University Department Website

For this project the student created a website using WordPress Content Management software, setting up a site map for the university department, created specialized post categories to manage individual project posts. Projects posts can categorized and therefore be looked up by Current, Past or Upcoming or by the type of project: Database, Networking, Security and Web Development. The student researched and implemented color scheme and font styles based on usability research.

Project Student: Josh Apgar

Testimonials

The Living Lab has provided a great learning environment to improve my technical skills, build my ability to work in a team, and establish my communication skills. Lindsay Hamstra

The Living Lab has given me the chance to work on a project that I have yet to encounter in my six years of IT experience. It’s broadened my horizons and given me a great chance to work with other students in my field. I have also been able to pick up information from other fields of IT that I wouldn’t have been able to learn in my current job. Jerry Henderson

As a non-traditional student who has 25 years experience in the working world, I value Living Lab because it teaches soft skills in addition to furthering our understanding of technology. The projects we work on are computer based, but the most important lessons are work ethic, initiative, self-sufficiency, dealing with work-related frustrations, teamwork, and time management. Vicky Smith

My Living Lab experience has been really challenging and a life-learning, real-world experience. James Lamar Willis

The Living Lab was a life-changing experience, because this is how I got my first IT job. I gained knowledge and hands-on experience through contributions on a variety of projects for Simon Property Group. You never know all the solutions for all the problems, which makes it challenging and interesting. I went for another semester in the Living Lab, because I enjoy learning new techniques that will be valuable in the future. Yan Grishin

The Living Lab has been an enjoyable experience. It has provided new skills while strengthening old ones and has given me insight into the technical workplace. Wendell Matthew Klene

Before Living Lab, I had no work experience related to my IT career. I am grateful to my teachers for their support and encouragement on my projects. I experienced projects hands-on and improved my soft and technical skills. I learned how to work independently and also with a team as needed. I recommend students learn by direct practice and experience the Living Lab. It will introduce you to your prospective career! Ibrahim Issakha Doude

The Living Lab has taught me that not all projects will go as planned. You will run into problems and situations that frustrate you. I have, however, learned a great deal about logs and log management. I gained confidence in my problem-solving skills and overcoming obstacles when it comes to IT projects . Samuel J. Jacobs

The Living Lab is helpful because it exposed me to an environment similar to one I would face in a real IT job. Abdulrahaman Ahmed Banjar

I have definitely determined that this class could be just like a real life IT position. You never know how long a project might take, even a simple task. I’ve had some tasks take only a couple of hours, and I worked on one project for 36 hours straight. But I feel that Living Lab is helping to prepare me for what will come in the professional world. Eugene Gephart