The primary objective of this project was to learn what effect a computer program would have on academic achievement and attitude toward science of college students enrolled in a biology class for non-science majors. It became apparent that the instructor also had an effect on attitudes toward science. The researcher designed a computer program, the CELE program, for use in instruction on photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The researcher modified existing instruments to assess academic achievement in understanding photosynthesis and cellular respiration and to assess student attitudes toward these topics. The researcher also used concept maps to assess student understanding of the material. The CELE program had no significant effect on academic achievement or student attitudes, which was possibly due to students' not engaging with the program as anticipated. The instructor had a significant effect on student attitudes toward photosynthesis and cellular respiration as well as on misconceptions that were not detected on the pretest but were detected on the posttest. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]