You can set up App Inventor and start building apps in minutes! The Designer and Blocks Editor run completely in the browser (aka the cloud).
We will be using Nexus 7 Android tablets and the ncsu wireless network. Therefore you can start building apps without downloading any software to your computer. You will need to install the App Inventor Companion App on your tablet.
For detailed instructions go to Connect your Phone or Tablet over WiFi.
You will start by running through the tablet setup. You will want to use your personal gmail account. If you do not have one, create one! (Otherwise, you will not be able to keep your apps.)
Connect the tablet to the ncsu wireless network. Once connected, you will need to open a browser and browse to a webpage (http://www.csc.ncsu.edu is a great one!). You will be redirected to the NCSU nomad service. Log into the nomad service with your temporary unity id and password (on the back of your name badge). You are now connected to the wireless internet!
To install apps that you downloaded from somewhere besides the "official" app store from Google or the company that made your phone, you need to enable the "allow unknown sources" setting.
To facilitate testing AppInventor apps on Android devices, MIT has provided a Companion App. Log into your tablet with your personal gmail account on tablet and download from the Play Store.
To test your app on the tablet from app inventor select Connect > AI Companion
Run the AI Companion app on your phone and either enter the key or scan the QR code. Your app will load!