IBM 1500
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Educational technology, Computer hardware |
| Founded | March 31, 1966 |
| Founder | IBM |
| Products | Computer Assisted Instruction system, Coursewriter programming language support |
| Parent | IBM |
The IBM 1500 instructional system, introduced by IBM on March 31, 1966, was developed to facilitate Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI). Centered around either an IBM 1130 or IBM 1800 computer, this system could accommodate up to 32 student workstations, each outfitted with audiovisual components.
This project received funding through a 1964 grant from the U.S. Department of Education awarded to Stanford University's Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences. The initial prototype was implemented at Brentwood Elementary School in East Palo Alto under the direction of Dr. Patrick Suppes. Students started interacting with the system during 1966.
The first commercial unit was delivered to Stanford University in August 1967.
Course content designed for the IBM 1500 was produced by Science Research Associates, a subsidiary of IBM.
Instructional programming was predominantly created using the custom language Coursewriter.
The IBM 1500 marked a notable milestone in the evolution of virtual learning platforms.
Overview
In their 1995 review, Buck and Hunka highlighted that the IBM 1500 Instructional System stood out as a commercial solution incorporating integrated student terminals with keyboard and light pen inputs, CRT graphics, audio output, and static film projection. Originating from earlier IBM prototypes trialed at Stanford University, the finalized version supported up to 32 student stations and saw installations at more than 30 locations starting in the late 1960s. Although IBM invested heavily in this technology, many sites faced challenges securing continuous financial support. The system’s advanced features remained superior to those of microcomputers well into the 1990s.
Selected educational applications
At Fort Monmouth, the U.S. Army Signal Center and School (USASCS) assessed Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) effectiveness for basic electronics training using the IBM 1500 System. This included leveraging IBM’s Coursewriter language alongside the IBM 1510 Display Console and IBM 1512 Image Projector to present instructional materials.
Further reading
- "Mobilizing Minds: Teaching Math and Science in the Age of Sputnik: Mathematics Lesson on the IBM 1500 Instructional System, 1966," Smithsonian Institution.
- Dick, Walter; Gallagher, Tom, "Systems Concepts and Computer-Managed Instruction: An Implementation and Validation Study," in Introduction to the Systems Approach, Education Technology Reviews Series, no.3, January 1973, pp. 19–25.
- Hunka, S., "The Computer-Aided Instruction Activities of the Division of Educational Research Services at the University of Alberta," International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, Vol. 5, Issue 3, July 1973, pp. 329-336.
- Lipsitz, Lawrence (Ed.); Reisner, Trudi, The Computer and Education, Educational Technology Publications, January 1973.
- Terlet, R.H., "The CRT display subsystem of the IBM 1500 instructional system," AFIPS Joint Computer Conferences Proceedings, November 1967.
- "CAI and the IBM 1500 System at DERS (Division of Educational Research Services)," University of Alberta, Canada.