Local microcomputer networks and their impact on computer science education

  • Authors:

  • Hayden S. Porter

  • Affiliations:

  • Furman University, Greenville, S.C.

  • Venue:
  • ACM-SE 20 Proceedings of the 20th annual Southeast regional conference
  • Year:
  • 1982

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

Advances in computer science and semiconductor technology have combined to create what now generally is recognized as the computer revolution. Three features of this revolution are examined as to their impact on computer science education: 1) the reduction of the cost threshold to gain access to computation, 2) the avaliability of dedicated processors for real-time computation, and 3) the existence of local computer networks in which the nodes are stand-alone microcomputers that share information and expensive peripheral devices. It is argued that major benefits such as decreased cost/performance ratios, enhanced flexibility and freedom from obsolescence accrue to computer science programs using such microcomputer networks versus a central host computer using interactive timesharing.