Getting started with the BBC micro:bit

Suitable for teachers of Year Levels 3-10, this workshop will introduce coding for the game-changing BBC micro:bit device.

Participants will :

• create their first programs for the micro:bit, 
• push on with visual (block) coding, or have the option to split off for General Purpose (text) coding in Python,
• explore how to use the micro:bit to address different strands of the Victorian Digital Technologies Curriculum in the classroom,
  
• get hands-on with physical tech by connecting sensors and other electronic modules to the device,
• discover more resources to go further with this device.

This content is relevant if:

• you have never coded or taught coding before,   or
• you have experience with visual (block) coding, such as with Scratch,   or
• you are ready to explore General Purpose programming.

(The second workshop in this series is Do more with the BBC micro:bit.)

About the presenters 

Sanjin Dedić has a B.Eng in Mechatronic Systems majoring in Robotics and Computer Vision and spent several years working industry as an Engineer. He then retrained as a teacher and taught Systems Engineering and Digital Technologies at a secondary level. Recently he has been developing a series of technology programs for G.A.T.E.WAYS (gifted and talented education) covering everything from coding, robotics, applied mathematics and microcontrollers. These programs have been delivered to students in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Queensland. As a head of eLearning at Techxellent he has combined his technological expertise with his educational experience to create innovative teacher training programs and resources.

Nathan Alison taught Digital Technologies, VCE Computing and Software Development in Victoria for 11 years before beginning work for DLTV. 

He brings a background in Computer Systems Engineering and years of hobby coding, as well as a keen desire to help teachers with more complex Computer Science concepts through clear explanations and relevant activities.