Overview
Role: Learning Designer, Instructor
Timeline: 3-Month Full-Time Contract Project
Skills: MIT App Inventor, Pedagogical Learning Skills
Tools: MIT App Inventor, Pedagogical Learning Skills
Context
Background:
The “App Makers 8-Week Program” introduced young learners to the basics of coding by creating mobile apps using MIT App Inventor. The curriculum engaged students through fun, hands-on projects, teaching coding fundamentals, app design, and user interface creation.
Instructor Tutorials & Learning Materials:
I developed comprehensive tutorials, concept cards, worksheets, and slide decks to support both instructors and students, ensuring a seamless learning experience.
Program Design and Structure
8-Week Curriculum Overview: Concept cards, worksheets, guided slide decks, and instructor tutorials.
- Week 1: Introduction to programming basics and first app creation (“Hello, it’s me”).
- Weeks 2–3: Wireframing and UI/UX design with app layout development.
- Weeks 4–5: Sprite creation and integration into apps.
- Weeks 6–8: Coding blocks implementation, game mechanics (e.g., “Ball Bounce” app), and final demos.
Learning Summary
Students learned to code their own apps using MIT App Inventor, gaining foundational skills in app development in an interactive environment. This curriculum emphasized creativity, collaboration, and real-world tech industry applications.
Skills Developed:
- App Development: Wireframing, layout design, and user interface creation.
- Coding Skills: Introduction to object-oriented programming with visual coding blocks.
- Design: Emphasis on color schemes, font styles, and readability in app design.
Ball Bounce App: Students implemented game mechanics like object movement, score tracking, and sound integration using coding blocks.
The Problem
Many introductory coding programs lack engaging content or fail to connect to real-world applications. This program bridged that gap by empowering children to bring their ideas to life through functional mobile apps.
Objective
Primary Goal: Introduce children to programming and app development through an engaging, guided experience that built confidence and foundational coding skills.
Instructor Materials Goal: Equip instructors with resources to confidently lead sessions, including concept cards, worksheets, slide decks, and tutorials.
Suggested Visual:
A flowchart of the learning journey from wireframing to coding and app completion, with checkpoints for student and instructor support.
Tools, Design, and Development
Platform: MIT App Inventor for cloud-based app development.
Supporting Materials:
- Concept Cards: Visual guides for key coding concepts.
- Worksheets: Hands-on exercises to reinforce skills.
- Slide Decks: Structured presentations for lessons.
- Instructor Tutorials: Step-by-step guides for conducting sessions.
Program Implementation and Feedback
Implementation:
Over eight weeks, students participated in interactive lessons, designed their own apps, and showcased their completed projects in final demos.
Feedback:
Students demonstrated high engagement and enthusiasm, with measurable improvements in coding skills. Positive feedback highlighted the interactivity and comprehensive instructor support.
Challenges:
Maintaining consistent engagement across varying skill levels.
Takeaway
The “App Makers” program not only taught children to code but also inspired creativity, problem-solving, and confidence in a future-ready skillset.