The Learning Machine
5. Having a Bash at BASIC
Clips from this programme
Opening Titles
Duration: 00:34
Tim O'Shea: Programming the VCR with a computer inside. Computer's general purpose languages. Is BASIC the worst thing since sliced bread-Messy Spaghetti programming (Nicky John & Glynn Williams-Island Logic Ltd). Dirty, tricky, bad habits learnt from BASIC
Duration: 02:25
Structured BASIC defended (Charles Stannett, Lecturer, Micros in Schools, Open University) TV Schedule Program looked at
Duration: 04:10
The case against BASIC: BASIC is too easy to allow Spaghetti programming (Dartmouth College New Hampshire, birth place of BASIC c. 1965, from FORTRAN- Archive footage). 'BASIC is not how computers work or people think' (Richard Olney, Director - Forethought Ltd). Teaching BASIC in schools (Heather Govier-Advisory Teacher), compared with LOGO
Duration: 02:41
The best language for programming from the large choice (LOGO, the star routine
Duration: 03:25
LOGO expert (Professor Celia Hoyles-Institute of Education)
Duration: 03:54
PROLOG expert (Josie Taylor, Researcher, Cognitive Studies, Sussex University) The program works on information provided and reasoning rules. Holiday suggestion demonstration, identifying when PROLOG goes wrong what is the cause can be challenging
Duration: 04:44
Tim O'Shea: Tim's personal conclusion about using simple BASIC and re-enforced by object based programming (Martin Gittins - Director, Artificial Intelligence Ltd)
Duration: 02:30
End Titles
Duration: 00:33The Learning Machine
1. Promises, Promises
First broadcast: 25th April 1985
Duration 24:49
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. The first of six programmes Promises, Promises ... As teachers have pointed out: 'They gave us the machines before anyone knew what to do with them.' Tim O'Shea questions the motives for putting micros into schools and suggests what is needed for the computer to live up to its educational promise. Film editor HOWARD SHARP Producer IAN WOOLF
2. Why is so much educational software so lousy?
First broadcast: 2nd May 1985
Duration 24:28
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. 2: Why is so much educational software so lousy? Why it is so difficult for parents and teachers to find educational software that does something useful, or at the very least does what it's supposed to do? Studio director: ROBERT ALBURY Producer: IAN WOOLF
3. The Gender Gap
First broadcast: 9th May 1985
Duration 24:46
A personal view by Celia Hoyles of computers in education. 3: The Gender Gap. Girls are often excluded from computers at home and in school. They're even told that they shouldn't be interested in technology! Celia Hoyles , Professor of Mathematics, Institute of Education (London University), explores the myths and prejudices about computing and girls. Series producer IAN WOOLF Producer ROBERT ALBURY
4. Which Way to a Job?
First broadcast: 16th May 1985
Duration 24:32
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. A series of six programmes 4: Which Way to a Job? 'If we don't prepare pupils for a technological future we're sunk!' Is the technical and vocational teaching now appearing in our schools the best preparation for the changing world of work? Film editor JANE WOOD Producer LAN WOOLF
5. Having a Bash at BASIC
First broadcast: 23rd May 1985
Duration 25:00
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. A series of six programmes 5: Having a Bash at BASIC. 'BASIC? - The worst thing since sliced bread!' With a variety of professional programmers, Tim O'Shea presents the case against BASIC, and looks at recent developments in programming languages. education. Studio director ROBERT ALBURY Producer IAN WOOLF
Now playing
6. Intelligent Pets
First broadcast: 30th May 1985
Duration 24:21
A personal view by Tim O'Shea of computers in education. The last of six programmes 6: Intelligent Pets. Tim O'Shea looks at some possible futures for computers in education with Professor Aaron Sloman and Dr Benedict du Boulay Alison Kidd and Alex d'Agapeyeff. Sketches written by PAUL HINES Producer IAN WOOLF Director ROBERT ALBURY