Mike Westall Interview
Item
Title
Mike Westall Interview
Description
Dr. James Mike Westall interviewed by Hallie Knipp for the 45th Anniversary of Computer Science at Clemson Oral History Project.
Abstract
0:40-3:20 - Dr. Westall speaks about his time at Davidson College and graduate school at UNC Chapel Hill, where he received a PhD in Mathematics. He then obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science while teaching full time, and was hired at Clemson in 1974.
5:00 - Westall explains his history with Mathematics.
8:50 - Westall discusses the formation of Clemson’s Computer Science Department. Speaks about Jack Peck, who he calls a “tremendous go-getter,” the Computer Center, and the committee that was formed to work out the details of the CS department.
22:00 - Westall explains the changes in the computing field between 1970 and today. Speaks specifically about Clemson’s original mainframe computer, the creation of Ethernet, and the Stanford University Network (SUN). He also speaks about the declining number of women in computer science courses in the early to mid 80s.
30:00 - Westall continues about the lack of women in CS, and explains the difference in processing power between the mainframe computer and modern desktops.
37:00 - Westall discusses the Internet, ISO OSI (International Standards Organization Open Systems Interconnections Protocol Stack), and IBM Systems Network Architecture.
49:30 – Westall explains his view that “computer science is not teaching programming” or “learning to code.” Rather, curriculums should focus on learning how to solve complex problems. Explains that he and Robert Geist thought you should “construct knowledge from the ground up.” Mentions the τέχνη program, in which instructors taught one programming language and continued with it through several semesters.
1:11:15: – Westall discusses various research initiatives he was part of, including projects with the Defense Department, IBM, and NASCAR.
5:00 - Westall explains his history with Mathematics.
8:50 - Westall discusses the formation of Clemson’s Computer Science Department. Speaks about Jack Peck, who he calls a “tremendous go-getter,” the Computer Center, and the committee that was formed to work out the details of the CS department.
22:00 - Westall explains the changes in the computing field between 1970 and today. Speaks specifically about Clemson’s original mainframe computer, the creation of Ethernet, and the Stanford University Network (SUN). He also speaks about the declining number of women in computer science courses in the early to mid 80s.
30:00 - Westall continues about the lack of women in CS, and explains the difference in processing power between the mainframe computer and modern desktops.
37:00 - Westall discusses the Internet, ISO OSI (International Standards Organization Open Systems Interconnections Protocol Stack), and IBM Systems Network Architecture.
49:30 – Westall explains his view that “computer science is not teaching programming” or “learning to code.” Rather, curriculums should focus on learning how to solve complex problems. Explains that he and Robert Geist thought you should “construct knowledge from the ground up.” Mentions the τέχνη program, in which instructors taught one programming language and continued with it through several semesters.
1:11:15: – Westall discusses various research initiatives he was part of, including projects with the Defense Department, IBM, and NASCAR.
Date Created
July 19, 2023
Format
.mp3
interviewee
Mike Westall
interviewer
Hallie Knipp
editor
Hallie Knipp