After hearing about my students’ success developing an Android app, I’ve gotten several emails asking for more details as to how I practically worked with my kids.
Here are some pointers that I offered to the first person that emailed me, perhaps they are of some use to you. Please note that your mileage may vary.
- It’s ok to not be the smartest person in the room. These kids now know more than I do about app inventor and the process. That’s ok.
- I used a throwaway Gmail account to feel at ease giving them the password so they can develop.
- Typically with 3 in a group, you end up with a creative, design-oriented person, one person is programming and using the blocks editor, and the other is the Google jockey, searching for answers to questions that arise. That typically meant they didn’t ask me. And when they did, I let them see how I search for answers, modeling proper searching.
- I used Google’s Chrome browser almost exclusively, since it’s made by the same folks that put out the App Inventor software I figured it’s an easy bet.
Is this useful? What other questions do you have?
Hi Chris,
What would you recommend for a 10-years old who wants to start developing apps? We had downloaded XCode 4 and its quite overwhelming. Any suggestions?
Thank you!!!