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A tiny, cheap, open-source computer developed by academics at the University of Cambridge to reignite young people’s interest in computer programming has proved a global hit, selling more than 500,000 units worldwide.
The Raspberry Pi credit-card sized device plugs into a TV and a keyboard, effectively acting as a PC that can be used for spreadsheets, word-processing and games. Its primary purpose is as an educational tool, being used by kids all over the world to learn programming.
The low cost of the device has been key to its success. Model A offers 256Mb RAM, one USB port and no Ethernet, and costs $25. Model B, with 512Mb RAM, two USB ports and Ethernet, is priced at $35.
Robert Mullins, a lecturer in the computer lab at the University of Cambridge, is a co-founder and trustee of Raspberry Pi, which was set up as a charitable organisation. He said that a few years back there was a noticeable change in the way children were interacting with computers: the colonisation of the ICT curriculum with lessons on using Word and Excel, or writing web pages, and the rise of the home PC and games console to replace the BBC Micros and Commodore 64 machines of old, meant that many youngsters were losing interest, and therefore know-how, on how to programme computers.
“We wanted to help promote computer science, and help to create the next generation of engineers. It’s important that we attract the best young people into these areas to maintain the skills pipeline. We need new blood,” he said.
The success of Raspberry Pi has been astonishing. More than 100,000 devices were sold last month alone. Mullins said he was delighted at how the device was being used in schools and clubs. “Children jump in enthusiastically and really enjoy using the device. We are doing them a disservice if we do not offer them the chance. There is no need to dumb-down this kind of learning.” He said that the plan now was to continue promoting use of the device within an academic setting. “We want to do more with schools. The engineering and scientific community has bought into this.
“We are generating new teaching materials that show children that computer science and programming solves real-world problems. We have got to be engaging to get the message over.” Raspberry Pi offered “a real opportunity to create a step-change in the abilities of the next generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs”.