Middle Schoolers got their code on during Winter Term in the AppMakers Academy course. History Teachers Blake Whitney and Berta Simic created this introductory class to equip students with the essential skills to create their own mobile applications. They began with simple block coding, which is a visual way to program that uses graphical blocks instead of text-based code. Users can drag and drop pre-programmed blocks of text-based computer commands to create computer programs. Then, the class focused on the graphic design and user interface aspects of mobile app building. Students gained hands-on experience creating both functional and visually appealing prototypes.
On the final day, Whitney and Simic shared the MICDS Brand Guidelines website with their students, giving them time to make their own MICDS apps using those visual constraints.
“Our goal with this assignment was to challenge the kids to make an app for MICDS in only 60 minutes,” said Whitney. “We were blown away by the apps they were able to create. It’s our hope with our WinterTerm class that we can help spark an interest that our students will build on in the future.”
Simic agreed. She said, “The students have embraced every challenge in this app makers course, and we have been impressed with their creativity and willingness to problem-solve in order to create a better product.”
The apps the students created look fantastic! Clearly these talented Middle Schoolers now have the knowledge and confidence to create working mobile apps of their own.
Check out these great demonstration videos!