This is the second term that the Student Software Group has been run, and it will be the make-or-break term for the SPP. Last term, very little got done, and if nothing is completed this term, then the SPP will probably be deemed an unfeasible idea considering the time constraints and heavy workloads of Waterloo students.
This term, we're experimenting with organizing the SPP differently. Instead of having one giant project, we're going to have multiple projects each headed up by a project leader. Hopefully, this will allow for smaller and more manageable groups, better leadership, a greater chance that at least one of the projects will get completed, and a wider variety of projects that students may be interested in. This also brings up a host of other problems like dilution of talent, poor leadership, and increased confusion.
Because of popular demand, the Student Software Group will also be holding weekly meetings this term where students can get together and discuss problems that they have with coding, implementation, or concepts and possible solutions. These Q&A or beginner meetings will hopefully have project leaders and others show up in order to help find solutions.
The Student Software Group is a pretty casual group. There are no deadlines or prerequisites. Students of any skill level are welcome. Want to start your own project? Feel free to. The projects can be anything which students are interested in. Graphics libraries, gaming toolkits, microwave oven controllers, programming contest entries, utilities, CS assignments, operating systems, compilers, databases, etc. are all possible projects. The project can encompass any topic which students are interested in such as artificial intelligence, DSP programming, specific languages or programming libraries (C/C++, Java, Scheme, assembly language, MFC, etc.), specific operating systems (UNIX, mainframes, DOS, Windows, Mac, etc.), computing theory, modeling and simulation, graphics, etc.
NOTE: THE STUDENT SOFTWARE GROUP IS NO LONGER AN ACTIVE ORGANIZATION. IT HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVE SINCE THE FALL TERM OF 1998. I ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE STUDENT SOFTWARE GROUP TO TRY STARTING IT UP AGAIN. IN THE MEANTIME, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THESE LINKS:
About the SPP
Interested in Joining?
Fall 98 Projects
Winter 98 Project
For more information, contact Ming-Yee Iu at my2iu@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca.