Class Summary, Nov 15

Today we didn't have any speakers. Rather, we learned all about Capstones. I've been hearing about them since I came here, but they were never clearly defined. Until now. A Capstone presentation is basically the final presentation before you graduate. It's more about the preparation than the final presentation, so as long as you did the work you should do alright, grade-wise. Capstones are cool because everybody does a different one, so there are all these big projects you can look at. It demonstrates to me that CSUMB students can really produce something.

Well, that's what it demonstrates in general, but it means more than that to me because I like looking at other people's projects, and since everybody does a Capstone there are tons of projects that are all different, all student-chosen. Fun stuff to look through if I ever have a lot of spare time.

The presentations are usually done in the classroom for this class, building 18, room 118. They're also broadcast to a monitor outside, and furthermore they're recorded and stored for 5 years. We can request a copy of 'em too. These things are official.

They're usually PowerPoint presentations, and usually about 10 slides long. Some people do other formats, but that's the norm. The standard Capstone presentation engages the audience, describes a problem, describes some potential solutions, states the chosen solution and why it was chosen, and shows how well it has worked. As usual for presentations, the audience can ask questions at the end. This means that the Capstone projects have to solve a problem. They also need to use sophisticated technology and/or design, and involve a community partner or a client. The intent here is to use our technology to solve problems in the community.

Heh. Salinas/Marina/Monterey must love CSUMB. There are all these helpful projects, done by CSUMB students, for free.

Anyway, Capstones have three classes dedicated to them: CST 400 (choosing a Capstone), CST 401 (doing that Capstone), and CST 496 (working with your Capstone advisor). CST 400 and 496 are taken one semester, then 401 and 496 the next semester. Yes, that means taking CST 496 twice; it ensures your advisor is involved in the entire process.

There are lots of potential Capstones, but there are some requirements. As stated before, a Capstone needs to:

1. Solve a problem
2. Use sophisticated technology and/or design
3. Involve a community partner or a client

A Capstone itself requires:

1. Complexity (it can't be too easy)
2. Integration of technology and design
3. Technology/design excellence (this is a professional project)
4. Client/community involvement
5. Project management

Another important thing is that since a community partner is involved, the Capstone needs to be able to be finished if that partner bails from the project. Thus Capstones are usually things developing everything required to set up a database of <something>, rather than actually setting it up. Setting it up would be very easy from the finished Capstone, but it would require buying the computers and software necessary. That part is up to the community partner, and if they choose not to do it the student can still complete his/her Capstone.