Interdisciplinary Studies in Information Technology

ISIT 040: Information Technology and Creative Change

Instructors: John Fender (Arts and Sciences), Eunice Merideth (Education, course leader), Karl Schaefer (Cowles), and Stuart Shulman (Arts and Sciences)

Texts:   To be determined

Course Description: ISIT 040, Information Technology and Creative Change, will explore the “big picture” of the impact of information technology on contemporary society and the changes that information technology makes both necessary and possible. The Information Age that reflects and shapes the world is a direct result of the movement and manipulation of information through electronic media. This information and the technology that disseminates it have evolved throughout history even as they continue to evolve in the future. This course will explore the resources of digital information with an interdisciplinary perspective by utilizing affiliate faculty from a variety of departments across the university. Information Technology and Creative Change will sufficiently prepare students to continue with Tier 2 (Changing Impact of Information Technology on Society and Culture) courses of their choice. 3 credit hours.

Course Goals: As students complete this course, they will be able to

1.       Demonstrate knowledge of the interplay of technology with the possibilities of change.

2.       Analyze the implications of technological determinism.

3.       Examine social and cultural changes that information technology has initiated.

4.       Trace the evolution of information technology.

5.       Explain ethical issues that information technology generates.

6.       Explore public policy and ethical issues in the use of information technology.

7.       Investigate the nature of teaching and learning with digital technologies.

Course Requirements:

1.       Personal Web Page in Blackboard

2.       Discussion Board Responses – Four Insightful Responses

3.       Applied Activities –

a.       Analysis and Validity of Web Resource Materials

b.       Digital Image Manipulation

c.       Learning Style Identification

1.       Two Analysis Response Papers

2.       Midterm Exam

3.       Final Exam

Grade Range:

A – 92

B – 84

C – 74

D – 65

F – below 65

Attendance Policy: Points will be deducted for unexcused absences according to the following scales:

1-2...................................................     No penalty

3-4...................................................     -12 points

5-6...................................................     -25 points

7.................................................…..    -37 points

8 or more.................................…….      failure of the course

 Course Outline: