Before the class begins, complete a written pre-event survey. This is a survey provided at the beginning of the program. Sit in a circle and have a structured discussion/ focus group session about what they are expecting from this program, what they want to have accomplished by the end of the program, and what kinds of connections they want to make. The resources for both of these are provided at the top of this document, under Materials & Resources.
What is App Development?
App Development involves the creation of a mobile or computer application that will be used by lots of people.
What are some apps that you use everyday?
If you were to develop your own app, what would it look like?
What would be the purpose of the app?
Why would you want to develop this app? What would you use the application for?
What do you need to develop an app?
For this class, you will be using Code.org’s APP LAB.
There are three links to apps built in App Lab. Look at each app with your mentor and run the app using the emulator.
Answer the following questions about each app:
What do you like or dislike about these apps?
How do you think this app could be made better? What would you do to change these apps?
Is there anything about this app that you want to include in the app that you make?
What is a Wisdom Community?
A Wisdom Community (WisCom) is when we share all the knowledge that we have learned and can record what we have learned in a way so we can pass it on to the next generation of learners. You will work with a mentor to establish your goals, learn new skills and develop a learning path for yourself. We are always sharing and passing down what we’ve learned to the next generation. This is what makes it a Wisdom Community.
How does a Wisdom Community work?
We record goals using:
Mind Maps: Using poster paper and sticky notes, you will work with your mentor to establish what your project idea is, and the goals you need to accomplish to reach your project goals.
We record our experiences using:
Journals: Your journals will be hosted on Padlet for everyone to see, and you will have access to a variety of skill-based learning resources.
Surveys: At the end of each session, you will complete a survey about what you learned the best, and one question you had about what you have learned.
Focus Groups: In focus groups, you will share your progress with your classmates and ask for feedback and ideas, and you will learn more about what students enjoy during the course of the class.
How does a Wisdom Community work?
We record goals using:
Mind Maps: Using poster paper and sticky notes, you will work with your mentor to establish what your project idea is, and the goals you need to accomplish to reach your project goals.
We record our experiences using:
Journals: Your journals will be hosted on Padlet for everyone to see, and you will have access to a variety of skill-based learning resources.
Surveys: At the end of each session, you will complete a survey about what you learned the best, and one question you had about what you have learned.
Focus Groups: In focus groups, you will share your progress with your classmates and ask for feedback and ideas, and you will learn more about what students enjoy during the course of the class.
We describe our personal beliefs and thoughts using:
Reflection Activities: In reflection activities, you will only write about what you feel and what you need in order to understand your feelings and what is stressful, challenging and exciting about your experience. It is a personal reflection, but if you would like to share it with your classmates or mentor, you are more than welcome.
Go to the Padlet link and create your very first post under the week 1 section. Students will answer the following questions in their first journal post:
Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who are you and what do you like to do?
What are your goals for this program? What are you excited to learn?
What makes you nervous about this program? What can we do to make the experience better?
Remember the Rules for using a Padlet.
Is it kind?
Is it helpful?
Does it follow this structure: What I like about your project so far is… It might be helpful to include…