One Tool, Many Possibilities: Teaching Computer Science and AI with th

The micro:bit is a powerful, affordable tool for teaching computer science—and now, with CreateAI, for exploring machine learning and AI

In today’s classrooms, teachers are navigating an overwhelming challenge: preparing students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence, all while learning new tools, standards, and frameworks themselves.

For many educators—especially those without a background in computer science—just getting started with coding can feel intimidating. Add AI and machine learning to the mix, and it can feel like climbing a mountain without a map.

At Forward Education, we work with schools across the world who are facing this exact reality. Teachers are being asked to introduce students to complex technologies—often without the time, training, or resources to do so effectively. And while the intentions behind introducing AI in schools are great, the execution can fall flat if the tools are too fragmented or advanced for the classroom setting.

That’s why we’re such strong advocates for the BBC micro:bit as a singular, scalable entry point into both computer science and AI education.

One Tool, Many Concepts

The micro:bit is a beginner-friendly, low-cost microcontroller designed specifically for education. It introduces students to the core building blocks of computer science: logic, inputs/outputs, data, etc. With a simple interface and block-based coding (like MakeCode), it’s easy for students and teachers alike to get started.

Unlike many beginner tools, the micro:bit isn’t limited to surface-level coding—it supports deeper exploration into data, algorithms, and even machine learning. In other words, the micro:bit is a ‘low floor, wide walls, and high ceiling’ tool for computer science education.

As students grow in confidence, they can graduate to more advanced projects involving:

Sensors, motors & robotic components
Data logging
Wireless communication
JavaScript & Python coding

And now—with the launch of micro:bit CreateAI—students can go even further by creating and training their own machine learning models using onboard the accelerometer sensor.

AI + Machine Learning—Without the Complexity

One of the biggest barriers to teaching AI is that it often feels abstract. Many tools focus on concepts like training data or classification without a clear connection to the physical world.

micro:bit changes that.

With CreateAI, students can collect real-world data (gestures), label it, and train a simple model—all from the same device. Then, they can use the model in live projects, seeing firsthand how machine learning predictions work in real time.

This kind of hands-on, embedded learning is exactly what students need to understand:

What machine learning is
How AI models make decisions
Why bias, data quality, and accuracy matter
How to build ethical, responsible technology

A Streamlined Path for Teachers

For teachers, using one device to cover both computer science and AI outcomes is a game changer.

Instead of investing time learning multiple hardware platforms—or managing different devices for different grade levels—the micro:bit offers a cohesive experience that scales with student learning.

Combined with platforms like Forward Education’s CHARGE rechargeable battery pack, the micro:bit can power a wide range of physical computing and AI projects, from gesture-based games to environmental sensing tools.

It’s a toolkit that grows with your teaching.

Our Philosophy: Less Tech, Deeper Learning

The micro:bit isn’t just a beginner-friendly device—it’s a powerful, all-in-one platform for teaching computer science and artificial intelligence. By centering learning around a single tool, both teachers and students can spend less time learning new hardware or software and more time going deeper into meaningful projects.

Instead of switching between multiple platforms for coding, data logging, machine learning, and robotics, the micro:bit makes it possible to explore it all with one tool—making learning more focused, accessible, and impactful.