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-
- Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks Learning Environments
- from Forware Systems
-
- Roo is a half of the package which consists of two parts. Another part
- is called Robby. The full package is available by mail upon registration.
-
- Content:
-
- 0. Preface
- 1. The description of Roo&Robby package
- 2. The description of SchoolWorks package
- 3. About The Authors
- 4. Registration
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 0. Preface
-
-
- This version of the Roo Environment is being distributed as shareware. You may
- freely copy and distribute it provided that:
-
- 1. No fee beyond normal media, duplication, and shipping costs may be charged.
-
- 2. Shareware vendors and computer user groups who charge less than $7 per disk
- may distribute the Roo Environment, but Forware Systems must be supplied
- with a copy of the first catalogue issue offering the Roo Environment.
-
- 3. Others may only distribute the Roo Environment with the written permission
- of Forware Systems. In all cases, it must be clearly stated to the purchaser
- that he or she is receiving an unregistered copy of a shareware product.
-
- 4. The distribution files must be distributed in their original forms.
-
-
- Trademarks
-
- Roo&Robby/SchoolsWorks is a trademark of Forware Systems.
-
- All other products or services mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks,
- or service marks of their respective owners.
-
-
- Disclaimer
-
- Forware Systems makes no warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
- including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
- for a particular purpose.
-
- In no event shall Forware Systems be liable for any errors contained herein or
- for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
- performance, or use of the Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks product or documentation.
-
-
- FORWARE SYSTEMS
-
- Headquarters: 7 Bebo K., Budapest 1039 Hungary
- The Branch: 46-101 Studencheskaya, Ekaterinburg 620049 Russia
- Representatives in the U.S.: 3125 Vine St, Lincoln NE 68503 U.S.A.
- phones: 402 4351537
- 402 4677255
- President and CEO: Gene Linetsky
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 1. The description of Roo&Robby package
-
-
- Roo and Robby are LOGO-like environments. Roo teaches basic algorithmic
- constructions (without study of data structures) and the step-by-step design
- method. Robby teaches the main data structures in algorithms: variable, array,
- file, stack.
-
- Algorithmic languages used in these environments have the same syntax of
- algorithmic constructions but different sets of possible actions (see
- the file LANGUAGE for the syntax). In particular, it allows one to avoid
- the confusion between constructions and actions, and makes it possible to
- extract the pure images of algorithmic constructions.
-
- Since the execution of a computer program includes both language interpretation
- and performing corresponding actions, we use special personages for executors
- (Roo and Robby), and for interpretators (a boy Chris and a girl Milly).
-
- There are four modes in the Roo and Robby environments: Program mode, Game
- mode, Test mode, and Demo mode.
-
- In the Program mode, one can type a program on the special program sheet. For
- this, one can use a full-sheet text editor. Deep syntax detection forbides
- one to write incorrect programs. Depending on the context, function keys help
- one in fast typing. Nine keys are enough for typing any program. Before
- running the program full logical analysis takes place. One can leave the
- program sheet. When cursor is outside of the program sheet, all commands are
- carried out immediately. So it is possible to direct Roo (or Robby) without
- creating the program. One can entrust Chris (or Milly) to trace and comment
- on the carrying process. Chris (or Milly) states every command and explains
- the carrying out of the algorithmic constructions.
-
- In the Game mode, one has to reconstruct a pattern program given the initial
- positions and final result. One can ask for prompts: Hint and Compare. Hint
- shows how the pattern program is carrying out. Compare allows to start the
- pattern and the user's programs simultaneously. It is easy to create new games
- with a special option of the R&R environment. Any program may be converted
- into a game.
-
- In the Test mode, one must carry out a sample program instead of Chris. All
- mistakes and other statistics are collected and then written into a special
- file. One can create such tests just converting a program into a test with a
- special option.
-
- In the Demo mode, the environment gets a file containing explanations and key
- codes. R&R outputs explanations in a special demo line and reacts to key codes
- as the corresponding keystrokes.
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 2. The description of SchoolWorks package
-
-
- This system consists of "teaching versions" of a word processor, spreadsheets,
- and database. Using SchoolWorks, you may acquaint your kids (or grandparents)
- with essential features of corresponding professional applications. All three
- programs are hosted by corresponding funny charachters as well.
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 3. About The Authors
-
- The authors of the Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks Learning Environments are Gene
- Linetsky and Mark Sapir. We started to work together on our Computer Science
- Courseware in 1984 in Sverdlovsk, Russia. Since 1985, there have been
- 750,000 copies of our "ABCs of Computer Science" textbook printed (and sold)
- in Russian. The textbook and Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks software are recognized as
- the official courseware for the IBM - U.S.S.R. Pilot Schools Project, and is
- now used in 2000 schools all over the former Soviet republics. In 1991, our
- Forware Systems company was registered in Budapest, Hungary, with branches in
- Moscow and Sverdlovsk. In cooperation with IBM Arthur K. Watson Education
- Center, Forware Systems helped to found the very first IBM Pilot Computer
- Center of Russia in Sverdlovsk.
-
- After getting positions at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Mark Sapir is
- Visiting Professor at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and Gene
- Linetsky is Research Associate at the Computer Science Department), we continue
- our work in the field of education in America. In January, 1992, we started to
- teach Saturday Computer Science Classes, based on the Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks
- software, for 5-8 grade students in Lincoln, Nebraska.
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 4. Registration
-
-
- For only $19 registration fee, you will receive:
-
- 1. Robby Environment with the sample set of programs, demos, and games;
- 2. The exciting animated menu system for Roo&Robby Environments, which
- allows one to choose the operating mode without typing the options.
- 3. The terms and conditions of a NEW RUSSIAN BLACK BOX CHALLENGE: you
- may get your registration fee back and win UNLIMITED CASH PRIZE if
- you write only two short programs - one for Roo and one for Robby.
-
- Add only $9 to receive SchoolWorks with its own menu system. If you order
- SchoolWorks separately, the price for it is $19.
-
- Make your check payable to Forware Systems. Fill and enclose the Order
- Form for quicker processing, especially if you order more than one copy.
-
- Mail your payment and the Order Form to:
-
- Forware Systems
- 3125 Vine St
- Lincoln NE 68503
-
- Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------
-
- Roo&Robby/SchoolsWorks Order Form
-
- Qty Price Total
-
- Roo&Robby on 3.5" Disk ____ $19 $ _______
-
- Roo&Robby on 5.25" Disk ____ $19 $ _______
-
- Add $9 per copy for SchoolsWorks: $ _______
-
- Sub-Total: $ _______
-
- Shipping and handling, $4 per order: $ _______
-
- Total: $ _______
-
- Check enclosed: $ _______
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------
-
- Ship to:
-
- Name: ______________________________
-
- Company: ___________________________
-
- Address: ___________________________
-
- City: ______________________________
-
- State: _________ Zip: ____________
-
- Phone: (______) ____________________
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------