Dapp Free—The App Creator, make and learn how to create your own iPhone and iPad apps

Dapp Free is an app designed for users to create apps. When launching Dapp Free, users must create a profile using their email, Facebook, or guest login. Dapp Free then brings users to the home screen, and they can choose the “How to use Dapp” button for a tutorial of the app. In the tutorial, users are provided with an overview for creating apps using Dapp Free. Users should then return to the home screen and tap the “Projects” button, which will allow them to start creating their own app. To add content to their app, users must tap the “Edit” button in the top right of the screen and then tap the “Add new page” button. They will then title their page and tap the “done” button. To add content to their page, users must tap the page’s name they created that will take them to a new screen, and then tap the “Add new object” button. At this button, users can select the content they wish to add, and multiple pieces of content can be added. As users build their app, they can view it by returning to the “Project” page and tapping the “Live Preview” button on the bottom left of the page. If users want to publish their app so it can be downloaded from the App Store, they will need to send their Xcode to a developer, which can be accessed from the “Settings” button from the home screen.

Instructional Ideas

1. As an extended technology project, teachers can give students a topic and have them create an app about the topic using this app.
2. Previous to assigning students an app-building assignment, teachers can model how to create an app. To do so, teachers can first build an example app using Dapp Free. Next, teachers can explain one piece of content or feature in their app, and then teachers can model how to make and manipulate that content or feature for students. Finally, teachers can have students recreate the content or feature on their iPad. Over time, students will gain a familiarity of the different options they have for building a unique app on their own.
3. If teachers create a technology project for students, the projects can culminate with an “App Day” festival. At the festival, students can present their apps to judges who can rate the apps based on innovation, usability, content, and design quality. To present their apps, students can connect their iPad to a projector and present their app using the “Live Preview” option.
4. After gaining experience creating apps or while brainstorming app designs, teachers can connect their iPad to a projector and show students apps of different qualities and types. As students view the apps, the teacher can have them analyze the apps by asking: (1) What are the best features of this app? (2) What areas could be improved? (3) Do you understand how to use the app automatically, or do you require further instruction? (4) Do you find the appearance of the app to be pleasing or disjointed? (5) Is there anything unique in this app that you would like to include in your app?

Screenshots

Screenshots