An advanced course design for mobile embedded software through Android programming

Abstract

In this paper, we present the design of an advanced course on mobile embedded software, especially focused on Android programming for various embedded system applications. With the popularity of smartphone applications, there are numerous books and classes for smartphone programming. However, fast growing mobile technologies have led to a huge gap between advances in industry and university educational programs. Furthermore, trends in device convergence based on smartphones necessitate a broadened and diversified treatment of application domains such as automotive embedded systems and smart robots. Consequently, an advanced project course in mobile embedded software requires a complete redesign of its contents to meet these multiple goals. We describe our experience in redesigning an Android programming course to satisfy both the fundamental educational needs and industry trends. Based on the proposed design, we offered a successful course, "CS 190: Mobile Embedded SW with Android" at UC Irvine in Spring Quarter 2012, and describe our experience with the offering.