The Role of Computer Studies

Abstract

Computer studies began life in our secondary schools as a minority subject, performed in converted cupboards and at the back of mathematics classrooms, using huge mechanical terminals linked to local authority mainframes. The type of work done involved simple programming and experience of the pains and pleasures of remote communication with an, at best, temperamental system. As time progressed more sophisticated equipment became available, often second-hand or donated by friendly local industry, anxious that its now outdated systems should not simply be scrapped and seeing an opportunity for community liaison and a little free publicity. Enterprising computer studies teachers, who were generally drawn from the maths department, put together strange admixtures of hardware and built home-made computers bought in kit form from electronics magazines. Thus was born the mathematico-computerised hardware expert who often still, unwillingly it must be said in many cases, holds responsibility for the future of computers in the school.