Introduction to Computing Using Mobile Applications, a class started by Cynthia Donaldson and currently taught by Terence Barton, helps students learn basic level coding and develop real-world skills.
“When I came to teach at M-A 10 years ago, we only had AP level classes on computer science, and I felt like that was discouraging to someone who just wanted to code and didn’t want all of the homework of an AP class,” Donaldson said. “So, we started mobile apps.”
Since the class has no prerequisites, it is full of students of all skill levels and interests. “I’m a beginner, so I’m trying to learn,” said freshman Mohamad Abdel Halim, a student in the class. “ When I grow up, I’m trying to be an entrepreneur and make my own apps.”
“I’m a more experienced coder. I’ve made projects in the past,” said freshmen Shalev Amirav Drory, another student in the class. “I love coding and interacting with my friends and my classmates. Because I’m advanced, I help my friends and sometimes I teach them.”
Mobile Apps aims to introduce students to the tools and knowledge they need to be able to develop apps on their phones. “I wanted a class for people that didn’t necessarily want to become programmers, but wanted to know how to use coding to enhance their everyday lives,” Donaldson said.
The class focuses on interactive learning and stresses experience over greater theory. “We don’t do lectures or reading necessarily. It’s meant to be engaging for people that don’t learn best from books or lectures. It’s hands-on first,” Barton said.
Left to their own devices, students are able to get some guidance but mainly focus on trying different ideas until they find the right solution. “Sometimes [Barton] does it on the screen, but usually he gives us an assignment and we have to do it by ourselves or with the person next to us,” Halim said.
Students also get to create their own projects and ideas for apps. “We made this birthday card project, and I use it for all my friends. You can personalize a birthday card and send it as an app. I do stuff like a tip calculator and a modified Spotify,” Donaldson said.
