ISEDJ

Information Systems Education Journal

Volume 12

V12 N1 Pages 42-72

January 2014


Confronting the Issues of Programming In Information Systems Curricula: The Goal is Success


Jeffry Stephen Babb
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX 79016, USA

Bart Longenecker
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688, USA

Jeanne Baugh
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA 15108, USA

David Feinstein
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688, USA


Abstract: Computer programming has been part of Information Systems (IS) curricula since the first model curriculum. It is with programming that computers are instructed how to implement our ideas into reality. Yet, over the last decade numbers of computing undergraduates have significantly declined. In addition, high failure rates persist in beginning and even advanced programming courses representing losses of students to the anticipation of production of future professionals. Perhaps the main reason the current model curriculum has removed programming is to enable a higher degree of success with higher rates of program completion. Ironically, in the face of this decision, national skills expectations demand programming abilities from graduates of computing programs. Further, most all business schools require programming, and all ABET-accredited programs have multiple courses in programming. While there are challenges in a programming sequence, there is evidence that multiple approaches can be taken to improve the outcomes and perception of success. There is the perception that the problems with this sequence will be improved significantly.

Keywords: programming, class performance, outcome improvement, Curriculum, skills achieved

Download this article: ISEDJ - V12 N1 Page 42.pdf


Recommended Citation: Babb, J. S., Longenecker, B., Baugh, J., Feinstein, D. (2014). Confronting the Issues of Programming In Information Systems Curricula: The Goal is Success. Information Systems Education Journal, 12(1) pp 42-72. http://isedj.org/2014-12/ ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2013)