Micro:bit is a pocket-sized codable computer created in UK in order to help elementary schools children to learn coding, critical thinking and problem solving.
This small, but powerful computer, contains processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, compass, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LEDs, two programmable buttons, and can be powered by either USB or an external battery pack. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist.
BBC, and 25 more partners including British Council, have designed this device in order to give children an exciting and engaging introduction to coding and put a new generation back in control of technology back in 2016. Today, micro:bit is widely used in schools around the world, from UK, Finland and Iceland to Singapore and Sri Lanka, and now in Western Balkans.
Through using micro:bit students can work together to solve everyday problems and instantly feel the benefits of their own work, which provides a sense of achievement and is rewarding to them. This work also builds the motivation to get further engaged in learning and researching, which can lead to interest in innovation and entrepreneurship in young people. The problems that students want to solve using micro:bit can be anything: from creating simple smoke detectors to solving really complex problems around them, such as reduction of carbon dioxide emission.