This paper describes problems related to assembling a microcomputer system suitable for processing information on instructional materials and data for purposes of educational research. Two systems are presented : (1) a small-scale system (16 K-bytes, cassette tape recorder and home television set), and (2) a medium-level system (64-bytes, mini floppy disks and CRT monitor. Also developed were program packages for instructional material analysis and data base management programs for handling and editing the various types of data which arise in normal day-to-day school management. Practical application of these systems at the elementary and secondary school levels shows that while the small-scale system is adequate for analysis and data management for a single class of about 50 students, the medium-level system is minimal for application at the school level.
It goes without saying that the most effective way to teach basic computing is through actual "hands on" use. The "thinking process" of computers is quite different from that of humans and beginners have a difficult time understanding it because most of them have had no prior experience in that type of thinking. Almost all computers operate through a sequential control using a previously stored program. The teaching of these concepts is greatly influenced by the methods of instruction which are employed. This paper reviews the methods the author has used over the past 10 years and tries to outline an optimum method for teaching "computers by using computers."