Course tools
Ed doesn't know what to think (modified from: Barach, 1962)
Learning about information systems (IS) is different from learning about economics, or banking, or logistics. Why? Well, to begin with, it’s considerably cooler! The other reason is related to the enormous success of software methods (of development, design, implementation etc.) in business: it is very easy to experiment with software (compared to: economies, entire companies, or even your own bank account). This is every engineer’s dream: to build an actual bridge with popsicle sticks!
This relationship between software systems and the real world leaves its mark on the relationship between the learner of IS and the subject matter: IS can best be learnt by playing around with software, by using it. What you learn when you do this (while having fun!) is a lot closer to the reality of the thing than in other subjects (where “learning by doing” may also be applied).
Hence, this section on “tools” is not to be taken lightly, but contains a number of applications used in this exact form in business – with a special emphasis on social media and content management tools for communication – which you will get to know very well throughout this course. It includes “hard” issues (like programs) and “soft” issues (like teamwork).
Date: March 19, 2009