IST 305

Class Project List

The following is a list of class projects to be presented in class. Each group will have a full class period for their presentations. Each group member will make an individual presentation on a specific topic within the overall group topic.

Each group member will prepare documentation to be turned in. The documentation should identify the presenter. It should include Web sites visited, people interviewed, acknowledge articles by source and author, information gathered and conclusions reached if any.

All topics are to be researched and presented from the view point of computer technology, the contributions of computerization and the need for further computerization.

Each group member must participate. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the presentation.

On the day of presentation, business casual dress is required. You will be teaching the class. Be professional, be dignified, be informative.

Projects

  1. Fly by Wire.

Fly by wire is a term used in the aircraft industry. It means using computers to control aircraft performance. The following topics should be researched and addressed.

  1. Background – A history of flight with respect to aircraft performance in the military and civilian areas.
  2. Problems with current and proposed military and civilian aircraft design and performance
  3. Human limitations with respect to aircraft control under flight circumstances.
  4. Computers – where do they fit in the design and control of aircraft.
  5. The Future – Predictions and/or directions of research into aircraft design and flight control.
  1. Medicine

Advances are being made in the field of brain research. Computers are playing a very large roll in the determination of brain function and then in the use of this knowledge. An area being actively pursued is the use of thought to control prosthetic devices.

  1. Background- define prosthesis. What are the effects of losing a limb or the loss of use of a limb or an eye or hearing.
  2. Compare and contrast the old theories of brain function with the current modern evidence of brain function. How did computers enhance our knowledge?
  3. What research is being done into civilian uses for “mind control”?
  4. What research is being done into military uses for “mind control”?
  5. Where are we today and where will we be in 5 or 10 years?
  1. Computers in Sports Franchises.
  1. Background. Discuss the evolution of sports from mainly a competitive endeavor to a business. Use the last 50 years as your time frame. Items that have been added to each franchise are TV revenues, team shops, royalties, etc. Specify more.
  2. Discuss the needs, use and application in the Salary arena.
  3. Discuss the needs, use and application in the Statistical arena.
  4. Discuss the needs, use and application in the Draft and Free Agent arena.
  5. Discuss the needs, use and application in the Game Strategy arena.
  1. Computers in Chemistry
  1. Background – How was analysis, theoretical chemistry done in the past.
  2. Instrumentation – Name some new analytical equipment in use today. How computerization has helped in analysis
  3. Predictive Chemistry – What products are on the market place (Name a couple and the company that wrote the program.) How does this help the chemist? Does it provide cost savings?
  4. Statistical Analysis – Software and computer technology advances. A major program in use today is SAS. Discuss this program. List some benefits gained by using it.
  5. What does the future look like with respect to applying computer technology to chemistry? Do you see any spin-offs from the current Mars rover missions?
  1. Computers in Business
  1. Discuss the evolution of software in the everyday life of a business. Research the needs of business that resulted in the writing of new software. (Examine the time period 1970 to today.)
  2. Discuss how computers are aiding Manufacturing.
  3. Discuss how computers are aiding the Metal forming industry.
  4. Discuss how computers are aiding the Automotive industry
  5. Discuss how computers are aiding the Aircraft industry.
  1. Computers in Law Enforcement
  1. Background. What kind of data do law enforcement agencies require and how was it handled in the past?
  2. How are computers utilized in law enforcement today?
  3. What is computerization doing to help the average road officer perform his or her job in an efficient and safe manner?
  4. Discuss Facial Recognition Software. (Talk about the theory, uses, and success and/or failures.)
  5. What is the wish list of today’s law enforcement community?
  1. Computers in the Food Industry
  1. Background, how stores of all sizes worked before the advent of computers.
  2. Use of computers in the checkout counters.
  3. Use of computers in tracking inventory.
  4. Use of computers in the distribution of food from manufacturer to wholesaler or ware house to store. Outdated stock.
  5. Use of computers in the restocking of inventory including what to restock and at what store.

8.Computers in Every Day Life

  1. Areas of everyday life where computers are making an impact.
  2. Discuss bill paying on-line. Explore the process, the pros and cons.
  3. Discuss on-line job searches.
  4. Discuss computers in appliances.
  5. Discuss computers in the recreational area.

(For C., D., E. above, give examples and the value as well as drawbacks and any possible ethical dilemmas and the existence of the digital divide.)