This project brings the institute's introductory course in computing up to date and into alignment with the technical degree programs it serves. This course, offered by the Department of Applied Computer Studies within the School of Computer Science to approximately 1000 non-computer science majors per year, is the first step in enabling students to become skilled users of computers as scholars in their careers. The course emphasizes hands-on self-paced learning in a dedicated laboratory staffed by trained proctors. Problem-solving with increasingly powerful and broadly useful general purpose software such as word processing, communication software, hypertext and electronic spreadsheets replace Pascal programming as the primary focus of the course. The project includes the purchase of Macintosh II computers, networking equipment, and general purpose software tools to replace existing Apple IIe microcomputers in the courses's dedicated laboratories. This award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.
