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Business Team

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation

ETEC 522: A1 Analyst Report

By Michael Saretzky

Essentially, a micro:bit is a very small computer, about a third of the size of the iPhone XR, that the user can program to complete a variety of tasks. The micro:bit is open source technology, meaning that users have the freedom to design and code programming, however the organization also has a variety of already created programs.

 

At first glance, the user will most likely notice the 25 lights on the front, however the mirco:bit is full of different engaging features. Users can code the micro:bit to flash messages with these lights or even to create playable games, utilizing the two buttons on the front. The user could also interact with other devices, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth. Users can also program the micro:bit to measure movement with the built in accelerometer, or they can use it for directional purposes with its built in compass.  

Although this video is designed for an educator or user of a micro:bit, this video will show some of the features, while also demonstrating the ease of use for users.

What is a micro:bit?

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A Short Introduction to micro:bits

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation

Initially started by the BBC, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a not for profit organization based in the United Kingdom. Not only does surplus money assist with keeping the cost of the devices as low as possible, but extra money is also used to provide devices to educational programs from around the globe free of charge. By working with a variety of global partners, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation intends to help children grow in their understanding technology while using this entry-level technology. The foundation outlines four points as their mission, and they are:​

  • Inspiring Children

  • Making Easy & Effective Learning

  • Collaborating with Educators

  • Support Communities of Educators and Partners

In 2019 the Micro:bit Educational Foundation won a World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Award for addressing global education challenges in an innovative fashion.

History

Announced in 2015 for the BBC as a way to address computer education throughout the UK as there was a shortage of digital professionals for the estimated 1.4 million needed in the UK over the next five years. By March of 2016 the BBC was ready to begin delivering a million devices to 11 and 12 year old students throughout the UK. This feat was accomplished with partnerships with a variety of multi-national organizations, such as Microsoft, ARM, British Council, Lancaster University, Nominet and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.  After a successful launch, BBC started the non profit organization, The Micro-bit Educational Foundation, in order to provide the devices around the world. The Micro:bit Educational Foundation runs on four main values that not only influence their partnerships, but all aspects of the running of the organization and these values are:

  • Trust

  • Partnership

  • Simplicity 

  • Passion

Since the creation of the foundation, students from around the world have been introduced to coding via these devices. Although small in size, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation has personal focused on different parts of the world.

Leadership

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Gareth Stockdale

CEO

Gareth has a plethora of experience from being an account director to a senior planner/buyer. Gareth took over the roll of CEO at Micro:bit Educational Foundation on January 2018. Prior to becoming CEO of micro:bit, Gareth was the Head of Operations and Public Affairs for BBC Learning and has worked in a variety of roles with Twofour. 

In addition to Gareth, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation consists of four board members, who represent the different founding organizations. Then within the acutal foundation there are twenty-two other team members. The roles within the foundation range from Cheif of Learning, which is Magda Wood, to Katie Henry's role as Head of Partner Engagement, North America.  

Cube Analysis 

Using the Cube Analytical Framework, we will look at the micro:bit and the Micro:bit Educational Foundation.  

Market

Focus

The initial market for the micro:bit was year seven students throughout the UK. Through the success of this initial roll out, the micro:bit can be potentially used globally by students throughout a K-12 school. The programming that the students can utilize ranges from a very basic model, with block coding, which young students can be introduced to, while students in the older grades may utilize the different features within the micro:bit, such as Bluetooth functions to control other devices. 

Offering

Type

When thinking about what is being offered to the learner, it is easy to just see the box that the micro:bit arrives in. The site itself is a wealth of knowledge and provides some content for the learner. Although learners can access a variety of already created projects, such as a digital Magic 8-ball, they can also adapt the project to put their own spin on it or they may even choose to start from scratch and develop their own creation. As the micro:bit is open source, the user is limited to their own imagination.

Buyers

With a product such as the micro:bit, the buyer can range from the individual to an entire nation. As has been demonstrated by the roll out of the first micro:bit, there is potential to have the micro:bit in the hands of a set of students at a national level. Realistically, schools or school boards/divisions could purchase these for use within their own systems. Due to the low cost of micro:bits, individual instructors with a relatively low budget may choose to purchase a set for their own learners. Finally, learners themselves may also choose to purchase a micro:bit due to their own experiences of using one in a formal learning environment, or they may choose to purchase one out of interest of coding.

