This paper presents an investigation of non-Information Systems (IS) major's perceptions and performance when enrolled in a required introductory Computer Information Systems course. Students of various academic backgrounds were taught Excel, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript and computer literacy in a 14-week introductory course, in the context of what are called "learning pods". In the perceptions study, students answered a survey about their perception of the technologies and assignments used throughout the semester, as they contributed to various learning and team-building skills. The second study examined student performance through a series of pre- and post- quizzes. Results from the two studies indicate that students' perceptions and performance were impacted favorably.