On October 25, 2024, the Department of Information Systems hosted our panel discussion: “The Universal Influence of Information Systems: Why Tech Matters for Every Field” with four panelists: Julia Romano, Jordan Long, Danielle Manser & Gregg Lampf. At least three sections of INFO 211 students attended as well as several outside students from Parkside High School and even Julia’s mother. Several INFO faculty were in attendance including Yuqi Peng, Vince Nan, Minseok Park, Hoon Cha, Laura Anderson, Bill Burke, Sumathy Chandrashekar, and Jing Quan.

Students were given a handout “Panel Discussion Sheet for Students” and directed to scan the first QR and fill out a short google form for their attendance/credit. The second QR code on the handout directed them to text or submit their questions to the panel. Professor Anderson filtered the questions coming in from the audience and President Tyler read the questions and directed them to the panelists.

The 3rd QR on the hand out asked students for their feedback regarding the event. The questions lasted about a hour and a half. Initial feedback from both the panelists and the students were positive and the event was a success. We hope to repeat the magic again next fall as we have Is Info the One to look forward to in spring semester. The handout sheet also contained the QRs of all panelists linked in profiles. There was a long line of students continuing to ask questions of the panelists up to a half hour after the event ended. Students were engaged with the topics.