Students at Sonora Elementary in Springdale are creating an app for IPhone and Android users. In just a few months parents will be able to direct deposit money into their child’s school account with the touch of a finger. The students are creating the district’s first app to help parents on the go. Nine-year-old Devin Gill says he learned how to code the app from watching videos on YouTube.
Gill is a part of the Environmental and Spatial Technology program, known as EAST, at his school, which focuses on student growth with hands-on technology. They learn to meet deadlines, problem solve and work with clients. Josh Worthy is the facilitator of the program and says the first two weeks have been far more than he could imagine.
Because they’re coding and designing their own app, the students are saving the school about five thousands dollars. The app will have links to Facebook, Twitter, grade book and more. Gill’s classmate, Josh Holiday, helps design the app’s layout and says he’s excited about the project. They hope to have the app finished by Christmas.
Over 200 schools nationwide have EAST. Worthy says his students are confident and fearless, leaving them prepared sooner for junior high and high school.