The Magic of Physical Computing
Physical computing involves creating tangible digital systems that can be programmed to sense and control the real world, and research shows it is a powerful and almost magical way to engage young minds. It supports the teaching of coding and computational thinking while instilling twenty-first-century skills such as design thinking, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
The BBC micro:bit
A decade ago, Â鶹ÊÓƵ played a pivotal role in creating the , an award-winning pocket-sized physical computing device designed to provide these much-needed skills. Since then, Lancaster has partnered closely with the , a not-for-profit established to bring the benefits of the micro:bit to a global audience and in particular to girls and other children from under-represented backgrounds.
Thanks to technology we helped to create at Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the work of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, it is estimated that over 70 million young people in 85 countries have already benefitted from physical computing activities using a micro:bit. The learn-to-code environment for the micro:bit is used in nearly every country on the planet; every second, someone, somewhere starts working with a MakeCode program.
The Role of MIRL
But as the digital landscape evolves, so too do educational needs. Here at the Micro:bit Innovation and Research Lab – also known as MIRL – we are working with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation to bring together a global community of innovators in physical computing. Our aim is to better understand the applications and benefits of physical computing, and to develop new physical computing technologies that can complement the micro:bit. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower the future generation of digital creators.
Got Questions? Get in Touch!
- For questions about micro:bit research, evaluation, innovative applications and academic collaborations, contact us at MIRL.
- For resources, partnerships, classroom support and questions about the micro:bit platform itself,
