Catálogo de publicaciones - libros

This paper presents the development and use of IT for learning in Sweden during the period 1966–1986. An overview of the major activities and course of events has two phases of categorization: 1966–1973 as the orientation period and 1973–1986 as the research period. This paper describes the research project PRINCESS in some detail. PRINCESS adopted a cognitive approach to the use of IT for learning, applied an interdisciplinary, and a systems thinking approach to research. A holistic model was developed and studied empirically in several stages. The results presented 1983 are summarized, most of them are still sustainable. The impact of PRINCESS in schools and in academia is briefly discussed. Based on the experiences from more than 20 years of own research in the area, some possible explanations are elaborated on why we still after some 40 years and despite the technical development, not seem to be able to utilize the real prospects of IT for learning. The conclusion is that we probably need a new approach to IT and learning and sketch a vision for a future learning environment.

Early Nordic cooperation comprised ideas, programs, even computer blueprints and resulted in rapid progress. Regnecentralen contributed importantly in developing Algol 60. Algol for Facit EDB was used at many sites. Further advances were Datasaab’s Algol Genius and the Norwegian Simula project. Regrettably, failure of our compiler companies led to software setbacks. We revisit the Algol debates considering later advances like functional programming. For example, provability of programs depends on recursion and absence of side effects. Computer progress forced cooperation between people from different environments. Too little was done consciously to avoid the ensuing cultural clashes, which impeded progress.

Algol-Genius, an Algol 60 implementation with features from COBOL, was the brainchild of Börje Langefors. In 1964, assembler was the dominant programming language, but Algol-Genius broke that trend among Datasaab D21 customers. Algol-Genius programs were still in production in the late nineties.

When designing Simula, Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard introduced the basic concepts of what later became object-orientation, which still, 35 years later, has a profound impact on computing. This paper looks at the background for the Simula project, the way it developed over time, and the reason it could became so successful.

History has ignored several aspects concerning the early phases of Finland’s computerization activities. This article concentrates on the early history of microcomputing in Finland, in the light of three computer clubs. An interactive relationship between paid work and private hobbies was typical in the early phases of microcomputing. The educational and do-it-yourself aspects of about computers enhanced learning.

The Norwegian Defense Research Establishment was an important innovator of new computers, software, technology, and instrumentation in 1960s and 1970s. One of the innovation projects was the MIPROC microprocessor. MIPROC had 16-bit architecture and a separated program memory to gain more speed. The control was based on a ROM to reduce the TTL chips numbers. The CPU had 75 instructions where each instruction executed in 250 ns. The technology was an important innovation by it self. The chips were implemented thin-film technology. By this technology, the data processor was reduced to four thin-film capsules.

Starting with the events around the first von Neumann machine in 1945, this paper presents the some of the main steps in the development of programming and high level languages for instructing machinery to perform according need, ideas, or any form of stated requirements. The main emphasis is on Nordic contributions. The paper leads up to present time with the marked influence of the network and its web technology, a technology offering programming light for millions of computer owners and users. Some concern is raised as to the latest trend of regarding documents and programs as being the same notion.

This paper presents the author’s experience in using what was probably the first commercially available stored program electronic digital computer used in the Nordic countries, namely the Ferranti Mercury installed at NDRE in August 1957. It describes the computer hardware and what came much later to be called the system software.

The Computing Centre of the Norwegian Technical University was established in January 1963, with a staff of 1.5 people and a small Danish computer, GIER. By mid-1965, it had grown to a staff of 25 with a large-scale computer, using the computing facilities at night as a service bureau to pay salaries. Training courses were instituted into the established schedule; operations were made highly efficient; real-life applications contributed to a non-academic appreciation of computers; the computing service was spread all across the campus, and many people had a lot of fun.

Three distinct historic development phases are identified. These phases are based on a review of two years participation together with other Scandinavian colleagues in a very inspiring research group on the development of computer supported analysis and design of computer application systems. These include: 1) Making the computer itself a reliable device, 2) Creating the necessary software and recognizing sound programming principles, and 3) Trying to utilize the provided tools in organizations and business. The paper ends with some reflections on why the two first phases were successfully while the present third phase still is characterized by so many disasters.