Guide to Teaching Coding

Transcription

1 Samsung Mobile App AcAdemy Guide to Teaching Coding classroom lesson plans TexAS essential KnoWledGe And SKillS (TeKS) To download all classroom materials, go to the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at for additional resources, the learn to code tab can be accessed at Mobilize the Future!

2 Samsung Mobile App AcAdemy Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Lesson Plans and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Grades 9 12 Contents Welcome educators...3 education Standards...4 integrating the creative Side: preparing for lessons...6 Technology Required...6 MIT App Inventor...6 Computers...6 Android Mobile Devices (optional)...6 MIT App Inventor Companion...6 LCD Projector (optional)...6 Resource Materials...7 Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation...7 MIT App Inventor Overview...7 Project Tutorials...7 Graphic Assets...7 Scheduling...7 lesson plan 1 becoming developers...8 Lesson 1-1 What Is Coding? How Do You Code?...8 Lesson 1-2 Meet the Client...8 lesson plan 2 developing an App...9 Lesson 2-1 Code...9 Lesson 2-2 Deploy the App...9 App development Additional resources and inspiration...10 Key Terms...11 Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide

3 Samsung Mobile App Academy Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Lesson Plans and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Grades 9 12 Welcome To The World of Mobile Apps! The Samsung Mobile App Academy Guide to Teaching Coding offers technology-infused lessons with flexible scheduling and easy integration into classrooms and extracurricular activities. This Guide, along with the resources on the Samsung Mobile App Academy website, provides teachers with the tools required to teach mobile app coding to grades 9 12 students of all coding levels from little or no experience to those students who are well versed in app development. Coding allows students to practice invaluable critical-thinking and teamwork skills by jointly making decisions with peers, and planning the steps necessary to achieve their goals. Because they use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) standards, these lessons give students the foundation to help them cultivate necessary 21st-century skills! This Guide concentrates on the coding aspects of developing an app and requires technology and technical knowledge. To learn more about how to teach students to use their creativity to refine an app concept that does not require technology to complete, please see the Guide to Teaching Mobile App Concepting, also available on the Samsung Mobile App Academy website. Use the Samsung Mobile App Academy classroom materials to ignite students interest and make your classroom a part of the mobile revolution! To download all classroom materials, go to the Teachers tab on the Mobile App Academy website at For more information about the Samsung Mobile App Academies, go to Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 3

4 Educ ation Standards The following charts correlate Samsung Mobile App Academy student activities with the knowledge, skills, and practices required in performance expectations of education standards in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards Grades 9 12 Strand ID TEKS Standard What Students Do Principles of Information Technology Computer Maintenance Telecommunications and Networking Computer Programming Advanced Computer Programming Research in Information Technology Solutions (c) Knowledge and skills. (1)(F) function effectively as a team member; (2)(A) identify job opportunities and accompanying job duties and tasks; (3)(A) identify and describe functions of various new and emerging technologies; (4)(E) demonstrate proficiency in the use of a variety of input devices (5)(I) identify new and emerging classes of software; (10) [apply] presentation management technology. (11)(B) identify the terminology associated with interactive media (c) Knowledge and skills. (10)(A) evaluate application software packages and test the functionality of a proposed software configuration; (10)(E) perform software customization as requested (c) Knowledge and skills. (3)(D) interpret technical documentation such as schematics, drawings, charts, diagrams (c) Knowledge and skills. (1)(E) solve problems and think critically; (1)(I) demonstrate planning and time management skills such as project management (5) develops an information technologybased project plan (8) The student performs quality assurance tasks (c) Knowledge and skills. (6) The student demonstrates knowledge of the software development process (c) Knowledge and skills. (3) applies communication, mathematics, English, and science knowledge and skills to research and develop projects. (6)...designs, creates, and implements a product or service that addresses a problem in the field of information technology and incorporates the solution. Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Part II, Chapter 130. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education Subchapter K and 280 Information Technology Subchapter K and 277 Computer Programming Subchapter K and Telecommunications and Networking Experience various roles as a member of a mobile app development team. Discuss pair programming, iterative development cycles, and other facets of the mobile app development industry. Learn about the function of programming languages and Software Development Kits (SDK). Discuss how SDKs are useful and valuable. Use computer and mobile hardware. Use mobile apps and near-field exchange. Present version 1.0 of an app and make available for testing by classmates. Review and describe an app in developer terms such as proof of concept, minimum viable product (MVP), and UI/UX (user interface or user experience). Develop, evaluate, test, and revise version 1.0 of a mobile app. Develop a mobile app customized to meet the client specifications. Read, discuss, and analyze a variety of technical documents that depict wireframes and convey functional specifications. Use problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills to break down the app concept into specific functions that the app will perform and create the code necessary for the app to perform each of these functions. Troubleshoot malfunctions that occur during testing of app to decide how to adjust the code accordingly. Discuss and reassess coding project goals and related tasks with partner throughout coding process. Follow complex instructions to learn to use App Inventor to code a mobile application based on client specifications. Test, evaluate, modify, and reflect on the app they have created. Gain, evaluate, and present complex information, ideas, and evidence, specifically through speaking and listening in both small-group and whole-class settings under the guidance of an industry mentor. Use MIT App Inventor to code a mobile application that addresses a problem identified by an imaginary client. Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 4

