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CSIS 100

CSIS 100 - Discussion Board Topic #1:

One of the objectives of this course is to enable students to differentiate between the disciplines of Information Systems, Information Technology, and Computer Science. Oftentimes, these areas overlap and are difficult to distinguish – even among professionals within the industries.

There are some distinctions that become evident, but all too frequently, people do not understand these distinctions until they are already deep within their programs of study. Consequently, many decide that it is too late to pursue a different avenue in the computing world without losing valuable time and money spent on courses that may or may not apply to a different major.

Given the importance of achieving effective planning from the beginning, your first assignment in this course is to delve into the broad areas of Information Systems, Information Technology, and Computer Science and write about your career choice in a discussion board post. This should be your thought process:

· First, define each field (i.e. IS, IT, CS). Understand the similarities and differences.

· Second, determine what jobs are available in each area.

· Third, look at the degree completion plans for each of these programs.

· Fourth, assess your own skills (e.g. Are you good in math? Do you like business? Do you like algorithms? Are you gifted at problem-solving? Do you like learning about new technology? Do you enjoy working hands-on with equipment/hardware/wires?)

· Fifth, (and most importantly) ask God what He wants you to pursue based on your talents, interests, and abilities.

· Sixth, based on your analysis above, what career do you hope to obtain after graduation, and what degree will you pursue to achieve this goal?

To facilitate your research, there are four videos in your Reading & Study folder that will help you understand the differences between the computing fields and become familiar with the job opportunities in each area. Be sure to view these videos first.

The LU Registrar’s home page has information on degree completion plans. Here is a link to all of the currently available ones in the university:

http://www.liberty.edu/academics/registrar/index.cfm?PID=2981

Be sure to look at all of the ones listed for Information Systems and Information Technology. At the time of this writing, Computer Science is only listed under residential degree plans. That does not mean that you should rule out Computer Science as a potential major. You must consider all options and listen to God’s calling upon your life. With God, all things are possible.

Discussion Board Deliverables

Main Post:

In a minimum of 300 words, create a thread in Module 1’s discussion board forum that describes the following:

1. Your desired career upon graduation

2. Why you chose this career

3. Your intended major

4. Your strengths, weaknesses, and interests

5. How the major supports your chosen career

6. How God has led you to reach your decision

7. A Bible verse that reminds you to trust in God to lead you in your career/educational choices.

Note that the discussion board main thread requires a minimum of two citations. The Holy Bible may be used in this discussion board to satisfy these requirements.

Number your responses. Make complete sentences.

Title your main post as follows: [Your career choice] – [Your major]

Here is an example:

Title: Network Engineer – Information Technology (Networking/Security Cognate)

1. After graduation, I hope to obtain employment as a Network Administrator within a medium-to-large organization and eventually become certified as a CCNA.

2. I chose this career because I enjoy working with hardware and troubleshooting connectivity issues. I like to help others when it comes to setting up routers/modems in their homes and even running the cables. There are also numerous, well-paying jobs in this arena right now.

3. My intended major is Information Technology with a cognate in Networking and Security.

4. My strengths are being able to see how the “big picture” works. Looking at schematics and diagrams of networks is fascinating, and I want to learn more about it. Math is not my strongest area. Therefore, I have chosen a degree that requires only a few math classes. I enjoy helping people communicate and protecting them from hackers. Thus, I am also very interested in the security aspect of data communications.

5. Liberty offers a degree in Information Technology with a cognate (specialization) in data networking and security. This degree not only prepares you to perform networking in the field, but it also prepares you for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam, a certification that I hope to obtain after I graduate.

6. God has directed my career choices by giving me the interest and ability to work with networking equipment. I can see how learning about networking and security can help protect God’s children from cyber-attacks and persecution and, therefore, help build His kingdom.

7. I actually have two Bible verses that I use to remind myself of God’s control in my life (and especially my career):

Psalm 37:4 (ESV): Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the lord that will stand.

Replies:

Reply to two of your classmates’ threads. Each reply should be 100 words each, include at least 1 citation, and should say something meaningful rather than just “Great choice of career. I really agree with you…” Use this as an opportunity to share insights, cares, troubles, suggestions, etc. These replies should serve to foster professional relationships and build bridges between each other.

This discussion board should serve as an opportunity for you to review your career and educational choices. Most importantly, it should be a reminder let God guide you in the process and open your heart to His will for your life. He loves you so much and wants only the best for you. Have fun with this!