BBC initiative aims to get kids coding
1 min read
As part of a drive to tackle the growing skills shortage facing the technology industry, the BBC has launched a new initiative to "bring coding into every home, business and school in the UK".
Over 30 years ago, the BBC tried to help Britain get to grips with the first wave of personal computers by putting the BBC Micro into the majority of schools.
From 2015, the corporation says it will work with a number of local, national and international partners to offer a range of tools and resources for young children, so that they can "embrace technology and get creative".
Ralph Rivera, director of future media at the BBC, said: "The BBC has played a hugely important role in inspiring a generation of digital and technology leaders in the past, and now it's time to reignite that creativity. We want to transform the nation's ability and attitude towards coding."
From September 2014, children in UK schools will start learning computer coding from the age of five, so today's announcement from the BBC is timely.
Those backing the project include Eben Upton, co-founder of the Raspberry Pi, Professor Brian Cox and Stephen Fry.
