Beginner Mobile App Creation with MIT App Inventor
Teaches mobile app creation with MIT App Inventor’s drag‑and‑drop interface.
Description : With MIT App Inventor, learners build their first mobile apps using drag‑and‑drop coding, learning the basics of app design in a highly interactive environment.
Category : Coding & Engineering
Age : 8+
Difficulty Level : Normal
Curriculum :
Module 1: Introduction & Getting Started with MIT App Inventor Section 1: What Are Mobile Apps? - Lesson 1: Introduction to Mobile Apps Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Understand what mobile apps are and how they impact our daily lives. - Lesson 2: Exploring Different Types of Apps Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learn about various app categories and their basic functions. Section 2: Setting Up Your App Inventor Environment - Lesson 1: Installing and Accessing MIT App Inventor Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Guidance on setting up an account and accessing the online platform. - Lesson 2: Overview of the App Inventor Interface Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Familiarize with the Designer and Blocks Editor. Section 3: Basic Components and Tools - Lesson 1: Introduction to Designer Components Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn about buttons, labels, images, and other UI components. - Lesson 2: Understanding Component Properties Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Discover how to change colors, sizes, and positions of components. Section 4: Designing Simple App Layouts - Lesson 1: Arranging Components Using Layouts Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn basic layout arrangements such as horizontal and vertical arrangements. - Lesson 2: Creating a User-Friendly Interface Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Principles of clear design and simplicity for beginners. Section 5: Planning Your First App Project - Lesson 1: Brainstorming App Ideas and Sketching Layouts Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Techniques for planning your app on paper before building. - Lesson 2: Understanding the App Project Structure Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Learn how to organize components and blocks for a simple app. Module 2: Designing Your First App Section 1: Exploring the Designer Screen - Lesson 1: Navigating the Designer Environment Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Introduction to the main features of the Designer screen. - Lesson 2: Using the Component Palette Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learn to locate and add components from the palette. Section 2: Working with Visual Components - Lesson 1: Adding and Customizing Buttons and Text Boxes Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Step-by-step process for adding interactive elements. - Lesson 2: Adjusting Properties of Components Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Modify settings like text, color, and alignment. Section 3: Organizing Your App’s User Interface - Lesson 1: Understanding Layout and Alignment Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn the basics of arranging items for a neat presentation. - Lesson 2: Using Containers for Better Organization Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Explore horizontal and vertical arrangements to organize components. Section 4: Testing and Previewing Your Design - Lesson 1: Introduction to Live Testing with the Companion App Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn how to see changes in real time on your mobile device. - Lesson 2: Using the Browser for Simulated App Testing Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Understand how to preview your app using a web browser. Section 5: Enhancing Your App with Media - Lesson 1: Inserting Images and Multimedia Elements Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Learn to add pictures and simple media into your app. - Lesson 2: Adjusting Media Component Settings Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Understand how to modify basic properties of media elements. Module 3: Blocks Coding Fundamentals Section 1: Introduction to Blocks Coding - Lesson 1: Understanding the Blocks Editor Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Overview of the block-based coding environment in App Inventor. - Lesson 2: How Drag-and-Drop Coding Works Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learn how to create code blocks and assemble them visually. Section 2: Working with Variables and Values - Lesson 1: Introduction to Variables Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learn what variables are and how they store information. - Lesson 2: Using Variables in Your App Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practice creating and manipulating variables in block coding. Section 3: Event-Driven Programming - Lesson 1: Understanding Events and Event Handlers Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn what events are and how they trigger actions in your app. - Lesson 2: Creating Simple Event-Based Actions Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learn how to program responses to user interactions like button clicks. Section 4: Basic Logic and Conditional Statements - Lesson 1: Introduction to Logical Blocks Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Understand basic logical operations used in app development. - Lesson 2: Applying Conditional Statements in Your App Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn how to use "if" blocks to control your app’s behavior. Section 5: Simple Algorithms and Control Structures - Lesson 1: Learning Loops and Sequencing Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Understand how loops work to repeat actions. - Lesson 2: Building a Simple Algorithm Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Step-by-step creation of an algorithm using blocks. Module 4: Building a Complete Simple App Section 1: Concept to Creation – App Ideation - Lesson 1: Brainstorming and Choosing an App Idea Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn techniques for generating app ideas. - Lesson 2: Sketching Your App’s Layout and Flow Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Practice planning the design and navigation of your app. Section 2: Constructing the User Interface - Lesson 1: Assembling Components in the Designer Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Hands-on practice placing and arranging app components. - Lesson 2: Refining Layout for Simplicity and Usability Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learn to adjust your design for an optimal user experience. Section 3: Programming Your App with Blocks - Lesson 1: Creating Basic Interactions with Blocks Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Program simple actions, such as responding to button clicks. - Lesson 2: Adding Functionality to Your Components Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Connect UI elements to their respective behaviors using blocks. Section 4: Testing Your App in Real Time - Lesson 1: Running Your App with the Companion Tool Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn to use the MIT App Inventor Companion for live testing. - Lesson 2: Troubleshooting Simple Issues Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Tips on identifying and solving common problems during testing. Section 5: Preparing to Share Your App - Lesson 1: Packaging Your App for Distribution Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Understand the basics of exporting your app. - Lesson 2: Presenting Your App and Gathering Feedback Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Learn how to share your app with others and receive constructive feedback. Module 5: Debugging, Refining, and Next Steps Section 1: Understanding Debugging - Lesson 1: Identifying Common Mistakes Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn how to spot simple errors in your app design and coding. - Lesson 2: Introduction to Debugging Tools in App Inventor Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Get familiar with basic debugging features available in the platform. Section 2: Enhancing User Experience - Lesson 1: Simplifying and Polishing User Interactions Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learn techniques to improve navigation and ease of use. - Lesson 2: Refining Visual Appearance and Layout Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Tips for making your app more attractive and user-friendly. Section 3: App Stability and Performance - Lesson 1: Testing for Consistency and Stability Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Practice testing your app to ensure reliable performance. - Lesson 2: Adjusting Components for Better Efficiency Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learn how to optimize layouts and block code for smoother operation. Section 4: Collecting and Using Feedback - Lesson 1: Methods for Gathering User Feedback Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Explore simple ways to ask for and collect opinions from users. - Lesson 2: Implementing Changes Based on Feedback Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn to apply easy fixes and improvements to enhance your app. Section 5: Final Review and Future Steps - Lesson 1: Finalizing Your App for Launch Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Review all essential parts before presenting your complete app. - Lesson 2: Reflecting on Your Learning and Next Projects Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Discuss lessons learned and explore ideas for future app projects.