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Physical Computing

The National Centre for Computing Education supports the use of physical computing within the curriculum as a way to engage young people in the hands-on experience of learning computing.

What is physical computing and why is it important? 

Physical computing is using hands-on programmable hardware, such as floor robots or micro-controllers. These devices can interact with the real world through a variety of inputs, outputs and sensors. This means they can be programmed to respond to real-world inputs, such as the press of a button, or give a real-world output, for example the movement of a robot or control of an LED or motor. 

It is this tangible link to the real world that makes physical computing both engaging and a great way to teach programming. The visibility of the result can support program comprehension, and the interactivity of physical computing provides real and immediate feedback.

The use of physical computing hardware also helps pupils understand the real-life applications of computing can give computing projects a meaningful context. If you’d like to know more about the pedagogy behind physical computing, why not read our physical computing pedagogy quick read.  

The use of physical computing runs through the Teach Computing curriculum, with suggested devices suitable from KS1 through to KS4:

  • Bee-Bot 
  • Data logger  
  • Crumble 
  • BBC micro:bit 
  • Raspberry Pi Pico 
  • Raspberry Pi 3B+ 

Physical computing CPD 

We offer a range of CPD courses that allow you to explore physical computing, building confidence and gaining hands on experience with the devices. From introductory courses on how to use the devices to making the most of devices to teach some of the programming units in the Teach Computing Curriculum and residential courses, which include sessions to expand your knowledge and skills in physical computing.