Equipment needed in schools for various reasons

Press, 9 March 1982, Page 23

Equipment needed in schools for various reasons

Few disagree that computers are important to high schools. Schools must have computers so that students can be prepared for a world that uses them increasingly; schools also need them to teach computer science to those who will be computer specialists; and computers can aid considerably in teaching a wide range of subjects. In the last three years New Zealand schools have been struggling to break into the computer age. Rapid pro-

gress has been made in some areas but the frustrations are more evident than the successes. In a brief look, K “The Press” has found: • Most high schools now own at least one personal computer or microcomputer. • The Minister of Education has commissioned a specification to determine the most suitable equipment for schools. • In Wellington a group is manufacturing a computer

system for schools, the Poly system. • Groups of interested people such as the Canterbury Com- , puter Education Society have arisen. • The Christchurch Teachers’ 1 College has appointed the first lecturer • in computer education. i • A controversy exists over standardisation and sub- ■ sidies. The controversy arose late last year when the New ; Zealand-made Poly computer was demonstrated. Until then

the discussion was confined to the educational community with very little interest from the public or the media. When the wraps were taken off the Poly project the public debate started. Other manufacturers thought that they were going to be locked out of the education market and began intense lobbying. The education community showed concern about the price of the Poly system and its compatibility with existing school computers. Compatibility is a serious issue. Schools must be able to take advantage of the thousands of hours spent developing educational software. Schools do not have the time or skills necessary to write programs that will make their computers effective.

The most popular computers in New Zealand schools are the Apple and TRS-80 personal computers. These are not particularly compatible with each other and are not compatible with the Poly. None of the three will usually run CP/M, the popular operating system in the business sector. Calls are made for a standard to be chosen so that all schools, can buy a computer knowing that they will be able to share software with many other schools. . Early in the New Year the Minister of Education announced plans to have specifications drawn up for the computer hardware and software needs of secondary schools. These specifications will not be finalised for some months and then more time

will elapse as proposals are gathered for solutions to schools’ needs. Schools have to decide which computer to buy and how to raise funds. Teachers cynically refer to holding cake stalls. They are making personal sacrifices to help their schools acquire computers. Government subsidies, although not strictly necessary, would be a major help to schools. But there is no Gpvernment policy on computers in schools and the Minister seems to have decided that standards come before subsidies. Many months wijl slip by before practical assistance will be available from the Government. New Zealand will then be even further behind other countries in progress and plans. No further time must be lost. The specification must be finalised quickly and replies must be urgently requested from suppliers. Government money should be voted in the next Budget to help schools purchase hardware and software.

Planning must start now to set up teacher training programmes and to develop major educational software paickages.