Shanghai,
27
July
2017
|
03:00
Europe/Amsterdam

BBC Micro:bit coding device now available to buy from element14 in China

Small coding device aims to inspire the younger generation to learn to code

BBC micro:bit fullrange_2

element14, part of Premier Farnell, is now shipping the BBC Micro:bit coding device to customers in China. The BBC micro:bit was originally launched in the UK in March 2016 following an educational programme led by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), in partnership with a group of technology partners including ARM, Microsoft and Premier Farnell. Premier Farnell is the exclusive manufacturer of the BBC micro:bit, manufacturing the coding device through its Embest business in China and had since made the device available to purchase in Europe and North America.

Since launch in the UK there have been 13 million visits to the microbit.org website, nearly 10 million code simulator runs and 2 million compiles to devices. The use of the micro:bit in education is also delivering a positive change in attitudes towards STEM*.

  • 39% of girls said that they would definitely choose ICT/computing compared to 23% before
  • 86% said it made computer science more interesting
  • 88% said it showed that coding isn’t as hard as they thought

Measuring only 4cm by 5cm, the BBC micro:bit is a hands-on, easy-to-use introduction to the world of technology and is packed with features that provide endless possibilities for creativity. The device is supported by a website, www.microbit.org that features a range of resources and tutorials to help users take advantage of the micro:bit’s vast potential.

The micro:bit includes:

  • 25 red LEDs – light them up, flash messages, create games, and invent digital stories

  • Two programmable buttons – associate them with an action and interact with your projects

  • On-board motion detector – just like a smartphone; the micro:bit can react to shakes, tilts, and even drops

  • A built-in compass – sense which direction you’re facing and your movement in degrees

  • Bluetooth Smart Technology and Low Energy – connect to the internet and the world around you, whether that’s other micro:bits, phones, cameras, or tablets to ‘code on the go’ or take selfies

  • Five Input and Output rings – connect the micro:bit directly to other devices using crocodile clips or 4mm banana plugs, and send commands back and forth

Ralf Buehler, SVP Sales and Marketing for Premier Farnell, said: “The BBC micro:bit project was a milestone event in the world of STEM education and computer programming in the UK – and we are delighted to make it available to buy through element14 in China. We are committed to helping develop the future of technology, whether that is supporting customers building products that can change the world for the better, or helping a teacher inspire their class to get into coding. The BBC micro:bit is a fantastic way to introduce students to coding – allowing hands-on application of technology in a way that can inspire our younger generations.”

The BBC micro:bit is available in a range of pack sizes from single BBC micro:bit and ‘micro:bit go’ packs which include a USB cable, battery holder & 2x AAA batteries along with a Quick Start Guide and four inspirational ideas to get started; to ‘Club’ packs of 10 and bulk boxes of 300.

Boilerplate

Farnell Global is a fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance and repair.  From research and design through prototype to production, Farnell helps its customers access the products and services they need 24/7.  With more than 80 years of experience, 47 localised websites, and a dedicated team of over 3,500 employees, Farnell provides every component its customers need to build the technology of tomorrow.

Farnell Global trades as Farnell in Europe, Newark in North America, and element14 in Asia Pacific.  It also sells direct to consumers through its CPC business in the UK.

Farnell Global has been part of the established global technology distributor, Avnet (Nasdaq: AVT), since 2016. Today, this relationship allows the company to support its customers at every stage of the product life cycle, offering a truly unique distribution model, as well as expertise in end-to-end delivery and product design.

For more information, visit http://www.farnell.com/