📋 Tender Overview
OKdo the global technology company from Electrocomponents plc announced it has partnered with the Microbit Educational Foundation to distribute the new microbit. Through its extensive distribution network OKdo will support the Foundations aim of extending the reach of the BBC microbit so that every child in the world has the possibility of learning digital creativity and computing skills.Gareth Stockdale CEO of the Microbit Educational Foundation explained We launched the microbit to help children shape the world around them by using computational thinking and technology to unlock their creative potential and enhance their life choices in the 21st century. Were excited to partner with OKdo and Electrocomponents because they have the capability to help us reach new markets inspire new generations and support our objectives for the Microbit Educational Foundation.This new revision of the pocket-sized BBC microbit the first significant update since its launch in 2016 now incorporates a built-in loudspeaker and microphone. With its enhanced audio and voice capabilities children can expand their creative skills while continuing to benefit from all the features and functions of the original microbit. Hands-on learning both inside and outside of the classroom is an essential part of children developing a passion for new technologies early in their educational development. To support this the microbit hardware is now powerful enough to run machine learning systems and the Foundation will support this with new resources in the future again significantly extending the range of learning opportunities possible from this cost-effective accessible and compact computer.Lindsley Ruth CEO Electrocomponents commented Were delighted to be partnering with the Microbit Educational Foundation and to be supporting the launch of the BBC microbit version 2. Since its launch in 2016 the microbit has helped over 25 million children to learn computing and digital creativity skills and were extremely pleased to make our contribution to extending the reach of the microbit and get it in the hands of every child whether thats through OKdo or through our global distribution networks in RS Components and Allied Electronics in North America. Our involvement with the Microbit Educational Foundation is at the very heart of our own ambitions of providing technology solutions that can change the world.OKdo was created in 2019 and its mission is simple to inspire and enable people to use technology to make life better. The company is committed to working with the best educational technology organisations in the world to get kids coding and inspire a future generation of inventors entrepreneurs and engineers.Richard Curtin OKdos SVP of Technology explained We are so excited about this new partnership with the Microbit Educational Foundation who share our passion for getting technology in the hands of everyone and inspiring children around the world to create their best digital future. They are absolute trail blazers and we are hugely proud to add them into our growing eco-system of the worlds best technology businesses.
