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Session 3649

Information Technology as a Discipline in Engineering Technology

C. Richard G. Helps, Barry M Lunt, Stephen R. Renshaw, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah/ Shlomo Waks, Technion – I.I.T. Haifa Israel

Abstract

Computing in all its many forms continues to grow at a remarkable rate. A number of Electronics Engineering Technology programs have evolved into Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology to help educate students in this area. A significant number of schools are now offering or developing programs in Information Technology (IT) as a technical discipline, distinct from other computer disciplines. Some of these have seen explosive growth in student numbers.

BYU is developing a four-year degree program in Information Technology. The focus of this degree is the application of systems of computers to solving problems. The importance of various topics within the computing field to this discipline is discussed. Some topics not typically required in technical computing programs, such as communications and human computer interfacing are considered to be necessary. A selection of traditional computer topics such as programming, operating systems and networking are required but have a different emphasis from topics with the same name in other programs such as Computer Science.

There is ongoing development of accreditation guidelines for Information Technology within TAC-ABET. Issues leading to or hindering accreditation of such a degree are outlined.

A limited survey of institutions offering programs in IT developed from programs in Computer Science, (Management) Information Systems, Computer Engineering Technology and Engineering Technology helps to illustrate the growth in the professional discipline of IT. The focus and philosophy of IT, identifying its specific contribution to the field of technical computing, is expounded. The goals and objectives of the program are given.

I. Introduction

The general term “Information Technology” or IT encompasses the business, engineering, art, industry and science of development or application of computers for any kind of information processing. This is obviously a vast field that cannot be covered by any single academic discipline. A few of the academic disciplines that address areas within IT include Computer Science, Computer Engineering (Technology), Management Information Systems, Software Engineering and Information (Engineering) Technology”. This paper will focus only on the

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Waks, S., & Helps, C. R., & Renshaw, S., & Lunt, B. (2001, June), Information Technology As A Discipline In Engineering Technology Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9384