5 Education Standards (Continued) Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science & Engineering Engineering Design NGSS HS-ETS1-2. Design a solution to a complex realworld problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering. What Students Do Create a solution in the form of a mobile app designed to address a community problem that an imaginary client has identified. Break down the app concept into specific functions that the app will perform and create the code necessary for the app to perform each of these functions. Source: NGSS Lead States Engineering and Design HS-ETS1-2. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press. Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 5

6 Integrating the Creative Side: Preparing for Lessons For teachers interested in lessons aimed at conceptualizing what goes into creating a mobile app, the Guide to Teaching Mobile App Concepting (also available for download on the Teachers tab of the Samsung Mobile App Academy website) is a perfect companion to these coding lessons. Focusing on the practical and critical-thinking process that developers use when conceptualizing and creating mobile apps that don t require technology to complete, the Guide to Teaching Mobile App Concepting fits well after Lesson 1 in the Guide to Teaching Coding. However, neither guide is dependent on the other so the lessons in each can be used independent of each other. The curriculum in the Guide to Teaching Coding also works well as a stand-alone unit, providing students with an opportunity to work closely with technology, and to learn skills to build an app. Technology Required The lessons in the Guide to Teaching Coding rely on the use of technology. The Guide provides teachers with the necessary resources, plus tips for use with students of all coding levels from beginner to advanced. It is very important to carefully prepare for these lessons, paying particular attention to the following: MIT App Inventor MIT App Inventor was created as an open-source project by Google, with MIT eventually taking the helm. Students will use the App Inventor program to do block-style coding to build an early version app. It is essential that teachers are familiar with this program prior to beginning Lesson 2 of this unit. An App Inventor Overview button to MIT App Inventor is available on the Teachers tab of the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at Computers One computer with Internet access should be available for every student team during Lesson 2. For the purpose of downloading the Project Tutorials and viewing the Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation, computers might also be useful for Lesson 1. Project Tutorials can be printed ahead of time, however, if computers are not available for Lesson 1. Android Mobile Devices (optional) If available, students can use additional Android mobile devices to try out and test their app and other teams apps. If resources are not available, students can use their computers to test. MIT App Inventor Companion Students will use MIT App Inventor Companion to try out and test their app and other teams apps. (See Resources Note below.) LCD Projector (optional) If available, the teacher can project the Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation during student-facing discussions. A projector can also be used for the teams to project their apps during their presentations. If a projector is not available, teams can view the Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation and student apps on their computers or Android mobile devices. Resources Note For additional assistance in learning to use MIT App Inventor, select the Getting Started and Tutorials buttons on the MIT App Inventor site at Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 6

7 Integrating the Creative Side: Preparing for Lessons (Continued) Resource Materials All the resources necessary to feel confident teaching students how to code are available on the Teachers tab of the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at In particular, the website offers the following: Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation The student-facing Classroom Presentation, with slides that correlate to the specified sections in the Guide to Teaching Coding teacher guide, is a useful visual for both teachers and students. MIT App Inventor Overview Also available on the Teachers tab on the website is the MIT App Inventor Overview, a detailed, illustrated tutorial demonstrating how to use MIT App Inventor and MIT App Inventor Companion. Students will use these programs to code and test their apps. It is essential for teachers to review this Overview and feel comfortable using MIT App Inventor and Companion prior to beginning these lessons with students. Project Tutorials The Project Tutorials, available by selecting the Student Tutorial Materials button on the website within the Teachers tab, will provide students with step-by-step directions for coding each function of an app concept. Graphic Assets If a team has finished its Project Tutorial or if you want to extend, alert teams to the option of using graphics to style the app buttons and background. Students can access graphics by selecting the Student Tutorial Materials button on the Teachers tab on the website. To download all classroom materials, go to the Teachers tab on the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at Scheduling The Samsung Mobile App Coding lessons may be adapted to fit various schedules, such as seven to eight 45-minute class periods, three to four 90-minute block periods, or one six-hour day. Possible formats for using Samsung Mobile App curriculum materials include: a module within a course in any STEM discipline a weekly club or after-school activity an intensive special-event weekend or summer academy experience Teaching Tip If in-classroom technology time is limited, students might be instructed to use computers in the school library after school or to continue to work at home if they have a computer. Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 7

