Exploring Different Types of Mobile Apps

Beginner Division Curriculum Exploring Different Types of Mobile Apps

By now you should have a list of features for your mobile app.

And you should have drawn out what you want it to look like with your paper prototype.

Below are some different tutorials for you to follow, depending on the type of app you are building.

ACTIVITY: TRY A TUTORIAL

Look through the tutorials listed below and follow the ones that use some of the same features or components you plan to use in your app. While they might not be exactly like the app you want to make, it will give you an example to get you started.

Don't just watch the tutorial - make the app too! 

If you don’t see a tutorial below that has some of the same features you want to add to your app, there are many other ways to find help!

  1. Google “App Inventor” and whatever feature you want.  For example, you might Google “App Inventor quiz” if you wanted to make an app that tests users on a topic.
  2. Visit http://appinventor.mit.edu/tutorials and look for other tutorials that might be helpful.
  3. Visit https://community.appinventor.mit.edu, the community forum for App Inventor users, and post a question there. Many other App Inventors visit that site and assist others that need help. 
In this tutorial, learn to add a login feature to your app. Users have to enter an username and password to register and use the app!
 
The CloudDB component is used to store the user information.
In this tutorial, learn to make an app that uses a map for users to locate places and find out more information.
 
This app uses the Map component to let users find volunteer opportunities in their area. It also uses the PhoneCall component so the users can call the organization from the app to volunteer, and the WebViewer component to display webpages in the app.
 
Part 1 shows you how to make the map and markers part of the app.

Part 2 shows you how to add a second screen to display the phone number and website, and allows the user to place a phone call to the organization.

In this tutorial, learn how to use CloudDB to create an app where users can message each other. This could be the start of an user forum feature in an app, and show you the basics of sharing information between users of an app.
 
Click on the picture below to go to the tutorial!
chat app screenshot

In these tutorials, learn how to use TinyDB to create an app where users can track their green activities from day to day. Their tracked information is stored on the mobile device so it can be updated each day.

Green Tracker tutorials

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