Several BYU Information Technology students, under the direction of Associate Professor Derek Hansen, recently wrote test scripts for software used for mission finances and administration.

“They roll out a new version of the software regularly,” Hansen explained. “Each new version needs to be checked for code-breaks. Students helped by writing test scripts to simulate using the software to make sure everything works properly.”

Four students worked for almost two years writing scripts which run as part of the automated testing process. The problems, if they show up, can then be debugged. Several such problems were identified by the students.

“It was a great experience for the students, who were able to develop new skills and interact with professionals in a real world work experience. It was like a short internship, but with an important emphasis on service,” Hansen said.

This IMOS software is integrated with many of the systems mission presidents use to manage their responsibilities. The test scripts the BYU students wrote act like a virtual user of IMOS and test the new builds against potential problems.

BYU has other possibilities for collaboration with LDSTech, according to Hansen. “BYU students from across campus are excellent at prototyping novel technological solutions, conducting user experience design research, and performing web and social media analytics” he said. For example, BYU students have been working to help design the onboarding experience for new users of the web-based indexing tool that will be rolled out this year.

“Successful collaborations with LDSTech and BYU share a few characteristics. They are projects that can be conducted relatively independent of the day-to-day operations of LDSTech employees, they can be scoped to fit into the academic schedule, they provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, and they leverage students’ existing skills and interests. The partnership with IMOS has been an excellent example. We also look forward to promoting the LDSTech Conference Gospel Game Apps Contest this Fall”(for details go to http://tech.lds.org/wiki/Contest2014), “as it is an ideal example of where we can leverage the creativity and talent of BYU students.” says Hansen.

For more information on volunteering for LDSTech projects, or to find out about the 2014 LDSTech Conference (Oct. 16 & 17 at the UofU Institute of Religion Building in Salt Lake City, Utah) go to our website: tech.LDS.org /conference for more details.