The installation of a local area network, fairly powerful (windows-capable) microcomputers on the network, and appropriate software enables a significant improvement in the course on computing concepts taken by non-majors in computer science. The course includes programming principles in practical (spreadsheet, database) settings which, with the upgrade, are becoming interwoven rather than disjoint, with the students learning through their immersion in an enriched computing environment. With computer-facilitated classroom conversations, use of e-mail, sharing of hardware and software resources on the network, and use of the windows interface for general software management, students use tools in an integrated, cooperative, and creative manner. The new setting removes old obstacles to the study of computing principles (textual interface, awkward movement to get from one software environment to another, isolation of applications), and adds intriguing and engaging new features which stimulates such study.
