Setting up
This "Setting up" page will tell you everything you need to know the be able to tackle the 10 micro:bit lessons in the "First Steps with the micro:bit" scheme of work.
You have acquired a micro:bit but know absolutely nothing about it.
It does not look like any other computer you have ever seen before.
It is tiny and there is no screen, mouse or keyboard.
The micro:bit was designed for young children and with some simple instruction, both you and the children you teach will enjoy using this fantastic little digital device. Watch the video below to find out more.
First Steps With the micro:bit online training
Take up of the micro:bit in both secondary and primary schools is increasing exponentially and due to its popularity the range of free and excellent resources to support teaching and learning with the micro:bit is also growing rapidly.
Getting up and running with the micro:bit is really just a matter of knowing where to look for guidance so with this section of the website I will point you in the right directions to get you started.
If you are participating in the 'First Steps With The micro:bit ' online training and have received your micro:bit and components in the post, watch the Introduction to the BBC micro:bit video above and then the First Steps With The micro:bit Getting Started video below (18 mins).
When you have watched the two videos, you will be ready to create some code and download it to your micro:bit. Follow steps 1 to 8:
Use Google to find the MakeCode editor (click the top link and then New Project and name your project 'starting').
Create a simple script using the Blocks Editor, such a as the one shown below.
3. Test your script on the micro:bit simulator to the left of the script editor panel (click on the green triangle below the simulator and then click the black button labelled A).
4. Connect a micro:bit to your computer using the short , micro USB, download cable. The microbit should appear as a new drive called Microbit: in your file manager window.
5. Click on the big purple Download button on the MakeCode editor.
6. This will create a new .hex file in your downloads folder with starting, the name of your project, in the file name.
7. Drag this .hex file onto the Microbit: drive.
8. An LED on the back of your micro:bit should start to flash, indicating that your code is being copied to your micro:bit's memory.
Exploring the micro:bit
If you want to have a 'play' and explore the potential of the micro:bit there are plenty of free, online tutorials for you to work from.
This is are a sample aimed at the beginner:
Program your micro:bit using another computer and the MakeCode program editor.
Connect your programming computer to a micro:bit using the USB cable supplied.
The 5x5 LED 'screen' and buttons A and B.
Using the built in sensors on the micro:bit.
Do not worry if you are finding things are getting a bit technical. By know you know nearly everything you need to know to be able to teach the 'First Steps With the micro:bit ' scheme of work which is the subject of this website.