To bring out the potential of children and young people in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths), the British Council is taking micro:bit and Kano Computers to 64 govt. public libraries across the country by the year 2020. Through micro:bit and Kano Computers, they will be able to learn and develop their skills of coding by attending free classes that will be run by volunteers from the IT sector and also tech enthusiasts from the local community.
The Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a non-profit organisation enabling children around the world to get creative with technology and gain digital skills with a tiny programmable computer. It makes teaching and learning so much more fun.
Kano is a computer anyone can make. It’s the simplest way for all ages to build a computer, learn to code, and create with technology. The kit comes with a Raspberry Pi 3, plug-and-play components, a step-by-step storybook, and dozens of hours of coding challenges. The mission of Kano is to give young people – and the young at heart – a simple, fun way to make and play with technology, and take control of the world around them. The British Council has teamed up with Kano Computing to maximise the reach and impact of digital education for young people across the world through free coding workshops using Kano Computer kits. Together we are creating opportunities for children to learn to code through creative play, with our first venture in public libraries across Bangladesh.
To create an innovative learning environment, pop-up coding cupboards will be assigned to each library with IT equipment (micro:bit and Kano) for the coding courses. As one of the fastest growing occupation, knowledge of coding will pave the way towards employment, community engagement and digital leadership and skills development. Furthermore, this critical collaboration will enable more young women and girls to gain employment.
The Libraries Unlimited team is travelling to all 64 districts of Bangladesh to carry out coding workshops in govt. public libraries, and connect with respective local communities, build up their capacity to handle the devices (Kano and micro:bit) themselves, set up public library based code clubs, and thus making the campaign sustainable.
Main Source: https://www.britishcouncil.org.bd/en/coding-lessons-students-through-microbit-project