An introduction to computing for engineers: new approaches to content and pedagogy

The descriptive and analytical powers of computation must be exploited in engineering education. Unfortunately, the introductory programming classes that are taken by engineering majors often suffer from two failings. First, they frequently ignore the context in which programming is actually done. Second, they are most often designed for students planning to major in computer science. We have developed a new introductory programming course designed expressly for engineering majors. It is supported by the recently-published textbook Introduction to Scientific Programming and by a Web site containing interactive online material