The way in which teaching and learning is undertaken in schools has changed significantly over the past quarter of a century, due to extensive developments in technology and the endless opportunities it can offer.
From within the classroom, students are creating podcasts, using handheld interactive devices and learning from interactive whiteboards.
As a result, ‘Learning together through technology’, next year’s theme behind BETT, the world’s largest education in technology show, is as fitting as ever. BETT is free to attend and runs over four days from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th of January at London’s Olympia.
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Like the world of technology, BETT never stops evolving. Keeping ahead of the latest developments in both technology and education, teachers, decision makers, leaders and local authority figures are offered a taste of something new each time they visit. Held annually and in its 26th year, BETT 2010 is no exception, with an array of new seminars, feature areas and exhibitors to watch out for.
The new seminar programme at BETT 2010 is bursting with exciting presentations which visitors can attend - perfect for teachers looking to continue their professional development or for some extra training. The Key Note Theatre is the ideal stop for those interested in attending constructive presentations focusing on pertinent issues within the sector. Renowned education journalist Merlin John is chairing BESA’s keynote educational debate, joined by Prof. Stephen Heppell, Prof. Angela McFarlane, award winning teacher, Tim Rylands and RM CEO, Terry Sweeny.
For those visitors looking to discover the latest developments in technology, the Innovations Theatre, new to BETT 2010, is a must. With pioneering new technologies like the Microsoft and SMART Technologies touch tables wowing visitors at BETT 2009, a precedent has been set for even more exciting developments in 2010 - a perfect opportunity for the tech-savvy among us to discover what is in store for the future of education. With Becta’s key messages for BETT 2010 including ‘what good looks like’, ‘parental engagement’ and ‘making informed decisions’, the new Policy Theatre considers good examples of policy in the classroom. The packed seminar programme will be mostly Government and association led. However, visitors looking for best practice solutions to classroom problems should ensure a visit to the Solutions Theatre.
Seminar places fill up quickly and it is highly recommended that those interested should pre-book to avoid missing out. Sessions can be pre-booked prior to BETT for £15 + VAT per session at www.bettshow.com
2010 brings with it new feature areas such as the Future Learning Spaces. Designed for visitors keen to discover what the future holds for technology in education, seminars will be conducted in 18 pods, showcasing the work of top engineering firms who are involved in Building Schools for the Future, and how schools will look by 2020.
Welcome back!
Aside from the 700 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and offering on-stand workshops, returning visitors will be pleased to see some familiar sites back at BETT 2010.
The popular Policy in Practice area offers visitors a chance to hear about Government initiatives, funding, and plans for the future. Key Government agencies such as the DCSF, Becta, QCDA, TDA, Partnerships for Schools and SSAT will be on hand to answer any questions that visitors may have.
For all SENCO’s attending the show, the SEN zone at BETT 2010 is a really informative and useful aspect of the exhibition. Ideas on inclusion and fulfilling learner potential can be uncovered in the Special Needs Seminar Theatre, whilst advice and information can be found at the SEN information point hosted by nasen.
Innovative, educational software can be found in the returning Software Zone which is also home to the Software Presentation Theatre, holding seminars on the latest software products and how to get the most out of them.
These sessions are free of charge to visitors, on a first come first serve basis.
With an increase each year in visitors from overseas attending BETT, in 2010 the show welcomes even more international guests by expanding the international pavilions. Once again, an international directory will be available as well as an International Lounge.
For those looking for a break from the floor and a chance to unwind and network with others, the Leadership Lounge and Local Authority Lounge are once again available at BETT 2010 for its respective visitors.
Planning is everything
With so much to see, visitors should be sure to make the most of the route planner on the BETT website, www.bettshow.com. Here, visitors can select the exhibitors and products of most interests and print off a personalised route plan to guide them around the show.
Alison Carter, a teacher from Longwill School, Birmingham shares her advice: “My top tip for visitors is to have a plan before you go! Ask yourself, what does my school need? Look over the floor plan physically, and map out the stands before you attend.”
By combining an eclectic mix of exhibitors, seminars, feature areas and information points, BETT 2010 continues to maintain its status as the world’s leading education in technology show.
BETT 2010 takes place from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 17 January 2010 at Olympia, London. Register online now for your free visitor pass at www.bettshow.com.
