Emerging Issues and Technologies

Catalog description

Introduction to emerging issues, technology forecasting and analysis; overview of emerging issues and leading technologies in IST and how they impact information systems, users, the IT labor force and society. IST 402 Emerging Issues and Technologies (3 per semester/maximum of 9) Information Sciences and Technology (IST) is a rapidly changing discipline. New issues, methods, tools, applications and terminology appear on a continual basis. A key skill is the ability to analyze new issues and assess new technologies within the context of the information age. This course prepares students to understand the difference between potential technological failures and success, fads and revolutionary technology. It also helps students to view emerging issues as an opportunity rather than a threat. Intellectual tools are provided to assist in understanding issues, assessing and forecasting technological changes for feasibility and planning in real world situations. The course provides students with: a.) A process framework for analyzing new issues and a theoretical framework to study technological and social impacts of such issues. b.) A process framework for recognizing and understanding new technologies and a theoretical framework to take advantage of such technologies. c.) Exposure to new issues and technologies. d.) Hands-on experience in studying recent technological advances in detail.The course will also provide students with the ability to: a.) Understand the concept of issue analysis and technology forecasting. b.) Recognize the important of new issues and technologies in information sciences. c.) Incorporate these new issues and technologies into an existing information systems framework. d.) Develop and implement new technology solutions, or discuss policies for addressing emerging issues. e.) Predict impacts of issues and technology on information management, users, policies, and the environment.Each time the course is offered; new issues and.or information technology areas will be explored. Examples of issues and technologies addressed include: wireless communications, security and intrusion detection, intelligent agents, web search, languages, intelligent systems, bio-informatics, advanced visualization and human-computer interactions, ubiquitous-pervasive computing, groupware, computer aided cognition, system design by global IT teams, IT outsourcing, and digital divide.