Innovative Technologies course going strong in its second year at Stillwater High

STILLWATER, Okla. - For the second year, Oklahoma State University and Stillwater High School have partnered to bring a course about innovative technologies to SHS students. The course is aimed at introducing students to skills associated with careers in management information systems (MIS), a career area that focuses on applying technology to solve real-world organization problems.  David Biros, assistant professor of management science and information systems at OSU, and SHS teacher Jason Webber team-teach the innovative technologies course five days a week. Throughout the semester-long course, 24 students from the 11th and 12th grades will learn how build and network computers, about information security and how to protect systems from hackers, and how to design and build software. “[The course] gives students another view of what they can do with their skills after high school,” Webber said. “Students have a better understanding of the growing technological world around them. It challenges them in every area as they must use common sense combined with math, reading and writing. They are also encouraged to develop good people skills to interact with various types of professionals whom they will encounter.” Webber said he hopes to provide students with a glimpse of a fast-paced, high-demand career and wants his students to know there is something out there for them. “Over the past five to seven years, MIS has lost a number of students due to the belief that IT jobs are being outsourced,” Biros said. “SHS and the MSIS department created this course to educate students and the public about the industry, which in reality has many jobs still open.” In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that a college education in MIS will prepare graduates for success in five of the eight fastest growing occupations in the United States. In addition to learning about careers in MIS, Webber said students also benefit from a number of other opportunities the course provides. “Students further develop study skills and learn what kind of expectations will be placed on them throughout college and their career,” Webber said. “[They] also get to see others come in the classroom and present on various technologies which sets the model for them that it is not just about learning in the classroom. It is also about giving back to others. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Dr. Biros and the MSIS department at OSU,” Webber said. “They offer a rare opportunity at our school to further students’ education and future by providing current industry information by way of graduate students, professors and those currently working in the field.” Each year, the OSU Department of Management Science and Information Systems hosts IT day-camps and attends several college fairs to increase enrollment and raise the standard on information technology education. In June, the department will host the first OSU Information Systems Technology Exploration (ISyTE) Academy, which is a six-day, hands-on program designed for high school students interested in the vital intersection of business and technology. Twenty students will receive scholarships that cover 100 percent of the fees associated with the academy, including all meals and lodging. For more information about the innovative technologies course at Stillwater High School or the Spears School Department of MSIS, call 405-744-7156 or visit spears.okstate.edu/miss. To learn more about or apply for the OSU ISyTE Academy, visit cepd.okstate.edu/isyte or call 1-866-678-3933.