Teacher/student authored CAI using the NEWBASIC system
The pedagogical advantages of a general purpose interactive system called NEWBASIC/CATALYST are discussed. NEWBASIC/CATALYST incorporates an advanced implementation of BASIC, system-level interactive features, and a general capability for extension through user oriented function attachment. Application of this last feature to provide a flexible CAI scan capability is illustrated. An example of interaction at the system level shows how students can mix the advantages of independent or “solo” mode computing with those of guided or “dual” mode interaction. Preliminary experience with the system in an urban secondary school setting is discussed.