Android Day!

Tonight’s class was exciting – especially for me because I knew I’d hand out Android phones by the end of class.  Marco said he felt like Santa Claus today and he, Howard, and I really did work like elves to get the phones documented and activated.  Clueless to all the activity down the hall the students continued to work on their app designs from Tuesday.  Every now and then, I left to check on the android phone elves to ensure everyone would be ready for the big (surprise) presentation.

Imani, a Film student at Howard, was on hand to capture the event.  She’ll be around more often and will help capture and record various moments.  Today was her first day.  She said she wished she’d had this type of class when she was younger – a sentiment I hear often about the class.

Continuing the app design process today provided clearer pictures to the ultimate app ideas had by most students.  Some even got to explain their app on camera.  That footage will be edited, compiled, and posted soon.

But of course, the big event of the evening was the announcement about the arrival of the phones.  I encouraged the class to review the features of the two Android phones available on Cricket and discuss pros and cons of each.  After which, they were to notify me of their ultimate decision and according to what they knew at the time, I would make note of their decision and order the phones tomorrow.

Shortly after they announced their choice, Marco and Howard walked in with the mysterious box.  The students looked surprised.  Then the announcement came.  I know I heard cheers, but I also think it took them a while to realize we were serious and that there were phones in the box – for everyone.  It was an awesome moment – also captured (and will be made available later).

Students are tasked with exploring their phones over the weekend and blogging about what they find, what they like, what they think is good and not so good about their findings.  I can’t wait to hear what they share.

There are 15 new smartphone users in DC now trying to figure out what this ‘Android’ thing is all about.  If you are in the DC area, you just might see them taking pics, recording video, or just simply trying to understand how to use their new Cricket Android phone.

This should be interesting….

-Leshell
Lead Instructor