The wired university: In a growing number of institutions, educators are integrating powerful personal computers and networks into a new learning environment

A rapidly expanding group of engineering educators is adopting the view that their students must have wide access to powerful computing facilities. One reason for this view is that computers are becoming pervasive in the engineering work place, and students must be prepared for a smooth transition to professional practice. A second, more important reason for giving students the widest possible access to powerful computing facilities is that computers can enhance the learning process: by making new tools available to students, they can improve both problem-solving skills and understanding; and by increasing the “intellectual leverage” of teachers and researchers, they can aid in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge.