June 1997 — Features

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Computers in Education: A Brief History

The use of Arabic numerals instead of Roman numerals greatly changed mathematics. The computer spreadsheet in business is another such invention. The computer d'es not need a spreadsheet to operate, it is a mental model to facilitate human-machine interaction. Such techniques as symbolic, iconic, visual and functional programming are being applied in new problem-solving approaches for ease of representation and manipulation.

2. Visualization

Computer graphics and visualization techniques are used to overcome complexity and the limits of the written word. It is said that computer visualization not only changes how we see phenomena, but also how we think about them. It is believed that it restructures a problem and shifts more work to our perceptual systems thus freeing the brain for higher levels of analysis and synthesis and thus approaches the speed of thought. The computer restructures the problem so that it may more easily be processed by the human visual and perception systems (see photo, right). [21]

Biologists used to depend on the microscope and dissection to examine an organism. Today, they gain understanding by using a supercomputer to visualize and animate dynamic processes in developmental and microbiology. Students observe complex biological patterns as they develop. These dynamic, complex concepts are extremely difficult to portray using words, equations, graphs or static pictures.

3. Virtual Reality

Spurred by the advent of digital video systems and robotics, virtual reality is emerging as a new computational paradigm for creating mediated experiences. The learner interacts with electronically generated artificial environments as if they were real and develops experiential knowledge.

Hypothetical environments permit the learner to see the behavior of objects as they approach the speed of light or let them take a vicarious trip through the human circulatory system. The aim is to create a deeper, intuitive understanding of phenomena that lie outside human perception. It provides a direct, non-verbal way to communicate scientific information.

DISTANT EDUCATION

Many universities are pursuing virtual degree programs, offering classes via the Internet. They utilize its two-way digital video features to allow students with personal computers and teachers to interact, one-on-one, or in classes that may be many miles apart.

Universities such as the University of Maryland and Duke University are offering Masters degree programs entirely through the Internet. Education is now a flexitime, flexiplace activity.