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1992-02-02
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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: (______) ____________________
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