New media instruction can't be done using 14th century methods (well, at least not completely). Students must experience new media in a hands-on way, and few class demonstrations can survive without the requisite hardware, software and network links to make new media work. My first "new" media course which I began 14 years ago on the threshold of an early 1980s enthusiasm for "electronic publishing" was scheduled for a room having three 100 watt lamps and no electrical outlets. I became quite visible, for a brief time, crossing the UW campus with a bright orange extension cord coiled over my shoulder to bring current from down the hall. Fortunately, conditions have improved markedly since.

At SFU in Surrey, a remade discount store space provides us modern, "digitised" classrooms and labs. Add to these cooperation with area industries and the innovatiove NewMIC,  my colleagues and I have a wealth of teaching and research facilities that have been enhanced with backing from the Canada Fund for Innovation, the BC Knowledge Development Fund and other sources.

The centrepiece of our activity is delivery of most of SFU Surrey's courses through the Web. Depending on the instructional goals, courses range from entirely mediated (all on the web) to more traditional classroom instruction, typically where hands on use of specialised equipment or face to face interaction is vital. Particularly of interest is our first year "Tech One", a special cohort-based interdisciplinary programme.