A practical course using MIT App Inventor to build Android applications with block-based programming. No prior experience required; test on your own device.
Language of course:
English
Format of the event:
Video lectures
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Course overview
Description generated based on course syllabus and open data.
This course content introduces a block-based approach to developing Android apps with MIT App Inventor. The tool enables UI design, event-driven logic, and building functional applications with on-device testing.
Overview: Android app development in MIT App Inventor
App Inventor uses visual blocks for logic, supports media, sensors, data storage, and APK packaging. It suits first steps into mobile development and core concepts like events, state, and data structures.
Who it suits / who it does not: Android development via App Inventor
Suitable for
- Beginners with no programming background.
- Students and educators for rapid Android prototyping.
- Those seeking fundamentals of events, UI, and sensor interaction.
- Non-technical roles needing idea demos and MVPs.
Not suitable for
- Developers requiring deep Java/Kotlin and Android Studio workflows.
- Projects needing complex native APIs or high-performance graphics.
Problem → outcome: from idea to Android application
- Problem: No coding experience.
Outcome: Understanding block-based programming and event logic in App Inventor.
- Problem: Hard to validate an idea.
Outcome: Rapid prototyping and testing on an Android device.
- Problem: Unclear how sensors and media work.
Outcome: Configuration of camera, audio/video, geolocation, and data storage.
- Problem: Uncertain about app packaging.
Outcome: Building APKs and basic distribution approaches.
Comparison with alternatives in Android app development
- Android Studio (Java/Kotlin): Full control and performance with a higher learning curve than App Inventor.
- Flutter/React Native: Cross-platform reach and rich ecosystems; require programming languages and are more complex than App Inventor.
- No-code/low-code builders: Fast start but less focus on learning programming fundamentals; App Inventor emphasizes understanding logic.
What the learning shapes: outcomes in Android development with App Inventor
Skills
- UI design and event handling in a block-based environment.
- Working with multimedia, sensors, and local data storage.
- Debugging, on-device testing, and APK packaging.
Example artifacts
- Simple utilities (timer, alarm, notes).
- Educational demos with audio/video and on-screen drawing.
- Prototypes using geolocation and device sensors.
Course Description
The course will give students hands-on experience in developing interesting applications for Android. No previous programming experience is needed and the course is suitable for students with any level of computer experience. The course will use the MIT App Inventor application. It is a block-based programming tool that allows everyone even beginners to start programming and create full-featured applications for Android devices. Students are encouraged to use their own devices for hands-on testing and operation.
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