Assessment of Template-Based Learning in Application Development for Android Phones

Mobile devices dramatically changed human communication by providing instant connectivity channels and access to diverse information sources. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices have become common accessories and integrate into modern technology infrastructures in various ways. Mobile technology has evolved at an unprecedented pace and academia is often challenged to provide proper learning instruments. Limited curricula hours and the multidisciplinary nature of many disciplines prevent an easy integration of mobile computing courses. Recently introduced template-based learning (TBL) methods potentially address this bottleneck by offering short duration autonomous learning modules that can be integrated into existing courses as hands-on or simulation labs, sample templates for development, etcetera. This paper is used to study the concept of TBL for mobile application development learning for broad student constituency including K12 and undergraduate college students. Students learn to observe and modify codes, and compile, embed, and run mobile applications. The modules can be offered at different levels of complexity and duration. TBL sample templates are described for Android devices and learning efficiency is assessed in a classroom setting. Then it is shown that the TBL approach is efficient for other platforms as well.