1. Computers in Education Past, Present, and Future
CECS 4100
Chapter 9

2. Purpose for the Development of Computers
To simplify the process of data and information manipulation and storage

3. Evolution of Computers
Abacus - One of the earliest devices to simplify the manipulation of data (not mechanical)
Pascaline -First mechanical calculating device (17th century); a simple gear-driven device for adding and subtracting
More reliable and practical devices continued to be developed

4. Evolution of Computers
Electronic calculators - early 1970s ; replaced mechanical ones
Jacquard’s Loom - punch cards to record pattern; first machine that could be “programmed”

5. Charles Babbage “Father of the Computer”
Difference Engine - tabulating device
Analytical Engine - steam driven with parts of modern computers (input, CPU, memory and output)
Never completed due to the state of technology at the time

6. Computer Data Processing
1890 census - Herman Hollerith won a contest when he created the fastest, most efficient method for gathering census information
Hollerith went on to market his machines and eventually this firm became IBM corporation

7. Electronic Machines
The first machine in which computing, control, and memory were all electrical was developed by John V. Atanasoff of Iowa State Univ. in the early 1940s.
The ABC computer (Atanasoff-Berry Computer) is recognized as the first electronic digital computer

8. ENIAC
ENIAC - used by the military for creating firing tables for new weapons
500 times faster than the best previous
Powered by vacuum tubes (1st generation)
Filled a room 20 feet by 40 feet!

9. Transistors Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in 1959
Were replaced quickly by integrated circuits (1964)
Computers became faster, smaller, and more reliable

10. Apple Computer
1977, Apple introduced the Apple II microcomputer, a compact, self-contained desktop computer

11. Early Projects Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC) - developed CAI
Plato - (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operation)
SCHOLAR - first attempt at intelligent tutoring
MYCIN - artificial intelligence

12. Computers in the Classroom
In 1981 there were, on average, 125 students per computer; in 1991, there were 18.

13. Predicting the Future of Computers
“This telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.”
(Western Union, internal memo, 1876)

14. Predicting the Future of Computers
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”
(Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943)

15. Predicting the Future of Computers
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
(Ken Olson, President, Chairman, and founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977)

16. Predicting the Future of Computers
“640 K ought to be enough memory for anybody.”
(Bill Gates, Microsoft Corporation, 1981)

17. Evolution of Computers
Interactive Video
Artificial Intelligence
Portable, laptop computers
Virtual reality