In this work, we present an innovative application for android devices, namely ExploreChios, a cultural and travel guide application for Chios island, Greece. Chios is located in the Northern Aegean and is the 5th largest island of Greece. In addition to its natural beauty and local culture, Chios is believed to be the birthplace of the ancient greek poet Homer, to whom the foundational works of ancient greek literature “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” are attributed, while the historical past of the island is marked by conflicts with various invaders. Chios has the potential to become a very attractive touristic destination if appropriately supported and promoted. Although only a few mobile applications are currently available for Chios island, the innovative nature of our application lies in its particular design and development.

We developed ExploreChios exclusively using Sketchware Pro, a free, open-source project on GitHub offering a block programming-based integrated development environment (IDE) for developing android mobile applications using smartphone. Sketchware first appeared in 2016, was discontinued in 2021, and was succeeded by a new version, Sketchware Pro, released in 2022. This new 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 lego-like blocks via simple drag-and-drop, which are then converted to java and xml code. ExploreChios showcases how students in higher education, 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.

Regarding its design, ExploreChios mines cultural, travel and touristic information from official, reliable sources; it does not merely replicate the available information but provides pointers to it. ExploreChios features a main block-menu addressing several areas of interest, including sightseeing, leisure, gastronomy, culture, religion and accommodation. All suggested points of interest are displayed on an interactive map. The application also includes an auxiliary pointer-menu with practical information on health services, transportation, fuel facilities, banking, and more. ExploreChios is currently available in greek and english.

Beyond being a practical and useful mobile application, ExploreChios serves as an example of how modern software technology can foster creativity in higher education, benefiting cultural awareness and human societies.

Keywords: Android mobile application, sketchware, block programming, drag-and-drop mobile application development, creativity in higher education, culture, travel.