BBC Gives Pocket-Sized Computers To Every Year 7 Child In The UK

When it comes to pocketable and programmable computers, you might think of the Raspberry Pi. This device has been used in all sorts of contraptions, but for the most part it seems to be largely targeted at grownups who might have an interest and experience with these sorts of things. However over in the UK, the BBC wants to change that.

The organization has recently unveiled its own pocket-sized computer called the Micro Bit. This is a computer that was originally shown off in its prototype form back in March, but it looks like the design has been finalized along with the intention that it will be given away to every single child in Year 7 in the UK for free.

According to the BBC’s Director General Tony Hall, “We all know there’s a critical and growing digital skills gap in this country and that’s why it’s so important that we come together and do something about it.” Children will be able to write code the computer which they will be able to learn to do so through a dedicated website.

The Micro Bit itself will come with an array of LED lights and built-in sensors and buttons, which could technically be programmed to display numbers or letters. It can also be connected to other computers like the Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and Galileo if more complex tasks are required. This isn’t the first time that the BBC has embarked on a journey like this.

Back in the 1980s, BBC sold the Micro which was the Micro Bit’s predecessor. That particular computer was huge and clunky, although the main advantage was that users could write programs into the computer directly as opposed to the Micro Bit which will require users to transfer their written programs from the computer onto it.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Computers
Tags: Education