Students in the Senior Projects course will be assigned a committee of three faculty members. The following descriptions outline the role of each of the committee members.
Instructor
The instructor will be the central point of contact for the course and will be responsible for organizing and coordinating all the activities of the course including the students, committee member assignments, proposals, research papers, projects, and evaluations. The instructor will be a part of every student's committee. Students should plan to meet with the instructor periodically throughout the semester to provide status updates. The instructor will serve as a resource to help students generate ideas and areas for research and implementation.
Mentor
The mentor will be assigned based on the area of emphasis for the project such as database, web design, networking, programming, or security. Students should plan to meet with their mentor periodically (4-5 times is the suggested minimum) throughout the semester to provide status updates and discuss what they plan to do next. The mentor will also serve as a resource to help students generate ideas and areas for research and implementation.
Member
A third member will be assigned to each committee to provide objective input at the time of presentation and evaluation. This committee member will receive and provide feedback on the student's proposal at the beginning of the semester and then be part of the grading process for the student.
This is not an official BYU- Idaho web page.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Previous Projects
Topics for previous projects include:
- Context Aware Learning Management System
- GivingTrip - Mobile application prototype for land trusts
- Prospective Tenant Network
- Multiplayer chess game with usability study
- Information security audit of Rexburg City Hall according to federal and state requirements
- MultiProtocol Label Switching (MPLS) for BYU-Idaho campus
- Performance comparison of Quagga vs. Cisco routers
- Installing and configuring Microsoft Project Enterprise for a construction company
- Virtual Honeynet (Security)
- Meshed wireless network (multiple access points)
- Application Programming Interface Framework for Adobe ActionScript3 web applications
- Multiplayer, multiplatform tank game
- Network performance monitoring and database tool for BYU-Idaho
- Application for scheduling finals in the Testing Center
Research Paper (Example for Usability Testing)
Paper Requirements
Human Computer Interactions (for Usability Testing)
A key component to the discipline of Information Technology is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This requires graduates to develop knowledge of Human-Computer Interactions (HCI), including but not limited to such areas as user and task analysis, human factors, ergonomics, accessibility standards, and cognitive psychology.
Requirements
Select one of the following focus areas of human-computer interaction listed below and either write a research paper or prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation on that subject. Talk to your instructor before selecting a topic.
The Topics and Learning Outcomes document has more detail on the core and elective learning outcomes for each of the seven topics listed below:
HCI-1. Human Factors
HCI-2. HCI aspects of application domains
HCI-3. Human-centered evaluation
HCI-4. Developing effective interfaces
HCI-5. Accessibility
HCI-6. Emerging technologies
HCI-7. Human-centered software development
HCI Topics and Learning Outcomes (CIPS Link with more detailed descriptions of each topic area)
This is not an official BYU- Idaho web page.
- Length: 10 pages, double-spaced
- Sources: 7 sources (at least 4 from peer reviewed journals or professional publications)
- Citation style: APA format (see Purdue's APA Style Guide and Sample Paper)
- Grading: The paper will be graded for content, clarity, and grammar
Human Computer Interactions (for Usability Testing)
A key component to the discipline of Information Technology is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This requires graduates to develop knowledge of Human-Computer Interactions (HCI), including but not limited to such areas as user and task analysis, human factors, ergonomics, accessibility standards, and cognitive psychology.
Requirements
Select one of the following focus areas of human-computer interaction listed below and either write a research paper or prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation on that subject. Talk to your instructor before selecting a topic.
The Topics and Learning Outcomes document has more detail on the core and elective learning outcomes for each of the seven topics listed below:
HCI-1. Human Factors
HCI-2. HCI aspects of application domains
HCI-3. Human-centered evaluation
HCI-4. Developing effective interfaces
HCI-5. Accessibility
HCI-6. Emerging technologies
HCI-7. Human-centered software development
HCI Topics and Learning Outcomes (CIPS Link with more detailed descriptions of each topic area)
This is not an official BYU- Idaho web page.
Project Requirements
Senior Projects can follow one of the following formats:
- Professional Certification - For example this could include pursuing professional certifications such as the CCNA, SCJP, SSCP, MCTIP, CISA, etc. See the CCNA Certification Option for applicable course requirements. If you choose to pursue some other certification, you will need to work with the course instructor to define the requirements for the course.
- Information System Implementation and Research Study - For example this could include building software, database, web application, and/or network and testing the performance or usability of your system under at least two different designs or iterations and then finalizing the design into a finished product. The requirements listed below address this option.
