Peer Review

Mobile Applications Development

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Mar 16, 2014 by Information Technology

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Ratings

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Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This is a free course offered by the Saylor Foundation. It expands upon what is covered in the CS305:Web Development course offered at the same site. It specifically looks at the tools used to design mobile applications. The user will learn about mobile platforms, mobile browsers, native applications, and best practices in terms of test usability.
Type of Material:: Open online course.
Recommended Uses:: This material is designed to be used as an online class. It is complete with reading materials, interactive content, lectures, labs, assignments, exams and syllabus. The material is self paced and very clear.
Technical Requirements:: Computer with continuous broadband internet access; the ability/permission to install plug-ins (e.g. Adobe Reader or Flash) and software; the ability to download and save files and documents to a computer; the ability to open Microsoft files and documents; be competent in the English language; have completed a perquisite course from Saylor CS305: Web development.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: 1. Define mobile computing and types of mobile devices. 2. Detail the history of mobile computing. 3. Explain the basic theory behind networks and cellular networks. 4. Write HTML and JavaScript code for mobile devices. 5. Discuss user interface design considerations. 6. Explain the differences between HTML5 and HTML. 7. Develop apps for Andriod devices. 8. Develop apps for IOS devices.
Target Student Population:: College students (upper level), continuing education, self-study, upper level high school students, community college students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: The course can be taken without prerequisites, however, the following skills are helpful: 1. Download and save files 2. Identify and download appropriate plugins 3. Reading the Saylor Student Handbook 4. Competence in English 5. Open Microsoft files 6. Switching back and forth between different windows

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Thorough comprehensive course; excellent reading material assessments, lectures, interactive assignments, web media, and syllabus.
Concerns:: Not necessary but helpful: Saylor CS305:Web Development class

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: Clear description of learning outcomes and prerequisites. It's a complete online self-paced course.
Concerns:: None

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The course is simple in design and therefore easy to use. Instructions are very clear and it includes interactive labs and reading from experts across the field which keeps the content interesting.
Concerns:: None

Other Issues and Comments:: Excellent free course. It would be great to have sections with instructor feedback, however, the course is very comprehensive and can be easily used for independent study and on the job learning.
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