Briefing Document: Building iOS Apps from Ionic Projects & Overview of Open Educational Resources

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of "Building iOS app from ionic projects - Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore"

I. Overview

This document analyzes a web page from "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" which provides a tutorial on building iOS applications from Ionic projects and gives a broad view of the resources available on their website. The primary focus of the extract is a step-by-step guide for converting an Ionic project into an installable iOS app, followed by a listing of the types of interactive resources they provide. This highlights their mission to create and share open educational tools particularly in physics and mathematics, leveraging technology for interactive learning experiences.

II. Key Themes and Ideas

• Practical Guide to iOS App Development: The primary focus of the main content is the practical, step-by-step guide for building an iOS app from an Ionic project. This is a valuable resource for developers or educators who are working with hybrid app development and want to deploy on iOS devices. The guide provides specific instructions using Xcode, including troubleshooting common errors related to code signing and provisioning profiles.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): The page exists within a larger context of open educational resources, specifically relating to physics and mathematics. This emphasis on open-source and collaboration is evident in the credits given at the end.
• Technology for Interactive Learning: The website leverages HTML5, JavaScript, and other technologies to create interactive simulations, applets, and models. The variety of these tools demonstrate the commitment to leveraging the power of technology to enhance educational experiences.
• Collaborative and Community-Driven: The site and its resources are clearly the result of collaboration. The many individuals credited in the iOS app building section and the variety of content provided from different authors underscore the community-driven nature of this platform. There is a strong sense of crediting original authors.
• Focus on Physics and Mathematics: While not explicitly stated, the vast majority of examples and resources provided relate to physics and mathematics topics across different levels of education (from primary to junior college/advanced levels). This seems to be the main subject of focus for this OER.
• Hybrid App Development: The guide demonstrates a specific workflow for building iOS applications by taking a project created using the Ionic framework (hybrid app development) and packaging it for deployment on Apple devices. This is valuable knowledge for developers and educators using cross-platform frameworks for mobile app creation.

III. Key Facts and Instructions from the iOS App Building Guide:

• Xcode Project Build: The process begins with launching the Ionic project in Xcode. The key steps involve resolving build errors which are expected to occur, accepting the proposed solutions, and performing suggested changes. "From Xcode, launch the project found in the folder"
• Error Resolution: The guide acknowledges common build issues like deprecation errors and code-signing problems. There is the expectation that the user should be able to "read this to solve them"
• Physical Device Testing: The guide emphasizes testing on a physical iOS device, like an iPad or iPhone, rather than just using the simulator. "Connect a physical device like and iPad or iPhone and select the build to be that device."
• Code Signing and Development Teams: Code-signing errors are addressed by the instruction to select a development team within Xcode, demonstrating a basic understanding of Apple’s developer ecosystem is required to proceed. "Signing for "micrometerApp" requires a development team. Select a development team in the project editor."
• App Store Publishing: The steps for archiving and preparing the app for the App Store are outlined. "to publish on app store, click Product and select Archive for *.ipa file creation."
• Addressing Provisioning Conflicts Provisioning and signing conflicts require setting signing options under both Project and Target in Xcode to "iOS Developer". "goto both Project and Target, under signing, select both as iOS Developer , not Distribution".
• Bundle ID Registration: The process includes registering a unique bundle identifier on the Apple Developer website. "goto https://itunesconnect.apple.com/ to create an entry for App listing, login and select + Apps" which leads to registering for "one Bundle ID and register using the Bundle ID for example com.ionicframework.micrometerapp268865"
• App Store Listing: The guide briefly explains the process of creating the app listing via the web browser on Apple's App Store Connect. "back to your earlier tab on and click + to create an app listing using the Bundle ID creation on the developer page."
• Final Steps: The last steps include validating and uploading the app through Xcode. "back on Xcode, the validation should be a success" and "back on Xcode, the upload should be a success too"

IV. Examples of Interactive Resources Provided

• Physics Simulations: A vast range of interactive simulations, applets, and models cover many topics, such as:
• Mechanics (e.g., projectile motion, collisions, harmonic motion)
• Electromagnetism (e.g., magnetic fields, electric circuits)
• Waves (e.g., wave superposition, diffraction)
• Thermodynamics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Astrophysics
• Mathematical Tools: Some tools are explicitly mathematical (e.g., 3D shapes visualization, numbers up to 100).
• Tracker Model and Video Analysis: Many of the resources utilize Tracker, indicating an emphasis on using video analysis to enhance learning.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: The resources utilize JavaScript and HTML5, making them accessible across different platforms. "Android/iOS including handphones/Tablets/iPads" and "Windows/MacOSX/Linux including Laptops/Desktops"
• Various contributors: The list highlights collaboration by many authors on these resources.

V. Notable Quotes

• "Good Luck App Developing!" - This closing statement shows the supportive and practical nature of the tutorial.
• "A truly collaborative world giving hope for the future learners." - This highlights the underlying philosophical stance of Open Educational Resources, shared learning, and collaboration.

VI. Conclusion

The "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" website provides significant value by offering both practical development guides and a wealth of educational resources. Their focus on interactive learning tools, open-source collaboration, and clear attribution demonstrates the power of community-driven educational development. The breadth of resources available on the website suggests a long-standing commitment to creating and sharing valuable educational materials within physics and mathematics. The combination of hands-on software development guidance and a treasure trove of OER simulations should make this platform valuable for both educators and learners.