Integration of computers in the classroom: the use of the UNIX operating system as a tool Ana Fernández Montraveta and Mercé Coll Alfonso Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona Abstract In this paper we present our ESP teaching experience to computer science students at the Escuela Universitaria de Informática at the UAB using the UNIX operating system as a leaming tool. Concretely we detall the new approach adopted for our practice classes. 1. Teaching enviroment To obtain the degree taught at this school (Ingeniería Técnica en Informática) students have to take two English subjects: Inglés Técnico I and Inglés Técnico II. These courses consist of both theoretical and practice classes. Although this may seem a litüe bit odd at the beginning, this organisation was adopted in order to fit in with the other subjects of this degree. Both subjects focus mainly on reading scientífic and technical English texts since being able to read and understand computer manuals and articles from scientific magazines is one of the students' more important needs. Some emphasis is also given to written English, especially technical reports. The syllabi of these subjects were designed taking into consideration the rhetorical functions typically found in technical English as well as vocabulary and expressions related to computer science. Our teaching activity is also determined by the number of students per class and their English proficiency. Unfortunately, classes are far too crowded -about 120 students are enroUed in each one. Students come from different academic backgrounds: some have studied BUP and COU, whereas others come from FP2. Some come directíy from their secondary studies while some have spent several years working before Integration of computers in the classroom: the use ofthe UNIX operating system as a tool Ana Fernández Montraveta and Mercé Coll Alfonso, pp. 87-95 Encuentro. Revista de Investigación e Innovación en la clase de idiomas, 11,1999-2000