The BBC, together with a cluster of partners have unveiled the Micro:bit. The Micro:bit is a palm-sized fully programmable computer aimed at turning the next generation into the innovative techno-wizards that the UK needs to fill the skills gap.Teaching young people to code has been behind the curriculum changes published in 2013 which move away from teaching things like Excel and focus on basic coding instead - a skill which can take you a long way.Watch Mitch Resnick talking about the importance of getting kids codingThe BBC, together with a cluster of partners have unveiled the Micro:bit. The Micro:bit is a palm-sized fully programmable computer aimed at turning the next generation into the innovative techno-wizards that the UK needs to fill the skills gap.Up to one million Micro:bit computers will be given away to youngsters this October and the plan is that they get creative, develop their technological skills and learn to code.The device itself measures 4x5cm and will come in a range of colours making it appealing to young people. It features 25 LED lights which will enable users to create flashing messages and create games, 2 programmable buttons, which can be used as a games controller, a motion detector, to encourage the user to think about creating interesting wearable devices and with this a built-in compass. Users will be able to test and save what they create on a dedicated website area before transferring to their Micro:bitThe device also has Bluetooth connectivity, a micro USB slot and five input / output for use with crocodile and banana clips, so it can be connected to the pint-sized Raspberry Pi computer, developed by Eben Upton.
