Welcome to COLLAB: at the Crossroads of Learning and Software Development!
VISION
To make unstructured and hands-on learning a cornerstone of software development education.
MISSION
To foster an environment where students build software independently, learning hands-on under minimal supervision.
GOAL
To enable students to use modern technology stacks, meeting industry standards to enhance their employability.
OBJECTIVE
To support a dozen students each term in developing software projects that qualify as academic credit and practical experience.
At Johns Hopkins University, students have the opportunity to engage in Independent Academic Work (which is currently being rebranded as Customized Academic Learning!), which can be applied toward credit requirements for degree programs within the Whiting School of Engineering, among other divisions, with certain stipulations. Typically, these independent projects take the form of research or design ventures.
Recognizing a gap in opportunities specifically geared toward software development, we established COLLAB to provide students with hands-on project experiences in this field. Our goal is to provide an alternative to traditional research with practical, real-world software development projects, enhancing both learning and employability.
At COLLAB, our approach to education is distinctly project-based and unstructured, designed to mirror the dynamic challenges of the software industry. We provide a unique learning environment where students can delve into hands-on software development, gaining practical experience while working on software projects. Our setup allows students to earn academic credits while gaining experience in a setting that resembles a software industry internship.
In our lab, each project is a chance to experiment and innovate. The outcome might be a widely used application or a disposable prototype that enhances a student's learning journey. We encourage students to take the lead, exploring fresh ideas and technologies. This freedom nurtures creativity and problem-solving abilities, preparing students with the skills and confidence required for success in technology-driven careers.
At COLLAB, our primary audience is undergraduate computer science students at Johns Hopkins University, but our doors are also open to graduate students, students from other departments, and occasionally, students from other universities and even high schoolers.
The lab operates under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Madooei.
madooei@jhu.edu