TOTHE EDITOR - IEEE Computer Society · TOTHE EDITOR Computerclubsandeducation Editor: Eversince I...

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TOTHE EDITOR Computer clubs and education Editor: Ever since I stepped into the educa- tion world, in the quasi-position of technical consulting instructor, I have been impressed by Dr. Braun's ideas, energy, and accessibility. Therefore, I was certainly pleased to see him represented in your series on computer education. I do, however, have one comment concerning Dr. Braun's article, "Into the 80's with Microcomputer-Based Learning" (July 1980). As an early hob- byist, former president of the New York Amateur Computer Club, and initiating executive director of the Personal Com- puting Society, Inc., I must mention that computer clubs are characteristical- ly populated by adults, not children. While it is true that teachers, parents, all of us learn much from our students, the clubs are just now beginning to draw these young people, with their fresh ideas and viewpoint. Certainly, we need them. And they need us. The entire premise of computer clubs lies in the spirit that binds the members with enthusiasm, mutual interest, and therefore friend- ship. These are the most sharing, caring people I have ever known, anywhere. May I suggest that adult or youngster, technician or novice, you join your local club for support? In New York, we maintain a hot line to dispense information and record calls for assistance. The telephone number is (212) 864-4595. Of course, like so many other clubs, we are also attempting to establish a computerized bulletin board, but a high percentage of our members have no equipment and are with us just to learn-so voice communication re- mains essential. Call us. Join us. No matter what your age, sex, or technical experience. Abby Gelles New York City October 1980 Reader Service Number 3 0- Dynamic Parametric Analysis Using Model, Man and Machine We sell hybrid computers because the real-time dynamic modeling required for control-system synthesis often cannot be done any other way. Here's why: EAI hybrids comprise one or more parallel analog processors which are managed and enhanced by a digital computer. This unique architecture lets you: 1. Test assumptions by interfacing your mathematical model to the real world 2. Observe system effects as you adjust indi- vidual parameters 3. Vary the time domain to study a process in real, fast or slow time EAI hybrid computer systems are indispensable engineering tools at high-technology facilities world- wide. From locomotives to space shuttles, engineers simulate physical systems on an EAI computer, then run the model with control hardware and people in the loop-or synthesize experimental control sys- tems on the hybrid computer before moving on to expensive (and sometimes inflexible) real-world hardware. It's the optimal solution! Isn't it time you got the EAI hybrid advantage? Learn how a modern hybrid computer system can save both time and money in control-system development-and make you a hero in the pro- cess. Write or call EAI Dept. 30-290 and ask forour special control information package. E1?Electronc Associates, Inc. 185 Monmouth Parkway, West Long Branch, N.J. 07764 (201) 229-1100 @1980 EAI To be considered for publication, a letter to the editor must be accompanied by a statement giv- ing Computer permission to publish that letter.

Transcript of TOTHE EDITOR - IEEE Computer Society · TOTHE EDITOR Computerclubsandeducation Editor: Eversince I...

Page 1: TOTHE EDITOR - IEEE Computer Society · TOTHE EDITOR Computerclubsandeducation Editor: Eversince I steppedinto theeduca-tion world, in thequasi-position of technical consulting instructor,

TOTHEEDITOR

Computer clubs and education

Editor:Ever since I stepped into the educa-

tion world, in the quasi-position oftechnical consulting instructor, I havebeen impressed by Dr. Braun's ideas,energy, and accessibility. Therefore, Iwas certainly pleased to see himrepresented in your series on computereducation.

I do, however, have one commentconcerning Dr. Braun's article, "Intothe 80's with Microcomputer-BasedLearning" (July 1980). As an early hob-byist, former president of the New YorkAmateur Computer Club, and initiatingexecutive director of the Personal Com-puting Society, Inc., I must mentionthat computer clubs are characteristical-ly populated by adults, not children.While it is true that teachers, parents,all of us learn much from our students,the clubs are just now beginning todraw these young people, with theirfresh ideas and viewpoint. Certainly, weneed them.And they need us. The entire premise

of computer clubs lies in the spirit thatbinds the members with enthusiasm,mutual interest, and therefore friend-ship. These are the most sharing, caringpeople I have ever known, anywhere.May I suggest that adult or

youngster, technician or novice, youjoin your local club for support? InNew York, we maintain a hot line todispense information and record callsfor assistance. The telephone number is(212) 864-4595. Of course, like so manyother clubs, we are also attempting toestablish a computerized bulletin board,but a high percentage of our membershave no equipment and are with us justto learn-so voice communication re-

mains essential. Call us. Join us. Nomatter what your age, sex, or technicalexperience.

Abby GellesNew York City

October 1980 Reader Service Number 3 0-

Dynamic Parametric AnalysisUsing Model, Man and Machine

We sell hybrid computers because the real-timedynamic modeling required for control-systemsynthesis often cannot be done any other way.

Here's why: EAI hybrids comprise one or moreparallel analog processors which are managedand enhanced by a digital computer. This uniquearchitecture lets you:

1. Test assumptions by interfacing yourmathematical model to the real world

2. Observe system effects as you adjust indi-vidual parameters

3. Vary the time domain to study a process inreal, fast or slow time

EAI hybrid computer systems are indispensableengineering tools at high-technology facilities world-wide. From locomotives to space shuttles, engineerssimulate physical systems on an EAI computer, thenrun the model with control hardware and people inthe loop-or synthesize experimental control sys-tems on the hybrid computer before moving on toexpensive (and sometimes inflexible) real-worldhardware. It's the optimal solution!

Isn't it time you got the EAI hybrid advantage?Learn how a modern hybrid computer system cansave both time and money in control-systemdevelopment-and make you a hero in the pro-cess. Write or call EAI Dept. 30-290 and ask forourspecial control information package.

E1?Electronc Associates, Inc.185 Monmouth Parkway, West Long Branch, N.J. 07764 (201) 229-1100

@1980 EAI

To be considered for publication, a letter to theeditor must be accompanied by a statement giv-ing Computer permission to publish that letter.