Teaching IS to the Information Society using an “Informing Science” Perspective

Abstract

Information systems permeate every aspect of society, requiring IS professionals to acquire a wide perspective on how information systems shape society and vice versa. This notion has ramifications for IS curricula in universities everywhere. We believe that collegiate IS curricula would enhance currency and relevance by broadening their coverage to include more Information Society concepts. We take the view that "information systems" are not restricted to organizational systems alone, but are really trans-disciplinary, socio-technical systems that are enmeshed with the cultural, legal, and political environment in which they exist. Therefore all students of IS will benefit and become better informed by learning about the current and emerging issues that closely couple IT and society. We review the concepts and issues of today's Information Society with case-studies and examples separated into various topic areas, so as to provide direction for incorporating these concepts into information systems academic curricula.