Although most schools offer and/or require a course in spreadsheet and database applications, the amount of meaningful learning derived from the class varies widely. The approach described in this paper involves a combination for demonstration and hands-on practice using two term-long cases to be used in an introductory course in spreadsheet and database applications. These cases, packaged together with slides emphasizing theory, hands-on quizzes and exams that foster critical thinking, can be used across the multiple sections that are taught to maintain consistency within the course and encourage faculty and students to take the course to a higher level. Evidence based on final exam scores indicates that students are achieving the higher level of understanding that is the intent of this method of teaching
