JET Appathon
JET Appathon
About
JET Education Services invites learners to participate in the JET Appathon, an exciting opportunity to develop digital skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities by designing their own applications.
The Appathon introduces learners to app development using MIT App Inventor, a free, beginner-friendly, visual, block-based programming platform. Through this experience, learners are introduced to programming and computational thinking while creating solutions to real-world challenges in their schools and communities. No prior coding experience is required. The JET Appathon aims to encourage learners to develop contextually relevant apps.
Complete the registration form to secure your place in the JET Appathon. Limited spaces are available
Register Now
What You'll Learn
During the Appathon, you'll:
Build your own mobile app from scratch
Learn the basics of app development using MIT App Inventor
Develop problem-solving and design thinking skills
Create solutions for real challenges in your school or community
Present your app and celebrate your achievement
No Coding Experience Needed
The JET Appathon uses MIT App Inventor, a visual programming platform developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With drag-and-drop blocks instead of complex code, anyone can learn to build an app—even if you've never programmed before.
How It Works
Step 1: Start with You
Discover what you already know about technology and identify a problem you'd like to solve
Step 2: Learn by Doing
Learn the basics of app development, including:
Variables
Loops
Events
User interface design
Step 3: Create Your App
Turn your idea into a working mobile app that addresses a real-world challenge.
Step 4: Showcase Your Work
Present your app, explain your solution, and celebrate your achievement with fellow learners.
What You'll Gain
By participating, you'll:
Build your own working mobile app
Learn valuable digital and problem-solving skills
Gain confidence in technology and innovation
Receive a Certificate of Participation
Become eligible to compete in future Appathon opportunities
Who Can Participate?
he JET Appathon is open to high school learners who are:
Curious about technology
Creative thinkers
Problem-solvers
Interested in innovation
Willing to learn something new
No previous coding experience is required.
What's Next?
Learners who successfully complete the Appathon may have opportunities to progress to:
School-level showcases
Regional Appathons
Potential participation in the MIT App Inventor Global Appathon, subject to selection and competition requirements
Prizes
Participants may receive:
A prize for the first 20 learners to register*
A Certificate of Participation for every learner who completes the Appathon
The opportunity to compete in the MIT World Global Competition (subject to selection)
*Terms and conditions apply.
Intellectual Property
All apps, code, designs, concepts, and other original work created during the JET Appathon remain the intellectual property and copyright of the learner(s) who created them. By participating, learners grant JET Education Services permission to photograph, record, demonstrate, and showcase their apps for educational, promotional, and reporting purposes, with appropriate acknowledgement where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need coding experience?
No. The Appathon is designed for beginners and uses MIT App Inventor, which teaches app development through visual programming
Do I need my own laptop?
Details about device requirements will be shared with registered participants
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation in the JET Appathon is free.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Learners who complete the Appathon will receive a Certificate of Participation
Who owns the app I create?
You do. All intellectual property and copyright remain yours. JET will only showcase your work with appropriate acknowledgement for educational and promotional purposes
For any enquiries, please email info@jet.org.za
