Android Session 4 @ Mbarara University 2015

Hi Developers! My name is Lynet Ampiire, a second year student at Mbarara University of Science and Technology pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering.
Participating in this Android training has given me an opportunity to enhance my programming skills especially learning how apps are developed.

Student explains concept during class

On Saturday, 18, April, 2015 we had our fourth study session where i was able to acquire more experience. The focus was on Shared Preferences and I'm going to share with you what I learnt.

I, Lynet and my groupmate explain our assignment app to class

• Shared preferences enable a developer to store and retrieve information. This works for simple information such as user names and passwords. 
• SQLite is preferred when dealing with complex information.

Additionally a couple of methods come in handy when dealing with Shared Preferences which include;

Android Class during session

• getSharedPreferences() method which retrieves information stored and is applied in multiple application components.
• getPreferences() method does the same thing as the getSharedPreferences() method only that it is applied in a single application.

We also looked at the Editor class that has a name that can be used to invoke or reference other methods such as edit () method, put (), and get () method.

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank Google in partnership with Udacity for enriching us with this great knowledge.  I look forward to applying these concepts in the application i intend to develop by the end of the training. 

I would like develop a digital diary app. I just can’t wait till it's done…....Cheers!

For a link to more session photos; click Android Session 4

+Chimdindu Aneke +Jeminatu Alabi-Isama +Richard Kimera +Kimera Richard +Galiwango Martin +Brian Kagimu

Android Session 3 @ Mbarara University 2015

Hello programmers! Have you heard of the Android revolution at Mbarara University? The study sessions are getting more exciting, fun and engaging for the Android Team @Must with each passing day.

Android Students have fun after the session

Googlers @Must have formed teams to specialize in different concepts as they learn how to develop Android Applications.

Programmers are developing apps based on specific topics and they get to present to the rest of the Study team during the sessions, get advice from the facilitators and explain to the rest better. It's efficient, effective and more exciting since each one of us has to be the best at what they specialize in. 

A student explains layouts in Android

Developers are acquiring public speech skills, team work, learning how to use GitHub and Doing cool things that matter. Three teams got a chance to present in this session and guys did amazing work each taking home nice Google swag.

A lucky student admires his Android T shirt

If you have a dream of making a great impact in the world, then this is an opportunity you can't afford to miss.

Don't miss the next session on 16th April 2015 its going to be [bloody] as the rest of the teams present and we learn from them. Hope you have already gotten a project to work on.

Have fun. For a link to more photos about the session; go to the link Android Session 3. Thank you.

Phyllis Ntananga,

Android Student @ Mbarara University and GSA Core Team Member

+Chimdindu Aneke +Jeminatu Alabi-Isama +Richard Kimera +Kimera Richard +Galiwango Martin +Ntananga Phyllis +Brian Kagimu +Ziyal Amanya +Ziyal Amanya +Ankwasa Bernadine 

Android Session 2 @ Mbarara University 2015

Hey Googlers. My Name is Blessing Davis. I am a student at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in my second year of study pursuing a Bachelor's degree of Science in Computer Engineering.

The facilitator explaining a key concept

I am privileged to be part of the Android Study Class at the University. It gives me the opportunity to meet and interact with fellow programmers with whom we share a common goal.

The second session, on the 4th of April 2015 was a pure hands on session with code. I have to admit it seemed a bit abstract due to the introduction of new concepts like Intents as well as Fragments.

Students getting their hands dirty in code

However, i learnt how to create a Blank Activity, call different Activities to execute etc.I will just keep getting better with time and dedication.

I hope to develop my very own Android application and improve my mobile development skills in general by the time the training ends.

Time for refreshments bro

Thank you and surely we will "Do Cool Things That Matter". For a link to more photos of the session, click; Android Session 2

+Chimdindu Aneke +Jeminatu Alabi-Isama +Brian Kagimu +Richard Kimera +Kimera Richard +Galiwango Martin +Ntananga Phyllis +Ntamakemwa Davis 

Launch of Android Sessions @ Mbarara University 2015

Whooohooo!!!!! Wondering what the excitement is all about? I'll tell you in a moment. Nothing feels more thrilling than not just being on the right track but moving towards your target destination as well.

