Classroom of the 80s
Taking the computing curriculum back to the future!
Our innovative workshop is designed to enthuse today’s students into the world of computer programming. Through the use of original 1980s computer technology, 80s Classroom provides a unique and accessible entry into coding for Primary Schools.
Britain was at the forefront of the computing world in the 1980s. Most UK schools were equipped with BBC Microcomputers after the broadcaster commissioned the design of a new computer to complement a national TV series “The Computer Programme” which aimed to improve computer literacy across the UK. However, the lack of a graphical interface (such as Windows) meant that even the youngest user would need to understand basic system commands just to operate their computer at home or at school.
As highlighted in the Hope/Livingstone report in 2011, the UK lost its way during the 1990s and 2000s, concentrating on consumer IT skills rather than creative computing skills. Designed to support the 2014 computing curriculum, Educraft’s ‘Classroom of the 80s’ package aims to support the return to creative programming by fusing history and technology in a novel and entertaining way. Classroom of the 80’s offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to experience life in the 1980s computer room and enthuse students to become the next wave of UK coding heroes.
The 80s Classroom can be tailored to suit Key Stages 2-4 and is delivered via instructor-led, practical components:
Simple yet rewarding programming challenges:
- Entering BASIC program listings into the computer
- Problem solving: checking for errors and “debugging” the program
- Making customisations to programs by modifying the code
- BASIC syntax and commands
- “Freestyle” BASIC Programming
- Creating and saving programs
- Enabling further home study through the use of BBC Micro emulators on a modern PC
Classroom Classics
The BBC boasted an exceptional implementation of BASIC and was supplied with a well-written Welcome Guide. Many teachers learned to program, resulting in there being an abundance of fun, quality educational software.
- Granny’s Garden – The fondly-remembered educational adventure
- PODD – find over 100 words/verbs that PODD can perform for you
Lunch break in the 1980s computer room!
A flavour of the games that were played on rainy lunchtimes in UK schools 30 years ago! Contemporary-Retro Games Development A selection of fun “Homebrew” BBC Micro games that have been developed over the last few years by talented enthusiasts. Releases such as Mountain Panic, Blurp and Jungle Journey prove that it is still possible to write enjoyable, playable games; even for computers that have long been considered obsolete. Perhaps the next hit BBC game will be written by a student who has attended a Replay Schools 80s Classroom workshop!
