John Hannan’s mobile app projects well-received by students and requested by University departments

by Sarah Stoolman, TLT writing intern

John Hannan, associate professor of computer science and engineering, is using apps as classroom projects to enhance his students' education in the subject of computer science. The main focus and goal of his projects is the use of mobile platforms to allow his students to create apps of their own. His students are making great progress with the coursework and are responding well to the assignments, says Hannan.

"The first app they're writing is a little game that involves something similar to Whack-a-Mole. They are animating the Big Ten Football logos and the user has to tackle everyone except the Nittany Lion," stated Hannan. "The app brings together several fundamental concepts that we've already covered but also engages and challenges them. They can be creative and make adaptations," added Hannan.

This particular project encompasses many different elements which allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the classroom as they continue to build upon this app. "The latest addition to this project was incorporating sounds and animations for when you touch the icons or the icons score," added Ben Grablutz (senior, computer science).

The Penn State-themed game allows Hannan the opportunity to engage students on a variety of levels. "I look at the important concepts in programming languages that I want to teach them and design an application that can exercise and demonstrate them. A number of students have expressed interest in developing a Penn State app, providing access to a wide variety of information and services. I think our class has a great opportunity to develop an app that students, faculty, and staff will want on their iPhones," stated Hannan.

In general, Hannan has seen a positive reaction to the projects and has noticed students doing very well in the class.

"Out of all the classes I've taken so far here at Penn State, it's safe to say that this has been the most exciting. It's really astonishing when I'm able to finish a project, put it on my phone, and then show my friends what I’ve been working on in class," stated Josh Seltzer (senior, computer science). "Whether we end up working on iOS programs or a completely different platform, Professor Hannan teaches us skills and conventions that will be expected in any job environment," added Seltzer.

Students are excelling in the course and are excited about the opportunity that working with these mobile platforms brings them. "This class is very enjoyable. It is especially interesting because if you have an iPod or iPhone or even iPad, since we get a temporary developer license through the school, we can put the app on our i-device and play it. It definitely adds to the sense of accomplishment of a finished, working app. The projects are good fundamental learning tools that will certainly be applied should I enter the app development field," noted Grablutz.

"With each project that we work on it becomes increasingly more apparent what all we could do with the knowledge that we are gaining in this class. And as with most things, it is part of the challenge that makes the class so interesting!" stated Kaylyn Gibilterra (senior, computer science).

Along with the project assignments that Hannan creates for his students, there are also ideas coming from outside sources, in other departments and colleges.

"It was great to get some feedback and input from around the University. I've spoken to folks at the University Libraries because they would like an app for the library, a walking tour featuring the University archive pictures," stated Hannan. "I've talked to people in Earth and Mineral Sciences and in Ag Extension. They're interested in apps that would tie into their own endeavors."

"Someone in the business school was just talking about the fact that we have all of these students who know the business side and our students know the technology side. They should talk. That would be great." Hannan added.

Dealing with outside sources around the University really helps to simulate the interactions that students will encounter in the job market. "Being able to work with the University departments is a valuable experience for our students because it's the sort of thing you do in the real world," noted Hannan.

Much of what is done in the CMPSC 497 classroom is useful to students because of its relevance to the technological world today, according to Hannan's students. Everything that these students are learning is helping them on their path to success in their future careers. "I'm sure if anyone in our class tries to apply to Apple for a job in the future we will have the upper hand!" noted Seltzer.

Because of Hannan's creative coursework, his students will be amply prepared to do big things after graduation.

"Whether I go into a career with iPhone development or not, I know that this class will already help me make a huge difference for outside organizations I am involved with as well as for many potential new Penn State students!" stated Gibilterra.