{"id":1044072,"date":"2024-06-18T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/?p=1044072"},"modified":"2024-06-21T06:28:04","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T13:28:04","slug":"microcode-portable-programming-for-the-bbc-microbit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/blog\/microcode-portable-programming-for-the-bbc-microbit\/","title":{"rendered":"MicroCode: Portable programming for the BBC micro:bit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This research paper was presented at the <\/em><\/strong>23rd annual ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference<\/em><\/strong> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> (IDC 2024) the premier forum for inclusive child-centered design and learning.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"ACM<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Between 2016 and 2018, Microsoft Research and the Developer Division developed Microsoft MakeCode<\/a>, a versatile, free web-based platform aimed at teaching coding. While MakeCode supports various devices, one notable application is with the BBC micro:bit, a compact, feature-rich computer designed primarily for students aged 11 to 14. Despite the success of the platform, now used in over 60 countries with more than 8 million micro:bits, it faces challenges, such as the need for a continuous internet connection and access to a computer, which can be limiting in nonclassroom environments and distracting due to competing online content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Figure 1. The micro:bit V2 is half the size of a credit card. The front of the micro:bit is on the left, and the back is on the right. The micro:bit features buttons, sensors, LEDs, a microphone, speaker, a radio antenna, and is battery powered. On the bottom, the micro:bit\u2019s connector allows it to be slotted into various devices (shields<\/em>) that provide added functionality. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MicroCode: Mobility-focused visual programming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our paper, \u201cMeet MicroCode: a Live and Portable Programming Tool for the BBC micro:bit<\/a>,\u201d presented at IDC 2024, addresses these issues with MicroCode, a portable programming<\/em> approach that makes it possible to program the micro:bit anywhere\u2014whether in a classroom, outdoors, or on the bus\u2014without needing a separate internet-connected computer. The MicroCode system leverages two technological advances to enable portable programming: <\/p>\n\n\n\n