Course Content
UNIT 1: Foundations of Innovation & AI
Through the UCC ICT Clubs Innovation & AI Program, you will learn how to design and code your own mobile or web application to solve real problems in your community. ICT Club members of St. John SSS Nandere, Luwero excited about the launch of ICT Club by UCC ICT Club members of St. John SSS Nandere, Luwero excited about the launch of ICT Club by UCC This program prepares you to develop solutions that can compete at the National Council for Communications (NCC) Annual Competitions. You are not just learning to code. You are learning to become an innovator. 💻 What is Code? Code is a special set of instructions that people write to tell a computer what to do. Computers are very powerful machines, but they cannot think on their own. They only do exactly what they are told to do. Code is the way we give those instructions. Think of code like giving directions to someone. If you tell a friend, “Walk straight, turn left, then stop,” they will follow your instructions step by step. In the same way, when a programmer writes code, the computer follows those instructions step by step. Every mobile app you use works because someone wrote code. Every website you visit works because someone wrote code. Even games, ATMs, school systems, online shopping platforms, and social media apps work because of code. Coding (also called programming) simply means writing those instructions in a language that the computer understands. There are different programming languages, just like there are different human languages. For example, people speak English, Luganda, Swahili, and many others. Computers also have languages such as Python, JavaScript, Scratch, and block-based programming tools like App Inventor. Code is everywhere around you. When you send a message on WhatsApp, code is working. When you watch videos on YouTube, code is working. When your school uses a digital report system, code is working. When mobile money calculates your balance, code is working. You use technology built with code many times every day — even if you do not see the code itself. In this course, you will move from being just a user of technology to becoming a creator of technology. You will learn how to write code that solves real problems in your community. 📱 Examples of Things Made with Code Messaging apps like WhatsApp Mobile apps Games like The Sims Online games Animations and videos Banking systems School management systems E-learning platforms 🗣 Stop and Discuss What are some things you enjoy that were created using code? Think about: Social media Music apps School portals Online shopping Transport apps Discuss with your team. 🌍 Using Code to Help People Coding is not only for entertainment. You can use code to solve real-world problems. Here are some examples: 🏥 Healthcare Code helps doctors: Analyze medical scans Store patient records Detect diseases early Track outbreaks ♿ Assistive Devices Technology helps people with disabilities: Text-to-speech systems Smart hearing devices Mobility tools 🤖 Robots Robots are programmed using code to: Assist in hospitals Help in factories Perform dangerous tasks Technology can change lives. And you can build that technology. 🤖 What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Another important topic in this program is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial Intelligence is the ability of machines or computer systems to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. These tasks include: Recognizing faces Understanding speech Making recommendations Detecting patterns Predicting outcomes The human brain is very complex. For many years, scientists worked hard to make computers “think” in intelligent ways. Over the past 50 years, great progress has been made in AI. Today, AI is part of everyday life. 🌐 Examples of AI in Daily Life Self-driving vehicles YouTube video recommendations Face recognition systems Spam email detection Voice assistants Smart farming systems Fraud detection in banks 🗣 Stop and Discuss Can you think of other examples of AI in your daily life? Consider: Google search results TikTok suggestions Weather prediction apps Mobile money fraud alerts Online exam systems Discuss as a team. 🎯 Why Learning AI Matters As a young innovator in Uganda: You should understand how AI works. You should know how it affects your life. You should learn how to use it responsibly. You might integrate AI into your competition project. AI is not just for big companies. It is for students like you. 🗓 Program Timeline & Key Dates Your ICT Club Patron will share: Training timeline Submission deadlines NCC competition dates Internal school presentation dates Stay organized. Work as a team. Start early. 🚀 LET’S GET STARTED! You are about to begin your journey as: A coder A problem solver An innovator A future tech entrepreneur
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Introduction to ICT Club Innovation Program
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Generative AI Tools for Problem Solving
In this lesson, you will learn how to use generative AI tools responsibly to support your innovation project. Generative AI can help you brainstorm ideas, research problems, design your app, write code, create presentations, and even edit videos. However, while AI is useful, it must be used carefully and ethically. You will explore both the benefits and the risks of AI. You will learn that AI can sometimes generate incorrect information, show bias, or raise privacy concerns. Because of this, you must verify information, protect user data, avoid plagiarism, and ensure fairness in your solutions. This lesson will guide you on how to interact with AI as a responsible innovator. You will learn practical strategies for writing effective prompts, refining responses, and understanding the output generated by AI tools. Most importantly, you will create a Responsible AI Use Plan that explains how your team will use AI in a transparent and ethical way during your project. By the end of this lesson, you will understand that AI is not a replacement for your thinking. It is a support tool. You remain the creator. You remain the decision-maker. AI simply helps you build smarter, stronger, and more innovative solutions.
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Generative AI Tools for Problem Solving
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Identifying Community Problems
Lesson Introduction Before you build an app… Before you design a solution… Before you write a single line of code… You must first find the right problem. The strongest innovation projects always begin with a clearly understood community problem. This lesson helps you: Understand what a problem really is Identify communities you belong to Observe real needs in Uganda Categorize problems using the UN Sustainable Development Goals Brainstorm impactful ideas
