This week the BBC has confirmed that it is in fact developing a new software currently referred to as BBC Micro 2 which will be supported by the new $35 Raspberry Pi computer launching later this month.
Older computer users might well remember the first incarnation of BBC Micro computers that were created to help bring computing to UK schools back in the 1980s. The original BBC Micro was a cornerstone in the educational computing revolution, providing students with hands-on experience in programming and computer science. Now, the BBC is looking to do a similar thing in 2012 but without having to go down the route of creating its own hardware as before.
The Evolution of BBC Micro
The original BBC Micro was developed by Acorn Computers and was instrumental in the UK’s Computer Literacy Project. It was widely adopted in schools and became a beloved tool for budding programmers. The BBC Micro 2 aims to build on this legacy by leveraging modern technology and open-source software to make computing education more accessible and engaging for today’s students.
The new BBC Micro 2 software is currently based on a fork of the open-source Eclipse IDE, a popular integrated development environment used by developers worldwide. Full details are still being kept under wraps by the BBC, but what is known is that the new, soon-to-be-launched low-cost ARM-based computer, the Raspberry Pi, created by David Braben and Eben Upton, will be supported. This support extends to systems running Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X, making the software versatile and widely accessible.
Implications for Modern Education
The introduction of BBC Micro 2 comes at a time when digital literacy is more important than ever. With the rise of technology in every aspect of life, from smartphones to smart homes, understanding the basics of computing is crucial. The BBC Micro 2 aims to provide a platform where students can learn coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in a hands-on environment.
The Raspberry Pi, with its affordable price point, makes it an ideal companion for the BBC Micro 2 software. Schools and educational institutions can easily integrate these tools into their curriculum without significant financial burden. Moreover, the open-source nature of the software encourages collaboration and innovation among students and educators alike.
For example, a classroom equipped with Raspberry Pi devices running BBC Micro 2 could engage in a variety of projects, from simple coding exercises to more complex tasks like building robots or developing software applications. This hands-on approach not only makes learning more interactive but also helps students see the real-world applications of their skills.
As more information about the new BBC Micro 2 software comes to light, we will keep you updated. The potential for this initiative to revolutionize computing education once again is immense, and it will be exciting to see how it unfolds.
Source: Bit Tech
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