8 Lesson Plan 1 Becoming Developers Lesson Objective: Students will be able to articulate the value and function of Software Development Kits (SDKs) in building an app. Students will also be able to ascertain goals for app-building based on clients needs and specifications. Materials: computers with Internet access, Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation (Slides 1 14), and Project Tutorials (download these materials at /teachers) Total Estimated Time: minutes (lessons can be adapted to various formats and schedules) Lesson 1-1 What is Coding? How do you Code? (Slides 3 9) This lesson aims to provide students with background on app development so they can understand the relationship between Mobile Applications and the Mobile Devices on which they operate. (See Key Terms section in this Guide.) This will give students the foundation they need to learn how to code in Lesson 2. Discussion Topic: Building Mobile Apps (Slide 5) Explain how software developers build applications using Software Development Kits (SDKs), and a programming language such as Java. Address reasons to use SDKs: Guide students in recognizing that SDKs are frameworks that help programmers build device-specific software, provide standardization, and, consequently, offer app developers community, support, and monetization. For example, Google Play provides benefits such as in-app purchasing so that Android app developers don t need to create a credit card processing system. Discussion Topic: What are the functions of SDK Toolkits? (Slides 6 7) Toolkits bridge software and hardware, and provide basic infrastructure essential to applications. For example, Toolkits allow software developers to build applications that harness camera, voice, motion, and gesture recognition technology. Lead students to understand how SDKs enable developers to build apps that perform specific functions. (Slide 6) What are some examples of apps that have used Toolkit integrations? Ask students to identify the Toolkits used by Instagram (camera), Star Chart (GPS and accelerometer), Snapchat (camera), and RunKeeper (GPS). (Slide 8) Provide definitions of building software terms: iterative development cycles, pair programming, proof of concept, minimum viable product (MVP). (See Key Terms section in this Guide.) (Slide 9) Resources Note For more information about the SDK Toolkits referenced in this Lesson, see the Learn to Code tab on the Samsung Mobile App Academy website, located at learntocode. Lesson 1-2 Meet the Client (Slides 10 14) During this lesson, students will use the Project Tutorials to learn about an app concept that a client would like a developer to build. (Available via the Student Tutorial Materials button on the Teachers tab of the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at samsungacademy/teachers.) Five Project Tutorials are available for team selection: Flashcards, Postcards, PumpIt Fitness, Restaurant Messenger, and WearIt. Each student team will read and analyze its Project Tutorial with the intent of identifying SDKs necessary to build the app, longand short-term project goals, and any unknowns. In the next lesson, students will then follow the Project Tutorials to learn how to code the app functions requested by the client, and ultimately build an early version of an app. Separate students into teams of two. (If needed, the teams can also be comprised of three students with two students serving as Navigators.) Introduce each team to the two roles in programming: the Navigator and the Programmer. Explain that the Navigator guides and directs the programming, while the Programmer acts as a driver and directly codes the app. (Slide 13) To allow students an opportunity to experience both roles, have each team member alternate roles every 30 to 45 minutes throughout the process. Next, if two computers are available for each team (or one computer and one Android mobile device), have each team go to the Student Tutorial Materials button on the Teachers tab of the website. Assign each team to one of the five available Project Tutorials, and then download the Tutorial to the second computer or the device. Multiple teams can be assigned to a Project Tutorial. Resources Note If only one computer is available per team, have each team print out its tutorial and materials. Team Activity: Understanding the Client s Needs Each team should review and discuss the Project Tutorial, which describes the client s app requirements. (Slides 11 12) To help teams plan strategies, upon completion of the review, have each team complete a five-minute report to the class about its project. (Slide 14) Discussion Topic: What is the project goal? Are there any unknowns you will need to work through? For example, what might the client have missed in describing the app concept? What are your goals as you begin the first steps of building this app? (Slide 14) Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 8

