Ronald G. Ragsdale

Effective computing in education: Teachers, tools and training

Abstract The emphasis on tool applications of computers in school and business settings continues to grow, but the results of such use are often disappointing. An increasing number of studies are defining the shortcomings of this approach, but the solutions have not been found. This paper begins with the assumptions underlying the emphasis on tool applications, reviews some of the studies that challenge these assumptions, then presents some suggestions for successful implementation of tool applications, based on more appropriate assumptions.

The Impact of Word Processing on Faculty Writing Behaviour

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of a research project on the impact of word processing on faculty writing behaviour. A case study methodology was used to conduct the research. Data from 120 faculty members (N = 150) were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Final results indicate that faculty are increasingly adopting word processing for writing (69%) and are changing their writing behaviour in this process: they do more revisions, write most of their works online, use computer‐mediated communication to support their writing and use spelling checkers on a regular basis. The major Expected Benefit identified by respondents is the ease of text revision: this feature is the primary cause for the adoption of word processing among faculty. The major Expected Disadvantages are the amount of learning required at the time, both initially and on an on‐going basis, that is consumed. Unexpected Outcomes of word processing were also identified, such as more concern with page layout, reusing previ...

A Basic program package for introducing the top-down approach to computer programming

In the summer of 1978, a program package was produced by six members of the class of course 1516, Programming Applications in Ontario Curricula, offered at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. The course participants were secondary school teachers of computer science or related subjects.

Multi-disciplinary programming exercises

Courses in computer science, data processing or other areas that involve the learning of computer programming often require the student to complete programming exercises. These exercises give the students practice in translating some process into a set of computer commands that accomplish the same process. Very often the exercises are relatively “content free” (write a program to add a set of numbers...) and the objectives attained by the exercises are entirely in the data processing, computer science domain. This paper is based on the assumption that the content of typical programming exercises is an unutilized resource that can be used to facilitate learning in other subject matter areas without jeopardizing the attainment of the programming goals.

Research, development and graduate studies in the OISE department of computer applications

We have found that computer applications to education involve us in the broad field of communications-from computers communicating to computers through to people communicating with people. We have been led to set up enriched resource centres in schools, produce old and new kinds of multi-media materials and, of course, to develop new computer languages and programs for schools. Our work is organized around a few major projects. These are described briefly below with a principal person named from whom more details can be obtained. Purpose: To maintain a high level of competence and experience in computer technology; to pilot-test new developments; to develop new hardware and software as needed. Activities include: Interfaces for a high speed audio tape unit for the central processor and CRTs on each terminal station; software to support the link with a trans-Canada network;research on computer technology; and modification and updating of OISEs library of computer programs for multivariate analysis. Purpose: To develop methodology and expertise for the evaluation of complex technological systems; to carry out evaluations. Activities include: E~aluation of television uses; development of cost-benefit indices for educational systems; and evaluation of Harvard Project Physics course used with computer augmentation.