A particularly difficult area for many engineering students is the approximate nature of the relation between models and physical systems. This is notably true when the models consist of differential equations. An approach applied to this problem has been to use analog computers to assist in portraying the output of a model as it is progressively…

This beginning reference manual describes PLATO IV hardware for prospective users and provides an introduction to PLATO for new authors. The PLATO terminal is described in detail in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 provides a block diagram of the PLATO IV system. Procedures for getting on line are described in Chapter 3, and Chapter 4 provides references to…

A lack of comprehensive up-to-date textbooks designed specifically for use in the computers in the education field motivated the development of this resource handbook. There are major sections entitled: computers in education; teaching about computers; the computer as an aid to learning; the computer as a teacher; the computer as a classroom…

In certain boundary layer or natural convection work, where a similarity transformation is valid, the equations can be reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. They are therefore well-suited to a fast solution on an analog/hybrid computer. This paper illustrates such usage of the analog/hybrid computer by a set of…

The simulation of a sampled-data system is described that uses a full parallel hybrid computer. The sampled data system simulated illustrates the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) discrete control of a continuous second-order process representing a stirred-tank. The stirred-tank is simulated using continuous analog components, while PID…

To help the PLATO computer-based instruction system user achieve the most efficient storage and manipulation of data, this manual begins with a review of the structure of decimal, binary, and octal number systems, and methods for converting from one system to another. The text describes the four basic operations that PLATO employs to manipulate…

Presented are two papers on computer applications in engineering education coursework. The first paper suggests that since most engineering graduates use only "canned programs" and rarely write their own programs, educational emphasis should include model building and the use of existing software as well as program writing. The second paper deals…

An analog/hybrid simulation of a Digital Volt Meter (DVM) and an incremental analog-to-digital (A-D) converter are presented. An analog simulation of planar frames is also presented. (MLH)

Computer use at the Central Campus of the University of Houston has increased dramatically. A new computer system ties in with the university's goal of making the Central Campus primarily a research institution. (Author/MLF)

This document reviews the role of computer graphics in an engineering curriculum, provides a survey of computer graphics in engineering education, and presents the outline of a one semester engineering computer graphics course. Example exercises and tests are included. Course topics include labeling, graph plotting, perspective view generation,…

This column is designed to share BASIC sub-programs and to show how subroutines and function subprograms may be used to simplify and organize BASIC programing. The yes-no function is defined and programs presented, followed by the multiple-branch function and adding a HELP feature. (MNS)

The management guidelines are divided into three parts. Part I contains a number of questions which site staff ought to try to answer when establishing or while operating a computer-based education (CBE) site. Each question is followed by a brief commentary. Part II contains suggestions for selection and training the staff of a site. Part III…

GLISP is a LISP-based language which provides high-level language features not found in ordinary LISP. The GLISP language is implemented by means of a compiler which accepts GLISP as input and produces ordinary LISP as output. This output can be further compiled to machine code by the LISP compiler. GLISP is available for several LISP dialects,…

This document provides computer programs, written in BASIC PLUS, for presenting fundamental or remedial college chemistry students with chemical problems in a computer assisted instructional program. Programs include instructions, a sample run, and 14 separate practice sessions covering: mathematical operations, using decimals, solving…

This document presents a comprehensive plan for future growth in instructional computing in the Washington community colleges. Two chapters define the curriculum objectives and content recommended for instructional courses in the community colleges which require access to computing facilities. The courses described include data processing…