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Session 2793

The Software Studio: A Transitional Course for Those Entering the Field of Information Science

James J. Alpigini, John S. Mullin Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies

Abstract

The Master of Science in Information Science degree program at the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies attracts students from a diverse set of backgrounds. For those candidates with non-technical degrees, a need has been identified for a transitional course, namely a software studio which goes beyond traditional professional development offerings. This paper discusses the design of and the experience gained in conducting the software studio. The software studio is designed to enable a student with a non-technical background to make the transition to the study of information science at a graduate level. Since its introduction in the spring of 1999, this course has been offered during each spring, summer, and fall semester. As this is a relatively new course, it is undergoing continuous incremental improvements based on in- class experience, student feedback and changes in the industry.

I. Introduction

As information technology becomes increasingly important to daily life, the demand for professionals with formal education in software engineering and information systems continues to rise. In response to this need, the popularity of Information Science, (IS) programs like the one offered at the Penn State Great Valley (PSGV), School of Graduate Professional Studies continues to increase.

The Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) is a relatively new and exciting degree program at the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies. The MSIS program offers a synergistic blend of computer engineering, software engineering and management courses, which emphasize a balance of information science and management theories and thus enable the development of a students technical competence, leadership skills, and business expertise.

While many students interested in this degree program have the academic potential to succeed, often their undergraduate background and work experience has not prepared them for studies in such a technical discipline. It is necessary then, to provide these students with a course that bridges this gap in their background, enabling them to succeed in the MSIS program and eventually the industry as a whole.

In order to design a course that aids in this transition, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the backgrounds that these students possess. The focus of this paper is the adult graduate student with a non-technical undergraduate degree. Typical candidates for the MSIS degree program have from 5 to 20 years of experience in a professional environment. While many of

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Mullin, J. S., & Alpigini, J. J. (2000, June), The Software Studio: A Transitional Course For Those Entering The Field Of Information Science Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8701