Microsoft MakeCode for the micro:bit is a powerful and intuitive platform that makes coding accessible to students and educators alike. While many people are familiar with its core functionality, there are some lesser-known features that can enhance your coding projects and teaching experiences. Here are five features of micro:bit MakeCode you might not know about:
1. Accessibility Features
Microsoft MakeCode for the micro:bit is designed to be inclusive, offering a range of accessibility features that ensure all learners can engage with coding. For example:
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Immersive Reader: MakeCode is equipped with an Immersive Reader tool which can help with reading comprehension. It adds the ability to change colours, themes, font size, spacing, and highlight parts of speech. Along with its other capabilities, it will also read the text aloud.
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Keyboard Navigation: Users can navigate the platform using just a keyboard, enabling those who cannot use a mouse to participate fully.
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High Contrast Mode: This option improves visibility for users with low vision by increasing contrast between text and background.
How to Use Accessibility Features:
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When available, the Immersive Reader icon appears near instructions or other information it will read.
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To enable high contrast mode, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of MakeCode and select "High Contrast On" from the menu.
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For keyboard navigation, use the Tab key to jump between MakeCode controls. Use Shift+Tab to tab in reverse order. As you tab through the UI controls, you can see an indicator around the UI element once the element gains focus.
These tools make it easier for educators to include all students in their coding lessons, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.
2. Debug Mode
Debugging is an essential skill in coding, and Microsoft MakeCode for the micro:bit's Debug Mode makes it simple to identify and resolve issues in your programs. This feature allows you to:
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Pause your code at specific points to see what’s happening step by step.
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Inspect variables and program state in real-time.
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Use breakpoints to test specific parts of your code without running the entire program.
How to Use Debug Mode:
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Open your project in MakeCode and click on the "▶ Debug" button located in the simulator panel.
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Add breakpoints by clicking on the left margin next to a block of code or JavaScript line.
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Run your program. When it reaches a breakpoint, it will pause, allowing you to inspect variables and step through the code line by line.
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Use the play, pause, and step buttons in the debug controls to navigate through your code.
Debug Mode not only helps students find and fix errors but also teaches them the importance of testing and iteration in programming.
3. Switching Between Blocks and JavaScript
One of MakeCode’s most versatile features is the ability to toggle between block-based coding and JavaScript. This functionality allows users to:
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Start with block coding for a visual introduction to programming concepts.
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Transition to JavaScript to explore text-based coding when they feel ready.
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See how their block code translates into JavaScript in real-time, bridging the gap between visual and text coding.
How to Use the Toggle Feature:
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Open a project in MakeCode and look for the tabs at the top of the editor.
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Click on the "JavaScript" tab to switch from blocks to text-based coding.
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Make edits in either view; changes will sync automatically between blocks and JavaScript.
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If you’re ready to dive deeper, click on the "Explorer" panel to access additional JavaScript tools and files.
This feature is perfect for scaffolding learning, as it supports both beginners and more advanced coders in the same environment.
4. Version History
Have you ever wished you could undo changes and return to an earlier version of your code? MakeCode’s Version History feature lets you:
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Track changes made to your program over time.
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Restore previous versions with just a few clicks.
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Experiment fearlessly, knowing you can always go back if something doesn’t work as expected.
How to Use Version History:
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Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the Makecode window.
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Select "Version History" to view a list of saved versions.
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Browse the list and click "Restore" on the version you want to revert to.
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Save your restored version as a new project if you want to keep both versions for comparison.
This feature encourages creativity and experimentation, making coding a more enjoyable and less stressful experience for students.
5. MakeCode Tutorials
Microsoft MakeCode for the micro:bit contains a wide range of built-in tutorials to help users get started with coding projects. These step-by-step guides are perfect for:
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Introducing new concepts or features in an easy-to-follow format.
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Providing students with hands-on practice as they build real projects.
At Forward Education, we’ve taken this a step further by integrating tutorials into all our lessons and projects. Our resources are designed to guide educators and students through coding activities that align with curriculum goals, ensuring a seamless learning experience. These custom tutorials make it easy for teachers to introduce coding in their classrooms, even if they’re new to programming themselves.
How to Access Tutorials:
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Open Microsoft Makecode for the micro:bit and scroll down to the "Tutorials" section on the home screen.
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Click on a tutorial to open it. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided within the editor.
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For Forward Education’s Climate Action Kit tutorials, make a free account on Learning Platform. From there, you can access all of our tutorials by exploring the projects in our Lesson Library.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance your lessons or a student eager to learn more, these features of micro:bit MakeCode can elevate your coding journey. At Forward Education, we’re committed to empowering teachers and students with tools and resources that make STEM education accessible and engaging for everyone.
Check out our free course on 'Coding with micro:bit and Makecode'.
