Vocabulary

Self-Directed Learning: Learning on your own by finding and judging information. It builds independence and problem-solving skills. Example: Watching YouTube to learn Excel formulas. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Mental Models: The way you think something works based on experience. These affect how you use systems. Example: Thinking Excel treats 1 as true and 0 as false. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Curse of Knowledge: When you know something so well that it's hard to explain it simply. Experts often assume others understand. Example: A professor skipping steps when teaching Excel.

Curse of Knowledge Article

Information System (IS): A combination of people, processes, data, software, and hardware that share information. It helps organizations function. Example: A system that tracks student grades.

5 Components of Information Systems

Five-Component Model: IS includes hardware, software, data, processes, and people. All must work together. Example: Excel + user + data = system. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Business Process: A set of steps used to complete a task in an organization. Systems are built around these steps. Example: Steps to submit a job application. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Inherent Processes: The built-in rules or steps a system forces users to follow. These reflect how designers think work should be done. Example: A form that must be filled out in a specific order. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Data: Raw facts or numbers that can be processed into useful information. It has no meaning until used. Example: A list of sales number. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Software: Programs that tell a computer what to do. It processes data and performs tasks. Example: Microsoft Excel. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Communication (in IS): Sharing information between people or systems. Good communication requires understanding others’ perspectives. Example: Designing a user-friendly app. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Technology Hype Cycle: A model showing how new tech goes from excitement to disappointment to realistic use. Not all hype lasts. Example: AI being overhyped before real use increases. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Trough of Disillusionment: When excitement drops because technology doesn’t meet expectations. People lose interest. Example: Companies cutting back on AI after overinvesting. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Slope of Enlightenment: When people start understanding how to use technology effectively. Real benefits appear. Example: Businesses finding useful AI applications. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Disruptive Technology: A new technology that changes how industries work or replaces old systems. It often starts small but grows quickly. Example: Smartphones replacing cameras. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Tech Adoption: When people actually start using a technology. It depends on usefulness and demand. Example: Employees using AI tools daily. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Real Market Demand: Actual need and usage of a product by users. It reflects real behavior. Example: Millions actively using a platform. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Perceived Market Readiness: What companies think customers want, even if it's wrong. This can lead to overinvestment. Example: Assuming everyone wants AI tools. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Speculative (Anticipatory) Adoption: Investing based on future expectations instead of current use. It is risky. Example: Startups betting on AI before demand exists. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Hype (Market Bubble): When excitement and investment grow faster than actual usage. This creates unrealistic expectations. Example: Massive AI funding with low usage. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Investment: Money spent on technology or resources. It does not guarantee usage. Example: A company spending millions on AI. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Adoption: When people actually use a technology. This is different from just buying it. Example: Workers using new software daily. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Diffusion: How widely a technology spreads over time. It shows long-term success. Example: Smartphones used worldwide. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Adoption vs. Investment vs. Diffusion: Spending, using, and spreading are different. Success requires all three. Example: AI investment is high, but usage is still limited. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Capital: Money or resources used to invest in a business or technology. It helps growth and development. Example: Funding used to build AI systems. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Metrics: Measurements used to track performance or success. They help decision-making. Example: Tracking daily active users of an app. (Textbook, Ch. 1)

Moore’s Law: The idea that computing power doubles about every two years while costs drop. It explains rapid tech growth. Example: Computers becoming faster and cheaper over time. (Textbook, Ch. 1)