Developing 21st Century Skills Through Micro:bits in Inclusive Education
摘要
The BBC micro:bit is a programmable mini-computer that serves as an excellent tool for developing digital skills, not only for students in mainstream schools but also for students with disabilities in their education. The application of micro:bits in education is becoming increasingly common, and their benefits are particularly evident in STEM subjects. This scientific study focuses on describing the use of micro:bits in inclusive education, emphasizing their role in supporting the development of digital skills and other competencies essential for the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, flexibility, cooperation, communication, cultural awareness, civic, technical, and information literacy. The study addresses the advantages and challenges of working with micro:bits in an inclusive school environment and highlights the necessity of implementing new technologies and approaches in the education of all students. For the purposes of the study, interviews were conducted with seven computer science teachers in Slovakia who use the BBC micro:bit in their teaching and work with students with special needs. The thematic analysis method was used to process the interviews. The study’s findings reveal that the BBC micro:bit supports the development of 21st-century skills among students in inclusive education at primary schools in Slovakia. At the same time, the study identifies the most significant benefits of the BBC micro:bit for teachers, as well as obstacles such as insufficient technical, financial, and material resources and the need for more time-consuming preparation by teachers to integrate this digital tool into the teaching process.