Can interactive, multi-media software integration fundamentally transform the traditional pedagogical approach to teaching computer applications? Farah Fisher and Peter Desberg argue that passive reading is insufficient for technical literacy, proposing a model where the medium of instruction mirrors the technology being taught. By utilizing a bundled, functional software environment, the authors shift the focus from theoretical description to experiential learning, positioning the text as a practical laboratory for the student.

The subject matter points to a pioneering, albeit historically specific, approach to computer-aided instruction that prioritizes active engagement over traditional text-based learning. The framing suggests a foundational text for educators and students interested in the early evolution of interactive, software-integrated educational materials.