ISCAP Proceedings: Abstract Presentation
Is There An Optimal Course Modality For The Introduction To Information Systems (IS) Course In The Age Of AI?
Penny Deans
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, a comparison of modalities for the Introductory Information Systems (IS) course are evaluated to determine optimal course delivery methods and any correlation with student performance. The results are preliminary and intended to provide insights and guidance for a more structured research study. The results may also shed some light on the best approach for this course in the context of current trends in AI use by students. Inappropriate use of AI in pure on-line courses has become a consideration for the future.
The Introductory Information Systems (IS) course is a required course for many business school programs. The course may be part of the pre-business courses and/or a required part of the business school degree. This course is offered in every mode, including face-to-face, asynchronous online, synchronous online, hybrid, and hyflex. In this study hybrid refers to one class face-to-face and the second class on-line each week. The hyflex alternative is a mix of in-class and online students in a face-to-face classroom format. This option works best for smaller classes and requires more experience with on-line classes from the instructor’s perspective.
Preliminary results are from many classes from more than one university and include both large and small classes. These preliminary results are based on student responses at the end of each semester specific to the introductory IS course. Overwhelmingly, students prefer asynchronous online to synchronous online classes. Registration trends also support this finding. Asynchronous courses fill up first and students register for synchronous courses when no other options are available. Students tend to prefer the flexibility of anytime, anyplace learning. Face-to-face is still a favored option, especially for freshmen and sophomores. The hybrid format is a close second to the asynchronous on-line mode. Students who are in a distant location and need to take the course not offered in the asynchronous on-line format find the hyflex option positive. This option is not a first choice. Other variables that play a role in the optimal modality include class time, class size, and year in school.
Recent issues related to concerns that resonate from student use of AI put the pros and cons of different modalities in a new light. The online options make it more difficult to detect inappropriate student use of AI. There are reported cases of students using AI Agents to take the course on their behalf (Goldstein & Blinder, 2026). The hybrid option is the preferred method of the author because of the connection to the students. The face-to-face class makes it possible to give exams in a controlled environment and if necessary, in writing or oral. In addition, the instructor gets to know the students. The online class allows students some flexibility and time to do their hands-on assignments. There is a need to test these assumptions to determine the optimal mode for teaching the introductory IS course in the age of AI.
References
Goldstein, D., & Blinder, A. (2026, August 10). A.I. agents are taking entire online courses for cheating students. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/us/ai-cheating-online-degrees.html.