The course “Developing Android Applications with Java” I was attending, has finished. It’s been six session (12 hours) of Android developing. One of the things I like was the hands-on approach of the trainning, actually 80% of sessions duration was developing time which helps me a lot with the environment Eclipse (I was used to Visual Studio).The level of this course was Beginner so the first sessions was basically dedicated to prepare the environment. After that, the next sessions (five) focused on explaining the foremost aspects of Android Programming while a Task Manager application was developed. The covered areas included:
- Activities.
- Basic Interface
- Database (SQLite)
- Location and Google Maps API.
You could take a look at the contents table in the course page. By the way, the course was given by Tony Hillerson. You can check out his profile here.
In a nutshell:
Pros:
- Completely free.
- Hands-on approach. Most of the time developing the “Task Manager” sample project let the audience get down to the nitty-gritty.
- Publishing the source code of each session in advance. It helps to focus on Tony’s lessons.
- Really good organization. And it wasn’t easy: live audience in Seattle, instructor in Denver and a number of online attendees. Actually, it was possible to ask questions to Tony (thanks to Ruth and Beth).In short, O’Reilly and CreativeTechs did a great work.
- A forum was set up for posting homework, technical questions and all that stuff.
Cons:
- A tiny thing. I missed one hour of the last session because the Daylight Saving Time in US starts two weeks before Europe. Course Organizers could have warned online attendees about it.
In Short:
I’d do it again so I recommend it. Five out of Five.
Update (03/20/2010)
Good news! I’ve received an email from O’Reilly with a couple of great announcements:
- It’s gonna be a second part of the course this Spring.
- They are giving free phones (Motorola DROID or Nexus One phone) to attendees who meet some conditions (take a look at the terms of the registration page for further information).
Update (03/23/2010)
Another email from O’Reilly telling that I’ll receive a free phone (hopefully a Nexus One) from Google for attending this Android Course. I just can say: THANK YOU SO MUCH!! 
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The course was free? Now it has an “add to cart” button.
Yes, I mention that it’s free because I attended the course online and you could do it without paying. But you’re right it’s no longer free.
I guess the course ended and they want to make some money with the videos.
Where do you live? Did you receive the Nexus One? I’m still waiting for it. Thanks!
Not yet Felipe, but a month has passed so I guess It should be about to arrive. Don’t worry, I’ll post a couple of photos as soon as it does
Please let me know if you received it as well.
Victor, thanks for the great comments about the Android course! I hope you will attend the 2nd part starting in May too. I know Google was a little late in shipping some of them out, so it’s stretching beyond the 4 weeks, but hopefully you’ll get your phone soon!
Thank you Elisabeth for giving us an update on the phones shipment. As you may guess We’re very excited about it but I’m sure we’ll receive them soon. Can’t wait to test the game I’m developing in the new device
Yes, I’ll definitely attend the second part. I wouldn’t miss this great opportunity to develop my Android skills.
Hey Victor, just to let you know that i’ve received my Nexus One! Thanks O’Reilly and Google
Happy to hear that. Me too
I’m attending the 2nd course and I’m a little confused. We don’t need to post the exercises or similar?
Regards
Homework is just a way to practice what you learn in each session. It is advisable, though not mandatory.