This issue is a teaser for the special issue on distance education. One article (Reif and Kruck) addresses online MIS degree programs, while another (Tanner, Noser, Fuselier, Totaro) discusses the perceptions ofundergraduate students regarding online courses. It is an important issue, as many universities believe that online courses can be set up and replayed for increased profits. Do students want to take online courses? Are online courses appropriate for all disciplines? Are combination courses-part traditional and part offered online--an answer?
Also included in this issue is an article by Raymond Papp, the IAIM webmaster. It is a mystery where he gets time for his research-but he addresses a web-enabled model for assessing strategic alignment. Outside the usual curriculum topics, Seethamraju raises the issue of a post graduate program incorporating SAP R/3. Bradley, Paul and Seeman tackle critical thinking-a critical component of the Information Systems analysis, design and development.
Given all the viruses, worms, pop-ups, and other miscellaneous distractions that we all face as we use technology, JIER will continue to take the paper-based route for disseminating all the good ideas-thank you Carol Waller and Tom Case for all your efforts. Readers, feel free to submit your manuscripts electronically by email, and we will try to get the abstracts posted on IAIM's web site. If you have suggestions or comments for improvement, send them. Thanks to the reviewers and associate editors.
Mary J. GrangerReturn to the Table of Contents