  The authors present the results of a simple usability test performed on
line_explorer, an innovative tool aimed at letting students explore
programming. The system offers an interactive environment where students can
learn, review, and practice programming independently or through step-by-step
instruction. Students in Information Technology, Computer Science, and
Information Systems were surveyed. The findings show that students have
interest in this tool, whereas some groups find this tool more interesting and
useful. The findings will help refine the user interface for the next phase of
testing which include changes for simplicity, usability and expanded topic
content. Overall the survey on line_explorer in its current design phase seem
more useful for IT and CS majors, however significant changes are still needed.
