Computers in education, science and medicine

In the past, many might have ques­tioned the need to know about computers. Computers were com­plex, mysterious devices that were managed by computer profession­als in computer centres that were hidden away in specially designed, climate-con­trolled rooms. But today, we use comput­ers and computerized devices every day. And while there is still a tremendous need for computer programmers and other computer professionals in our society, there is an even greater need for knowledgeable computer users. From word processing to medical imaging, today’s computers give us new capabilities and new ways to ac­complish our daily tasks. Today’s users need to know what computers and com­puter programs are capable of and how to take advantage of those capabilities.

In education, personal computers have given teachers new ways to individualize instruction. New types of computerized learning programs can combine text, graphics, and even on-screen digitised video to give students more realistic, mo­tivational lessons. Programs that provide practice and feedback about basic con­cepts have now been supplemented with tutorials and simulations that present students with information about real-world situations.

Today, elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges and universi­ties provide a variety of courses about us­ing computers. Many high schools and colleges are now requiring all students to take at least one course on using com­puters and some states now require all teachers to be knowledgeable about com­puters and computer programs before they can acquire teaching credentials.

Researchers in science and medicine have used computers since they were invented, but today new, more powerful computers and more sophisticated computer programs have made them indispensable to scien­tists. Scientific instrumentation for re­search and analysis has now become thoroughly computerized. And medical di­agnostic technologies and computer-based medical imaging represent one of the fastest-growing areas in the computer field.

21. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. Why did only computer professionals manage computers in the past?

2. What do today’s users need to know about computers?

3. What can computerized learning programs combine?

4. What have personal computers given teachers?

5. How long have researchers used computers in science and medicine?

22. Переведите следующие словосочетания:

Computer-based communication systems; electronic mail systems; e-mail messages; computerized security systems, electric appliances; phone’s numbered dialing buttons; interactive video entertainment; computerized entertainment center; computer-based technologies; FAX machines; business environment; cable TV programs; computer applications.