The very UK schoolchild in the U.K. within a certain age bracket will be receiving a BBC Micro Bit. BBC, its maker, hopes the microcomputer it will inspire the next generation of Internet of Things programmers.
BBC, the UK's public-service broadcaster, has developed the Micro Bit, a new microcomputer that will be given away for free to around a million kids in the UK. The initiative comes as a bid to teach a new generation programmers of the Internet of Things.
As technology becomes further removed from the lines of code and more intuitive, several companies are aiming to keep U.K. kids interested in programming through the use of simple and cheap microcomputer devices that can be easily adapted to various projects. The Raspberry Pi, another one of these flexible gadgets launched in 2012, has made to date a big impact. Now BBC comes with its own designed microcomputer, hoping to set the example for what can be accomplished through education in programming at a young age.
The pocket-sized computer aims to inspire digital creativity' in all Britain's children of certain age. The 4cm by 5cm microcomputer device from BBC will be given away for free to all 11 and 12 year olds, ensuring one for every year seven U.K. pupil.
BBC also hopes to revive with this new gadget some fond memories for a previous generation raised on the BBC Micro. The BBC Micro Bit is a modern successor to the once popular 1980s home computer. Since the launch of the BBC Micro, this is the most ambitious BBC's education initiative. At the time, the Micro introduced a generation of schoolchildren to home computing; now the Micro Bit will develop their programming skills and creativity by allowing children to send instructions to other digital devices and to create games.
One million "microbits" will be given away across the United Kingdom from October this year. Children will own the devices and be allowed to take them home. The microcomputer designed by BBC is manufactured in China. The Micro Bit includes a processor, USB plug, Bluetooth antenna, and a flashing LED display. The device will inspire children to develop coding programs and by this, help solve a critical skills gap in Britain, which lacks computer science graduates.
After the initial rollout ends, schools may have to pay for the BBC Micro Bit device. The BBC public broadcaster has developed the microcomputer with 28 partners, including Wellcome Trust, Samsung, and Microsoft. The Micro Bit is intended to complement other not rival lightweight computers already available for learning programming skills such as the Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
