The trend of social media and app development is being utilized in information technology classes as well as other departments across campus.
App development is a way for software and information to be transportable. Applications are used among all ages. It seems college students are using apps all the time and in all places. Not only are they using the apps, students on campus are also contributing to developing the apps.
“Many people in the information technology department are interested in game development and mobile development,” said Xavier Strong, junior information technology major from Vivolo.
The game development course of the information technology department is working hands on with app development. They are required to make a game app. In order to make a 4.0 the students must complete the assignment in six weeks. There are four groups involved in the making of the different games such as: 3-D, 2-D, Android and iPhone games.
Strong is currently working on a two-dimensional fighting game for ages five and above.
“The game is funny,” Strong said. “Building this game is also a stepping stone for my resume.”
Strong is working with two other students, Daniel Archer and Jacob Kitts. They plan on selling the game in the iTunes store for anyone to purchase.
Riley Nipper, junior information technology major from San Antonio, is making a 3-D puzzle game in the digital entertainment technology II class with hopes of it one day being an app.
“Eventually the games we are working on through a software called Corona we have the licensing through Apple to create an app that can be sold in an iTunes store,” Nipper said.
The app development on campus is not only benefiting the school of information technology and computing, but students are hopeful it will be beneficial for other departments too.
Strong said he believes by creating several apps the business and marketing students will be able to get involved in app development. Some students focused on other majors may find an interest in the information technology classes.
“Showing what students have done within the information technology department will benefit ACU,” Strong said.
The game development course has an art major and nutrition major enrolled. Nipper said it is because students can be creative and come up with ideas.
“It is art that can turn into a story,” Nipper said.