In order to help you make and meet your goals for life beyond school, you will be required to create a 1-2 page single-spaced paper describing what your ideal job or vision for where you would like to go with your career. The purpose of the paper is to encourage you to research and evaluate how you can use your education as a step to improving your future. Please include an explanation of at least 4 sources that helped you develop your ideas for the paper. These could include job search sites and at least one professional in the field you are pursuing (for example a professional network engineer if you want to go into networking). This paper should also provide direction to help turn your senior project into a portfolio building experience that will put you in a more proactive stance for job interviews and your plans for the future. Instead of having employers asking you questions to which you must think up answers on the spot, you will be able to show them what you can do based on your experience. The job description / vision paper will be the first deliverable of the course and will be due no later than the second week of the semester (see the course schedule for a specific date).
Preliminary Proposal
The proposal should address the following items:
- a description of the problem or opportunity the project will address
- a description of the expected results, outcomes, and deliverables of the project
- a list of resources required for the implementation (hardware and software)
- a tentative design for the project such as diagrams of the user interface, use cases, database relationships, network connections, etc.
- a project delivery schedule including review dates with your mentor/instructor and major milestones
- a testing/evaluation strategy such as performance testing or usability testing
- a grading rubric for the final result (e.g. what does an "A" level effort look like, a "B" level effort, etc.)
Approved Project Plan
Obtain feedback on your preliminary proposal from a classmate, your mentor, instructor, and third committee member. Address their feedback and refine your proposal into a finalized project plan. You must obtain approval on your final proposal from all three of your committee members before the deadline identified in the schedule.
Weekly Reports
Meet with your mentor or course instructor on a weekly basis to discuss your progress, obstacles, and goals. This should be a 15-20 minute meeting and you will be expected to submit documentation of the meeting showing the following:
- Progress on the previous week’s goals
- Time spent and work activities pursued during that time
- Obstacles encountered
- Solutions attempted and resources consulted to overcome obstacles
- Goals for the coming week
Final Documentation
Submit your final documentation in both hard copy and electronic formats (Word or .pdf). Final documentation should be in a report format and should address the following:
- an introduction that reviews what you set out to accomplish
- changes to the design or deviations from the approved project plan for your project
- a history of the implementation and your experiences
- explanation of any obstacles and how you dealt with them
- a conclusion describing the final status of the project, what you learned, and how it prepared you to meet your ideal job/vision
Appendices
- Ideal Job/Vision paper
- Preliminary proposal
- Approved Project Plan
- Time log listing the dates of your work, time spent, and description of activities for the day
- Results of weekly meetings with mentor/instructor (can be documented in e-mail correspondence or meeting notes)
- Feedback from committee (especially the Mid-term and trial presentations)
- Bibliography stating all of your references and sources consulted
Presentation
You will be expected to provide three presentations as part of this course. Presentations should show the highlights of your project and should summarize your proposal, design, implementation and conclusions. Consider the first two presentations as a trial run so that your final presentation will be highly polished. Obtain feedback from each member of your required audience and be sure to incorporate their feedback as best you can in the final presentation.
Mid-term (see the course schedule for specific dates)
- Required audience: a peer (you are required to attend another student's presentation), mentor, instructor, and committee member
- Expected duration: 15 minutes
Trial Presentation (two weeks prior to scheduled final presentation)
- Required audience: instructor and mentor
- Expected duration: 20 minutes
Final
- Required audience: a peer, mentor, instructor, and committee member (other students will also be invited to attend)
- Expected duration: 20 minute presentation + 10 minutes for questions
Winter 2011 Schedule
Thu, 1/13 - Ideal Job Description/Vision Paper Due
Thu, 1/20 - Preliminary Proposal Due
Sat, 1/22 - Research Paper Due
Thu, 1/27 - Approved Project Plan Deadline and 1st Weekly Report Due
Week of 2/14 to 2/18 - Mid-term Presentation
Week of 3/14 to 3/18 - Trial Presentation
Week of 3/28 to 4/1 - Final Presentation (2-3 p.m.)
Fri, 4/8 - Final Documentation
Thu, 1/20 - Preliminary Proposal Due
Sat, 1/22 - Research Paper Due
Thu, 1/27 - Approved Project Plan Deadline and 1st Weekly Report Due
Week of 2/14 to 2/18 - Mid-term Presentation
Week of 3/14 to 3/18 - Trial Presentation
Week of 3/28 to 4/1 - Final Presentation (2-3 p.m.)
