Often times learning how to code can be an intimidating process. For many it can also sometimes be quite boring. But this summer, I was able to overcome these challenges while teaching by using the BCC MicroBit which allowed me to teach python by interfacing between blocks. Kids could understand how their blocks translated to written syntax. The BBC MicroBit is also unique in that it allowed kids multiple ways to provide input and output. By simply letting their imaginations run wild at the end of the classes, kids went on to create some amazing projects. One team of students create an RC car while another created a “Space Invaders” game using the inbuilt LED matrix.
The BBC MicroBit took the complexity of existing programmable microcontrollers such as Arduino and the Raspberry Pi and simplified it so that younger kids aren’t limited in what they can achieve all through varying complexities making it the best teaching tool available.
What you see above is a small community program event that Ayan hosted over the summer. We shared the kit for the different workshops and it was a cool opportunity for all student leaders to offer these programming events for so many students this summer. This donation from Element 14 meant that we could do outreach in many locations and use a kit to meet the needs of so many diverse learners.