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Identifying Community Problems
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Solving Problems with Technology
You have identified a real community problem. Now comes the next big question: How can technology help solve it? In this lesson, you will explore how mobile phones, web applications, and Artificial Intelligence can be used to create powerful, practical solutions. Not every problem needs technology. But when technology is used correctly, it can: Scale solutions Save time Improve access Increase accuracy Connect people Your task is to decide how technology fits into your solution.
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Solving Problems with Technology
Exploring Mobile App Builders
IN THIS LESSON YOU WILL: ✔ Learn about different app builders and programming languages ✔ Understand block-based vs text-based coding ✔ Get set up to build your first mobile app ✔ Explore simple tools suitable for ICT Clubs ✔ Learn how AI can help you build apps faster
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Exploring Mobile App Builders
Exploring Web App Builders
IN THIS LESSON YOU WILL: ✔ Understand what a web app is ✔ Differentiate between mobile apps, web apps, and progressive web apps ✔ Learn beginner-friendly web app development options ✔ Install and set up a simple web development environment ✔ Understand how AI can be integrated into web apps
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INTRODUCTION
ALGORITHMS
IN THIS LESSON YOU WILL: ✔ Understand what an algorithm is ✔ See real-life examples of algorithms ✔ Practice writing precise instructions ✔ Connect algorithms to coding and AI ✔ Prepare for app development logic
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WHAT IS AN ALGORITHM?
UNIT 2: Research & AI Foundations
Unit 2 moves students from identifying problems to validating them through research and technology exploration. In this unit, learners begin to think like innovators and researchers. They go beyond observation and start gathering real evidence from their communities. Students learn how to conduct structured research, interview stakeholders, analyze needs, and verify that a problem is real, significant, and worth solving. The unit emphasizes that strong innovation is built on verified data, not assumptions. Students explore how to: Conduct real-world research Engage and partner with community organizations Narrow down and select a meaningful, impactful problem Understand foundational Artificial Intelligence concepts Explore technical tools more deeply through App Inventor and Web App development 🔹 Researching Real-World Problems Students learn structured research methods such as: Surveys Interviews Observation Field visits Data collection They analyze patterns and document evidence to support their chosen problem. This ensures their project is rooted in reality and not guesswork. 🔹 Partnering with Community Organizations Students are encouraged to collaborate with: Schools Health centers NGOs Farmer groups SACCOs Youth organizations Through partnerships, students gain access to: Real challenges Expert insights User feedback Validation opportunities This step strengthens both impact and competition readiness. 🔹 Selecting a Meaningful Problem After research, teams compare potential problems using criteria such as: Relevance Impact Feasibility Technological suitability Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Teams then formally define a clear, specific, measurable problem statement to guide development. 🔹 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Students are introduced to: What AI is How AI works Where AI is used in everyday life When AI is appropriate in a solution They learn that AI is a tool—not a requirement—and must be used ethically and responsibly. 🔹 App Inventor: Closer Look Students deepen their understanding of: Components Events Logic structures Data storage Basic AI extensions They begin thinking about how their researched problem can translate into a functional mobile app. 🔹 Web Apps: Diving Deeper For advanced teams, students explore: Text-based coding Python and Streamlit Web app architecture AI integration in web platforms They evaluate whether a web-based solution better fits their project goals. 🔹 End of Unit Outcome By the end of Unit 2, each team should have: ✔ A validated, researched problem ✔ Evidence from the community ✔ A selected technology pathway (Mobile or Web) ✔ Basic understanding of AI relevance ✔ Clear direction toward solution design
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Researching Problems
Partnering with Community Organizations
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Partnering with Community Organizations
Selecting a Meaningful Problem
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Selecting a Meaningful Problem
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
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All About Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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App Inventor: Closer Look
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Introduction to App Inventor
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Web Apps: Diving Deeper
https://audio.com/moseswa4/audio/turn-python-scripts-into-streamlit-web-apps1
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Introduction to Web Apps
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UNIT 3: Designing Smart Solutions
Identifying Innovative Solutions Responsible Research and Innovation Market Research Basics App Inventor: Coding Conditionals Finding Patterns with AI
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From problem to Solution
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Building apps that help people and do not harm them.
As ICT Club innovators, you are learning to build powerful mobile apps and web apps that can solve real community problems. But creating technology is not only about making it work. It is also about making sure your technology: Helps people Does not harm people Respects privacy Works fairly for everyone This is called Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
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Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI)
(RRI) Assessment
00:05:00
Market Research
Know your users Improve your idea Build correct features Build successful products
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Responsible Research and Innovation
06:22
Market Research and Target Market Quiz
00:04:00
Introduction to Conditional Statements
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Introduction to Conditional Statements
06:17
App Inventor Conditional Statements Decision-Making Quiz
00:05:00
ICT Clubs Startup Development Course

