CAS Physical Computing Working Group meeting - micro:bit special

Join new adopters and experienced physical computing educators as we hear from micro:bit as they share the new micro:bit Python Editor.

All welcome, whether you are new to physical computing or an expereinced educator.  It's a great opportunity to collect new ideas, share best practice and stay up to date.

Content will include:

• Why text-based coding, why Python?
• Why Python on the micro:bit?
• Short feature intro video
• Key features designed for beginners to text-based coding
• Hands-on coding activity (participants can watch or code along)
• Using the default program
• Auto-complete, syntax checking, indentation highlighting
• Simulator
• Reference content: device features and coding concepts, drag and drop code snippets of code
• Project ideas
• If time: text input/output using computer keyboard & screen / serial console / REPL

We'll be joined by the amazing Lucy Gill and Giles Booth:

Lucy Gill:

Lucy is responsible for product across the Foundation – both physical and digital – including the new micro:bit Python Editor. She steers the evolution of all the Foundation’s products with particular passion for optimising user experience, educational effectiveness, accessibility and the diversity of their appeal. She has worked in the EdTech sector for over a decade across a range of STEM and literacy related products.  She also volunteered for 5 years as a STEM Ambassador, running a local, weekly Digital Maker Club, introducing children to micro:bit as well as a range of other coding-related products.

Giles Booth:

Giles manages education content including projects and lessons on microbit.org as well as writing micro:bit professional development courses. He worked with subject matter experts to create the educational content in the new micro:bit Python Editor. Giles formerly taught computing in all ages between 4 and 16, and before that worked in BBC radio.