Mobile Application Development - Equip IT Grads With What Market is Demanding

Most Pakistani universities' BSCS / BSSE / BSIT programs contain Web Engineering course. Web Engineering primarily cover concepts and lab work related to web applications development. But in last 4-5 years, the demand of mobile applications has increased exponentially. In just 4 years of Android launch, Android store is touching 6,75000 number of total apps ( September 2012), and these are increasing day by day. In only December 2012, almost 37,500 new apps were released. Almost same or better is the situation at Apple App Store (that hosts apps for iPhone, iPad, etc.).

                                          Ref: http://www.appbrain.com/stats/number-of-android-apps

One may argue that CS or other degree programs focus on theoretical underpinning of computer science, instead particular type of development skill. But I believe, in countries (like Pakistan), not much grads join research career, but industry. So we should skill them in something that could greatly help them in development career. I believe, If they would be skilled in such technologies, they can also do freelancing projects during their study, as huge number of mobile apps development projects are open for bidding.

So from my experience and study of current market demand of mobile apps development. I have some suggestions or ideas:

1. Just like web application development (aka Web Engineering), universities may offer Mobile Apps Development course, might be as an elective.
2. If separate course is not possible, mobile app development can be integrated in some other course (e.g. Web Engineering, Software Engineering, etc.). all what is needed is 5-8 weeks of teaching with labs.
3. University may offer it as workshop style course. Just 3 to 4, two hours workshops should be enough, followed by a project.

All what it need is willingness and very little resources i.e. a non conflicting time slot and arranging a trainer who have mobile apps development experience of 3-4 years.

My whole motivation is, we should equip our youth (specially IT grads) with skills so that they can compete in freelance market, which is open for every body. Current Pakistan share is very less compared to other countries, which can be improved a lot by such efforts.