+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers

  1. Link to Post #1
    UK Unsubscribed
    Join Date
    2nd October 2012
    Language
    English
    Age
    36
    Posts
    697
    Thanks
    624
    Thanked 2,532 times in 591 posts

    Default BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers

    Not sure what to make of this but the BBC along with Microsoft and Samsung giving "every child aged 11-12" in the UK a small computer. Scary...

    --

    BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers to create a programming nation

    As part of a new program called “Make it Digital,” the BBC today announced a partnership with 25 companies to develop a tiny computer that it wants to distribute to 1 million kids in the United Kingdom.

    Working with companies such as Google, Microsoft and Samsung, the BBC will develop what it is calling a “Micro Bit” coding device, the simplest of computers that it will then distribute to every child ages 11-12 in the UK. The goal is to teach kids some basic coding skills and then encourage them to step up to more advanced programmable hardware such as Arduino, Kano and Raspberry Pi.

    “This is exactly what the BBC is all about – bringing the industry together on an unprecedented scale and making a difference to millions,” said Tony Hall, BBC’s Director-General, in a statement. “Only the BBC can bring partners together to attempt something this ambitious, this important to Britain’s future on the world stage.”

    http://venturebeat.com/2015/03/12/bb...amming-nation/

  2. Link to Post #2
    Australia Avalon Member
    Join Date
    9th April 2010
    Location
    Bunbury, Western Australia
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,246
    Thanks
    2,003
    Thanked 3,198 times in 838 posts

    Default Re: BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers

    Sounds like the BBC micro from the 80's. I have fond memories of playing with one of those at my primary school way back in the day :-)
    Last edited by jcocks; 12th March 2015 at 14:31.

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to jcocks For This Post:

    Operator (12th March 2015), Sunny-side-up (12th March 2015)

  4. Link to Post #3
    UK Avalon Member Nick Matkin's Avatar
    Join Date
    17th March 2012
    Posts
    1,674
    Thanks
    1,615
    Thanked 5,741 times in 1,499 posts

    Default Re: BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers

    Quote Posted by jcocks (here)
    Sounds like the BBC micro from the 80's. I have fond memories of playing with one of those at my primary school way back in the day :-)
    Yes, me too. But someone here is probably going to decide there is some sinister NWO/mind control agenda behind it all.

    Looks like a way of getting kids to learn how to actually do something pro-actively, to do something that has a result, that can achieve something of their own design.

    They may even become adults that design the kind of stuff that allows us to read forums like this! Sounds like a damn good idea to me.

    Nick

  5. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Nick Matkin For This Post:

    Anchor (12th March 2015), Operator (12th March 2015), Sunny-side-up (12th March 2015)

  6. Link to Post #4
    United States On Sabbatical
    Join Date
    30th June 2011
    Location
    The Seat of Corruption
    Age
    44
    Posts
    9,177
    Thanks
    25,610
    Thanked 53,659 times in 8,694 posts

    Default Re: BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers

    I highly support this and am going to buy a few for my kids.


    This is just a great tool for learning about technology and programming while encouraging creativity and growth.
    Hard times create strong men, Strong men create good times, Good times create weak men, Weak men create hard times.
    Where are you?

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to TargeT For This Post:

    Anchor (12th March 2015)

  8. Link to Post #5
    Australia Avalon Member Anchor's Avatar
    Join Date
    10th February 2010
    Location
    NSW, Australia
    Language
    English
    Age
    60
    Posts
    4,600
    Thanks
    11,209
    Thanked 25,814 times in 3,730 posts

    Default Re: BBC will give 1 million UK kids ‘micro-bit’ computers

    It sounds like a great idea.

    One thing to watch for though, is the capacity of any devices sold on a large scale to "phone home". I have noticed that there are already ideas for the new Apple Watch that can collect some biometric information (regarding your health, amount of exercise etc) and have that data sent for "analysis" being touted as a great way of doing medical research.

    I think they are great idea, but read the small print guys!
    -- Let the truth be known by all, let the truth be known by all, let the truth be known by all --

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to Anchor For This Post:

    sandy (13th March 2015)

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts