Abstract:

Sketchware is a free, open-source integrated development environment that allows users to create native android applications directly on their smartphones without writing traditional code. Sketchware first appeared in 2016, was discontinued in 2021, and was succeeded by a new version, Sketchware Pro, which was released in 2022. Sketchware programming environment is based on block language that transforms the complex text-based coding into visual, drag-and-drop building blocks. In this way, Sketchware enables developers of all skill levels to create fully native android applications by assembling, via simple drag-and-drop, lego-like blocks which are then converted into java and xml code.

In this work, we present Chalcis-Guide, an innovative application for android developed exclusively using Sketchware. The application is a cultural and travel guide for the city of Chalcis, which is the capital town of Greece's second largest island, Euboea, located 100 km north of Athens. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad while its name, preserved from antiquity, is considered to have been derived from the greek word for copper (i.e., χαλκός, /xalˈkos/). Chalcis, situated on Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, rose to prominence as a key maritime and commercial city-state in ancient Greece and became renowned for its robust seafaring culture and trade networks that spread across the Mediterranean. Euripus Bridge, whose initial contemporary version was designed and built in the 1960s, is the first cable-stayed bridge located in Chalcis that crosses the Euripus Strait and connects the island of Euboea with the greek mainland. Chalcis preserves a long historical trace and has the potential to become a very attractive destination if appropriately supported and promoted.

Although only a few mobile applications are currently available for Chalcis and Euboea island in general, the innovative nature of our application lies in our design and development approach. Chalcis-Guide contains various sections covering several areas of interest, including history and culture, sightseeing and natural environment, leisure and gastronomy, religion and accommodation. All points of interest are presented by means of images, video and text and are displayed on the interactive map of the application. Chalcis-Guide also features an auxiliary pointer-menu with practical information on health services, transportation, fuel facilities, banking, and more while it is currently available in greek and english.

Chalcis-Guide showcases how students in higher education as well as interested practitioners, regardless of their programming experience, can leverage modern software tools to enhance their skills and channel their creativity into developing applications useful to the community. Beyond its potential to make a practical and useful mobile application, Chalcis-Guide serves as an example of how modern software technology can foster creativity in higher education, benefiting cultural awareness and our societies.

Keywords:

Sketchware, android mobile application, block programming, drag-and-drop mobile application development, creativity in higher education, culture, travel.