Tuesday, March 22, 2016

1 million UK students will receive a free Micro:bit


The idea of a small and easy to program microcomputer is old by now. Raspberry Pi was the first to introduce a true low-cost PC for kids to start programming, and soon more followed. Following the same idea, BBC introduces the Micro:bit. A tiny programmable computer that will get distribute to schools around UK that applied for it.

1 million lucky students and their teachers will receive a Micro:bit. The Micro:bit was codeveloped by more than 20 companies and organisations. Some of which are Microsoft, that provided the programming languages (Touch develop and block editor), Samsung with an Android App, the Lancaster university which created the runtime kernel, and many more.

The Micro:bit box will include a USB cable and a battery holder. Teachers will also get a small manual with starter project to get students going in programming the devices.