Introduction to Micro:bit
What is Micro:bit?
Micro:bit is an easy-to-use, powerful and cost-effective pocket-sized microcontroller designed for kids and beginners to learn how to program, letting them easily bring ideas into DIY digital games, interactive projects and robotics. Since it’s introduction, 20 million (*) students worldwide are either learning or have learnt programming with this tiny but fascinating device.
* Source of Information: https://microbit.org/get-started/bbc-microbit-in-school/
The Micro:bit is a great way to learn the basics of programming and computer science. The block-based coding environment is a powerful and intuitive way to make the Micro:bit react to all sorts of input, and fundamental concepts, such as iteration, conditional statements, and variables can be learnt without the usual difficulty.
Most students often focus primarily on the 5×5 LED screen for providing output. Although this is the most directly accessible way to see a reaction to some kind of input, there are many more creative possibilities when you encourage your students to see the Micro:bit as a “brain” that can control physical, tangible creations.
These creations don’t have to be complex or highly technical. It’s great to have students building with common household supplies. Because the Micro:bit is so lightweight, and supports so many sensors, it can be incorporated easily into a physical design as long as students plan ahead for its size and weight. In fact, one of the first questions most students ask is “What can a Micro:bit do?”
Micro:bit was made possible by receiving technology support from some of the most famous electronic and computer service providers in the world, including Microsoft, Samsung, ARM, Cisco, and etc.
What can you achieve with Micro:bit?
Programming has been introduced by various countries into their education system to promote the learning of programming as a subject in school. Below is a success story of a boy in UK, who has not just learnt programming with Micro:bit, but also started his journey in teaching it!
Note: This video mentioned about ARM, which is a world famous company is making micro processors.
In the next section, we will explore how Micro:bit was used to develop various projects by these Micro:bit champions!