McHenry Public Library District Digital Archives

McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry, IL), 22 Aug 1979, p. 31

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UNITED ARTISTS n.a MErrvvfrii 'tl. it ; PAGE «-PMINDE ALEE-WEDNESDAY, AUGUST «. 1»W The micro-computer: new and Today teachers and parents are discovering a new educa­ tional tool that challenges the student to think creatively--the microcomputer. Now that computers have be­ come available, affordable and easy to use, they are becoming accepted and used as an exciting means of learning. Students of all ages, from ele­ mentary school to college, can benefit from the microcomputer because it can be adapted to any level of learning, in virtually any subject. Its use develops and encourages the same skill in every student--the ability to think logically. The greatest benefit a student can receive after only a few weeks of experience with the microcomputer results from writing original "programs." A program has its beginning with an, idea. Thi% is nur­ tured by the stmfllt until it develops into a sages of consec­ utive instructions for the com puter to follow. When the thought process is completed by the student and his idea has become a plan, the program is ready for the computer. By creating and writing apro- gram, the student practices log­ ical thinking. Any incorrect step, illogical order or omission of a step results in either incor­ rect operation of the program or the program refusing to run to completion. The student soon realizes the importance of or­ ganized thoughts and actions. Programs can be written for anything from a history review to a perfect menu for home eco­ nomics planned by the com­ puter. The programming proce­ dure is standard--a step-by-step set of instructions demanding decision-making and attention to details, which is entered into the computer via the keyboard. A special easy-to-learn com­ puter language called "BASIC" is used to write the programs and to "talk" to the computer. There are pre-recordid pro­ grams available and ready to use before the student learns BA­ SIC, or if the user needs the im­ mediate access of a pre-written program. No prior knowledge of com­ puters or computer program­ ming is necessary to operate a microcomputer. To operate the Radio Shack TRS-80 Micro­ computer, for example, you can simply play, or "load," a pre­ recorded program on cassette tape into the computer rather than having to write an original program. Most microcomputers are composed of the same basic parts and perform similar func­ tions with variations. The TRS- 80 Microcomputer System con­ sists of a 53-key professional keyboard unit, a video monitor, WHEN YOU THINK OF SCHOOL this fall, think of the microcomputer--a new and exciting educational tool. A micro­ computer, such as Radio Shack's TRS-80, can be adapted to any level of learnings in almost any subject. While helping to expand the student's knowledge, the computer teaches logical and cre­ ative thinking. The TRS-80 can also entertain the whole family with games such as backgammon and blackjack. MUSIC BARGAINS! KEXXY ROGERS Hie Gambler I iH'ludiiiL'.: i 1u < uuiiIiUt Sh*. IWIicM / N In \k U i i i u s s c c Bot t le I lk ' 11< )o<l< m t in ( >f \ | i s s I an i lk - I K ' lu ' rn JENNIFER WARNES UNITED ARTISTS STEREO LPS SERIES 798 KENNY ROGF.RS & DOTTIE WEST Classics Including \!i i I x.-t .Vvd Is Nuu "toil Nwdi-J Mi • Midnight Hvcr lust iin A r. V, 8-TRACK TAPES SERIES 798 • PICTUREP ITEMS ONLY- rUElL^QUnJE mu rswv HQR5E ! Includes My My Hey Hey (Out CM The Blue Thrasher Powdertinqer Welfare Mother J t * ? I - 3-- X PiUST fVIEfEPi SLEEPS DIRE STRAITS IncludesThe Hit Lady Writer Also Includes Portobello Belle Anqel Ot Mercy Once Upon A Time In The West STEREO LPS SERIES 898 EPIC Communique WARNER BROS. 8-TRACK TAPES SERIES 898 AREA'S OLDEST ft LARGEST MUSIC ft i 385-4646 ELECTRONICS i •> i •«« mn* > • Conveniently Located on Rtes. 31 ft 12d McHonry, III. (Across from a cassette recorder and a power supply. Also included is a lightly written, yet extremely compre­ hensive instruction manual that gives the beginner program­ ming information. A student can never outgrow a microcomputer. As the student's needs expand, the mi­ crocomputer can expand with him. The TRS-80 can be con­ verted to perform more complex tasks with greater power and speed. The conversion can be quickly and easily made through Radio Shack stores and Computer Service Centers na­ tionwide. A computer can only be as ef­ fective as its programming. Whatever benefits and informa­ tion the computer can give, they must be initiated by the efforts of the programmer. The computer, a means of us­ ing and expanding the knowl­ edge of the students, does not create a dependency upon itself; rather, it encourages indepen­ dent thinking. This fall when you think of school, think of the micro­ computer--an education in thinking. WORDS FOR THE WISE Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man and writing an exact man. --Francis Bacon in my early years I read very hard. It is a sad reflection, but a true one, that I knew almost as much at eighteen as I do now. --Samuel Johnson We're the Dry Cleaning Experts I See us for all your Back-To-School Dry Cleaning Needs 3M-1W4 Daily 7-6Sat.8-5:30

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