Computing for the Masses: Extending the Computer Science Curriculum with Information Technology Literacy

Enrollments in computer science programs continue to drop as demand for workers skilled in computing increases. Information technology scholars face the ironic challenge of attracting more students into computing disciplines in the age of ubiquitous computing. This paper chronicles a decision by a department of computer science and information systems to offer an information technology literacy course as a service to its institution. Educational and curricular justifications for the course progressed in parallel with recognition of the course\u27s strategic value to the department in the face of sharp declines in the number of students majoring in CS or IS. Following our approach, other departments in the computing disciplines can ride the coming wave of information technology literacy in higher education