microsoft
Feature Request: Teachable Machine Integration with micro:bit in MakeCode (Proposal from an Educator)
Hello everyone,
I am a technology education teacher from Japan, and I am reaching out to propose a new feature for MakeCode: the integration of Teachable Machine models with micro:bit.
Last year, I led my students through "reinvention" projects using Streatch3—which incorporated TM2Scratch and Microbit More extensions—as well as coding support from ChatGPT. However, because Scratch only allows block-based programming, and its workflow is not well-matched with AI-powered coding assistants like ChatGPT, most students were unable to fully realize their inventions. The limitations of the environment made it difficult to bridge the gap between creative ideas and technical implementation.
In my classes, we are actively exploring projects that combine Micro:bit, generative AI, and machine learning cameras. I strongly believe that MakeCode’s intuitive block-based programming environment is crucial for introducing AI concepts to students at an early age. Unlike Scratch, MakeCode allows seamless switching between blocks and JavaScript, which means students can get the most out of AI-powered coding assistance.
Having the ability to easily load and utilize Teachable Machine models directly within MakeCode would be incredibly valuable for fostering students' creativity and enabling them to build truly innovative AI-powered creations without needing complex external tools. This would greatly benefit AI education in schools.
I have opened a GitHub Issue for this feature request to formally propose it to the MakeCode development team. If you are a professional programmer or engineer reading this and find the idea interesting, I would be especially grateful for your interest or support. If you have any thoughts to share, I would greatly appreciate it if you could add your support or comments on the GitHub Issue directly. Your collective voices can help demonstrate the demand for this feature.
Thank you for considering this proposal and for your support!
Hi abchatra,
Thank you so much for your comment and for pointing me to https://createai.microbit.org/! I've had a look at the service you suggested.
It looks like a very interesting project and a great tool for AI education. However, the "reinvention" projects I envision for my students in class—such as developing an AI-powered automated checkout system or a device that detects emergency earthquake warnings via microphone and notifies hearing-impaired individuals with LED lights or a servo motor—require a slightly different approach.
In my classes, I aim for students to build their own datasets, create unique models with tools like Teachable Machine, and then integrate those models into micro:bit to develop more complex and creative AI applications. For this reason, I believe that direct integration between micro:bit and Teachable Machine would be the most suitable way for students to bring their ideas to life.
I continue to strongly hope for this feature to be integrated into MakeCode. Thank you again for your valuable input!
Ok got it @playa2021git . This is a feature request to integrate teachable AI with microbit.