The next few weeks, actually the remainder of the year, will focus on programming, designing and creating mobile applications. While this may seem like a daunting task (it is) we’ll try to tackle in a feasible and somewhat manageable way.

Our course of action is:

1. Design the overall app
2. Learn some basic Swift and Objective C
3. Use XCode
4. Eventually test on a real device

Allow this post to serve as resources to complete your dream app.

The first step is creating an application by prototyping the overall look of the app. You’ll be using Marvel to complete the prototype. You may work as a team, independent or even cross class if you truly wanted to attempt that. I’ve compiled a few resources:

• Marvel
  • Used to actually create the prototype.
• Tuts Plus
  • Interesting how-to tutorials for anything computer
• Adobe Kulor
  • Help with finding color schemes
• iOS UI Elements
  • Click here to download a zipped folder of Photoshop images.
  • Apple resources on UI elements
  • Current iOS 9 graphics for 5s, 6 and 6+
  • More iOS 9 from FaceBook

Talking due dates, we’ll need a working prototype by Wednesday of next week. That gives us 5 full days of in class designing to get that idea on “paper” and move to coding.

Imagine a world with no phones. A world where connectivity stopped when you left your computer. It’s not that hard. A mere 9 years ago we were iPhoneless. Some of you were 5. I wasn’t.

Anyway, mobile computer has revolutionized the way we interact and experience technology. I want to learn more. I want to know all there is to know about mobile technology. But…I need your help. Choose a group, and choose a topic. Create a presentation that adequately presents the information. You’ll present it to the class. Think of it as a TWIP but more professional. Your presentations are meant to last and entire 20-30 minutes.

Topics include:

1. The history of mobile phones. Then to now.
2. History of the app
3. Rumors and reality. Where will our phones take us?
4. How cell phones communicate
5. Social media and mobile devices
6. Statistics. Are we addicted to our phones?
7. Who are they big players. What have they done. What do they do and how do they do it?

Your benchmark is divided into two parts:

1. 15 computerized questions linked here.
2. You will be creating the game that is linked here.
   1. Your resources for the game are here.
   2. The passcode is 4 3 2 1. That will drop the book down
   3. Once finished, please upload your .stencyl file AND the .swf to the classroom.

So…not to brag but I kind of wrote the book on this. Long story short, download it here. It is a LARGE file so let’s do this now and take a tour of Stencyl while we wait. A few resources for this unit:

• Mr. P’s iBook
• Stencyl.com