BCIT Low Code Mobile Application Development Microcredential
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Technovation GirlsBC has partnered with the British Columbia Institute of Technology to provide the opportunity to complete the Low-Code Mobile Application Development micro-credential and the Technovation Girls Program at the same time for free. This program may be used as Grade 11/12 work experience in some districts or up to two credits of Independent Directed Studies (IDS).
The Low-Code Mobile Application Development micro-credential (LCAD) program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology teaches you to create mobile and business apps through visual drag-and-drop interfaces with simple logic, without coding from scratch.
The LCAD program is designed to provide you with a blend of practical technical skills and core competencies such as collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving that can be applied to a variety of industries. Upon completing this micro-credential, you will have greater confidence in your ability to participate as an inventor, innovator, and agent of change to solve practical problems in our rapidly changing world.
Low-code, as a general social and technological movement, is expected to continue growing significantly. It’s estimated that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use some form of low-code or no-code technologies.
COURSES
XCMP 1010 Programming Logic Foundations
Course Credits: 1
Synchronous Virtual Classroom Session Dates and Topics:
Thursday January 18 Variables & Functions
Thursday January 25 Data Resources & Control Structures
This hands-on course aims to introduce students with no prior computer programming experience to programming logic foundations. XCMP 1010 is one of the required introductory courses for the Low-code App Development Microcredential. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of basic programming concepts such as variables, functions, control structures, and databases through building a mobile app using a low-code development tool.Â
Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Explain how computers use logic to make decisions and run programs.
Design a basic program with back-end features to demonstrate understanding of functions, variables, databases and conditionals.
Locate, analyze, and fix errors in codes using debugging techniques.​
XCMP 1020 Design Thinking for Citizen DevelopmentÂ
Course Credits: 1
Synchronous virtual classroom session dates and topics:
Thursday February 1 Problem Statement, Empathy & Behaviour Mapping, Competitor Analysis
Thursday February 8 App Features, MVP Features, Suitability Assessment, Project Canvas
​Citizen developers are non-technical users with little to no coding experience building simple business applications, automation and extensions that help in better addressing the requirements of their everyday work. Combined with new low-code technologies, it gives power to those who don't write code but have a good understanding of business needs and challenges.Â
Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies
​Describe and apply design thinking to develop and test innovative ideas through a rapid iteration cycle.
Perform research and analysis to identify problem statements, target market, users, and competitors.
Prepare a suitability assessment by applying citizen development and project management concepts.
XCMP 2010 App Development with Low-code Environments
Course Credits: 4
Synchronous virtual classroom session dates and topics:
Thursday February 15 Agile Methodology, Setting up Accounts, Site Map and User Flow
Thursday February 22 User Interface Design, User Experience Design
Thursday February 29 Security & Risk Mitigation, REST API setup, User Sign-up and Authentication
Thursday March 7 Wireframes, Mockups and Prototypes
Thursday March 14 Version Control, Database and Creating User Interfaces
Thursday March 21 Ethical Design Considerations, Retrieving and Editing Data, App Theme and Navigation
Thursday March 28 Adding Specialized Components I
Thursday April 4 Adding Specialized Components II
Saturday April 13 Option Pitch Competition and Feedback
In this hands-on course, students will learn to develop mobile applications to solve real-world problems using a low-code development tool. It is aimed toward students who have completed XCMP 1010 and have a grasp of basic programming logic. Students are introduced to the following topics: Ideation, UX/UI design principles, prototyping, user interface development, and database handling for mobile applications. Upon completion, students will design and build their own mobile application to reinforce the concepts taught and apply what they have learned.
Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies
Perform ideation to come up with a viable mobile application idea that solves a real-world need.
Apply practices in User-Centered Design (UCD) to prepare mobile application prototypes and wireframes.
Design and develop an application with minimal viable product components using low-code application development environments.
Conduct usability testing over several iterations and implement changes based on feedback.
Evaluate mobile application using launch checklist.
STRUCTURE & TIME COMMITMENT
Micro-credentials are accredited post-secondary programs are intended to be flexible, small, modular pieces of learning structured to fit your schedule.
The LCAD micro-credential comprises three courses offered over 12 weeks entirely online, with a blend of live and self-paced classes, from January 18 to April 4. Each week, a two-hour live virtual classroom session is offered on Thursday after school (3:30 PM-5:30 PM). During these live sessions, you will be guided through learning content and demonstrations, have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers and receive feedback from industry coaches and mentors. These sessions will also be recorded and available asynchronously - however, we recommend attending live as often as you can!
Some asynchronous work, homework and self-practice are expected beyond the hours of the course and may vary each week based on the students (ranging 1 to 4 hours).
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Students must provide their own current model Windows capable PC, i5 or higher equivalent processor, 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. High-speed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Please note that participation on the BCIT Learning Hub is mandatory.Â
APPLICATION PROCESS
 Fill out the Low-Code Mobile Application Development Application form [PDF].
Have your guardian sign your application form.
Attach a brief Letter of reference which supports your ability to successfully complete the micro-credential courses beginning in January 2024.
The letter can be from a Guardian, Community Leader, Employer, Teacher, Counsellor or Career Programs Advisor at your school. It should indicate how the referee knows you and why they believe you will be successful in completing the micro-credential courses on top of your regular high school commitments.Â
Submit your application and letter of reference to Technovation GirlsBC (info@TechnovationGirlsBC.ca) using the Low-Code Mobile Application Development Application form [PDF].
Please note, this program has a limit of 25 seats available and is on a first-come-first-served basis for those that meet the requirements. All applicants will be advised of their acceptance upon application submission and the first class is on January 18, 2023. Early application is recommended.Â