9 Lesson Plan 2 Developing an App Lesson Objective: Students will be able to use MIT App Inventor to create coding for an app that satisfies a client s needs and performs specific, designated functions. Materials: Computers (at least one per team), Internet, access to MIT App Inventor program ( explore/), Android mobile devices (optional), LCD Projector (optional), Guide to Teaching Coding Classroom Presentation (Slides 15 24), Project Tutorials, App Inventor Overview, and Graphic Assets (available on Teachers tab on the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at samsungacademy/teachers) Total Estimated Time: Five hours or six to seven 45-minute class periods (lessons can be adapted to various formats and schedules) Lesson 2-1 Code (Slides 16 20) Indicate to teams that they will be learning how to do block-style coding using the MIT App Inventor program. Explain that block-style coding, as opposed to coding a specific programming syntax, is often useful because it is less time-consuming and allows programmers to focus on the logic of the app s functions. Introduction to MIT App Inventor: Direct teams to download the MIT App Inventor Overview. As a class, go through the Overview and model how to use MIT App Inventor. Determine the amount of time to spend on this demonstration based on students familiarity with technology and previous coding experience. (Slide 17) Explain to teams that they will use the MIT App Inventor Companion (introduced in the App Inventor Overview above) to install and test the app. (Pages of the Overview) Teams then launch MIT App Inventor. (Slide 18) Team Activity: Coding Direct teams to use the MIT App Inventor to develop an app that meets the client specifications outlined in the Project Tutorial. Teams should estimate that they will work on this section for approximately four hours, or four to five 45-minute class periods, switching roles throughout as described earlier. Inform teams they will eventually be presenting their apps to the class. (Slide 18) During the final hour of coding, provide the teams with a reminder that they will present their apps shortly. It is not a requirement that the teams finish their applications, but it is important that they have a stable, tested build of their applications. Suggest that teams work to the nearest tutorial checkpoint. If a team has finished its Tutorial, or you choose to add, alert the members to the option of adding graphics to style the app buttons and background. (Graphics are available from the Project Tutorial Materials button at samsungacademy/teachers.) Teaching Tip: Modifications for a Condensed Schedule Students with access to computers outside the classroom can complete coding for homework, but should be encouraged to work side-byside with their teammate, to mimic the professional pair programming setup. If the school library provides computers and has after-school hours, students can meet there. If class time is limited, the midway point check-in can take the form of exit notes brief remarks that students write as the class period ends. Alternatively, students can write a short update for homework. The teacher can then briefly sum up and share meaningful feedback with the whole class. Discussion Topic and Formative Assessment: Midway Point Check-in As teams approach the midway point in the coding process, ask them to participate in a Stand-up, during which each team will check in with the whole class to discuss accomplishments, challenges, and new goals. (Slide 20) Resources Note Graphics are available for downloading on the Teachers tab of the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at samsungacademy/teachers. Resources Note To access App Inventor, choose the yellow Build With App Inventor button on the Teachers tab of the Samsung Mobile App Academy website at samsungacademy/teachers. Lesson 2-2 Deploy the App (Slides 21 24) Provide teams with 10 minutes to prepare a brief presentation on the app they developed. Ask teams to address the following questions: What were the greatest challenges you encountered? What were your greatest successes? Is there a feature that you think is missing from the app? How might you add extra value to the app? Remind teams that at the end of their presentations, their classmates or other teams will have an opportunity to try out their apps. Team Activity and Summative Assessment: App and Presentation Have teams present their app to the class by answering the aforementioned presentation questions, discussing their development process, and reflecting on what they learned from it. Encourage all students to participate in their presentations. Criteria for evaluating a presentation and app might include how well the team communicates and meets its goals for the app, and the specifications set forth in the Project Tutorial. (Slide 22) Team Activity: Testing Permit students to install and beta test other teams projects. (See Key Terms section at end of this Guide.) Follow up by asking students to reflect on the strengths of the other teams apps. To what extent were the apps user-friendly? How will the app benefit its users? What additional tools might the developers consider incorporating into the app to make it more efficient or more effective? Encourage each student to provide feedback and ask questions. (Slide 23) Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 9

10 App Development Additional Resources and Inspiration Creating apps isn t easy, but there are many resources available to help. The links below are additional useful tools and references to guide and inspire you in teaching your students the path to app development. This document can also be downloaded at Tech news and stories bits.blogs.nytimes.com open.blogs.nytimes.com online.wsj.com/news/technology Iinnovation inspiration Design inspiration android.inspired-ui.com Wireframing and prototyping Keynote and PowerPoint can be great tools for creating simple wireframes and prototypes. And you probably already have access to one of them! See more on how to use Keynote as a prototyping tool at: Programming and development developer.samsung.com developer.android.com/index.html Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 10

