9455450 Mulder This work produces a greatly needed and major revision (or complete revamping) of Computer Information Science (CIS) oriented curricula. Specifically it provides detailed curriculum guidelines, supporting laboratory material, original learning/teaching paradigms, and a methodology for dealing with complex information systems. This major component of the Computing Sciences has been overlooked by practitioners, educators, and the professional societies for at least fifteen years. During this same period the need for complex, large grain information systems to support all aspects of business, industry, and government has exploded; similarly, the technologies supporting the generation and usage of information have changed dramatically. This has led to our current dilemma: the availability of exciting new information technologies to be applied, BUT few (new hires or practitioners), if any, properly prepared to effectively apply these advances. This academe/industry collaborative proposal addresses this dilemma, and will produce solutions. This work builds on what is available today in CIS, adding to it substantial new course and laboratory material, a methodology for dealing with large grain information system complexity, development of teamwork and communications skills in students, and will embed problem solving and design skills within the recommended curriculum. To support this curriculum, appropriate materials are developed and tested at selected university/industry test sites. A new learning/teaching paradigm (ie., Just in Time Learning) is developed and tested, in which qualified students (guided by a faculty member) is electronically linked with an ongoing industry large grained information systems project. There are participating project team members, receiving both project experiences and just in time classroom/laboratory experiences. The Boeing Company and Motorola are committed to supporting this original learning/teaching paradigm. In add ition to the 2 1/2 months per year that the PI and Co-PI devote to this project, a team of ten (10) carefully selected professionals (5 from industry and 5 from academe) are heavily involved in the project. Three eminent CIS specialists will form the National Visiting Committee to critique and guide the project, and 50+ additional external specialists will review the results of the project. ln this manner, the quality and applicability of project results are assured. Widespread and timely dissemination to the Computing profession will be conducted.
