The Development of Your Own Programs for the Microcomputer—A Process Approach

The approach used by the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf as it began to deal with the use of microcomputers in its educational program is described. The participants will be given a step-by-step explanation of what decisions were made and why as well as answers to questions including:

1. What will the use of the micros be, which micro, and why?

2. What will the instruction/usage philosophy be?

3. Which staff members will be trained/why?

4. Hardware vs. software and where to begin!

5. A description of Year 1; Year 2; Where are we now? Where are we going?

6. Lots of fancy equipment around but what do you need to get started?

7. Designing your own programs —what a plus!

8. The use of a consultant —a teacher trainer—a programmer.

The paper will cover the actual happenings of the development of the Microcomputer Project, as a part of the ongoing curriculum effort, and as logged and coordinated by the school's curriculum director. In a no-nonsense approach, without the technological jargon, the reader will follow the process and view the effort to "work with the new technology" without upsetting everything and everyone. It is hoped that our experience will allow another school who is thinking and talking about such a project to both learn from our experience as well as define a path to chart their own program/process.