Syllabus
Course Information
CIT 48500 The Living Lab (3 cr.)
Prerequisite(s): Permission from the instructor(s)
Course Day and Time: Fridays in-person from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Course Location: ET 007A and ET 007B
Meet your Instructor
Clay Hampton
cthampto@purdue.edu
Phone: (765) 495 – 7815
Office: 799 W. Michigan St., ET 309
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Course Description
The Living Lab allows students to apply networking, security, database, website, application development, computer graphics and multimedia concepts and techniques learned from prior CIT and CGT courses to internal and/or external projects. The Living Lab emulates an industry IT department in which students work on one or more projects as part of an IT team. Independent work is required, and students will report all work to the professor or class IT manager.
Learning Resources, Technology & Texts
- Informed Learning resources such as:
- Required texts and/or e-book:
- None – all reading assignments will be from online sources including O’Reilly’s safari site which is free to Purdue students
- Additional readings
- Databases
- Required texts and/or e-book:
- Software/web resources
- Use of artificial intelligence (AI) or Large Language Models (LLM) in this course: allowed
- Technology & Hardware requirements can be found in the Brightspace Start Here content
section. - Brightspace learning management system
Learning Outcomes
- Work on a team in a real world environment (CIT d)
- Reinforce IT skills and learn new ones (CIT h, j)
- Design and implement projects to meet client specifications (CIT j, k, l)
- Learn to consistently meet project deadlines on time (CIT n)
- Develop and/or improve project management skills (CIT n)
- Develop and/or improve client management skills (CIT g)
- Develop and/or improve project presentation skills (CIT f)
- Understand the need for continuing professional education (CIT h)
CIT Student Outcomes (ABET CAC)
(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal. (e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
(i) An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies
(j) An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
(k) An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan
Professional Skills
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Accountability to professor/clients
- Worked independently
- Worked in a real-world environment
- Reinforced or learned new various IT skills
- Designed and implemented projects to meet client specifications
- Learned to consistently meet project deadlines on time
- Developed and/or improved project management skills
- Developed and/or improved client management skills
- Developed and/or improved project presentation skills
- Understood the need for continuing professional education
Expectations
What to expect out of your instructor:
We will communicate with you primarily through the tools within this Brightspace course. If you have a personal concern or question you would like to talk about, please send me an email directly. During the workweek, we will respond to personal emails or your posts directed to me within 24 hours. We are unlikely to review communication over the weekend, but we will respond on Monday to most situations. If you do message us, please make sure to be descriptive in your subject line and the body of your message. Please allow a full 24 hours before emailing me again about the same question or issue, and on Monday for inquiries sent over the weekend.
What we expect of you:
- Ability to be self-sufficient in research and problem solving.
- Attendance is the responsibility of each student. If you have something that comes up let us know in advanced and plan for a day to make up time.
- To learn new things and have fun
Attendance:
Required to work 1 day a week for a total of 7 hours each week.
Unless other arrangements have been made with the course instructor, each student is expected to be in class from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for their workday. If a student demonstrates poor attendance, points will be deducted from their weekly grade, and the student will likely fail the course. Poor attendance includes but is not limited to tardiness and frequent absences.
Project Information
Project Assignment(s): The reality of these projects is that they will come in different shapes and sizes and degrees of difficulty. The more difficult projects will be weighted more heavily to balance out the load for each student. This is a unique component of this class. The course instructor, or IT manager, reserves the right to adjust project loads to produce desired results. See the Project Archives page for more information.
Class Assignments: All class assignments will be project related. Each student will work on one-to-many projects during the course of the semester. Students may work either on teams or individually. Some assignments/projects will be given directly by the course instructor or IT manager.
Meetings: All students are required to attend the first Friday of class regardless of their schedule. In addition, project status meetings are mandatory each week and attendance is required either in person or on MS Teams or Zoom. These meetings will be used to report on project status, address issues and concerns, and to share project deliverables with the class.