Global

Target

The micro:bit has a global reach. This is not just obvious within their programs. For instance, Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit, one of the platforms that allows the learner to create code for the device, has thirty different languages, with the potential to add more. micro:bit's own website can be translated internally into sixteen different languages. The foundation, based in the UK, itself already has personal focused on North America, Latin America (Brazil) and Asia giving evidence to their global ambitions.   

Market

Status

The micro:bit was created as there was an apparent need for digital professionals in the UK. However, this need is not isolated to the UK, as the need is evident world wide. According to a report of the top careers that do not require a degree by LinkdIn from July 2020, Software Developer is the highest demanded globally, while several more in the top ten could be considered digital professionals. A low cost item such as a micro:bit becomes a high value item in regards to helping fill this need in the future. 

Competition

In looking at current competition, the micro:bit is actually quite unique. Initially, one may look at a device such as a Raspberry Pi and view it as competition, this couldn't be further from the truth. With not having the ability to run an operating system, the micro:bit could actually be used with the Raspberry Pi, similar to it working with a desktop. A purchaser may look to compare the micro:bit to another device such as a Sphero, yet the two are quite different, in abilities and price.  When looking at functions, the micro:bit is more superior as it has the aforementioned buttons, twenty-five LED lights, accelerometer, thermometer and Bluetooth. Another advantage for the micro:bit is that the batteries are cased externally, and easily changeable, unlike the Sphero.

EVA Recommendation

In addition to the topics discussed in the Cube Analysis the Micro:bit Educational Foundation has other positive elements, such as the following:​

  • Potential for growth-although there are already some accessories, such as a chariot, they come from external sources, there is potential for such things to be created internally

  • The micro:bit is staying current and relevant-all to often technology is developed and stays stagnant, in a recent news release it was announced that there will be a new micro:bit on the market next month

  • Ease of use-if the user wishes so, they can stay confined to the micro:bit website, only leaving to partner sites, making instructors who may be hesitant, feel safe

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When looking at these elements and those in the Cube Analysis, I would strongly recommend investment with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. When combining such elements as the global need for digital professionals and the low cost of the micro:bit, one can easily visualize the potential of this product and its ability to help fill the void. Furthermore, the Micro:bit Eudcational Foundation has already situated itself globally, meaning that educators and their institutions already have a familiarity with this product and as such will likely feel more secure as the product evolves, thus ensuring future loyalty. 

Reflection

As the EVA, there was some trepidation in taking upon a not for profit organization for this assignment. However, as I learned more about the Micro:bit Educational Foundation I came to realize the need for investment, as this meant that the device could be kept at a much lower cost and distributed to regions that may not have access to such technologies otherwise. Quite often institutions are initially distracted by the "shininess" or "sleekness" of technology, which at first glance may be what discourages educators away from the micro:bit. As such, I have realized the importance of research, not just for investors, but for educators as well. As one of the go to staff members for technology purposes, I have found this assignment to be a good in providing me with the tools to make better informed recommendations on future investments of school resources and student learning. Particularly, the Cube framework lays out the analysis in a very easy format and gives the EVA direction and guidance.

References

BBC micro:bit celebrates huge impact in first year, with 90% of students saying it helped show that anyone can code. (2017, July 7). https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/microbit-first-year.

 

Donnison, M. (2016, October 19). micro:bit Educational Foundation Launch. https://kitronik.co.uk/blogs/resources/microbit-educational-foundation-launch.

 

McKeever, V. (2020, July 2). LinkedIn says these are the world's 10 most in-demand jobs that don't need a degree. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/02/linkedin-the-worlds-10-most-in-demand-jobs-that-dont-need-a-degree.html.

 

Micro:bit Educational Foundation. (2019, July 22). https://www.wise-qatar.org/project/micro-bit-educational-foundation-uk/.

 

Micro:bit Educational Foundation. https://microbit.org/.

 

Wakefield, J. (2015, March 12). BBC gives children mini-computers in Make it Digital scheme. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31834927.

 

What is a micro:bit? (2020, October 13). https://support.microbit.org/support/solutions/articles/19000013983-what-is-a-micro-bit-.

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