CS Coastal Hub Workshop - Networking with the micro:bit - Exploring Communication and Coding

Understanding how devices communicate is essential for preparing students for digital citizenship and future careers in computer science. This full-day, hands-on workshop introduces teachers to Networking with the micro:bit, a practical resource that explores fundamental computer networking concepts through engaging classroom activities and games. Using the BBC Micro:bit’s built-in radio and wired connections, participants will experience firsthand how computers share data, communicate in groups, handle errors, and support reliable exchanges across a network.

Teachers will explore structured activities, from simple wired communication to wireless broadcast, group messaging, unicast, and two-way exchanges, along with fun games like Shakey Donkey, Rock-Paper-Scissors, and Battleship. Along the way, they will connect key ideas (bits, signals, packets, protocols, and error handling) to grade-appropriate classroom practice, making computer networking concepts accessible and fun for learners from elementary through high school.

Audience: Grades 3–12 Teachers

Instructor: Phil Polsinelli

Location:
Parkway Building, Stockton University
10 West Jimmie Leeds Road
Galloway, NJ 08205

Please note: This workshop is intended for teachers from New Jersey Public Schools. This workshop is part of a grant-funded project, the CS Coastal Hub, and is available at NO COST to attend. When teachers attend programming during the school day, schools will be reimbursed for the cost of substitutes.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Please contact the SRI&ETTC at ettc@stockton.edu with any questions.