop awareness and effective use of microelectronics as an integral part of the philosophy and practice of Primary Education. (MP)

Some facts about the nature of computer studies are presented, and it is noted that males make up the majority of students. The nature of current assessment practices is detailed, and suggestions are made about future testing approaches. Mastery testing is promoted as the direction to take in the future. (MP)

Short descriptions are provided of several sessions of the Computer Education Group (CEG) Biennial Conference held at Nottingham University in April 1982. Sessions noted include the introduction, a presentation on teacher training, the development of examinations, and a question-and-answer session. (MP)

A study was conducted based on an analysis of computer study courses leading to CSE and 0-level examinations. Several findings are discussed and questions about future developments are raised. Syllabus content (including history, hardware, basic computer science, programming, applications, and implications), format, and examinations are among the…

Discusses teacher certification courses in computer education focusing on syllabus development and structure, involvement of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and course aims (including knowledge of computer uses in education). Also discusses pilot projects involving the new certification scheme. Additional information can be found in February 1981…

Presents test cases to adequately test the "triangle program" described in part 1 (appearing in volume 42 of this journal). Discusses test case design and design techniques, differentiating between testing (showing that errors present) and debugging (finding where/what errors are and correcting them). Suggests testing be incorporated into…

Discusses the place of descriptive geometry in schools problems of teaching technical graphics to young students. Instructional materials for teaching technical graphics, graphic programs, program development, and the value of school project work are considered. Sample computer-generated drawings are included. (JN)

Suggests a moving pictorial tool to help teach principles in the bubble sort algorithm. Develops such a tool applied to an unsorted list of numbers and describes a method to derive the run time of the algorithm. The method can be modified to run the times of various other algorithms. (JN)

The work described started in primary schools in three Welsh counties in September 1981. The project strove to: (1) evaluate currently available commercially produced software and (2) provide a practical introduction to computer use in junior and infant schools. The work involved approximately 2,000 students and 80 teachers. (MP)

The use of the Prolog programing language is promoted as the language to use by anyone teaching a course in relational databases. A short introduction to Prolog is followed by a series of examples of queries. Several references are noted for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding. (MP)

Describes a preliminary investigation in which students were taught BASIC programing using deliberately bugged programs, with program descriptions and photographs of screen as it should look if programs were running correctly. Includes educational issues involved, constraints of the investigation, sample programs, subjective/statistical analyses,…