Ramapo College launched a new online HTML5 Mobile App Development Certificate program over the summer, which teaches students how to develop easy-to-use apps that can be used on devices including iPhones, Androids, iPads and plasma screen televisions, among others.
The program, which began July 1, was taught by Professor Alexander Vengerov.
“If the device has a modern browser, it has the capability to run an app. If a refrigerator has a browser, an app can be installed on it,” Vengerov explained about the apps that students learned to develop in the program.
The program took place over a two-month period in the summer and taught the specifics of creating and developing apps, how HTML5 works, as well as the methodology behind creating apps. According to Vengerov, HTML5 is essential in learning how to create apps because it can run on all devices.
The program gave students the fundamentals for the successful planning, design, development and implementation of apps and mobile websites. Vengerov believes that apps are helpful for personal, organizational, and business environments alike.
Freshman Ian Cordova, a computer science major, said he would take the program if it is offered again.
“Learning how to make apps would be useful,” Cordova said. “Even if you don’t make money from the app it can be a hobby.”
Vengerov said that the program was his idea. He decided to launch it because mobile apps are an increasingly hot topic. Half of the students that participated in the program were from Ramapo, but half were students outside of Ramapo or working people.
“The program is not just for Ramapo students, it’s also for the community,” Vengerov said.
He further explained that learning how to create mobile apps is especially important for people who want to work in the information technology field, but creating a good mobile app can support a person or business.
The two-month program is an intensive one, Vengerov said, condensing what some colleges teach over two semesters. He believes that the certificate is incredibly beneficial in today’s technologically advanced world for any resume.
The course is particularly beneficial for information technology management majors, as well as computer science majors and economics majors, according to Vengerov, but all tech-savvy students are welcome.
The course will be offered again in summer 2014; the administration is in the process of deciding the beginning and end dates.
Senior Danielle Mabe, a psychology major, said that she hopes to see the program offered again.
“I think it’s a really good idea. The world revolves around mobile devices now and there are apps for everything,” Mabe said. “It could put students at a real advantage if they plan to go into software development or something else computer related.”
Students that are interested in taking the program next summer should contact Vengerov at abvenger@ramapo.edu with any questions or concerns.
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azabohon@ramapo.edu
