The fourth session of the Edify EdTech Clubs Course turned the spotlight on one of the most vital 21st-century skills: coding and app development. Coding is not just a technical subject; it is a language of creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. By guiding learners through programming and application design, schools empower them to become innovators who can create digital solutions for real-world challenges.

Purpose of the Session

This session was designed to:

• Introduce patrons to coding as a core digital skill with relevance for today’s and tomorrow’s job market.
• Equip facilitators with strategies to mentor learners in building apps that solve community challenges.
• Highlight accessible coding platforms for both beginners and advanced learners.
• Demonstrate how app development connects with entrepreneurship, the new competence-based curriculum, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 Key Learning Areas

4.1 What is Coding & Why it Matters?

Coding is the process of giving instructions to computers to perform tasks. It nurtures:

• Computational Thinking — breaking problems into logical steps.
• Creativity — turning ideas into functional apps or games.
• Confidence — seeing one’s ideas come alive in digital form.
• Career Readiness — preparing learners for roles in software engineering, IT, data science, and business automation.

---

4.2 Tools and Platforms for Learners

Block-Based Programming (Beginner Friendly):

• Scratch – animations, games, interactive lessons.

• MIT App Inventor / Thunkable – drag-and-drop tools for building mobile apps.

Text-Based Programming (Advanced Learners):

• Python (via Replit or Trinket) – for apps, automation, AI basics.
• Web Development – HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Other Languages – Visual Basic, C++ (for deeper exploration).

Online Learning Resources:

• Code.org
• Google CS First
• FreeCodeCamp
• W3Schools

---

4.3 Example Projects for Schools

Participants explored simple but impactful project ideas that learners can build, such as:

• Scratch animation teaching honesty and truthfulness
• Memory verse game app
• Alphabet learning app for Primary 1
• Interactive hygiene checklist app
• Exam revision quiz app with scoring system
• Mobile app for daily devotion reminders
• Simple budgeting and savings app for teens

These projects not only teach coding but also reinforce Christian values, literacy, numeracy, and life skills.

4.4 Relevance of EdTech Clubs in Coding

Patrons were encouraged to foster coding through active EdTech Clubs. Benefits to learners include:

• Boosting creativity and innovation.
• Developing collaboration and teamwork.
• Applying ICT across multiple subjects.
• Gaining confidence to participate in exhibitions, science fairs, and competitions.
• Preparing for ICT-related careers.
• Developing a sense of global digital citizenship.

5.5 Needed Resources for Clubs

For schools to sustain coding and app projects, the following are essential:

• A computer lab as the “home” of the club.
• Smartphones or tablets for testing apps and recording demo videos.
• Reliable access to laptops/desktops with internet.
• Software (Scratch, MIT App Inventor, web design tools, etc.).
• Time allocated on the timetable for club meetings.
• Supportive school administration and external mentors.

Skills Emphasized

• Critical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Creativity & Innovation
• Teamwork
• Entrepreneurial Mindset

Summary & Next Steps

Session 4 emphasized that coding and app development are not reserved for experts — any learner can start with simple tools and grow into advanced programming. By learning to code, students don’t just consume technology; they create it.

Next Steps for Clubs:

• Introduce learners to Scratch and MIT App Inventor.
• Guide them to identify community challenges that could be solved with a simple app.
• Encourage learners to build small, functional prototypes.
• Document progress for submission to the Edify EdTech Exhibition 2025.

 Coding empowers learners to design, innovate, and solve problems while glorifying God through purposeful technology. With mentorship and supportive school structures, EdTech Clubs can nurture the next generation of app developers in Uganda.