BBC's Micro Bit Computer to Be Given to 1 Million Children in UK for Free
Good news for 1 million U.K. students and educators alike. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) recently unveiled the final design of its Micro Bit computer, a pocket-sized computer that BBC wants young students to use in order to learn about technology in general and coding in particular. The device will be distributed to 1 million UK-based children in October for free.
The device, which measures 4 cm by 5 cm, also features a programmable array of red LED lights with two buttons and a built-in motion sensor. It also comes with a power pack where two AA batteries are fitted, which completes the standalone package.
A detailed description of the device is available on Engadget: "These include 25 red LEDs, which can show messages and facilitate games, two programmable buttons, an on-board accelerometer and magnetometer. The device also offers Bluetooth LE connectivity, a microUSB slot and five input and output (I/O) rings that can be hooked up with crocodile clips and 4mm banana plugs."
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This is not the first time they have dabbled in programming education. 30 years ago, BBC came out with the BBC Micro computer which built increase computer literacy in the U.K. This is also not the first time that a pocket-sized computer has been built in the UK. The Raspberry Pi is a UK success story – the device gave millions of people "an affordable way to tinker and learn with pocket-sized hardware."
The Micro Bit was first unveiled as a prototype in March. BBC intends to give the device for free to 1 million school children in year 7, aged 11 to 12 years of age in the UK. It will also be available for sale to those who want to get a hold of it and try it out. BBC has part.nered with ARM, Microsoft, Samsung and Barclays for their educational initiative. It will also launch a website where these students can learn programming and simulate creations before transferring these to their device.
