Development of Specifications for a Low Cost Computer System for Secondary Schools. Final Report.

The last few years have seen more and more secondary schools introduce computer concepts and some form of computer resource into their educational program--usually a commercial time-sharing service with a modest initial expenditure--but almost invariably the demand for terminal availability and computer usage suggest the need for alternatives. This report surveys the various means of implementing a computer resource: commercial time-sharing, small-scale time-sharing systems, multi-use minicomputers, and minicomputer systems. Each approach is analyzed for cost, support required, number of students supported. How the students make use of the resource and its educational limitation are also reviewed. The implementation of high level languages, such as FORTRAN and BASIC, are considered for their educational utility and the number of students they can support. In addition, a survey of minicomputers and suitable peripheral equipment is appended. Manufacturers and equipments are named and discussed, and prices are also provided. Finally, a glossary of computer technology jargon is included. (Author/SH)