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

[MorningFox]

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...

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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/bbc-will-give-1-million-uk-kids-micro-bit-computers-to-create-a-programming-nation/

[jcocks]

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 :-)
:nerd:

[Nick Matkin]

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 :-)
:nerd:

Yes, me too. But someone here is probably going to decide there is some sinister NWO/mind control agenda behind it all. :ohwell:

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

[TargeT]

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.

[Anchor]

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!