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Is a specially designed micro-computer a useful resource when teaching 13 year olds about computer control? And does a course on computer control prepare children for a visit to a washing machine f...actory? This programme follows the progress of a group of children in a Middle School during the course of a term. Desmond is a small micro-computer, designed specially by the Open University as part of a teachers' pack. This pack considers two questions: how computers work, and how they are used to control things. As an experiment, teacher Geoff Bent has agreed to modify his normal lessons on computer control, and to teach the subject using Desmond. He has also agreed to try to get the children to use Desmond to control some kind of simulation by the end of term. In return the OU team would provide five Desmonds for use by the class once a week and any technical assistance; Geoff would have the use of a Desmond throughout the term. The first time, we see the children and their initial reactions to Desmond. Geoff Bent only received his Desmond, together with a copy of the draft materials, three days earlier, so this first lesson reflects the uncertainties of both teacher and taught. A few weeks later, the cameras revisit the class; any initial hesitancy with the keyboard and the low-level language has largely disappeared, and the children tackle the problem of simulating heat control. Using the temperature sensor on Desmond as an input, they light one of two lamps to show when the temperature i s above, or below, a set limit. Three weeks later, the children have built a simple washing machine model, and are programming Desmond to operate it . An interface, provided by the OU, enables lamps on Desmond to operate optical switches which control a pump (from an old car washer unit) and a motor (made from Fischer-Technik). We see the children writing, and testing their programs. Finally, the cameras accompany the children on a visit to a washing machine factory, where they can see "old-fashioned" electromechanical machines being assembled and then tested by microcomputers, and, finally, how the latest micro electronic machines can test themselves. Has their work with Desmond heightened their awareness of computer control? And is this new-found awareness reflected in their questions?
Is a specially designed micro-computer a useful resource when teaching 13 year olds about computer control? And does a course on computer control prepare children for a visit to a washing machine f...actory? This programme follows the progress of a group of children in a Middle School during the course of a term. Desmond is a small micro-computer, designed specially by the Open University as part of a teachers' pack. This pack considers two questions: how computers work, and how they are used to control things. As an experiment, teacher Geoff Bent has agreed to modify his normal lessons on computer control, and to teach the subject using Desmond. He has also agreed to try to get the children to use Desmond to control some kind of simulation by the end of term. In return the OU team would provide five Desmonds for use by the class once a week and any technical assistance; Geoff would have the use of a Desmond throughout the term. The first time, we see the children and their initial reactions to Desmond. Geoff Bent only received his Desmond, together with a copy of the draft materials, three days earlier, so this first lesson reflects the uncertainties of both teacher and taught. A few weeks later, the cameras revisit the class; any initial hesitancy with the keyboard and the low-level language has largely disappeared, and the children tackle the problem of simulating heat control. Using the temperature sensor on Desmond as an input, they light one of two lamps to show when the temperature i s above, or below, a set limit. Three weeks later, the children have built a simple washing machine model, and are programming Desmond to operate it . An interface, provided by the OU, enables lamps on Desmond to operate optical switches which control a pump (from an old car washer unit) and a motor (made from Fischer-Technik). We see the children writing, and testing their programs. Finally, the cameras accompany the children on a visit to a washing machine factory, where they can see "old-fashioned" electromechanical machines being assembled and then tested by microcomputers, and, finally, how the latest micro electronic machines can test themselves. Has their work with Desmond heightened their awareness of computer control? And is this new-found awareness reflected in their questions?
| Item code: | P544; 01 |
|---|---|
| First transmission date: | 28-03-1985 |
| Published: | 1985 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:03 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Pip Surgey |
| Contributor: | Eugene Fraser |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Computer control; Microcomputer |
| Master spool number: | HOU5220 |
| Production number: | FOUM225E |
| Videofinder number: | 3079 |
| Available to public: | no |
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