History of Information Systems



ISECON-2001

Panel Proposal


Organized by

John Impagliazzo



Proposal
Computing history has enjoyed a new resurgence over the past decade.  Several organizations such as the Virtual Museum of Computing at Oxford University, the Computer Museum History Center in California, and the History Center and the Annals of the History of Computing of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) have raised the importance of computing history.  Of particular note, the joint task group (TC3 and WG9.7) of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) has developed the work "History in the Computing Curriculum," which was published in the Annals 1999 January.
	There is a need for greater awareness of computing history.  In an academic setting, history adds new dimensions to courses, encourages students to reflect on past events, and generates enthusiasm among computing scholars.  In an industrial setting, practitioners can benefit from the study of computing history by being aware of past mistakes, misconceptions, and successes.  From a cultural standpoint, history broadens one's perspective on the field and allows individuals explore the inner thinking of people and the results they produced.  From a practical standpoint, history enables individuals and enterprises to learn from the events of the past and to improve on experiences.  These views are necessary to create a well-informed computing professional.
	This proposal is to present a 90-minute panel on the historical dynamics that have shaped information systems.  The panel at will feature known computing professionals who can bring to light some of the highlights of information systems and some who have been part of that history.  Panelists will make presentations on the computing history of their respective areas.  Audience participation and interaction are most welcome.



Panel Participants 

Confirmed:
			John Impagliazzo, Hofstra University (Panel Chair)
					- Chair of IFIP WG 9.7 (History of Computing)
			Elias Awad, University of Virginia
					- Established IS author and professional, SIGMIS
			John A.N. Lee, Virginia Tech
					- Former EIC of Annals, former chair of IFIP WG 9.7 
			Joyce Currie Little, Towson University 
					- Long-time IS professional and teacher 

Pending possibilities:
			George Kasper, University of Richmond
					- Promoter of the business side of IS
			Janice Sipior, Villanova University 
					- IS Champions
			Jerry Wagner, California State Polytechnic at San Bernadino
					- IS veteran




Contact			John Impagliazzo, Ph.D.
					Professor, Department of Computer Science
					103 Hofstra University
					Hempstead, New York 11549-1030 USA
					Tel: +1-516-463-6774
					Fax: +1-516-463-5790
					Email: cscjzi@Hofstra.edu