This course presents a holistic view of the computing. Students start as potentially hesitant users of a laptop and embark on a journey to become savvy navigators and users of computer systems and peripherals. Throughout the course they engage in hands-on activities, starting with building toy gadgets and moving on to exploring software tools with more understanding of computer internals. Fundamental concepts like number systems and computer organization principles are introduced, alongside practical data manipulation using tools
like Excel sheets and even a little exposure to programming frameworks like Pyret. Additionally, the course delves into philosophical movements in computing, encouraging students to contemplate the intricate relationship between science and technology. Embracing a new culture of experimental learning, students are encouraged to return to the lab for verification and experimentation, rather than relying solely on internet resources or textbooks for solutions. By the end of the course, students develop a technical orientation but mainly develop the psychological tone necessary to navigate and dialogue effectively with machines – a preparation for the courses that follow.