Visual Mobile App and Game Development with MIT App Inventor

Visual, “block” based programming has arrived, and in this experience campers will be able to get a simple app up and running on their iPhone or Android mobile devices within 30-60 minutes of their first camp experience. But don’t let the quick start fool you – MIT’s ingenious App Inventor supports the creation of complex, high-impact apps. This block-based visual programming environment combines sophisticated logic with a great visual environment easing young learners into application development. Upon completing this camp the student should • Complete multiple apps ready for use and deployment on their own mobile devices (or mom and dad’s!) • Acquire logic and decision making skills • Gain an understanding of app development processes and the “architecture” required to build apps (client / server / development environment / deployment / networks, etc) • Imagine games, code games, play games and have fun with programming! No prior programming experience required – basic keyboarding ability and nothing more. Camp attendees must bring their own computer; Windows or Apple / Mac work equally well. A mobile device (phone or tablet) is advisable, but apps will work on a simulator without the mobile device.