Written by Samantha Holschbach
Computer science students and other Harding students interested in computer programming have a new incentive to produce exemplary work: a local iPhone app contest, in which the winning app designer will accrue $500 for producing an app targeted to White County residents.
The selected app must attract attention to Searcy ReMax Realtors Phil and Judy Hoggard’s team brand, the “Hoggard Team” by displaying the brand in a conspicuous location.
“It really gives them [students] a motivation to try to come up with a quote on quote real life application,” said Gabriel Foust, a Harding computer science professor who presented the contest to his iPhone app writing class. “Sometimes in the classroom the applications that we write are just focused on practicing a specific concept.
“So they can really encounter all the issues that come up in writing a real application that people are actually going to use.”
Any app submitted to the contest must not only display the Hoggard team brand and Web site link, but also operate without obvious bugs, include a README file detailing the app features and designer’s contact information, and ensure that the app requires minimal maintenance. The app must be emailed to Wendy Neill (wendy@perfectfitweb.com) with the subject, “Hoggard iPhone contest” by April 30.
The winner will be announced before May 8. Additionally, the winner must agree to provide assistance with the app for one year or a maximum of five hours of work, after which the designer may be paid for additional app support.
Beyond the $500 cash reward and real-life experience, the contest winner will be credited for designing the app on the online apps store — a great resume reference according to Foust.
Foust and Dr. Frank McCown are collaboratively teaching the iPhone apps class, the first time the computer science department has offered such a course, geared towards writing software for mobile devices.
McCown taught the first portion of the class highlighting the Google Android platform; Foust is leading the second part of the class, focused on producing software for the iPhone.
“We’re excited about [this contest],” Foust said. “It’s a neat thing that they want to do.
“It’s a good opportunity for our students, so we’re excited to provide that opportunity to them, and for them to get a real-life experience using stuff that they learn in class.”
For more information about contest rules and guidelines, contact Wendy Neill or any computer science professor.
