The way we create, consume and share information has shifted dramatically in a short space of time, with life now heavily influenced by online and digital experiences. Educators are teaching a generation of children who relate to the world through touchscreens, smartphones and social media, and are finding they can use such devices to their advantage. Popular estimates suggest that 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that don’t even exist yet. The task of helping students in the shifting digital world and preparing for unfamiliar careers is considerable, but at Bett there is inspiration and practical examples of how technology can move education forward. Bett demystifies the education technology landscape, showing both proven edtech solutions and emerging technology while bringing together all those who are passionate about transforming education.
What to expect at Bett 2019
Bett 2019 will shine a light on some of the exciting developments in technology that could have a significant impact on the way we approach education. More than 800 suppliers will be showcasing their latest products across four days, offering visitors the opportunity to touch, test and evaluate vital resources: from global technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, Lenovo, HP and proven edtech specialist brands, through to exciting start-ups. On display will include school leader and management systems such as Groupcall for GDPR compliance services; SchoolLink’s web-based digital service that replaces the inefficient methods of communicating through letters, forms and phone calls; ScholarPack, which manages everything from attendance and assessments to accidents and incidents; and BlueSky, which supports staff development, professional learning and quality assurance.
For those with the aim of reducing teacher workload, a dizzying array of solutions on offer include Task & Time, which measures study load and co-ordinates teachers’ homework setting in real-time; Learning by Questions, which provides students’ instant feedback and analysis for teachers; and EZY Education which offers a digital support teaching platform to increase independent learning. On the pedagogy side, teachers can embrace creative learning techniques with the likes of Just2easy.com, eMaths Master, ReadSpeaker and 3.14. The host of IT systems, software, and business solutions on offer should keep IT leads busy, while business managers need to allow time to see both the classroom equipment and hardware at Bett, plus furniture, school equipment and supplies at the Education Show which makes its debut in London next to Bett in ExCeL on 24–25 January.
Working smarter not harder
Bett’s new Escape Room will give an immersive experience for visitors to interact with classroom solutions and explore new products hands-on. More practitioners than ever before will take to the stage sharing their real-life experiences, and industry experts take the lead in free-to-attend discussions on 21st-Century Skills and Knowledge, Innovation in Classroom Tech and Resources, Institute Tech and Solutions, as well as SEN and Neurodiversity Integration.
More than 175 speakers during Bett will deliver a comprehensive agenda on these topics, delivering CPD-accredited content so it’s not all about the products, and attendees can invest in themselves while at the show. The central presentation stage, Bett Arena, has extended opening hours until 7.30pm weekdays, so no matter what time visitors come along there’s always something worthy to see and gives locals a chance to come straight after school hours. Also new for 2019 is a refreshed Bett app with the new AI-powered Connect@Bett service which can connect like-minded members of the education community, and new Peer-to-Peer lounge providing the meeting place to exchange ideas one-to-one.
Bett’s mission is to bring together the people, ideas, practices and technologies so that educators and learners can fulfil their potential. The educators and innovators that attend each year are bringing the future of learning to life and Bett has revitalised for 2019 for the community to get the most out of edtech and each other.
Bett 2019 will run from 23 to 26 January 2019 at ExCeL, London. To find out more about what’s on, who’s there to and register for your free pass, visit: bettshow.com