Weekly Status Reports: All status reports should be submitted weekly before the required time. Status reports should be brief and concise. The status report will be submitted via the Living Lab website per instructions received the first day of class. The weekly due date for the weekly status report will be announced each semester. Status reports will have the following elements included:
- Time/Hours worked. Report hours worked on Living Lab tasks each week.
- List (by project or topic):
- What you have accomplished,
- Challenges encountered, and/or
- Change(s) in direction.
Reflective Journal: Each student is responsible for keeping a weekly journal. The journal is to be turned in at midterm and the completion of the course.
- For the purposes of the Living lab, you will create a journal entry after each day. As you are writing in your journal, think about how you organized your thoughts and how you solved the IT problem. Think about the courses or experiences that prepared you to be able to solve this issue/problem on your own.
- The goal of a reflective journal is to get you to think about how you are learning and develop the skills necessary to become a life-long learner. You will pull from various course experiences as well as your hands-on experience and apply to the current situation (experience). The journal will help you gain knowledge or your own thinking processes and helps you to be able to control and manage your learning processes.
Progress: Each student is expected to create a project plan for each project and in that plan notate actual progress in comparison to the initial plan as the project evolves weekly. Progress is expected of each student for every project he or she is assigned. Project plans should clearly reflect progress on the project(s) assigned, or a clearly documented reason for lack of progress along with a plan for corrective action to get the project back on schedule. Demonstration of the ability to make successful progress and/or demonstration of adaptability to changes in project(s) and taking initiative to remodel a project outcome will be measured throughout the semester.
End of Semester Deliverables
Details and/or examples of the deliverables listed below are provided in Brightspace. Project and Documentation deliverables may vary from one project/assignment to another to project as these deliverable items are custom to your Living Lab assignment.
- Presentation: Prepare and present a 10-minute presentation summarizing your project or body of work during the semester. All materials will be ready and copied on the classroom presentation computer at least 30 minutes prior to start of presentations. Required dress is business casual. The presentation date will be on the last day of class; with the date to be announced. Attendance is mandatory for all students! Any student who does not have his or her presentation copied to the presentation computer 30 minutes prior to the start of presentations will receive a zero (0) for his/her presentation grade.
- Cumulative Weekly Status Report: Each student’s electronic submission from the Living Lab website will be evaluated. Students do not have to include this in Brightspace and Google Drive.
- Reflective Journal: Each student is responsible to keep a weekly journal and turn it in at the completion of the course.
- Project Work Report: Each student will submit a project work report. This is a detailed multi-page comprehensive report. It is not advisable to wait until the last week or two of the semesters to start this report. See the Work Report Guidelines document in Files>>Deliverables and Samples for instructions.
- Poster: Each student will present a poster at the end of the semester in electronic form (a printed poster is NOT required). The poster should also be incorporated into the PowerPoint presentation. A poster template is provided in Files>>Deliverables and Samples.
- Documentation: Documentation associated with all project work, in a format that enables future student(s) to continue your work must be provided in electronic form. This includes a complete copy or set of all materials associated with but not limited to files, research, references, end-user guide, hardware documentation and/or actual full set of code related to or produced for the project. Code files may be compressed.
All end-of-semester deliverables must be complete and uploaded to the Google Drive and Brightspace Assignments, if applicable that has project documentation that must be turned in prior to presentation day (last day of class).
Do not postpone this task until the morning of presentations. There will be no time allocated to address deliverable issues on Presentation Day.
EACH STUDENT MUST TURN IN ALL SEMESTER END DELIVERABLES ON BOTH Brightspace and Google Drive. UPLOAD THEM PRIOR TO THE FINAL PRESENTATION DAY.
IMPORTANT: All deliverables will be turned in or student will fail course.
Make-up assignments are only given in extenuating circumstances with verified documentation, and then only if advance arrangements are made before the exam is given to the class. Collaboration on homework, studying and labs outside of class is encouraged. Students are responsible for material covered in class. If you must be absent, please find another student to share their notes with you. It is also important to view recorded Adobe Connect meetings if you miss those.
