1 Course Structure

The class is organized into six modules, spanning 15 weeks during Fall/Spring Semesters and 10 weeks during Summer Semesters. Pay close attention to the schedule; Module length varies (i.e., not all Modules are the same length).

1.1 Module Overview

• Module 1 serves as an orientation to the course. Some students could be new to the course, and will be added to an existing team. You must also familiarize yourself with the format of the course.

  • Each team must collaborate on updates to the Lab 1 outline, glossary, and reference materials.

  • Each student must individually write individual Lab 1.

• Module 2 covers Design Foundations. Students will begin the process of designing the prototype development. You will have readings, deliverables, and must make progress on prototype development each week.

• Module 3 focuses on Detailed Design. Students will prepare a detailed schedule (e.g., Gantt chart) of the tasks to be completed by each team member.

  • Each team will create a collaborative Lab 2 (Specifications and Requirements) outline.

  • Each student will submit an individually written portion (sections 1 and 2).

  • Each team will submit a collaborative Lab 2 section 3 as a separate document.

• Module 4 covers Testing and Evaluation.

  • Students will work with their teams to complete Lab 3 (Test Plan) with individual and collaborative components.

  • At the end of this module, students will demonstrate their prototype to their instructor and mentor. Corrections or suggested improvements will be noted.

• Module 5 is for reflection. Prototypes will be completed and delivered to the mentors.

• Module 6 is for Lessons Learned.

1.2 Module Structure

Each Module begins with the overview page. After reading that page, you should look at the assignments page to see what will be expected of you. After reviewing the assignments, you should start exploring the content through the topics menu.

Each week, you will have various tasks, including:

1. Reading - material to read will be provided on the course site.

2. Assignment - assignments will be available in Blackboard (under Assignments) and must be submitted through Blackboard.

3. Discussion Questions - The discussion questions are listed in the course outline. Live Recitations–each group is registered for an hour long recitation. During this time, we will be able to have a live conversation about your papers and prototype progress. We will meet when needed–which might not be every week for every team.

2 Clarification & General Questions

Use the Hallway forum in Blackboard to ask for clarification on assignments, readings, due dates, and other course materials. I encourage you to answer your colleagues’ questions.