11 Key Terms Advertising (Paid Media): This form of marketing creates exposure for your application and is paid or purchased advertising or promotion. It can take place through various mediums (television, print, Internet, etc.). Analytics: Developers set up analytics to collect data on various aspects of app usage. This information allows them to analyze the app to evaluate where it is successful, and how it can be improved in future updates. Beta Test: A trial of software in the last phases of its development, conducted by an outside source not associated with its development. Button: Allows a user to perform a specific action. Examples are tapping a button to travel to a different screen, or tapping a submit button to send information through the app. Competitor: Applications in the market with similar concepts, functionality, and capabilities. As an example, competitors of the social-media platform Facebook include Twitter, Tumblr, and LinkedIn. Concept or Creative Brief: A document used by creative professionals and agencies to develop a broad creative concept and a time line for application development. The creative brief also allows for internal approval and is required before work can commence. Elevator Pitch or Elevator Speech: A short summary used to quickly and simply define a person, product, service, or organization, and its value, in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately 30 seconds to two minutes. Friction: App developers aim to reduce friction by reducing the number of steps it takes a user to accomplish a task within the app. Functional Specifications Document (FSD): This document outlines the desired behavior, user experience, and interface of an application. Includes the wireframes and the actions that each screen will have. Gestures: Hand movements used to control software on a mobile device. Home Screen: This is the first screen that appears when the app has loaded. The screen can be a log-in screen or an overview of the app contents such as navigation buttons and icons. Icon: Often the symbol on which users click. Represents information and action, and helps users understand an app and what it can accomplish. Iterative Development Cycle: The process of coding in repeated cycles of designing, developing, and testing. In this way, programmers create new versions of software. Language or Code: How the developers program the app. There are multiple options, all of which allow different functions and experiences. Market: For the purposes of this program, the term refers to the app market, and where apps enter and exist for consumers to download and use. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): A product with just those core features that allow the product to be deployed and no more. Mobile: Relating to cell phones, tablets, and other portable, wireless, handheld devices. Mobile Application (App): Software that runs on a mobile device such as a smartphone, and allows the device to perform specific tasks that are typically restricted to computers. Native App: An app written for a specific hardware platform. It will always run faster than a web app because there is no translation processing taking place. Navigation: How a user travels through the app. This usually remains in a fixed spot within the user interface as buttons, and allows users to tap and go from screen to screen. Nested Interaction: When a user interacts with an app via submenus. In other words, the user accesses a menu from a more general menu. Pair Programming: Two programmers working side-byside at a single computer. One person, the programmer or driver, writes code, while the other person, the navigator, guides and reviews each part of the code. Platform (Hardware): Various electronic devices such as a notebook computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, music or video player, or handheld tablet. Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 11

12 Key Terms (Continued) Platform (Operating System Software): An application can be released on various platforms, such as Android, BlackBerry, Windows, and ios. The more platforms an app is released on, the more exposure and potential downloads an app will have. Primary Navigation: Drives access to the app s core features. Proof of Concept: A prototype of an app, meant to serve as a limited test of a concept or idea. Secondary Navigation: Additional navigation points. Software Development Kit (SDK or Devkit ): A set of software development tools that allows for the creation of applications for a certain software package, software framework, hardware platform, computer system, video game console, operating system, or similar development platform. Splash Screen: The image that appears as the app is loading. Target Audience: A group of people in a desired market that a product or message is aimed toward. Toggle: A key or command that switches between two electronic options. Tone: How the design makes the user feel about the app. Toolkit: Software included in an SDK that is designed to perform a specific function, especially to connect or control hardware or out-of-the-box functions. User Experience (UX): The way a user interacts with the app, how he or she feels about the app, how easy it is to use the app, and how the app runs and functions. User Interface (UI): How a user interacts with the visual experience of an app, which permits the user to navigate and use the application. User Journey: Labeled flow diagram of steps that users take to complete tasks within an app. Wireframe: A visual tool depicting labeled screens of the mobile device. Wireframes illustrate the functions, experience, and interface of the app. Version 1.0: The first release of a software program. The software may not be entirely reliable at this point, and the developer may intend to add more features in the future. Samsung Mobile App Academy Teacher Guide 12