Computer Science by Design: Mobile App Development

Approved by the NCAA
Girls-Only & ​All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Completion of a One Schoolhouse computer science course or permission from the administration; Fall semester or Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The market for apps is soaring. Apple’s App Store and Google Play global downloads reached nearly 26 billion and global mobile app revenue was estimated at $77 billion in 2017. Focusing on the software engineering process, students in this course will design, develop, prototype, and test a mobile app or game. Students apply the main principles, methodologies, and techniques of the software development life cycle and learn how to conduct market research, explore conceptual design with wireframes, mockups and storyboards, prototype development, and software testing.  By the end of Semester I, students will have a mobile app or game prototype that they can continue to develop further.  Students wishing to pursue a research or design project in Semester II may enroll in the Research/Design Seminar.  
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"My teacher was a wonderful and intelligent teacher who inspired me to be more creative and work efficiently. Unlike any other course, I have never been more efficient on time and creativity than in this one. My teacher’s positive and encouraging words and attitude also pushed me to do even greater things, and I am glad my freshman programming teacher recommended the course to me!”

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Design and develop mobile apps and games, coded in JavaScript with either blocks or text, then share your creations with others using an online programming environment.
  • Create visual designs such as wire frames, mockups, and paper prototypes.
  • Employ user-center design techniques to ensure useful end products.​
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SECOND SEMESTER?
One Schoolhouse is proud to expanded our semester course offerings! These nine courses give students the opportunity to enroll in a project-based second semester research or design seminar. Just like our full-year courses, fall semester courses and the optional second semester seminars are created and taught by dedicated, experienced teachers in the field. The spring seminars give students the opportunity to engage in a self-designed, long-term project on the topic of their choosing. Check out the video below to hear from the facilitators and learn more about your seminar project!
Evelyn Zayas
Computer Science Teacher
BA Thomas Edison State College
MS Monmouth University
PhD Nova Southeastern University