BBC unveils new computing and coding content for children
BBC Children’s and BBC Learning have announced a range of content across Bitesize, CBBC and CBeebies that will encourage children across the UK to get involved with computing and coding, with new education resources, lively television series, games and competitions.
These early examples form part of the BBC’s coding and digital creativity initiative for 2015, which aims to inspire a new generation to get creative with coding, programming and digital technology. More detail on this initiative will be announced soon.
To support primary and secondary schools across the UK, and to coincide with the new computing curriculum in England, BBC Learning has introduced a new range of media-rich computer science content through Bitesize. These include curriculum-mapped guides using animation, graphics, video and interactive games
In Appsolute Genius on CBBC, Dick and Dom learn about the geniuses whose ideas, creations and discoveries have shaped the world of coding, computer programming and gaming. As part of this brand-new interactive series, Dick and Dom will also be challenging CBBC viewers to design and help build their very own game – giving a budding young designer the once in a lifetime opportunity for their idea to be released as an app that people across the UK can download and play. Competition details will be announced on CBBC and on the CBBC website later this month.
Also launching on CBBC this autumn is Technobabble, a fun new series delving into the exciting world of technology and taking children on a journey to discover how digital innovations may affect their lives in the future. Presenters Frankie Vu and Clara Amfo will be highlighting the latest apps, games and brilliant examples of digital creativity from around the world, from 3D printers to movie special effects and immersing themselves in the world of virtual reality.
For younger viewers super scientist Nina returns to CBeebies with a brand-new series, Nina And The Neurons: Go Digital, which sees Nina and her young experimenters travel the UK in search of wonders of computer technology. Nina and her experimenters have a go at computer code, find out how the internet works and even try some 3D printing of their own.
Sinéad Rocks Acting Head of BBC Learning, said: “We know that many children are genuinely interested in technology and we want to play our part in inspiring and empowering them to pursue their passions and to find out even more. Our new education resources are designed to give a hands on approach through a range of great animation, video and interactive games that we hope will really engage and entertain whilst also enabling our audiences to develop key digital skills. This combined with great television and online output from CBBC and CBeebies means that the BBC can inspire children to get creative digitally both within the formal setting of the classroom and at home through television, games and competitions.”
Joe Godwin, Director of BBC Children’s, said: "It’s really important that BBC Children's is at the forefront of digital creativity, because for millions of children CBeebies and CBBC are their first port of call for facts, information and inspiration. And with Dick and Dom and Nina and her Neurons leading the charge, we are sure it will be huge with our audiences."
