App in a Day: An Apps for Good Taster Workshop

About 

This workshop has been developed in collaboration with Highgate Wood School Digital Schoolhouse and Apps for Good; a school based open source technology movement which aims to develop a generation of problem solvers and digital makers.

The workshop takes the key elements from their 32 week programme and waters it down into a one day taster workshop, suitable for pupils from Key Stage 2 upwards. The day takes pupils through an iterative development model where they begin with an idea and end with a pitch outlining their final prototype. Collaborative working, problem solving, research and communication skills are all encouraged and developed during this innovative workshop.

Fully mapped onto the new computing programmes of study, this workshop will leave your pupils inspired and set on the path to becoming young digital makers.

If you have any questions about the workshop, please get in touch with the team: dsh@ukie.org.uk

Guidance for teachers

Suitable for: Key stage 2 (KS2) and up

Our resources are created with you and your students in mind. Not only are they outside-the-box, creative and brain-boosting fun, but we always ensure our content stays relevant. Our network of academic masterminds and video games practitioners enable us to keep delivering free content that is aligned to the UK computing curriculum and that is relevant to current industry best practice. We think you're going to love our play-based approach to Computer Science. We've even got the evidence to prove it. 

Download your lesson resources at the bottom of the page. If you're a Lead Teacher of a certified Schoolhouse, you can access the adaptable resources by logging in.

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Guidance for parents & carers

Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of the App in a Day follow-along workshops below. Please note, these are live recordings. Sit back, relax and supervise or participate as a family.

Part 1 - no technology required!

Suitable for ages 7-14 years. Discover what an app is and how initial ideas are developed, including building a user profile and reviewing existing apps.

What do you need to take part

• Printed copy of worksheets, or paper
• Pen or pencil
• Coloured pens or pencils
• Internet enabled device for research  
  

What do you learn?

• What an app is and that they usually solve single specific problems
• How to carry out research to help develop your ideas further
• To develop initial ideas to create / modify an app based on an initial suggestion
• How apps are aimed at specific used using a user profile and develop one for your own app 
  

Part 2

Suitable for ages 5-11 years. Following Part 1, develop a paper prototype for your app and learn how to pitch it to potential investors.. 

What do you need to take part?

• Printed copy of worksheets, or paper
• Pen or pencil
• Coloured pens or pencils 
• Optional: device with presentation software such as MS PowerPoint  
  

What do you learn?

• The structure of an app and how to apply this to your own design
• How to design your app prototype around the needs of your user
• Selecting and using digital tools to prepare a pitch

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