Peer Review

Learning to Build Apps with App Inventor

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Effectiveness:

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Overview:: This course covers the basics of App inventor, an online platform that allows the user to build Android apps quickly and easily, without any technical background on programming, java or android.
Type of Material:: Online course (video training)
Recommended Uses:: Self-paced learning, Homework, in-class
Technical Requirements:: Silverlight, HTML5, Adobe Flashplayer, Up-to-date Browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Learn how to create Android applications using App Inventor, and learn about some basic programming concepts along the way. This is for a beginner without a programming knowledge or experience and this is done without the learner having to learn code.
Target Student Population:: Grade School, College Lower Division, Middle School, College Upper Division, High School, College General Ed Anyone wishing to create android apps (regardless of their age or CS skill level)
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic ICT capacity is enough

Rating:
Strengths:: The material was arranged in a way to meet the primary target of a beginner's understanding of the concept. It integrates the concept very well and it is scholarly in simplifying the concept. It contains current and relevant information and can be used on its own. It can also be adapted for use in different context.
Concerns:: • The presented App Inventor's web interface is old, App inventor has evolved since then (yet the core concepts are still valid)

Rating:
Strengths:: • Can be taught for any student regardless of age or skill • Smooth transition between parts. The learner is introduced to the concept in a step-wise, modular order for understanding and application • Compelling examples
Concerns:: The only challenge is there is no simulation part for the learner to test-run learning and try the applications designed in the tutorial. There is also no accompanying sample codes and file. Few examples • Interesting features not shown (like sensors)

Rating:
Strengths:: The material is easy to use (accompanying slides in PDF format), visually appealing with simple instructions. The sound is very audible and clear. The design is qualitative and engages the learner to be active in the process of learning.
Concerns:: • Running the offline version requires a paying subscription • Not very interactive

Other Issues and Comments:: This multimedia tutorial of App Inventor thrives in making a beginner non-programmer to start to build applications on android in a modular, step-wise order without coding.
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