Embedded Files
App Development
What is this class about?
What is this class about?
Have you ever wanted to teach students how to program in a way that promotes community-building and collaboration? Do you work with students from diverse communities? Do your students enjoy hand-on projects and one-on-one instruction? Then these materials are for you!
The App Development Wisdom Community class was developed with needs of students from diverse backgrounds at the forefront. In this class, students will learn introductory programming skills that align with CSTA K - 12 standards to develop app's using Code.org's App Lab.
However, unlike most traditional classrooms, your students will work with a mentor one-on-one to chart a path of their own by
Developing a plan for their app using a mind-map.
Using a journal to keep track of accomplishments, challenges and progress.
Sharing their app progress with other students to promote open discussion, collaboration and community-building.
"The App Development Wisdom Community program does essential work to prepare students with both the technical and social preparation they need to excel in the workforce."
"This program was well-received by the students and the parents that I teach. Students who are English Second Language (ESL) Learners don't typically receive individualized support from instructors when learn to code. This program is completely different."
"Before this program, my son had a difficult time making new friends, as we had just moved. This program helped him meet a mentor he stayed in touch with after the program, and so many new friends."
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will students learn in this class?
In this class students will learn the fundamentals of programming, such as Loops, Conditionals, Variables, and Pseudocoding - skills that fall under the standards and requirements for the CSTA K - 12 Standards and Requirements for Computer Science curriculum in the United States. However, unlike other curricula that follow these standards, this class prepares students with skills related to peer collaboration, problem-solving and networking opportunities through one-on-one peer mentorship to set all students up with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
By the end of this program, students will learn:
How do I acquire mentors for my students?
Mentorship is a crucial part of this program, and it is important to find mentors who can support students in their journey throughout this course. From performing in-class activities and helping students developing concrete, attainable goals, to helping students meet other professionals and developing core programing skills in their native language, mentorship is often the core difference between whether a student sees themselves in a STEM profession or not.
In order to acquire mentors for your program, we encourage teachers to fill out this form so that we can help set teachers up with mentors within or nearby your school district. The best mentors are often parents, fellow educators or seasoned industry professionals in tech fields, who have experience working with students. Upon filling out the provided form, we source mentors from the following organizations for each of your students, keeping in mind your students' background, expertise, and learning abilities:
Women In Tech
Boys and Girls Club
Big Brothers and Sisters
These are organizations that often require extensive background checks and safety protocols before connecting a student with a mentor. However, if there is a local company or organization that you would like to partner with, they will be required to complete a volunteer/mentor survey and background check by the school district before they are permitted entry into the school. Contact coding.wiscom@gmail.com to learn more.
I need my materials translated into a different language. What can I do?
Our materials are automatically translated into Spanish, but can also be translated into French, Chinese, Hindi, Hmong, and other languages upon request.
What prerequisite knowledge should my students have?
Your students do not require any prerequisite knowledge in order to complete this curriculum. We aim to make this curriculum as accessible for students as possible so that they can work with a mentor to learn new skills, accomplish their goals and create an application from Scratch. However, we also recognize that students may have a spectrum of experience with computers, apps and social media. For this reason, we incorporate a pre-survey and focus group sessions into our report so that mentors have a complete understanding of their student and can support them in the best possible way.
Resources
Resources
Student sites
Teacher sites
Additional Resources
Bonus Activities
Reflection Activities
Multilingual Formats
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