Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving

Catalog description

Problem-based approach to technology integration by focusing on real-life problems faced by an organization. IST 440W Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving (3) This course is the undergraduate capstone for Information Sciences and Technology majors in the Baccalaureate degree. It requires students to work collaboratively in teams of 4-6 students, with each team comprised of students from more than one option and, if possible, more than one campus. Each team is given a significant real-world problem or issue in which information technology is part of the solution. Teams will be expected to manage the project effectively and to communicate its results clearly to a variety of audiences within an organization. Major topics include: review of problem-based and case-based learning; overview of project management practices; assessment of organizational and technical issues posed by the scenario; development and testing of work plans and analysis of options; communication within the group; communication within a management environment; and presentation of results to a variety of audiences inside and outside the organization. IST students need to understand the organizational and social contexts in which technology functions. Indeed, many technology problems are multi-dimensional--they have an economic dimension, a legal dimension, a human resources dimension, and so on. This course will require students to analyze, evaluate, and test alternative solutions and to weigh their advantages and disadvantages for the organization. Students will be evaluated in three ways: by the effectiveness of their team's solution of the technical or organizational problem; by the quality of the students' written and oral presentations; and by the quality of their project management and internal communication. A substantial written paper will be required of each student and each time; in addition, each team will also construct a Web-site for sharing results. Other technologies will be used as required by the project. It is expected that membership on teams of students will be drawn from the various options in the Information Sciences and Technology major. At least nine credits (including at least one IST 300-level and one IST 400-level course) in the student's option must be completed before enrollment in IST 440W . This course should be offered every fall and spring semester beginning in the fall semester 2002. It will be taught in sections of 25 and have a total enrollment of approximately 100 per semester.