Kids building apps at summer camp are learning how to build their own smartphone applications with the help of a program called App Inventor and high school mentors.

Building Apps at Summer CampAt Utah State University, middle schoolers are creating apps in a computer lab, and those who are interested in designing games are enjoying the activity.

App Camp is a week long program where middle schoolers learn how to build smartphone applications. It is organized by assistant professor of instructional technology and learning sciences Jody Clarke-Midura, and by associate professor of computer science Vicki Allen.  Now in its third year, App Camp focuses on getting students to learn programming.

According to Allan, at App Camp students “get exposure to programming, a skill that is all too often missing in the public school curriculum.”

“Cell phones are a great device for programming as apps combine colors, images, sounds and audio,” she wrote. “It becomes a great way to talk about this lucrative career option with others who play a critical role in helping youth to pick a future career.”

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