Abstract
This paper discusses the objectives of a microcomputer laboratory established to support the Computer Science programmes at McMaster University. Three objectives are identified:
1. To serve as the means of reinforcing the understanding of fundamental computer concepts by students;
2. To enable faculty, staff, and students in any university department to learn about microcomputers and how microcomputers can be used to provide a solution of their problems;
3. To provide facilities for high-school students and teachers to become familiar with microcomputers and their impact on society as well as for bringing “computer literacy” to the community at large.
The equipment purchased for the microcomputer laboratory is described and future plans are outlined.
- 1 ACM Committee on Curriculum in Computer Sciences, "Curriculum Recommendations for the Undergraduate Program in Computer Science," SIGCSE Bulletin, 9, No. 2 (June 1977), 1-16. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 2 K. L. Bowles, "ACS 1 Course Based on Stand-alone Microcomputers," in {WIL 78}, 125-127. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 3 COSINE Committee, Minicomputers in the Digital Laboratory Program, Nat. Acad. of Engineering, Washington, D.C. (Apr. 1972).Google Scholar
- 4 K. J. Danhoff and C. L. Smith, "The Pedagogical Impact of Microprocessor Based Computing Systems," in {IEEE 77b}, 27-33.Google Scholar
- 5 H. Golde and A. Shaw, "Why a Separate Computer Facility for Computer Science Education? Experiences at the UW Computer Science Teaching Laboratory," SIGCSE Bulletin, 9, No. 2 (June 1976), 11-20. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 6 J. C. Grout, D. M. Hyams, and J. C. Ripley, "The Laboratory in a Computer Science Program," SIGCSE Bulletin, 10, No. 2 (June 1978), 12-16. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 7 R. F. Hobson, "Computing Science Hardware Laboratories in the LSI Revolution," in {WIL 78}, 160-170. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 8 Education Committee (Model Curriculum Subcommittee) of the IEEE Computer Society. A Curriculum in Computer Science and Engineering. Committee Report January 1977, IEEE Computer Society, Long Beach, Calif., 90803 (1977).Google Scholar
- 9 Proceedings of the Computer Science and Engineering Curricula Worshop, June 6-7, Willamsburg, Va., IEEE Computer Society, Long Beach, Calif., 90803 (1977).Google Scholar
- 10 H. F. Jordan, "A Course in Integrated Hardware-Software Design," in {IEEE 77b}, 99-102.Google Scholar
- 11 A.C. Kay, "Microelectronics and the Personal Computer," in {Sc.A. 77}, 230-244.Google Scholar
- 12 W.K. King, "The Role of Microcomputers in a Computer Science/Engineering Curriculum," in {IEEE 77b}, 39-42.Google Scholar
- 13 W.W. Lattin and P. M. Russo (Guest Editors), Special Issue on Microprocessor Applications, Procs. IEEE, 66, No. 2 (Feb. 1978), 115-244.Google Scholar
Cross Ref
- 14 Ohio Scientific, Inc., Challenger II, Challenger III Systems Prospectus, Fall '77 Catalog, Ohio Scientific, Inc., Aurora, Ohio, 44202 (1977)Google Scholar
- 15 Ohio Scientific, Inc., O.S.-6SU V1.1 Operators Manual Ohio Scientific, Inc., Aurora, Ohio, 44202 (1978)Google Scholar
- 16 C.V. Ramamoorthy, "Computer Science and Engineering Education," IEEE Trans. on. Computers, C-25, No. 12 (Dec. 1976), 1200-1206.Google Scholar
- 17 P.R. Rony and D. G. Larsen, "Teaching Microcomputer Interfacing to Non-electrical Engineers," Computer, 10, No. 1 (Jan. 1977), 53-57.Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 18 Microelectronics, Special Issue of Scientific American, Scientific American Inc., New York, N.Y.,10017 (Sept. 1977), 62-244.Google Scholar
- 19 Sheridan College in Cooperation with Informatics. Education Limited, Microcomputing for YOU, Advertising Pamphlet, Sheridan College, Oakville, Ont., L6H 2L1 (1978).Google Scholar
- 20 N.E. Sondak, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Ma., 01609 (private communication, 1978).Google Scholar
- 21 J. F. Wakerly and E.J. McCluskey, "Microcomputers in the Computer Engineering Curriculum," Computer, 10, No. 1 (Jan. 1977), 32-38Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 22 A. C. Weaver, "Microcomputers in the Computer Science Curriculum," in {WIL 78}, 171-176. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 23 K. L. Williams (Editor), The Papers of the SIGCSE/CSA Tech. Symposium on C.Sc. Education, Detroit, Mich., Feb. 23-24, 1978, SIGCSE Bulletin, 10, No.1(Feb. 1978), 296 pp.Google Scholar
- 24 D. Winkel, "Computer Science is the Proper Home for Digital Hardware Design," in {WIL 78}, 153-156. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 25 F. Winter, Sheridan College, Oakville, Ont., L6T 2L1 (private communication, 1978).Google Scholar
Index Terms
A computer science microcomputer laboratory
Recommendations
A computer science microcomputer laboratory
SIGCSE '79: Proceedings of the tenth SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science educationThis paper discusses the objectives of a microcomputer laboratory established to support the Computer Science programmes at McMaster University. Three objectives are identified:
1. To serve as the means of reinforcing the understanding of fundamental ...
Design of a microcomputer laboratory for teaching computer science
Proceedings of the 12th SIGCSE symposium on Computer science educationOn the premise that many of the fundamental concepts of computer science can be better taught in a hands-on, dedicated computing environment (i.e., a microcomputer), as opposed to a large multi-purpose system in which the student is insulated from the ...
Design of a microcomputer laboratory for teaching computer science
SIGCSE '81: Proceedings of the twelfth SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science educationOn the premise that many of the fundamental concepts of computer science can be better taught in a hands-on, dedicated computing environment (i.e., a microcomputer), as opposed to a large multi-purpose system in which the student is insulated from the ...






Comments