New tool makes micro:bit programming portable for young learners

A new coding tool will help make it easier for children to portably program a popular educational micro-computer on the fly. Researchers from Lancaster University’s School of Computing and Communications working in partnership with researchers at Microsoft have evaluated a new programming tool called MicroCode.

A paper on this tool appears in the Proceedings of the 23rd Annual ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference.

Developed by Microsoft, MicroCode is an on-screen visual programming language that enables users to create simple programs to run on the BBC micro:bit V2, making use of the device’s basic functions and sensors such as LED lights, speakers and a microphone.

Despite the success of the micro:bit, with more than 8 million devices in circulation in more than 60 countries, there are key challenges to programming on these small devices—such as the need to plug the devices into a PC or laptop in order to create or change programs.

The need to plug into separate computers can disrupt the programming process and can introduce distractions.

By pairing a BBC micro:bit programmable device with a low-cost handheld accessory, called a display shield, MicroCode is displayed on the shield’s screen. Display shields are already available to buy from several different companies. The simple rule-based software and cursor-based editing in the program enables users to input commands to build their programs directly on the micro:bit device.

Researchers say by enabling coding on the fly, MicroCode overcomes the distraction problem.

Steve Hodges, Distinguished Professor in Computing and Digital Systems, said, “It enables them to reprogram on the go. You can change your program on the fly instead of having to reconnect to the computer to iterate, which can completely disrupt flow. Laptops are a big distractor—if children are continually having to plug their devices into laptops, it becomes very easy for them to become distracted.”

Lancaster University researchers led the evaluation process of MicroCode by working with 60 pupils and five teachers at three primary schools in the Lancaster region.

They found that MicroCode helped children become more engaged with coding activities because of the ease with which children can understand MicroCode’s model, and that younger children were also better able to engage with programming on the device. Teachers also reported the potential of MicroCode in helping to teach a broad spectrum of subjects beyond computing and technology—such as environmental science—as well as developing children’s soft skills such as working together, empathy and imagination.

Dr. Elisa Rubegni, Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University’s School of Computing and Communications, head of the TICTAC research group, led the evaluation of MicroCode.

She said, “MicroCode revolutionizes how children interact with coding, making programming simpler and more engaging while championing the democratization of access to technology and digital literacy.

“Our approach places children and teachers as co-designers at the heart of the process, moving beyond mere technology development to focus on empowerment. By engaging with schools in Northern England, we address the urgent need to provide teachers and students in less privileged areas with equal access to technology and the skills necessary for digital literacy. Through close collaboration with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, we are committed to strengthening our roles as researchers and educators in the era of digital media literacy.”

More details on MicroCode and the evaluation are outlined in the paper “Meet MicroCode: a Live and Portable Programming Tool for the BBC micro:bit.”