Teaching web apis in introductory and programming classes: Why and how

Web services technology has received much attention in recent years under a broader umbrella of service-oriented architecture (SOA). In a memo to top-managers at Microsoft, Bill Gates stated "The broad and rich foundation of the internet will unleash a "services wave' of applications and experience available instantly over the internet to millions of users" [Gates, 2008]. While Web Services are widely used in developing systems of today, they are often excluded from information systems curriculum (Lim et al., 2010; Lopez et al., 2007]. We describe how and why teaching modern web services is an important part of information systems curriculum, and how they can be introduced at introductory levels. Practical suggestions are then offered for other instructors to integrate Web Services as part of a rich classroom experience, outlining the broad benefits to students that will better prepare them for upper division classes or to add to their skill set for industry positions upon graduation.