ISCAP Proceedings: Abstract Presentation
Infusing the Introduction to MIS Course With Marketable Technology Skills
Jeffrey Landry
University of South Alabama
Priyanka Kunchala
University of South Alabama
Abstract
A Wall Street Journal article last year (Captain, 2023) touted recent advancements in technologies that are reshaping the nature of office work, not just for technology workers but for all professionals. No longer are word processing and spreadsheets the only “technology skills every employee needs today.” Multiple products have emerged in each of categories such as team communication, project management, generative AI, data visualization, programming fundamentals, low-code/no-code automation, and customer relationship management to go along with advanced word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and email management. Taking a cue from the article, the authors infused an introductory management information systems (MIS) course with opportunities to learn some of these technologies, and implemented eight (8) of them. Their approach was to teach each technology in the context of MIS problem-solving, provide them with at least one assignment for practice and application, and the opportunity to earn a technology badge. In the latter stages of the class, the students with guidance, updated their resumes, listing badges earned and articulating skills gained to satisfy the goal stated early in the class: to leave the MIS Intro course with marketable skills they could demonstrate to a potential employer. The technologies introduced were ChatGPT, Excel, Access/SQLite, Zoom, Confluence, LucidChart, PowerBI, and Trello. The presentation will cover the overall approach, examples of technology assignments and activities, statistics on badges earned, results of student assessments, and guidance for faculty members interested in using this approach.
Keywords
management information systems, technology, marketable skills
REFERENCES
1. Captain, S. (2023). The technology skills every employee should have today. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2023 from https://www.wsj.com/articles/technologyskills-employees-should-have-fdc6c0ba