02 - micro:bit lesson 1

Monday (Day 2) marked the beginning of what we came here to do—teach. We were excited as we headed out to the Orange Walk Pathlight center, which sits off a quiet street lined with pastel-painted houses and blooming hibiscus. We were soon joined by 16 students and 4 teachers from the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET). The calm setting of the center contrasted with the lively energy engendered by the lesson once class began.

All post-secondary, the ITVET students already had some prior experience with coding. But this was their first time working with micro:bits—tiny programmable computers equipped with sensors, buttons, LEDs, and more. We introduced the group to the basics of how micro:bits work and walked them through programming their own devices using Microsoft MakeCode’s block-based interface.

What made this session truly memorable was how interactive it was. After some exploration and a guided challenge—creating name badges—the students undertook the Environment Investigation Pair Challenge. For the latter, they teamed up to build a real-world application using their micro:bits, and tested their sensors in the environment around them. The joy and engagement were unmistakable; they loved the opportunity to apply their new skills in exploring the real world.

We wrapped up the day with a “Show and Tell” and a reflective post-survey. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students and teachers alike highlighted the hands-on nature of the session as their favorite part. It wasn’t just about learning concepts—it was about experiencing them, building together, and seeing immediate results from their code.

This first lesson reminded us of the magic that happens when curiosity meets opportunity. The enthusiasm and creativity these students brought to the session set the tone for the rest of the week. We couldn’t wait to build on this momentum.