A few weeks ago, I applied for a Udacity scholarship to join the Web and Android Scholarship Program.
I figured it’s time I thought about doing something with my life again now my kids are both at school.
And I was amazed to get an email a few weeks ago to say that I had been accepted.
I chose to go down the Android Developer route because I figured mobile phones aren’t going to disappear any time soon.
It’s something I could also do from home if I became any good at it.
Android Developer Beginner Track
The Beginner Track is my starting point.
I’ve got 3 months to complete the Android Basics course which gives an introduction of how to build apps.
Depending on my progress there’s the potential to be accepted onto the Nanodegree Program.
That would otherwise cost a toe-curling £150 per month otherwise.
I’m not in a position to shell out that much so I’ve got to try my best to get one of those places.
I’ve been enjoying the course so far and gradually built my knowledge up as well as my first very simple app.
But now I’ve hit a brick wall that doesn’t need to be there.
Designing A Card
I’m rubbish at drawing and I need to design a card which I can turn into an app.
It’s a stumbling block on my Android Developer journey that’s holding me back.
And it’s ridiculous!
But I need to make a video of my design and how I programmed the app using Android Studio.
The more I leave it the easier it becomes to fail.
I really shouldn’t care what people think, although I do very much.
Since I’ve been feeling grotty with a head cold the last couple of weeks maybe that’s not helping.
It’s kept me from getting out and doing the amount of running I usually do.
Time is ticking so I need to get on with it already!
Recording A Video
The next hurdle I need to get over will be making the video.
For the length of time I’ve been blogging, I have to admit I’ve only ever made one short video.
So I’m not familiar with producing a video but to continue my android developer journey I need to get one done.
I’m planning on writing a script and doing a screencast of the code I’ve written.
I’ve got the free CamStudio software loaded onto my PC and as soon as I’ve designed the card and written the script I’m ready to go.
I’ve no idea how user friendly CamStudio is but I’ll find out soon enough.
If you have any tips on producing screencasts please let me know in the comments section below.
The Clock Is Ticking
I only have less than 2 months to go on the Android Developer course.
Not only that but if my efforts don’t succeed I plan to go back to work next September anyway when my daughter goes into the next school year.
There’s more scope for after school activities and both my kids can stay at school then until 6.30pm if needs be.
If I can work from home, great but if I can’t then that will have to be the option.
It’s a scarey thought having been at home now for six years.
Whatever happens, it’s always good to have new skills.
I might still carry on the Android Developer route even if I go back into employment.
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