Introducing Computing Concepts in an Integrated, Visually Interfaced Environment

安装一个局域网，在网络上安装功能相当强大的(支持Windows的)微型计算机，以及适当的软件，可以显著提高非计算机科学专业学生的计算概念课程。本课程包括实际(电子表格、数据库)环境中的编程原理，随着升级，这些环境正在相互交织而不是脱节，学生通过沉浸在丰富的计算环境中进行学习。通过计算机辅助的课堂对话，使用电子邮件，共享网络上的硬件和软件资源，以及使用Windows界面进行一般软件管理，学生以综合、合作和创造性的方式使用工具。新的设置消除了学习计算原理的旧障碍(文本界面、从一个软件环境到另一个软件环境的笨拙移动、应用程序的隔离)，并增加了刺激这种学习的有趣和引人入胜的新功能。

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.