Rea - Android Course (Proposal)

Summary

Run a semester-long project in an upper-level Android development class. This project will entail the use of many open source technologies to build an Android application (app) that interfaces via APIs with an Ushahidi server installed on OpenShift in order to enable a local community organization (to be determined) to track and report occurrences throughout a geographic area. Currently, we are looking at projects involving campus sustainability programs, voter registration initiatives, among other projects. Most likely this will be one large team of 10-15 students each performing various roles and contribution distinct modules to the overall Android Project.

This project will not only expose students to working with a FOSS community but also enable a local organization to experience the power that HFOSS can bring to the community.

Target Venue

<Course catalog description for a course; short description for an out of class activity>

CIS4700 Mobile Commerce Development

This is an advanced mobile programming course that focuses on advanced mobile commerce, or m-commerce, programming to include location-based services, mobile payment services and transactions, as well as designing and delivering advanced content and advertising for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Because m-commerce is constantly evolving, this course will integrate new topics as necessary as reflected in the mobile application development area.

Android App Development with Ushahidi

something here.....

Target Student Audience

<Who typically takes this course? Majors or non-majors? Is this a required course? At what point in their studies do students take this course?>

Learning Activities

There will be an assortment of smaller activities that contribute to the project's overall goals. These are in addition to labs in the course that focus on particular advanced Android programming techniques and approaches such as encryption, network management, lifecycle control, etc.

Lab assignments for these will relate to the overall project needs and can be shared on the wiki as part of the overall deliverable.

All other activities listed below are planned and will have deliverables associated with them and shared via the wiki.

Community

• Understand FOSS communities: We will take time to explore all the Ushahidi offerings and compare it to other FOSS communities. Each student will write a short essay within the class project wiki discussing this.
• Understand FOSS development processes: We will attempt to mirror FOSS processes using GitHub, collaborative technologies, and agile programming.
• Participate in FOSS communities: Students will at a minimum take part in IRC or other weekly Ushahidi discussions at least twice during the semester and write about it in the class project wiki or their blog.
• Master a FOSS development processes: Perhaps not master, but a reflective paper at the end of the semester on the project discussing what the student has learned.

Technology

In addition to the focus on developing advanced Android programming techniques, approaches, and designs such as fragment use, communication tools, and encryption, students will need to complete assignments and exercises that allow them to experience the following:

• Basic Git Usage with GitHub
• Advanced Version Control with GitHub
• Using Git with Android Studio
• Use Dia for App Architecture and Design (This will depend if students can install the software.)
• Install and use a Wiki on OpenShift
• Install and use an Ushahidi server on OpenShift
• Program and implement an Android App using Ushahidi APIs

Project Deliverables

• Working Android Application
• Project Website and Wiki
• Project DOcumentation
• User Guide

Evaluation

• Students are required to fill out a course survey at the beginning and end of the semester to note if learning occurred.
• Use CATME (http://info.catme.org/) to help students understand how well they perform on the team.
• Rubrics and associated feedback on all project assignments as well as labs.
• Willing to work with POSSE to implement more across the board evaluation measures that will interface with larger FOSS learning questions and community.

Schedule

<What is the schedule you expect to follow for developing, piloting and evaluating, and sharing the materials?>

Budget

<Amount requested; maximum $3k>

Contact Information

<Name and email>