IACADEMY recently introduced for school year 2018-2019 a mobile app development program in response to the growing developments based on the platform.
Mitch Andaya, dean emeritus of iAcademy, said the current learning environment calls for teaching practical applications of information technology (IT) or computer science courses to enable students be more adapted to the real demands of the industry.
“We train our students in logic, design and programming—our focus is on developing a strong foundation in the fundamentals such that it is easy for them to adapt to any kind of technology, platform or programming language,” he said in a press statement.
iAcademy’s mobile app development strand incorporates early training in the most needed skills in IT: Computer Programming (C++), Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures in Java, Mobile Computing and Database Management Programming in Android, Android UX and UI Design, iOS App Development in Swift, and iOS Networking and Security, among others. According to iAcademy, they are the only school that offers this type of program at the senior high-school level.
Andaya said developing a successful mobile app requires a well-rounded team that has complementing skills. “Mobile app development requires more than just a programmer, especially nowadays when apps need to be more responsive to the needs of the market,” Andaya said.
Nevertheless, Andaya said iAcademy believes many young Filipinos can make a name for themselves in the IT industry. On their part, he said the school steps up by offering a responsive education system for IT courses that ensures students would have the necessary knowledge and skills that match the demands of the industry.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Software Industry Association expressed concern over the low skills of Filipino IT graduates. In its 2017 report, PSIA said 52 percent of IT graduates find it challenging to land a job because of two major reasons: first, IT students were taught with outdated technology; and, second, teachers exerted more effort on teaching programming languages than programming.
PSIA said rapid developments in the IT industry demands not only professionals with highly specialized skills, but also those who are well-versed with the latest tech trends. Strong fundamentals in IT is a must for IT graduates, but they should also be exposed to new software and tools currently used in the industry.