Fri, 4/8 - Final Documentation
Syllabus
Instructor
Kory W. Godfrey
Smith 415
496-3573
Course Credit Hours: 3
Course Description
The senior project course is a capstone class designed to help students apply all of the skills gained and develop new skills to prepare for a professional career in computer information technology. The course will provide an opportunity for independent research, design, and integration of technology or a path to professional information technology certifications. It is intended that the project will support your area of emphasis and go beyond any of the material you have studied in your prior CIT courses. It is expected that you will spend 10-15 hours per week or a total of 135-165 hours on this course.
Objectives
Grading
Project + Testing Option
Class Policies
There is not a formal meeting time for this course. You are expected to work independently under the direction of a faculty member and manager your time effectively to accomplish the assigned task. You will be assigned a faculty member as your mentor and will be required to meet with them on a weekly basis to report your progress and receive guidance and direction. This is a capstone course and it is expected that you will be 10-15 hours a week working on this course.
BYU-Idaho standards are outlined in the student handbook. Students are expected to abide by the college honor code. No cheating will be tolerated. The dress code will be enforced in class and in the labs.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at 496-1130.
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, 496-1158. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Personnel Office at 496-1130.
Computer Ethics
The use of the BYU-Idaho network, systems and data impose responsibilities and obligations upon the students to use these computer components in an ethical manner and in accordance with the guidelines found in the BYU-Idaho Honor Code. Students are to access only data and files that are owned by them, or that the instructor has given explicit authorization to. Copyrighted material must be used in accordance with copyright law and applicable license agreements followed. Attempting to circumvent or subvert system security measures or engaging in any activity that causes harm to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files are considered inappropriate use. Violators are subject to disciplinary actions as prescribed by BYU-Idaho Policy and may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state, or federal civil or criminal law.
NOTE: A more detailed listing of Appropriate Use Guidelines will be posted in poster form in each of the computer labs.
This is not an official BYU- Idaho web page.
Kory W. Godfrey
Smith 415
496-3573
Course Credit Hours: 3
Course Description
The senior project course is a capstone class designed to help students apply all of the skills gained and develop new skills to prepare for a professional career in computer information technology. The course will provide an opportunity for independent research, design, and integration of technology or a path to professional information technology certifications. It is intended that the project will support your area of emphasis and go beyond any of the material you have studied in your prior CIT courses. It is expected that you will spend 10-15 hours per week or a total of 135-165 hours on this course.
Objectives
- Explore career paths in information technology
- Identify information technology knowledge and skills currently in demand
- Develop skills through independent research, design, implementation, and comparison of an information technology solution
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
Grading
Project + Testing Option
- Job Description / Vision Paper – 50 points
- Preliminary Proposal – 20 points
- Approved Project Plan – 50 points
- Research Paper – 100 points
- Weekly Reports – 200 points (20 per week)
- Mid-term Presentation – 50 points
- Trial Presentation – 50 points
- Final Presentation – 100 points
- Final Documentation – 200 points
- Total - 820 points
- Network simulation projects - 300 points
- Score on exam - 1000 points
- Final Presentation - 200 points
- Total - 1500 points
Class Policies
There is not a formal meeting time for this course. You are expected to work independently under the direction of a faculty member and manager your time effectively to accomplish the assigned task. You will be assigned a faculty member as your mentor and will be required to meet with them on a weekly basis to report your progress and receive guidance and direction. This is a capstone course and it is expected that you will be 10-15 hours a week working on this course.
BYU-Idaho standards are outlined in the student handbook. Students are expected to abide by the college honor code. No cheating will be tolerated. The dress code will be enforced in class and in the labs.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at 496-1130.
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, 496-1158. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Personnel Office at 496-1130.
Computer Ethics
The use of the BYU-Idaho network, systems and data impose responsibilities and obligations upon the students to use these computer components in an ethical manner and in accordance with the guidelines found in the BYU-Idaho Honor Code. Students are to access only data and files that are owned by them, or that the instructor has given explicit authorization to. Copyrighted material must be used in accordance with copyright law and applicable license agreements followed. Attempting to circumvent or subvert system security measures or engaging in any activity that causes harm to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files are considered inappropriate use. Violators are subject to disciplinary actions as prescribed by BYU-Idaho Policy and may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state, or federal civil or criminal law.
NOTE: A more detailed listing of Appropriate Use Guidelines will be posted in poster form in each of the computer labs.
This is not an official BYU- Idaho web page.
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