Academic research into the BBC micro:bit
The results are very encouraging. Read more now...
The Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a not-for-profit. It's in our Mission Statement to enable and inspire all children to participate in the digital world, with particular focus on girls and those from disadvantaged groups. We make micro:bit the easiest and most effective learning tool for digital skills and creativity.
We regularly commission academic research to check if we are achieving our mission. Results have been very positive.
Research Findings
The Foundation has built on initial research in the UK and is now working in 50 countries gathering more evidence through partnership. As new research from different sources becomes available it will be published on this page.
United Kingdom (published 2017)
Our first impact study was commissioned by the BBC after giving away up to one million BBC micro:bits for free to:
- Every year 7 student in England and Wales
- Every year 8 student in Northern Ireland
- Every S1 student in Scotland.
The study found that:
- 90% of students said the micro:bit showed them that anyone can code.
- 86% of students said the micro:bit made Computer Science more interesting.
- 70% more girls said they would choose Computing as a school subject after using the micro:bit.
- 85% of teachers agree it has made ICT/Computer Science more enjoyable for their students.
- Half of teachers who’ve used the micro:bit say they now feel more confident as a teacher, particularly those who say they’re not very confident in teaching Computing.
Read more in the BBC press release as well as King's College London's paper "Creating cool stuff". The paper by Sue Sentence focuses on the experience of 15 teachers and 54 pupils in English schools.
Western Balkans (published 2018)
The British Council commissioned research by IPSOS Strategic Marketing. The report shows the positive impact of the BBC micro:bit amongst students and teachers.
- 86% of teachers believe that micro:bit is useful in teaching a curriculum
- 90% of teachers believe that the micro:bit will inspire students about computing and coding outside the classroom.
- 93% of teachers thought the micro:bit would be inspiring for students in the classroom
- 100% of teachers thought it was a useful teaching tool
Read more in the study report.
Denmark (published 2019)
1,447 schools across Denmark (out of an approx. 1600) have been signed up for the ultra:bit project. The Teachers Resource Center (CFU) has provided BBC micro:bits to 64,287 students. The Center for Evaluation and Development of Science Education (NEUC) has, on behalf of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), evaluated the ultra:bit project in schools.
- 90% of teachers felt it was easier to code after working with BBC micro:bits
- 95% of teachers felt that students found it easier to code after working with BBC micro:bits
Read more in the NEUC report.
Research
Future Studies - Get Involved
We are continually working on new research and open to collaborating. Contact us via our normal channels if you would like to hear about more impact studies or would like to contribute.