I've always dreamed of developing an application to run on my smartphone or a friend's. However i didn't know how to begin the journey ie where to start.

Are you ready for the next session?YESSSS!!!!!

Thanks to the Google Student Ambassador Program at the University led by the current GSA, Kagimu Brian and the team he works with, our dreams are about to come true. This however calls for hard work and commitment on our side.

The Android Study Club was launched at the University on Saturday, 28, March, 2015 with our lovely facilitators, Richard Kimera and Martin Galiwango. The class was fun packed with alot to learn as well. I could feel it in the air, "The start of a good cause". At the end, our minds were reading "Android Mode Activated".

attending to the facilitators...

During the session, we were able to set up the Android Studio and run the Hello World application. We also began the Video course termed "Developing Android Apps - Android Fundamentals"

By the end of the day, we all walked out with the mind of a mobile developer. Nothing can cause that except Android.

I and my friends can't wait for the next session. Thanks to the GSA and his team for the wonderful work. Some session pics are below;

Mr.Richard explaining to us some concepts

Students in action on their computers and laptops others upfront consulting

Photo-time...anytime after the event is photo time you don't wanna miss out

Don't miss out the smiles....they mean everything went well Ben and Mr. Richard

Rock on!!!

For a link to more event photos, go to the link; Android Study Group Launch

As always, we will "Do Cool Things That Matter".  #androidmust +Chimdindu Aneke +Jeminatu Alabi-Isama +Kimera Richard +Kimera Richard +Galiwango Martin +Brian Kagimu +Benjamin Otim

GSoC 2015 Meetup @ Mbarara University

The Google Summer of Code is an opportunity for technical students to learn the best practices of software development by engaging in open source software development.
On the 26th of February 2015 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, we had a meet up at Mbarara University of Science and Technology to raise awareness about the program and encourage students to participate.
A total of about 72 students attended the event.

Students listening attentively during the event

Three students who're part of the Google Student Ambassador team facilitated. Phyllis Ntananga talked about the program, its' benefits and the experience to be gained.
Patricia Katusiime encouraged the students to join the GSoKites Virtual Classroom (GVC) in order to be effectively prepared to apply for the competition once application opens on March 16 2015.
Kagimu Brian talked about Git, a distributed version control system as well as GitHub, a site for code collaboration.

Phillys explains the GSoC program

Students got excited and it ended in challenging the dance-shy GSA to pull off a few strokes.
This year, our students are more likely to be successful in the program than before.

We are grateful to the University administration for provision of the facilities, the student community for their participation in the events as well as Google for enabling the Google Student Ambassador Team to Do Cool Things That Matter.

Selfie of the event

Students interacting during the event

For a link to more photos; click Google Summer of Code 2015 Awareness

 +Chimdindu Aneke +Jeminatu Alabi-Isama 

+Karani bob kennedys +agnes katusiime +Ntananga Phyllis +Patricia katusiime +Brian Kagimu 

Why the fuss about Open Source software?

According to the Open Source Initiative, Open source software is software that can be freely used, changed, and shared (in modified or unmodified form) by anyone. Open source software is made by many people, and distributed under licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition.

So why should you care? Have you ever realised how much you would have to spend if you were to buy all the software that you use daily. For instance the browser or the editor or the player. It just wouldn't make sense. Right?

Have you realised people put up their best show on the big day when all eyes are watching. When they're alone, that's when their true character is revealed. The same goes for software, let it out (make the source code making it up) available so we can know if it's what it claims it is.

Let millions of developers around the world take a look at the code and improve it. Don't leave in the hands of a few. Take a look at it and change it for the better.



We all love using the Internet....right? Imagine the technology behind it was proprietary software or closed source. I am talking about the Linux operating system or the Apache Web Server. The world would definitely not be this cool.

Let us allow our students all over the world become better by embracing open source software. It enables them to see how it is all built and learn a thing or two. This is what am talking about. Open source software.

If you are a student, wherever you are and are interested in coding, This is your chance, participate in the Google Summer of Code 2015. If you're in Sub-Saharan Africa ie Mbarara University of Science and Technology, join the GSoKites Virtual Classroom (GVC) on Google+ to know more.

Don't forget to do cool things that matter