Course Management & Policies
Administrative Withdrawal
A basic requirement of this course is that you will participate in class and conscientiously complete writing and reading assignments. You’re expected to attend all of your classes and complete all required course activities and assignments. Keep in touch with me if you are unable to attend class or complete an assignment on time. If you miss more than half of required activities during the first 25 percent of the course without making prior arrangements with your instructor, you may be administratively withdrawn from the course. If you’re administratively withdrawn, you’ll receive a W grade on your transcript. Administrative withdrawal may have academic, financial, and financial aid implications. Administrative withdrawal will take place after the full refund period, and if you are administratively withdrawn from the course, you will not be eligible for a tuition refund. If you have questions about the administrative withdrawal policy at any point during the semester, please contact me.
Make sure you officially drop a course (Links to an external site.) if necessary, rather than just not attending classes.
Academic Integrity Statement
Cheating is absolutely not tolerated at Purdue University!
The Purdue University Code of Ethics is based on the need for trust in an academic community. Purdue University’s system is developed by and maintained for the welfare of its students, and all students should make sure that they read and understand the provisions outlined in the Student Handbook. The code, which is available in the Office of the Dean of Students and in all school office, spells out what constitutes unacceptable behavior and the procedures to be followed when there are alleged cases of misconduct. The dean of students also has some very brief pamphlets on key areas of the code. The link that follows is not the code but rather abbreviated and paraphrased statements on key elements of the code: academic and personal misconduct as well as a section on what students should do if they believe that other students, faculty, or staff have violated their rights. The code also explains the procedures employed and how students may appeal decisions. For more information, consult the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct as well as brochures located in the Office of the Dean of Students.
Any form of cheating/plagiarism on an assignment, homework or quiz will result in both a zero score for the assignment, and a one-letter grade penalty in the course. The case will be reported to the Chairman of the Department of Computer, Information & Leadership Technology and a letter describing the infraction will be placed in your student file. Further disciplinary action will be pursued according to university policy as described in Part III of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct (Issued August 15, 1997). Cheating, or helping another student to cheat, are considered equal cases of academic dishonesty and will be dealt with as noted above.
What constitutes cheating?
Giving another student access to your computer account or negligently permitting another student to access your computer account constitutes cheating on your part if that other student copies any files that become implicated in a cheating case. Protect your account as if your academic career depends on it!
Giving another student your code “just to look at” has resulted in serious problems for both students in the past-even with the best of intentions. Do not give your code to other students.
Note: When creating graphics or Web sites, treat Web content as you would treat content from a published article or book. Please see below for what is considered “Acceptable” and “Cheating“.
| Acceptable | Cheating |
| Including a brief quote from a web page with the source cited. | Copying entire pages or paragraphs and republishing it as your own. |
| Using graphics from a free clip art or graphic site. | Using someone else’s graphics without permission. |
| Discussing an assignment with another student. | Copying another student’s work. |
| Looking at code samples to help you figure out what to do. | Copying entire code segments and submitting it as your own. |
If you are confused as to the difference between helping each other (which is encouraged) and plagiarism (which will not be tolerated), please ask me.
