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FWIW, it wasn't EuroPython. It was Muc2016 in Aachen, Germany (human computer interaction conference) Thanks for the explanation :) We're pretty much in agreem

by kriro 10y ago

FWIW, it wasn't EuroPython. It was Muc2016 in Aachen, Germany (human computer interaction conference) Thanks for the explanation :) We're pretty much in agreement overall, some project choices just seemed odd though. These projects tend to be bureaucratic beasts on top of the technical challenges. One of the interesting takeaways was that the micro:bit team learned a lot of non-technical lessons that are valuable (how to best deploy the devices, what kids will do with them, what's especially interesting etc.) """A huge amount of research, development and testing that went into working out how the device should function. """ I guess that's where I disagree. I feel all this afford could have been invested into creating better software for existing solutions and focusing more resources on pedagogical aspects. At the end of the day the micro:bit costs 13-15 pounds a pi-zero costs maybe 6? I don't feel the hardware side of things provided the most value for the invested tax money I guess. HUGE DISCLAIMER: if the hardware is open sourced fully eventually (I also heard/read it's planned eventually) then I'm actually cool with building yet another smallish computing device. """This isn't just about creating a new generation of engineers; Rather, I'll know we've succeeded if in fifteen years I meet doctors, teachers, artists, musicians, lawyers, civil servants and other professionals who are computer literate enough to know how to effectively explore and make use of such technology. """ Completely agree.

ntoll 10y ago
Great stuff and many thanks for responding! Hah... it wasn't me talking at Muc2016. I wonder who it was? I'd love to know who... :-) FWIW, here's my EuroPython keynote, including singing micro:bits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVaF6uZuSIU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVaF6uZuSIU Would love feedback!
- kriro 10y ago
  It was David Crellin.
markdeloura 10y ago
One of the great things about the Microbit is how simple it is - sometimes it is so much more difficult to produce something that is simple and intuitive, and that's the case here. The Pi Zero is a great device, of course, but as a full single-board computer it requires an SD card with OS, keyboard, display, etc. Now with all those add-ons it no longer costs 6 pounds, and neither is it as simple to use. With the Microbit, I've sat down with both young students and teachers and taught them how to use the block-style language to write a simple program and upload it in just a few minutes. They can then plug in a battery pack and walk away with it to show to their friends. It's a great board. Having Bluetooth on it is a ++, since you can then program it from a mobile phone. How great is that? In the US it's been wonderful to watch the development of Adafruit's Circuit Playground, another really great board for learning. It has a slightly different intent, and it's programmed using the traditional Arduino framework, but having the Neopixels, speaker, microphone, and so many positions to attach clips for expansion etc is just brilliant. It's also super portable with a battery pack once you've flashed a program onto it. Having all these options for learning computing gives educators, parents, and kids the ability to select what's right for them: the challenge now might just be getting the information out there so that it's easy for them to pick!

by kriro 10y ago

ntoll 10y ago

Great stuff and many thanks for responding! Hah... it wasn't me talking at Muc2016. I wonder who it was? I'd love to know who... :-) FWIW, here's my EuroPython keynote, including singing micro:bits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVaF6uZuSIU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVaF6uZuSIU Would love feedback!

kriro 10y ago
It was David Crellin.

markdeloura 10y ago

One of the great things about the Microbit is how simple it is - sometimes it is so much more difficult to produce something that is simple and intuitive, and that's the case here. The Pi Zero is a great device, of course, but as a full single-board computer it requires an SD card with OS, keyboard, display, etc. Now with all those add-ons it no longer costs 6 pounds, and neither is it as simple to use. With the Microbit, I've sat down with both young students and teachers and taught them how to use the block-style language to write a simple program and upload it in just a few minutes. They can then plug in a battery pack and walk away with it to show to their friends. It's a great board. Having Bluetooth on it is a ++, since you can then program it from a mobile phone. How great is that? In the US it's been wonderful to watch the development of Adafruit's Circuit Playground, another really great board for learning. It has a slightly different intent, and it's programmed using the traditional Arduino framework, but having the Neopixels, speaker, microphone, and so many positions to attach clips for expansion etc is just brilliant. It's also super portable with a battery pack once you've flashed a program onto it. Having all these options for learning computing gives educators, parents, and kids the ability to select what's right for them: the challenge now might just be getting the information out there so that it's easy for them to pick!