June 1997 — Features

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Computers in Education: A Brief History

New visual metaphors are needed to express abstract, dynamic, non-linear concepts. For example, it is recognized that nature is full of something called "deterministic chaos" or physical systems that obey deterministic laws at one level, but behave unpredictably at another. Weather patterns, turbulence in air currents, or the flow of liquids are examples of phenomena that cannot be easily represented without computer techniques.

Mathematicians and scientists, as another example, found that traditional Euclidean geometry was not adequate to represent many concepts in nature. Fractal geometry was created to provide mathematical descriptions of irregular and complicated phenomena such as the shapes of mountains and clouds and how galaxies were distributed in the universe. Computer graphics are necessary to represent the various fractal forms.

Integrating new important developments such as theories of fractals, chaos and complexity into the curriculum traditionally takes about 20 to 30 years. Eugene Stanley at Boston University has attempted to create a new model for combining scientific research and education with the aim of shortening the long lead time for incorporating new concepts into the educational process.

Stanley and an international group of researchers, who are conducting research on chaos and fractal geometry in science, have created models for graduate students on a supercomputer. With the aid of these students, they have created lessons that can be downloaded for use on smaller RISC machines for undergraduate education. Computer networks are being used to deliver the models and concepts into high schools. Thus, new theories and concepts are being introduced at all levels of education in a coherent and articulated manner and are made available through a hierarchical, computer network. [19]

MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEXITY

The increased complexity in science exceeds human capability. Marshall McLuhan says we are witnessing a revolution that is totally new and is changing the very nature of human perception and experience. He says the computer and television have literally moved us into the world of pattern recognition and out of the world of mere data collection. [20]

Humans have difficulty in handling problems that involve large quantities of data or have many interrelated structures. Today, information overload is a fact of life and while it is not possible to meaningfully eliminate complexity, it is possible to manage it.

1. Symbol Systems

New symbol systems have enabled scientists and mathematicians to make dramatic breakthroughs.