Ten computer languages are compared and contrasted. A series of programs focusing on the average of two numbers are designed to point out differences in console input, console output, and common arithmetic. (MP)

The need for a high level computer-assisted instructional (CAI) course authoring language is discussed and the capabilities of COURSEWRITER, BASIC, and APL for meeting this need are compared. The demand for such a language is first documented and some historical trends of CAI language development and use are reviewed. Following this, the…

The PASCAL and BASIC programing languages are compared, with the additional features provided by PASCAL described in detail. (MP)

Features of two versions of the BASIC programing language are compared with the features of the PASCAL programing language. The application chosen for comparison was a word processor. The conclusion was that PASCAL had the best language features, but BASIC had better systems capabilities. (MP)

Discusses the rationale for sharing courseware between educators, describes the problems of hardware incompatibility associated with software sharing, and introduces a multilingual interpreter system which allows instructional software implemented in different computer languages and on different machines to be shared with a minimum of work. A…

The 1500 System allows only a restricted number of dictionary-graphic areas in core. To solve the practical problems thereof, the Division of Educational Research Services at the University of Alberta attempted to use a universal dot dictionary, but this solution was not feasible for two reasons: Coursewriter input cannot exceed 250 characters per…

A comparison between PASCAL and BASIC as general purpose microprocessor languages rates PASCAL above BASIC in such points as program structure, data types, structuring methods, control structures, procedures and functions, and ease in learning. (CMV)

Focuses on the advantages of using the microcomputer rather than the minicomputer. Descriptions of the programing process and system components for the microcomputer are followed by a list of 11 types of computer programs that can be processed at this time, and a brief discussion of research goals. (RAO)

Discusses the results of an ongoing research study to measure college students' microcomputer literacy before taking a microcomputer course. A brief review of the literature on computer literacy is provided, a comparative analysis of results is given, and a microcomputer literacy index is described that measures literacy and ranks students.…

Reports on tests evaluating nine microcomputer software packages designed for information storage and retrieval: BRS-Search, dtSearch, InfoBank, Micro-OPC, Q&A, STN-PFS, Strix, TINman, and ZYindex. Tables and narrative evaluations detail results related to security, hardware, user features, search capability, indexing, input, maintenance of files,…

Compares machine code with assembler languages, explains the difference between low and high level computer languages, and traces the historical development and special features of the general purpose languages--BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, LISP, ALGOL, Pascal, APL, and PL/1--and special purpose languages--C, FORTH, Modula 2, Smalltalk, PILOT, and…

This paper compares two alternative computer architectures that have been proposed to provide the control mechanism that enables an intelligent tutoring system to decide what instructional action to perform next, i.e., discourse management networks and blackboards. The claim that an intelligent tutoring system controlled by a blackboard…

Reports results of two studies that compared the introduction of procedural (exemplified by Pascal) and declarative (exemplified by Prolog) programing languages to Italian secondary school students. Discussion covers learning approaches and problems, mental models, programing techniques, programing environments, and educational applications. (27…

A clearly defined and formal method for comparative analysis and evaluation of computer author languages would permit the worker in computer-based instruction to select a language by its effectiveness for the task rather than its easy availability. Such a comparative framework is put forward in this study. The report identifies the useful features…

A programing language called ELASTIC (Expandible Language for Aiding Student Instruction in Computing) has been developed which incorporates many of the basic features and concepts of a typical assembly language. ELASTIC was designed for use in a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) undergraduate course in computer programing and was written in a…