All British seventh-graders will receive for free for the computer micro: bit

British Broadcasting Corporation BBC presented the final design of its compact computer micro: bit. A miniature computer, clearly created under the inspiration of the famous Raspberry Pi, will offer in October of this year to millions of British students the opportunity to learn programming from the earliest years.

"We are very pleased to provide the smallest electronics lovers with the opportunity to learn technology from the very beginning, free of charge," says Shineyd Rock, head of BBC Learning.

"This is our most ambitious educational project for the last 30 years. And since to micro: bit you can connect almost everything, from mobile phones and finishing with other compact computers, like the same Raspberry Pi, the device is an ideal platform for the Internet of things. This computer will bring no less benefit than the BBC Micro computer in its time for the British gaming industry. "

The final version of micro: bit has a programmable matrix of 25 red LEDs (divided into 5 x 5 groups), two buttons and an integrated motion sensor. Instead of a compact clock battery, which was used in previous versions of micro: bit, the final version will require the use of an external power supply. The power supply will operate from two AA batteries. On the one hand, there are no problems with the replacement of batteries, on the other - the device can no longer be used to create portable electronics. It will be somewhat cumbersome.

Other features of the micro: micro miniature computer include a built-in compass (magnetometer). With its presence it will be possible, for example, to find out in which direction the device is directed. In addition, there are 5 ring inputs and outputs through which the computer can be connected to other devices via a cable. Bluetooth is also available for wireless connection.

Children who have received this computer will be able to learn simple programming basics on a specially created site. Here they will be able not only to get acquainted with various tips and tips, but also to conduct a virtual test of their future device, before it is directly assembled on the basis of micro: bit.

Thanks to such BBC partners, including Microsoft and Samsung, deliveries of a micro: bit computer for children aged 11-12, currently enrolled in the seventh grade of British schools, will begin in October this year. After the initial launch of the program, computers will go on sale throughout the UK, and by the end of the year, possibly beyond.

The article is based on materials https://hi-news.ru/technology/vse-britanskie-semiklassniki-besplatno-poluchat-po-kompyuteru-microbit.html.