IN THIS LESSON, YOU WILL:

✔ Learn about mobile phone features that can support your solution
✔ Understand the difference between a mobile app and a web app
✔ Learn how Artificial Intelligence can help solve problems
✔ Identify examples of AI around you
✔ Reflect on ethical technology use

PART 1: FEATURES OF A MOBILE DEVICE

A mobile phone is more than just a calling device.

It contains powerful tools (called sensors and components) that you can use in your app.

1️⃣ Camera & Microphone

Used for:

  • Taking pictures

  • Recording videos

  • Capturing voice

Uganda Example:

If your problem is poor waste management in town, users can take photos of garbage piles and upload them.

If your problem is bullying, students can record anonymous voice complaints.

2️⃣ GPS (Location Tracking)

Used for:

  • Finding physical location

  • Mapping services

Uganda Example:

An app that helps boda riders avoid accident-prone areas in Kampala.

Or an app that maps broken boreholes in rural areas.

3️⃣ Internet Connectivity

Used for:

  • Sending and receiving data

  • Updating information in real-time

Uganda Example:

Farmers checking daily produce prices in Mbale or Gulu markets.

4️⃣ Storage

Used for:

  • Saving user preferences

  • Offline data access

Uganda Example:

An offline revision app for students in rural areas with limited internet.

5️⃣ Accelerometer & Motion Sensors

Used for:

  • Detecting movement

  • Measuring speed

Uganda Example:

Fitness or sports performance tracking app for school athletes.

🔹 PART 2: MOBILE APP vs WEB APP

You must choose the correct type of application.

📱 Mobile App

  • Installed on phone

  • Works offline (mostly)

  • Can access camera, GPS, sensors

  • Built for Android or iOS

Example in Uganda:
Mobile money apps
Offline learning apps
Health reporting tools

If using MIT App Inventor → You are building a mobile app.

🌐 Web App

  • Runs in browser

  • Requires internet

  • Works on any device

  • Built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Example in Uganda:
School result portals
Online job platforms
Government service websites

🔄 Progressive Web App (PWA)

  • Runs in browser

  • Can be installed like an app

  • Can work offline partially

Useful for:
Communities with low storage space.

🔹 DECISION SCENARIO

Imagine your team wants to solve this:

Problem: Farmers don’t know current market prices.

Option 1: Mobile App
Good if farmers have smartphones and need offline access.

Option 2: Web App
Good if price data updates daily and requires internet.

Which is better?

You must analyze your users first.

🔹 PART 3: WHAT ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is optional.

But it can enhance your solution.

Let’s break it down:

Artificial → Made by humans
Intelligence → Ability to learn, reason, decide

AI tries to imitate human thinking.

AI Can Do 4 Main Things:

1️⃣ Understand (recognize images, speech)
2️⃣ Learn (improve over time from data)
3️⃣ Use models to make predictions
4️⃣ Interact with humans

🔹 AI EXAMPLES IN UGANDA

Example 1: Predictive Text

When your phone suggests the next word → AI is learning patterns.

Example 2: Smart Prosthetics

Advanced prosthetic limbs that respond to muscle signals.

Example 3: Parking Assist in Cars

System detects space and helps steer.

Uganda Scenario Example:

Problem: Students struggle in Mathematics.

AI Solution Idea:
App that analyzes quiz mistakes and suggests weak topics.

AI learns from answers and adapts practice questions.

🔹 QUIZ EXAMPLE

Which uses AI?

Vacuum cleaner ❌
Roomba that maps your house ✔

 

Remote control car ❌
Auto-parking vehicle ✔

Spell checker ❌
Predictive text ✔

Use the 4 criteria to decide.

🔹 ETHICS: BUILDING RESPONSIBLY

Ethics means asking:

Is this fair?
Who benefits?
Who might be harmed?

Example:

If you build a school ranking app:

  • Does it embarrass weaker schools?

  • Does it protect student privacy?

Technology must not replace human care.

Your app should:

✔ Protect privacy
✔ Promote fairness
✔ Avoid discrimination
✔ Respect dignity

🔹 ACTIVITY: MY VISION OF A BETTER WORLD

Discuss:

  • What kind of future do we want?

  • How can our app improve lives?

  • How can we prevent harm?

Write your team’s vision statement.

🔹 REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Before moving to development, ask:

  • Can this problem be solved without technology?

  • Does technology make it faster or scalable?

  • Is mobile better than web?

  • Is AI necessary?

  • Is our solution ethical?

🔹 KEY TERMS

Mobile App – Installed on phone
Web App – Runs in browser
Sensor – Hardware that detects environment
AI – Machines that mimic human intelligence

🔹 STRATEGIC MESSAGE

Technology is not the goal.

Impact is the goal.

Technology is just the tool.

The best teams:

✔ Understand the problem
✔ Choose the right technology
✔ Use AI only when needed
✔ Build ethically
✔ Design for real users

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