Computer integrated knowledge-the new order

Virginia Tech requires each entering freshman engineer to have a personal computer. This program has evolved from a one-drive, monochrome 256 K machine to a 30 M hard drive, 2-Mbyte VGA color PC. The program has grown to include a printer and a core of software. The present work is based on the experiences of the author as manager of this program and as a teacher of fundamental electrical engineering circuits (networks). He presents ideas on using a personal computer to enhance the depth of understanding of electrical engineering students as they pass through sophomore-level circuits. It is argued that a personal computer coupled with a standard theoretical introduction can be used to enrich the learning experience. Uses of several software packages to permit uncoupled verification and validation are discussed