The BBC micro: bit in the international classroom: learning experiences and first impressions

Abstract

Introduction to computer science has been part in school curriculum for many years now. However, the way it has been performed traditionally poses motivational and collaboration challenges, thus having limited engagement from students. There is a renewed interest in enhancing learning with physical computing, owing to its positive impact on motivation and enhanced opportunities for collaboration and creativity. Recognizing this, a BBC-led consortium developed a portable and low-cost programmable device, the micro:bit. In this study, we report the impressions of students and teachers when they encountered it in the classroom for the first time. The device was presented to a group of 36 students and 5 teachers from 4 countries, and then after the brief tutorial, all of them familiarized with it by programming it themselves. We evaluate the ease of use and tangibility of the device, and analyze student quality of experience, that validate the the aforementioned benefits of this approach for learning to code.