Occasionally, I found loading and saving files to and from the ZX81 a problem, especially when interference was present. Don't let people use a Vacuum cleaner near the room at that time! The Printer paper was expensive and poor quality. Let us remember, the ZX81 was a good start for people to become interested in computing and the reason why it took-off.
After writing many programs for the ZX81 computer, I decided to purchase a 'BBC B' Computer as it had more memory, more functions and a good disc-drive.
I wrote a lot of software (written in BBC BASIC) to supplement textbooks and notes for students studying on City & Guilds and BTEC courses.
A great advantage of using computers in schools and colleges is the ability to give every student a different question. There is always a limitation on the number of questions given in the text book, occasionally the answers are wrong. Using computers, it is possible to give every student a different question and afterwards an immediate correct answer. In this way students cannot copy from one another, and also, provision is made for the ‘high fliers’, and more time can be spent helping those much slower to learn.
I found that my students were so excited using my software that they wouldn't take their break and I couldn't leave them unattended in the classroom; (Not ideal for me!)
A list of my Education Software can be seen on my Website.
Later, I started using 'Z BASIC' and converted my software to run on all versions of Windows 95 to Windows XP inclusive. Here, the screen size is smaller and the graphics origin is inverted. Also, the VDU Commands are not available.
I still have my home built ZX81, Printer, keyboard and RAM-pack. I still have a few rolls of printer paper, but it may have dried up a little over the years.
Occasionally, I found loading and saving files to and from the ZX81 a problem, especially when interference was present. Don't let people use a Vacuum cleaner near the room at that time! The Printer paper was expensive and poor quality. Let us remember, the ZX81 was a good start for people to become interested in computing and the reason why it took-off.
After writing many programs for the ZX81 computer, I decided to purchase a 'BBC B' Computer as it had more memory, more functions and a good disc-drive.
I wrote a lot of software (written in BBC BASIC) to supplement textbooks and notes for students studying on City & Guilds and BTEC courses.
A great advantage of using computers in schools and colleges is the ability to give every student a different question. There is always a limitation on the number of questions given in the text book, occasionally the answers are wrong. Using computers, it is possible to give every student a different question and afterwards an immediate correct answer. In this way students cannot copy from one another, and also, provision is made for the ‘high fliers’, and more time can be spent helping those much slower to learn.
I found that my students were so excited using my software that they wouldn't take their break and I couldn't leave them unattended in the classroom; (Not ideal for me!)
A list of my Education Software can be seen on my Website.
Later, I started using 'Z BASIC' and converted my software to run on all versions of Windows 95 to Windows XP inclusive. Here, the screen size is smaller and the graphics origin is inverted. Also, the VDU Commands are not available.
I still have my home built ZX81, Printer, keyboard and RAM-pack. I still have a few rolls of printer paper, but it may have dried up a little over the years.
