The BBC micro:bit is the matchbook-sized computing device that’s going to be given free to every 11-12 year old in the UK. Trying to get hold of one outside that channel is going to be difficult but Element14, the company overseeing manufacturing, are putting 5 of them up for grabs. All you have to do is make a project proposal and you could get one.
BBC MicroBit
“This Contest requires participants to submit an application indicating their previous experience with this type of equipment/component, information on what they would do to test the equipment/component, and the applicant’s desire to post a thorough review of their experience with images, photos, or other supplemental materials.”
While the micro:bit isn’t a PC as such (it has an ARM-arch processor, can’t drive an LCD display and only uses micro-SD for storage, for example) but it’s an interesting mobile computing building-block for education. Programming the micro:bit will be done through a web-based IDE.
The Micro:Bit will eventually be for sale but not before a non-profit is formed and the process of open-sourcing the design is complete and that could take a while, especially as 1 million eligible kids are just about to start the school year in the UK.
If you think you’ve got a cool idea and fancy blogging the project, apply before Sept 11th at Element14. More about the BBC micro:bit here.
