We presented many different software packages, for dealing with the really quite vast array of techniques studied in the course (the web (to start), followed by ArcView for GIS, xgobi for ESDA, GS+ for geostatistics, Stella for compartmental models, Stat! for spatial statistics, Gamma for designer statistics, UNIX, ftp, telnet, XWindows, etc.).
In retrospect, the students said that only three software packages were essential to the course: ArcView, Stat!, and Gamma; furthermore, they almost unanimously agreed that they would have preferred to do more with fewer, rather then less with more packages. Thus, the next time we run the course we will plan on reducing the number of concepts introduced in lecture while discussing them in greater depth, with a consequent reduction in the lateral software demands of the course, with a consequent increase in the range of treatment of a few selected pieces of software.
On the other hand, all modules will be available for the students whether presented in the formal course or not. For example, if a student needs to understand aspects of geostatistics for a class project, that module may be studied on that student's own time (with some guidence, perhaps, from the teacher). As students needs expand beyond the current availability of modules, new modules will be created (perhaps by the students!).