For the first decades of computing, the term “algorithm” wasn’t much mentioned. But as computer science departments began sprouting across campuses in the 60s, the term acquired a new cachet. Its vogue was the product of status anxiety. Programmers, especially in the academy, were anxious to show that they weren’t mere technicians. They began to describe their work as algorithmic, in part because it tied them to one of the greatest of all mathematicians – the Persian polymath Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, or as he was known in Latin, Algoritmi. During the 12th century, translations of al-Khwarizmi introduced Arabic numerals to the west; his treatises pioneered algebra and trigonometry. By describing the algorithm as the fundamental element of programming, the computer scientists were attaching themselves to a grand history. It was a savvy piece of name-dropping: See, we’re not arriviste, we’re working with abstractions and theories, just like the mathematicians!
Rhondda Powling on 08 Nov 13"From Edudemic: an effective chart that actually ranks education apps according to a few critical criteria. The visual from Grasping For Objectivity details 29 different 'edutainment' apps that are both free and paid. I like how each one is laid out and ranked accordingly. The apps are each given an overall score and it's based on a plethora of criteria:" The chart looks at iOS apps but the criteria can be used for any app therefore to work out which Android apps would work for your classroom too.
