9450917 Allen The Department of Computer Science at Furman University proposes a Multimedia Teaching Laboratory to support its undergraduate introductory service course CS16, Introduction to Computing. In addition to five hours of weekly lecture material, CS16 students participate in a two hour weekly lab. The practical experience gained in the laboratory activities is an essential component of the course. The proposed laboratory would be used for the development and implement of new course lab activities. Currently the department is revising the course's content to integrate multimedia computing, data visualization, and networking concepts. A basic understanding of these concepts is essential for our graduates who enter careers in science, industry, education, government, and the professions. All of these fields will experience significant changes as a result of the rapid growth of digital information technologies. This curriculum development effort represents a significant upgrading of the traditional undergraduate literacy course in computing. Consequently, it serves as a potential model for other computer science departments who are seeking ways to make this "bread and butter" service course more relevant, more exciting, and more useful for their students. We expect to publish course materials (a textbook with accompanying disk containing laboratory activities is already under contract) to enhance this potential.
