There are several online tools available now that allow you to build your own apps. One such tool that is free to use for educators and pupils is Weejot. One of our Year 5 classes has been using Weejot to develop some simple apps linked in with their theme for this term. Setting up the accounts was probably the most tricky part! We ended up using a temporary email address service for the registration link so that the children could sign up as they don't have school email addresses. This worked really well but needed me to go through the sign up process with them step by step.
Once signed in to Weejot you are taken to the App Studio where you can create a simple app to include text and images, links, maps and rss feeds. You can also customise backgrounds and icons and even install the app on an iOS device bypassing the app store. The children are really impressed when they see their completed app alongside all the other apps installed on that device. Weejot has certainly created a positive buzz and the children are really engaged with the topic.
Taking it further - Weejot does allow you to access the coding element of the software but this is not necessarily simple for Primary School children to use. If you want access to more features then something like Appshed might be more appropriate but Weejot is certainly the perfect way to introduce children to App Development.
Once signed in to Weejot you are taken to the App Studio where you can create a simple app to include text and images, links, maps and rss feeds. You can also customise backgrounds and icons and even install the app on an iOS device bypassing the app store. The children are really impressed when they see their completed app alongside all the other apps installed on that device. Weejot has certainly created a positive buzz and the children are really engaged with the topic.
Taking it further - Weejot does allow you to access the coding element of the software but this is not necessarily simple for Primary School children to use. If you want access to more features then something like Appshed might be more appropriate but Weejot is certainly the perfect way to introduce children to App Development.