Project-based learning approach for teaching mobile application development using visualization technology

Abstract

This article is devoted to the experience of applying the Blended Project-Based Learning Approach Using Visualization Technology in teaching mobile application development for IT-students. This technology is based on a project-based method, pair programming, teamwork and using of digital educational resources as a visual learning content. The authors describe the impact of the used teaching methods and digital educational resources on the student's cognitive skills during the mobile application development in the workshop where the students gained hands-on experience on mobile application development through «active doing» method, interactive tasks and creating different types of mobile application projects. The workshop's curriculum is developed in terms of the scaffolding. So, the students improve the skills develop projects starting from simple «Hi, Kazakhstan!» to a complete software with the functions of search and update from the Internet. The well-designed project topics on development mobile application arise the interest and provide the high motivation of the learners. The impact of Blended Project-Based Learning Approach is evaluated through the questionnaire, testing and evaluation of mobile application projects developed by students. The effectiveness of such an approach for teaching mobile application development is confirmed by the empirical data.