Call Number:

03.006

Repository:

Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections

Extent:

1.17 cubic feet

Language:

English

Date:

1977-1985 (inclusive)

Abstract:

In 1983, Drexel University launched its microcomputing program, requiring freshmen to buy or have access to Apple Macintosh computers. With this program, Drexel became one of the first colleges in the nation (and the first university) to require students to purchase personal computers. The Macintoshes served as the backbone of an effort coordinated by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to integrate computers into the curriculum throughout Drexel's colleges. This program sponsored working papers, training sessions, brown bag lunches, and lectures that explored multidisciplinary applications of microcomputers to learning. A Micro User Support Group program and hotline was also established through the Drexel University Computer Center to provide technical support for campus users. In 1984 Drexel became part of the Apple University Consortium, a group of 24 colleges and universities using Macintosh computers and developing new curricular uses for personal computers.

This collection contains materials relating to early developments in personal computing at Drexel from 1983 to 1985. A large portion of this collection consists of working papers published by the microcomputing program in 1984 and 1985 which discuss applications for personal computers in a variety of academic disciplines. It also includes early issues of Drexel publications and newsletters relating to microcomputing aimed at students, staff, and computer support consultants. Newspaper clippings relate to Drexel's decision to require students to purchase Macintoshes, microcomputing program correspondence, and a few miscellaneous reports and pamphlets on computing in general can also be found with the collection. The items were collected from various campus offices, including Microcomputing Program, Computer Center, and University Relations, by the archives librarian from 1983-1985.

The last series consists of a 62-page scrapbook of news clippings detailing Drexel's implementation of their microcomputer policy. The majority of articles appear to be from the university publications, making up roughly fifty percent of the scrapbook. The rest of the articles are from various local and national newspapers and newsmagazines. A printout of a biographical article on Dr. Brian Hawkins is also included with the collection.

This collection contains materials relating to early developments in personal computing at Drexel from 1983 to 1985. A large portion of this collection consists of working papers published by the microcomputing program in 1984 and 1985 which discuss applications for personal computers in a variety of academic disciplines. It also includes early issues of Drexel publications and newsletters relating to microcomputing aimed at students, staff, and computer support consultants. Newspaper clippings relate to Drexel's decision to require students to purchase Macintoshes, microcomputing program correspondence, and a few miscellaneous reports and pamphlets on computing in general can also be found with the collection. The items were collected from various campus offices, including Microcomputing Program, Computer Center, and University Relations, by the archives librarian from 1983-1985.

The last series consists of a 62-page scrapbook of news clippings detailing Drexel's implementation of their microcomputer policy. The majority of articles appear to be from the university publications, making up roughly fifty percent of the scrapbook. The rest of the articles are from various local and national newspapers and newsmagazines. A printout of a biographical article on Dr. Brian Hawkins is also included with the collection.