The Authors

Kurt F. Lauckner

Kurt F. Lauckner received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Michigan in 1968. His experience with computers started with extensive computer computations for his thesis work in theoretical physics. While a member of the Mathematics Department he took the major role in creating the Computer Science program at Eastern Michigan University. During the past twenty years he has developed a concepts approach to teaching computer literacy. The computer literacy course, CoSC 136-Computers for the Non-specialist, has grown into the University's primary computer literacy course and currently enrolls approximately 2500 students per year. It was used as the model for the University wide computer literacy requirement in the EMU basic studies program. Many materials were developed for this freshman level computer literacy course. They include Computers: Inside & Out (in fifth edition), Student Manual for Computers: Inside & Out, eight manuals for the tools of computing, and various support materials such as an instructor's manual and software. Emphasis on concepts was theme throughout the development of the literacy course and the five editions of the textbook.

Mildred D. Lintner

Mildred D. Lintner holds B.S.Ed (Theatre, Music) and M.S. (Theatre Communication) degrees from Temple University, an M.S. degree (Computer Science) from Bowling Green State University, and a Ph. D. degree from the University of Michigan. Her career encompasses two very different academic disciplines. During her first 20 years of college level teaching, she specialized in theatrical performance and technical production, designing costumes and sets for over 200 university theatre productions, and performing over 50 roles in music and opera theatre. Then, after serving as Chair of the Theatre Department at Bowling Green, Dr. Lintner turned her considerable talents to Computer Science at the same institution, serving first as an adjunct faculty member of that department, and later becoming a tenured associate professor. Her unusual grounding in creativity and performance adds unique richness to material beginning students often find dry. Currently, Dr. Lintner is completing her 13th year in EMU's Department of Computer Science, where she teaches in the highly successful CoSc136 computer literacy program and serves as a full professor and Director of the Computer Teacher Education Program.