TLDR;
This talk is about a young app developer's journey into the world of technology and app creation. He shares his experiences creating apps like "Earth Fortune" and "Bustin Jieber," discusses the challenges kids face when trying to learn programming, and explains how he started an app club at his school to share his knowledge. He also touches on using iPads in education and his future aspirations in app development.
- Creating apps like "Earth Fortune" and "Bustin Jieber"
- Overcoming challenges in learning programming
- Starting an app club to share knowledge
- Using iPads in education
- Future aspirations in app development
Introduction to App Development [0:15]
The speaker introduces his fascination with computers and technology, which led him to create several apps for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. He highlights two apps: "Earth Fortune," a unique fortune teller that displays different colors of Earth based on the user's fortune, and "Bustin Jieber," a Justin Bieber-themed whack-a-mole game. He created "Bustin Jieber" due to the general dislike for Justin Bieber among his schoolmates.
The Challenge of Learning App Development [1:01]
The speaker addresses the common question of how he creates his apps, noting that many kids are interested in making games but struggle to find resources to learn programming. Unlike activities like soccer or violin, where lessons and teams are readily available, app development lacks clear pathways for beginners. He shares his personal approach to learning app development.
His Approach to App Development [1:43]
He explains that he first learned multiple programming languages like Python, C, and Java to grasp the basics. The release of the iPhone and its software development kit (SDK), which is a suite of tools for creating iPhone apps, opened up new possibilities for him. After experimenting with the SDK, he created test apps, including "Earth Fortune." He then persuaded his parents to pay the $99 fee to publish his apps on the App Store.
Support and Inspiration [2:35]
The speaker acknowledges the support and encouragement he received from family, friends, teachers, and even people at the Apple Store, which greatly helped him. He also mentions Steve Jobs as a source of inspiration. He started an app club at his school, sponsored by a teacher, to share his experiences with other students interested in app design.
iPads in Education and Sharing Knowledge [3:06]
He discusses his involvement in an iPad Pilot Program and the challenge of determining how iPads should be used and which apps should be installed. They are gathering feedback from teachers to design apps that meet their needs. These apps will be free for local districts, and any revenue from other districts will go to local education foundations. He notes that students often have more tech knowledge than teachers and should be seen as a resource.
Future Aspirations [4:11]
The speaker concludes by outlining his future goals, which include creating more apps and games, working with a third-party company on an app, learning Android programming and development, continuing his app club, and finding more ways for students to share knowledge.