me, Architect

The paper is focused on selected issues of preliminary education of computer techniques as part of first semester curriculum at a school of architecture. Teaching methods based on previously known research are tested and explored in a situation of clearly defined constraints: lack of architecture-specific knowledge of the novices and varying levels of their computer skills. The paper is based on three-year experience. Although we are all in the mood of saying: we do not teach software any more, we still have to think how to encourage students to develop their skills in computer techniques to the level that can liberate them from tool-dependence. The aim is to direct them towards task rather than tool oriented actions. Learning while designing causes the design process to be less important than representation. On the other hand, classic software courses are a thing of the far past and are not suited for design-oriented curriculum. There is a need to find alternative ways more suitable for a preliminary architecture IT course