Microbit microcomputers for pupils in Year 6 and Year 7 of primary school.
In recent weeks, pupils in the 6th and 7th grades of a primary school in Hafnarfjörður have been given Micro:bit programmable microcomputers, which are designed to spark children's interest in programming and teach them how to code in a simple way. The project aims to enhance skills, raise awareness of the importance of programming, develop logical thinking, and promote an increased interest in technology and vocational subjects.
The Ministry of Education and Culture, the Federation of Icelandic Industries, the National Education Agency and RÚV recently joined forces on an initiative to spark children's interest in programming and teach them how to code in a simple and fun way. The project aims to improve the programming skills of Icelandic children, raise awareness of the importance of programming in everyday tasks, enhance logical thinking, and promote a greater interest in technology and vocational fields.
The project involves giving every primary school pupil in Year 6 and Year 7 a programmable micro:bit. Alongside this, a variety of projects, educational materials and resources are being introduced for pupils, teachers and parents to use to explore the world of programming, including with the Micro:bit. Pupils in the 6th and 7th grades of Hafnarfjörður's primary schools have been given the computers over the past few weeks, and the gift has been met with great delight and joy.
The Microbit is a programmable computer designed by the BBC and a number of partners to get children interested in and teach them how to code. The Microbit is a kind of beginner's version of the Raspberry Pi or Arduino computers, but the project was originally launched in the UK where there is a great shortage of teachers who can teach programming, and more students are needed to enter the world of technology and programming.
The Federation of Industry considers it a major priority to strengthen the Icelandic education system with programming instruction, as it is important for Icelandic knowledge-based companies and industry. The National Education Agency oversees the distribution of computers to schools that wish to take part, while RÚV is involved in the project by producing programmes, educational materials and videos for children who want to know more about programming, as well as for parents and teachers. The Coding Games, organised by RÚV, is a project that children can take part in, either on their own, with their class, or with their school.