Inspire 2017, Northern Ireland school leaders’ conference, showcased some of the world’s leading educational technology. Supported by joint sponsors Dell EMC and Microsoft, it followed 2015’s inaugural event in being hosted by Capita Managed IT Solutions, in partnership with the Education Authority’s C2k Managed Service.
Inspire 2017 provided NI schools with the opportunity to experience first-hand how new technologies are achieving better educational outcomes. Delegates included NI school principals, vice-principals, teachers and educational specialists, who together heard from influential leaders in education and had the chance to directly engage with numerous global technology suppliers. Keynote speaker was David Mitchell – formerly a Head Teacher, now an Educational Consultant across the UK – who shared his innovative ideas on attainment in the classroom through best-practice use of technology. Speakers from NI schools, C2k and the Education Authority also shared their own experiences on the use and impact of technology in their environments during various break-out seminars.
David Mitchell said: “It has been a pleasure to speak at the Inspire 2017 conference. The way NI schools are using technology to make an impact in the classroom is remarkable, and I am delighted to share my experience with the audience. I will be running a project in partnership with Capita to encourage schools to use technology in literacy, and I am really looking forward to seeing the results this brings.”
Ed Brown, Managing Director of Capita Managed IT Solutions, said: “Capita was delighted to welcome so many leading education technologists to Inspire 2017. The conference was designed with NI school leaders in mind, to enhance their knowledge and best-practice through the use of innovative technology and apply this in the classroom and beyond. Inspire was the perfect opportunity for schools in Northern Ireland to share their experiences of how they are using technology today, and its educational impact on the teaching and learning experience. I’m sure all delegates found the conference hugely beneficial.”
The conference included a technology partner exhibition area with suppliers including joint gold sponsors Dell EMC and Microsoft, as well as Capita SIMS, Fortinet, Securus, Promethean, TextHelp and many more. Exhibitors each had a stand in the conference breakout areas to fully showcase their latest educational technologies.