Introduction
Introducing the Micro:bit board
The Micro:bit board is a small programmable computer designed for initiate young people (and older children) to computer programming and electronics in a fun and creative way.
Developed by the BBC, in collaboration with several technology partners, this versatile board provides an accessible and engaging platform to explore the world of programming and physical computing.
Why learn to code with Micro:bit?
There are many benefits to learning to code with Micro:bit. First, its intuitive design and visual interface make learning to code less intimidating for beginners.
Additionally, the ability to immediately see the results of your code on a physical device reinforces motivation and understanding.
Micro:bit also helps develop essential skills such as logical thinking, problem solving and creativity, while having fun creating hands-on, interactive projects.
What is the Micro:bit board?
Technical description
The second version of the Micro:bit board, based on an nRF52833 microcontroller, it measures 5 cm x 4 cm and weighs only 8 grams.
It is small, light but powerful.
It is equipped with 256 KB of flash memory, and 128 kB of RAM. The board also has many built-in sensors, a 5×5 LED matrix, two programmable buttons, and connections to expand its functionality.
Origin and development
The Micro:bit project was launched by the BBC in 2015 as part of its 'Make it Digital' campaign.
The aim of this initiative was to provide every 11-12 year old student in the UK with a device to learn coding.
The project has since become an independent foundation, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, which continues to develop and promote the use of the board worldwide. The Micro:bit board is also widely used in France in primary and secondary schools.
Micro:bit board features
Integrated sensors
The Micro:bit board is equipped with several built-in sensors that make it a versatile tool for various projects, including driving educational projects:
- Accelerometer: Detects movement and orientation
- Magnetometer: Useful for measuring magnetic fields and serving as a compass
- Temperature sensor: allows you to measure the ambient temperature
- Light Sensor: Uses the LED array to detect light levels
LED display
One of the most distinctive features of the Micro:bit board is its 5x5 LED matrix. This display can be programmed to show letter-by-letter scrolling text, simple images, animations, and even basic games.
This is a great way to provide immediate visual feedback to users.
Buttons and connections
The board has two programmable buttons (A and B) that can be used for various interactions.
It also has an edge connector with pins, including input/output pins for connecting external components such as motors, additional sensors or displays. Bluetooth Low Energy connection allows wireless communication with other devices.
Bluetooth Low Energy connection enables wireless communication with other devices.
Getting started with Micro:bit
Initial configuration
To get started with Micro:bit, all you need is a computer with an internet connection and a micro-USB cable. No software installation is necessary, as programming can be done directly in a web browser, such as on the Vittascience online platform.
Once the code is written, it is compiled into a .hex file which is then transferred to the Micro:bit board via the USB cable.
Available programming environments
Several programming environments are available for Micro:bit, suitable for different skill levels, the most popular solutions are:
- MakeCode: A block-based visual editor ideal for beginners
- Python: A software for those who want to program in text with a widely used language
- Scratch: An extension allows you to use and program Micro:bit with this popular coding initiation platform
Programming the Micro:bit card on Vittascience
Vittascience is a French educational platform that offers a unique programming environment for different programming cards, artificial intelligence. Theprogramming interface The Micro:bit board is one of the most used on the platform.
It offers an innovative programming interface thanks to the hybrid visualization mixing blocks and code accompanied by an integrated simulator to visualize the behavior of the card directly in the browser. Thanks to this feature, you can set up projects with your students, and test the programming directly on the computer, even if you do not have the material available in class.
The platform also offers tutorials and educational resources shared by a community of users. The Vittascience platform is particularly suited to the French educational context, with resources aligned with school curricula.
Micro:bit in education
Classroom use
The Micro:bit board fits perfectly into an educational context. Teachers can use it to introduce programming, physics, and even mathematics concepts in an interactive way. For example, students can be divided into different working groups and create projects for measure temperature from the classroom, design simple games, or even build basic robots.
For example, you can challenge your students by asking them to pilot a project with the card, whether in blocks, Python or JavaScript.
Educational resources available
There are many educational resources available for teachers wishing to integrate Micro:bit into their lessons:
- Guided educational projects adapted to different levels: from beginner to more experienced
- Various online communities to share ideas, solutions and experiences
- Numerous training courses for teachers offered by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation
- Vittascience Platform Resource Center powered by community teachers
The different robots compatible with Micro:bit
Several educational robots are compatible with the Micro:bit board, offering additional learning possibilities:
- Maqueen : A robot on wheels that is easy to assemble and program
- Buggy :MOVE mini : A programmable robot to explore mobile robotics
- BitBot : A versatile robot with additional sensors
- Cutebot : A car-shaped robot with advanced features
These robots allow students to apply their programming skills to more complex projects and to learn about robotics in the educational environment.
Conclusion
Summary of the benefits of Micro:bit for learning to code
The Micro:bit board offers a unique and engaging approach tolearning to code at school :
- Accessibility: Easy to pick up for beginners of all ages
- Versatility: Can be used for a wide variety of projects
- Tangible aspect: Allows you to see the results of the programs in the real world
- Community: Large ecosystem of resources and technical support
- Scalability: Can support learners from beginner to advanced level
Development prospects
The future of Micro:bit looks bright, with continued developments:
- New versions of the card with improved capabilities
- Expanding the ecosystem with more accessories and compatible robots
- Increasing integration into school curricula globally
- Development of projects focused on the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence
In conclusion, the Micro:bit card represents much more than a simple tool for learning to code, the use of this card is essential in the world of education.
It represents a real gateway to the exciting world of computing and electronics, offering learners of all ages the opportunity to develop crucial skills for the future, whilst having fun and letting their creativity run wild.
