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micro:bit
Pros: Ability to learn block coding, JavaScript, or Python; can be used with Scratch and Arduino.
Cons: Connecting via Bluetooth is challenging; must download the program to the device each time.
Bottom Line: This versatile tool for learning how to program with blocks or text is a nice fit for STEM classes and clubs.
The micro:bit is a great addition to any STEM curriculum. Since the computer chip is so diverse, it can be used in many different ways to teach a coding or computer science class, or to run an after-school STEM club. Game design can often be a fun topic for students that works well with the micro:bit. Students can create games with the micro:bit alone, or pair it with Scratch or an Arduino kit to make their projects more complex. The micro:bit can also be used across the curriculum in science and math. The website provides lessons on how to demonstrate the difference between acceleration and velocity, measure changes in reaction speed, and demonstrate the particles of matter, among other topics.
Although it can be a bit tricky, the website provides video tutorials on how to connect the micro:bit to the iOS and Android apps via Bluetooth.
The micro:bit website contains code editors as well as project ideas for the micro:bit minicomputer. This handheld minicomputer can be used to code games, animations, and more on its own or in conjunction with other devices. One of the coding editors offers students the opportunity to program using blocks (similar to those of Scratch) or JavaScript through the Microsoft MakeCode platform. There's also a separate MicroPython editor for coding in Python.
The coding platform allows students to view what their project will look like on the micro:bit as they're programming. When they're finished, students download their program to the micro:bit drive on their computer. In addition to the website, there are iOS and Android apps. The apps and website use the same coding platforms; however, connecting to the app requires more steps, and the overall downloading process to the micro:bit is different.
The best part of micro:bit is the ability to easily switch between block coding and JavaScript. Students can initially use the block coding to be introduced to computer programming. Once they understand the basics, they can begin learning the more complex JavaScript programming language. Since the micro:bit itself is so diverse, it can be used for any number of projects, from controlling LED lights to programming a system to sound an alarm when plants are in need of water. The A and B buttons on the micro:bit also allow the device to become a mini game controller. This creates a great way for students to use an external device with online programs to learn about game design. Although using the website is fairly straightforward, connecting the micro:bit via Bluetooth is challenging on the apps.
Learning Rating
Community Rating
Great introduction to physical computing!
I think that is platform is really great to have students explore programming, they can create programs, modifiy programs and test them out in the simulator. A bonus if you do have some micro:bits to use with the learners.
Drawback is that you can't log into the website to save your projects to continue later - learners need to use the same computer or download to USB or Google drive to re-upload. However, this drawback is also great that students do not need to have a username and password which they will forget or lose.
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