Dean Briefs U.S. House Committee On IST Launch, Development

September 22, 2000
University Park, Pa.—Dr. James B. Thomas, dean of the Penn State School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) told the House Committee on Education and the Workforce today that the school’s success can be attributed to a partnership of business, government, and education, as well as to new learning delivery systems and an innovative educational formula.

"The sign over the door of the new School of Information Sciences and Technology should read `building leaders for the digital-based, global economy,’" Dean Thomas told the committee in describing IST’s focus.

The school opened its classroom doors in August 1999, a record fourteen months after its formal inception in May 1998. Since that time the student body has grown three-fold from 428 to nearly 1,300 attending classes at 19 Penn State locations across Pennsylvania. A statewide faculty of 70 full- and part-time members is now teaching these students and pursuing a world-class research agenda.

In addition to almost 500 associate degree students and 800 bachelor’s degree students, IST offers certificate programs to hundreds of others, both on-line and in classroom settings. August saw the introduction of the first of the school’s Web-based core courses and 2001 will see the launch of the school’s professional master’s, master of science, and Ph.D. programs.

The Smithsonian Institution recognized this record of achievement when it cited IST as an innovator in April 2000.

"While there is no `correct’ model of education in this area, we think we have a great formula for what to teach and how to deliver education that will help close the IT workforce gap in the 21^st century—not only in terms of numbers, but also in terms of impact," Thomas said.

The IST "formula" was developed through the collaboration of more than 125 members of the Penn State faculty and administration and in direct consultation with top executives from Fortune 500 companies, government, and small- to mid-sized companies. This vital input led to the development of 43 brand-new courses and degree programs that focus not on technology, but on putting technology to work.

Thomas told the committee IST aims to develop problem solvers who know how to apply technology as a solution. As they learn, IST students tackle real-world problems and case studies, they gain experience through internships, and they are sensitized to people and policy issues.

To better prepare them for an economy with worldwide reach, students must meet foreign language and culture requirements. They also must be able to work in teams and they must know how to communicate orally and in written form.

"We designed the IST program with these attributes hard-wired into it—whether for courses in the classroom or on-line," the dean said.

But, the collaboration didn’t stop with the launching of the school, he went on. IST has an advisory board with top executives from IBM, Lockheed Martin, Infinity I/O, PNC, ACTV, and Lucent. Representatives from other leading companies and government agencies assist in the classroom, with instructional materials, and in the development of new courses and programs. Furthermore, individuals and industry partners have stepped forward to provide almost $7 million in endowments, equipment, and building support.

"I…think that looking at companies and the government as partners in the design and implementation of the school is a model for industry inclusion in IT education," Dean Thomas said.

"Design assistance and financial support are crucial, but just as important is having the eyes and ears of top executives on what is current and important in the `eWorld’. It is this insight that will keep the school fresh, exciting…"

For further information, contact:
Charles C. DuBois, Penn State School of Information Sciences and Technology
(814) 865-4458, , or visit www.ist.psu.edu