British Schools to Receive 15,000 Free Raspberry Pi

Internet giant Google will distribute 15,000 microcomputers to schools around the UK through the Raspberry Pi Foundation in a move to inspire a new generation of computer scientists.

The Raspberry Pi, an extremely popular machine that is only about the size of a credit card has inspired the creativity of educators, electronic appliance tinkerers and hobbyists all over the world to create projects that are practically limited only by one’s imagination. These tiny microcomputers are cheap too at only around $35 per piece, less than the price of a new keyboard.

Some remarkable things that Pi owners have done include sending one to the upper atmosphere through a weather balloon. Floating 40,000 metres in the air, it was able to take live video, photos and measurements to be studied back on earth. Some users have also been able to make a small home media centre using the Pi. With its powerful graphics chip on board, it is possible to stream photos and video to large-screen TVs using the Pi and a Linux programme.

Chesterton Community college in Cambridge witnessed the announcement of the partnership. At this event, Google chairman Eric Schmidt and Raspberry Pi co-founder Eben Upton demonstrated the Pi’s capabilities by giving children a coding lesson.

It is hoped that making these devices available for thousands of students to use will enhance their computer programming skills and encourage others to take up coding as well.

A BBC report says there are concerns about the inadequacy of current information and communications technology (ICT) teaching in preparing students to take on future jobs in technology. Over the previous decade, UK students studying computer science dropped 23 per cent at undergraduate level and 34 per cent at graduate level.

Google is also funding ICT teacher training in a scheme together with the Teach First charity.

Pupils and teachers alike will have six educational partners to work with to ensure the knowledge they get out of the devices will be maximised. These include Code Club, Computing at School, Generating Genius and Coderdojo.

Google’s rival Microsoft has likewise encouraged changes to the way computer science is taught at UK institutions.