We also have 30 IBM compatible systems which the students and I built with funds we earned through competitions and my grant writing. Students have also earned scholarships and cash prizes, which they can use for higher education. Of course, the parents love this as well. The bottom line is to make learning fun. Seeking new challenges, techniques, and projects that seem really different coaxes the best thinking and finest student work.
Students say the work is both stimulating and helpful.
I emphasize that their personal, daily and business-like behavior leads them to success on exams. Students are taught to program with graphics early in the course and are encouraged to write games and programs they enjoy. Staying abreast of new technology and giving an oral presentation each semester accompanied by an HTML web page they have created. Becoming competent in the use of the Novell classroom LAN, the Windows environment, UNIX, and telecommunications. All assignments are online.