Instagram. Snapchat. Yik Yak. Do you have an idea for the next big mobile app?
If so, you should take part in the Microsoft Mobile Application & Analytics Challenge, which will kick off in early March. The Eccles School and Microsoft have teamed up to bring the challenge to all University of Utah students and even some high-achieving Utah high schoolers.
Dr. Randy Guthrie — an academic developer evangelist from Microsoft who previously taught software engineering, programming and information systems courses at California State Polytechnic University – Pomona — will lead the challenge, teaching students how to use the tools necessary to compete. All the student-created apps will be available for download on the Microsoft app store, and the person who creates the app that gets the most votes from peers will win prizes.
The Microsoft app challenge includes three phases:
- Orientation and training (March 9-11) – Dr. Guthrie will teach students how to use the tools to create their apps.
- Lab time (March 23-27) – The Eccles School will provide computer lab time for students to work on their apps with help available from both Dr. Guthrie and teaching assistants.
- Analytics discussion and wrap-up (April 13-15) – Dr. Guthrie will discuss analytics using data from the students’ apps.
To register for the challenge, visit bit.ly/umicrosoftchallenge15. There are only 800 slots available, and we anticipate they’ll fill quickly. For more information, email microsoftchallenge@business.utah.edu.