Introducing Information Technology Students to a New Major: The Role of an Introductory Course Sequence

Information Technology is defined as a philosophy of applying complex tools to complex information management problems using a tool-oriented, problem-solving methodology. The primary themes of one medium-sized, southern, state university’s four-year degree program in information technology include the use of high-level computing tools for solving problems, the importance of technology evaluation skills, the goal of increasing productivity, the need for two voices of communication, and an emphasis on rapid, life-long learning. A two-course introductory sequence in information technology offered at the authors ’ university’s computing school utilizes innovative teaching assignments in a two-course introductory sequence to acquaint its students in the fundamentals of this new major