Discusion Questions

The first class usually follows a regimented format. The first night of Business Information Systems / 220 was not significantly different than most others. The discussion began by each person, in turn, explaining how they were introduced to information technology (IT) and what they use it for these days. Surprisingly, many classmates indicated they have used IT since grade school. Further discussion centered on class policies including the instructor's stance on plagiarism. The remainder of the class time was dedicated to lecture and discussion of the first reading assignments. Many IT related definitions, concepts, and business uses or practices were explained. By the end of the first class, it was quite noticeable that the instructor is very well versed and confident of her information technology knowledge. Many students walked away with a deeper understanding that IT is much more complicated than sitting down at a computer and checking Facebook© . Cognizant thought and time management will be necessary skills to successfully complete this course of instruction.

As presented by our Instructor Colette Gardner, information systems and information technology are an essential part within all aspects of a company's structure and to all business types. Although used interchangeably Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT) serve as different functions within a company. Information systems is a large umbrella referring to systems that collect, processes, stores, analyzes, and disseminates information for a specific purpose. Whereas, information technology deals with the technology involved in the systems themselves, (e.g. information system like wiki.answers.com contains many information technologies) In addition to defining and understanding various computer terminologies, Intro to Computer Applications and Systems Class will guide us through understanding the various management styles and strategies used when referring to computers and computer technology, how they apply to each level of an organization, the different computer interfaces and how they are all connected, and the various roles of the information system, department and end users.