Launching keyboard navigation in block-based coding
Breakthrough in accessible coding with BBC micro:bit, Google Blockly and Microsoft MakeCode
As part of the 2025 updates, block-based coding in Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit can now be used with keyboard navigation. The coding interface has so far been dependent on being able to use a mouse or touchscreen to click and drag blocks around the workspace. This can be challenging for computer users with fine motor challenges. In this exciting new release, you can now use it with keyboard control.
Resources to support you
To guide you through using the keyboard controls, help is embedded within MakeCode through pop up messages and the Keyboard Controls help. For further support, explore MakeCode’s Accessibility statement and the suite of supporting resources on our accessibility pages:
A visual guide for Windows and Mac for downloading and printing
A visual guide for Windows and Mac for downloading and printing
Step-by-step video guidance about using keyboard controls to complete simple projects
Step-by-step video guidance about using keyboard controls to complete simple projects
Increasing accessibility for greater inclusivity
Due to the way that current block-based programming tools are designed it effectively writes off people with sensory and/or physical challenges from taking part in programming education, as teachers do not have the appropriate resources to differentiate programming education at the early stages, so the various accessibility projects involving keyboard navigation and other assistive technologies are really important.
Young person who took part in the keyboard navigation user test
While block-based coding is a great tool to help anyone get started with programming, the need to use a mouse or touchscreen made it inaccessible for children who have fine motor challenges, who are blind or have visual impairments.
These updates are essential to increasing the accessibility of digital learning environments, and empower more children with the skills and knowledge they need to shape their own digital futures.
We worked with children and the educators of children who use keyboard navigation and assistive technologies to shape these updates. This user research was central in building the new keyboard controls, and we want to extend a huge thank you to those who provided their time to help.
What else is new?
The keyboard navigation is a major update to MakeCode in 2025. Other updates include new themes, code evaluation beta and a new math constant block.
As well as keyboard navigation, we have created general guidance about using the micro:bit, for teachers working with children with fine motor and mobility challenges. The keyboard navigation was also a critical step towards integrating screen reader support into MakeCode’s block-based coding, which we aim to launch in summer 2026. Alongside this, we are exploring other ways to improve the experience of learning to code for students with visual impairments, as well as providing further guidance and support to teachers.
This accessibility project is a collaboration between Micro:bit Educational Foundation, Google Blockly and Microsoft MakeCode and is part of a multi-year project.
Guidance and resources supporting those with different needs learning with the micro:bit and their teachers.
Guidance and resources supporting those with different needs learning with the micro:bit and their teachers.
Guidance for adaptations and practical advice when using the micro:bit
Guidance for adaptations and practical advice when using the micro:bit
Get involved
- Use the resources
- Send us your feedback:
- Join our research community
