I was a little hesitant this week about doing the design of the app before the behaviors. My initial thoughts were that the design was secondary and dependent on the functions. But in doing it this way around I noticed that there were quite a few changes in function that needed to be made as a result of design limitations! I think it's quite a fluid process and no doubt there will be some changes in the design as I continue on with the behaviors. I also think it was nice to do it this way around - a more attractive app certainly provides some motivation to do the more tedious work!
I unfortunately didn't have time to do more research this week, but the main topics I will continue researching soon and into the future are:
(Dis)Advantages of Using Translation in Language Learning
Methodology in Language/Vocabulary Acquisition (cultural differences, etc...)
Studies on Memory (short/long-term, associations, etc...)
The information I gather will be vital in making decisions on what to include and exclude in the app. Hopefully I will discover new information (new to me at least!) that will help to trigger new ideas on how to help my students and others learn more effectively. My main hope is that I can help inspire students to want to learn more themselves, rather than to provide them with all the information.
It was quite enjoyable to do the design of the app this week, although I encountered several problems. I'm a little concerned that my app is corrupted. I had some difficulty putting blocks into the block editor - it seemed to be "bugging out" on me and not allowing me to move blocks or copy and paste. Occasionally a block would disappear (and delete itself) if I moved it. I tried several times to load and reload the editor as well as app inventor, but nothing worked. I may start over again as I'm afraid of continuing and having more things go wrong! It's a frustrating thing to have to deal with, especially as I'm not sure of the cause. Any help would be appreciated!
Overall, I'm astounded by what I've learned over the past few months. When I think back on the "Pet Me" app and what I'm capable of now - it's simply amazing and I never would have imagined it possible before. Warts and all - that's the beauty of App Inventor - it really makes the process tangible and accessible. Now I feel that I have a real understanding of the program and can manipulate it in various ways to do what I want it to. No doubt there is still a lot to learn - this is certainly just a beginning!
Can't wait to see the final product (I'm using "final" loosely here) and the apps of all the other students!
I unfortunately didn't have time to do more research this week, but the main topics I will continue researching soon and into the future are:
(Dis)Advantages of Using Translation in Language Learning
Methodology in Language/Vocabulary Acquisition (cultural differences, etc...)
Studies on Memory (short/long-term, associations, etc...)
The information I gather will be vital in making decisions on what to include and exclude in the app. Hopefully I will discover new information (new to me at least!) that will help to trigger new ideas on how to help my students and others learn more effectively. My main hope is that I can help inspire students to want to learn more themselves, rather than to provide them with all the information.
It was quite enjoyable to do the design of the app this week, although I encountered several problems. I'm a little concerned that my app is corrupted. I had some difficulty putting blocks into the block editor - it seemed to be "bugging out" on me and not allowing me to move blocks or copy and paste. Occasionally a block would disappear (and delete itself) if I moved it. I tried several times to load and reload the editor as well as app inventor, but nothing worked. I may start over again as I'm afraid of continuing and having more things go wrong! It's a frustrating thing to have to deal with, especially as I'm not sure of the cause. Any help would be appreciated!
Overall, I'm astounded by what I've learned over the past few months. When I think back on the "Pet Me" app and what I'm capable of now - it's simply amazing and I never would have imagined it possible before. Warts and all - that's the beauty of App Inventor - it really makes the process tangible and accessible. Now I feel that I have a real understanding of the program and can manipulate it in various ways to do what I want it to. No doubt there is still a lot to learn - this is certainly just a beginning!
Can't wait to see the final product (I'm using "final" loosely here) and the apps of all the other students!