Repackaging the Introductory IS Survey Course: An Information Technology Solution

Both instructors and students dread large introductory courses. IS introductory courses are no exception as they are often too large, the material too dry and the atmosphere too impersonal. This presentation describes a unique curriculum for delivering introductory IS survey courses that keep students interested and engaged while producing high-quality learning outcomes. In designing this curriculum three objectives were met: 1) the classroom experience is enjoyable; 2) the students have greater control over the learning process; and 3) most of the administration of the class as well as the grading and testing is accomplished electronically. Quiz scores for students after the implementation of the new curriculum were found to be significantly higher than quiz scores obtained before the new curriculum was adopted.