Recalling the Early Days of Computer Enthusiasm and Clubs: An Insider's Perspective

Computer clubs have long been a path for young minds to explore the wonders of computer science and technology. Reflecting on my early days, I was among the first few to show interest in computing in 1969. Our school’s math teacher procured a teletype machine with an acoustic coupler, and we connected it to a remote IBM timesharing system. This system was based in Arizona while our school was in Colorado. Can you imagine the excitement of interacting with a computer that was hundreds of miles away? This pioneering use of technology set the stage for what was to come.

The Dial-Up Connection and BASIC Programming

Our teacher was forward-thinking enough to convince our school to pay for a dial-up connection to this remote system. The educational experience was groundbreaking. We received a book on the BASIC programming language and started writing our own programs. While it wasn't an official club, we quickly formed a small group of enthusiasts who met before and after school in the math classroom. This early experience laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion for computing.

Reflecting on this now, it's clear that this group was, in essence, a computer club, albeit an informal one. The camaraderie and shared interest created a unique learning environment, fostering a sense of community among a few students who were ahead of their time.

The AV Club of the 1970s

Jump to 1975, and I was part of the AV (Audio-Visual) club, which served as a precursor to the computer club. In those days, a typical computer was the size of a small house, and these machines were reserved for large organizations, not schools. The AV club, with its focus on audio and visual technology, was a natural stepping stone towards our interest in computing.

Back then, computers were a luxury, and the idea of accessing one for educational purposes was no small feat. The computer technology that was available was still in its infancy, and the cost was prohibitive for individual schools. This made the transition from a smaller audio-visual focus to a deeper dive into computing understandable and necessary for those like myself who were truly passionate about technology.

Conclusion

Looking back, the early days of computer enthusiasm and clubs were formative experiences that shaped many of us who found our way to a career in technology. Whether it was the teletype machine in 1969 or the AV club in 1975, these experiences allowed us to explore the exciting and rapidly evolving world of computing.

For the many who will admit to being part of these early clubs, we stand as a testament to the power of curiosity and early access to technology. These beginnings were humble but crucial in nurturing a generation of tech enthusiasts and professionals.