Student Support and Resources
| Accessibility | Ensuring that Purdue students have access to equitable learning experiences is a university-level commitment and is the responsibility of all members of the Purdue community. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is a key partner in this work and is a resource for students and instructors to ensure access it met. The Student Services widget links to the DRC. Your syllabus or Brightspace Start Here may address your personal policy for making the learning experiences in your course as accessible as possible. The DRC website provides a sample syllabus statement as well as other Instructor Resources such as the Usable Materials Center. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247. |
| Purdue OWL | The Purdue OWL, a unit of the College of Liberal Arts, houses on-campus support for students and faculty for any aspect of writing as well as a website of resources and instructional materials around writing. The website is one of the most used educational resources in the world. For all students, faculty, and staff at the Indianapolis campus, this service is free. To learn more about the OWL, please visit their website. |
| Math Assistance Center (MAC) | Academic Success is proud to partner with the Indiana University Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC), which is a service of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and University College. The MAC offers peer tutoring to students in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, multi-dimensional calculus, and differential equations. The MAC is located in the basement of Taylor Hall (UC B001). |
| Study Skills Consultations | Student consultations with professional staff are available by appointment only. Consultations cover academic skills and strategies related to time management, studying for exams, and reaching other academic goals. Consultations are not for course registration information, prospective and admitted student meetings, or CODO planning; please see your academic advisor to discuss those topics. This service is free to all Purdue University undergraduate students. |
| Peer Success Coaching | The Student Advocate Office will answer your questions, direct yoThe Peer Success Coaching (PSC) Program provides Purdue undergraduate students with an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trained coach. PSCs support students as they navigate the college environment and learn to succeed academically, socially, and personally. |
| Mental Health/Wellness Statement | If you’re struggling and need mental health services: Purdue University is committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of its students. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. For help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 765-494-6995 during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS offices in West Lafayette or Indianapolis. |
| Disability-Related Accommodations | Purdue University strives to make learning experiences accessible to all participants. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247, as soon as possible. If the Disability Resource Center (DRC) has determined reasonable accommodations in the academic environment, you must send me your Course Accommodation Letter, and are strongly encouraged to contact me as soon as possible to discuss implementation of your accommodations. Instructions on sharing your Course Accommodation Letter can be found by visiting: https://www.purdue.edu/drc/students/course-accommodation-letter.php |
Grading Policies
Hopefully the opportunity for experience will provide enough motivation for all students to do well. Qualitative measures include the timeliness and the quality of your work. Your client’s satisfaction is the number one criterion for success in the real world and in this course. If you think you are in danger of not passing this course, you will need to talk to the course instructor or IT manager as it is your responsibility to complete the work required.
Grade Weighting:
| Assignment(s) | Weight |
| Assignments (100pts) | 10% |
| Project plan / Progress / Status Reports (400pts) | 40% |
| Final Deliverables: Reflective Journal (100pts) Project Work Report (100pts) Documentation (150pts) Presentation (100pts) Poster (50pts) | 50% |
| Total Points Possible / Weight | 1000 pts / 100% |
CIT Grade Standards
| A | Represents the highest grade possible and indicates outstanding achievement. This grade is not automatically given to the top student performance but instead indicates student work which demonstrates complete mastery of course learning objectives or evinces a level of creativity or originality which far exceeds course expectations. The grade indicates the student works independently and with strong initiative, seeking knowledge outside the normal framework of the course. |
| B | Represents achievement considerably above expectations. Student performance demonstrates thorough understanding of course learning objectives and a high level of creativity or originality. |
| C | Student performance meets designated course requirements and demonstrates understanding of the course material and attainment of the course learning objectives. This is the grade that may be expected of a student who puts forth a reasonable amount of time and effort and completes all requirements. |
| D | This grade denotes substandard work and indicates incomplete and inadequate understanding of the course learning objectives. It indicates work which may not satisfy all requirements. |
| F | This grade indicates serious deficiency in understanding course learning objectives and failure to complete requirements of the course. |
Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage | ||
| A+ | 100 % | to 97.0% | |
| A | < 97.0 % | to 93.0% | |
| A- | < 93.0 % | to 90.0% | |
| B+ | < 90.0 % | to 87.0% | |
| B | < 87.0 % | to 83.0% | |
| B- | < 83.0 % | to 80.0% | |
| C+ | < 80.0 % | to 77.0% | |
| C | < 77.0 % | to 73.0% | <– Minimum to pass CIT course |
| C- | < 73.0 % | to 70.0% | |
| D+ | < 70.0 % | to 67.0% | |
| D | < 67.0 % | to 63.0% | |
| D- | < 63.0 % | to 60.0% | |
| F | < 60.0 % | to 0.0% |