There’s a little piece of technology launching today that could re-invigorate the UK as a leader in technology and programming skills – something that could make a major impact on the Island’s future.
The Raspberry Pi is a small, tightly-packed circuit board that contains everything needed to run a computer and importantly, the ability to program it.
That in itself isn’t the revolution – it’s the ~£20 price tag that is.
A computer in your home for ~£20
That’s right, for £20, any household can plug in a USB mouse and keyboard and, like the first-generation home computers (BBC Micro/Spectrum), connect it to their TV – analogue or digital – and have a fully-functioning Linux computer in their lounge.
Learning to program
Raspberry Pi supports four programming languages – Python, BBC BASIC, C and Perl – enabling anyone with one to learn to program them.
Ties with school ICT changes
This UK-innovation works well with the Government decision to change the current ICT (computers) educational curriculum back to focus on computer programming skills rather than the simplistic use of wordprocessors and spreadsheets, as it currently is.
Programmable home computers as a catalyst for change have previous form.
Let’s not forget that the BBC Micro computer and to a slightly lesser extent, Sinclair Spectrum, revolutionised the ability for a generation of those living in the UK to learn to program. Many of those people went on to secure themselves very well-paid jobs on the basis of their programming skills.
Potential earning revolution for the Island
The Raspberry Pi could at last see a generation of young Islanders taking control of their futures and earning a strong income, selling their computer programming skills around the world (like Rubicon) – while still living on the Isle of Wight.
No more will many of them have to leave the Island to find the jobs their desire.
Will you get one?
Demand for the first batch of Raspberry Pi has been huge, with the Websites of the two licensed suppliers RS and Farnell struggling to keep up with demand.
But more will be made available soon. Will you get one?
Links – Raspberry Pi site & Raspberry Pi on Wikipedia
