For anyone interested in finding new ways of creative teaching and learning, BETT 2009 is the perfect place to touch and test resources, debate ideas and continue with professional development.
Want to know more about the most recent educational issues?
BETT prides itself on constantly evolving to mirror the changes in education, including new Government initiatives and technological breakthroughs. Once again, BETT is set to address all the issues that are currently affecting those at the forefront of education - hot topics for 2009 include; Personalised Learning, Management and Leadership, Modernisation of schools (BSF) and Enriching the Curriculum and Assessment (including 14-19 reform, the new secondary curriculum and primary frameworks.)
Witness new technologies firsthand in true-to-life settings
The feature areas at BETT enable school decision makers to gain a valuable insight into the practical application of many of the changes that currently affect education, as well as catching a glimpse into the future of ICT and how it will support their school to exceed standards. Here is a round-up of each of the must-see areas for 2009:
New Technologies Zone
2009 sees the return of the successful New Technologies Zone, dedicated to providing visitors not only with the opportunity to road test and experience the most innovative new ICT resources available, but the chance to meet with sponsors Asus and Steljes and see demonstrations of their latest product launches firsthand. They are each giving numerous presentations on stand with best practice tips and advice for those keen on development ICT in their schools.
Learning Elsewhere
New to BETT 2009 is Learning Elsewhere. Led by the legendary Stephen Heppell, and developed in collaboration with the same team that brought ‘Learner Voice' to BETT 2008, this feature focuses on mobile, remote and distance learning and extending the education experience beyond the classroom. Steljes, SMART Technologies, Tribal and LP+ are the sponsors of Learning Elsewhere, and each are providing a range of technologies to demonstrate the use of ICT in taking learning further than the four walls of a school. Each day, different schools are on stand using technology, and are also talking to schools from across the globe through an exciting live broadcast. International ‘virtual' visitor schools come from a host of locations including San Diego in California, Cayman Islands, South East Asia and Tasmania in Australia. They are talking to the UK schools on the Learning Elsewhere stand about the innovative changes they have experienced in their learning environments using ICT and the outstanding results that have been achieved.
Future Schools
The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme has become integral to BETT. This year in association with Partnerships for Schools, the Government agency managing BSF, Future Schools showcases ‘21st century learning' school environments and provides visitors with in-depth information on the issues, possibilities and opportunities around BSF. In the zone, the Future Schools Theatre hosts a series of high level panel discussions each day with key stakeholders, along with case studies and presentations. Also, exhibitors involved in BSF are on hand to talk with visitors and discuss the schools of the future.
Best Practice Theatre
The Best Practice Seminar Theatre enables practitioners to participate in practice sessions, to gain confidence and develop ICT skills.
Training Zone
The Training Zone is another must-see area for those with training high on the list. BETT's home of professional learning, this zone features insightful training sessions run by exhibitors, where practitioners can find the latest training solutions.
Subject Association Advice Centre
This area includes a range of associations providing advice, information and services to help teachers, department heads and decision makers use ICT more effectively to support subject-specific learning.
Special Zones
Policy in Practice
Visitors can keep abreast of the latest Government policy changes and new funding initiatives in the Policy in Practice zone. Key Government agencies including the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Becta, QCA, TDA, and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), are on hand to answer any questions that visitors might have.
Special Needs Zone
The dedicated Special Needs Zone located in the Grand Hall hosts an array of exhibitors who demonstrate the most innovative and effective resources in SEN technology, designed to ensure that pupils have the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
Software Zone
The Software Zone offers the best in educational software solutions for teachers and school leaders alike. Within the zone is the Software Presentation Theatre, which is a great showcase for all the latest software innovations.
Help is at hand!
BESA Information Point
The BESA Information Point is situated at the heart of the show, where BESA staff are on hand to offer visitors expert information about exhibitors and seminars, as well as the provision of advice on special exhibition zones.
TEEM Software Information Point
Located right next to the Software Zone is The TEEM Software Information Point - a useful point to visit for independent answers and advice on the latest software and digital content.
EduGeek Technical Help Point
Find solutions to all your technical problems at the Technical Help Point, run by peer support group EduGeek.
Special Needs Information Point
The Special Needs Zone also has a dedicated SEN information point, hosted by nasen, where advice and information can be found and ideas explored.
Lounges
Leadership Lounge
After experiencing all that BETT has to offer, visit the Leadership Lounge for a welcome respite from the exhibition floor. Sponsored by BESA, this space is purely for head teachers, deputy heads and bursars to relax and network with your peers, and plan the rest of your day at the world's largest technology in education show.
Local Authority Lounge
The Local Authority Lounge is a space for local authority staff to unwind and rest during the exhibition.
Seminars
Aside from the array of exhibitors who showcase new learning devices, software and specific educational tools, visitors to BETT 2009 can also learn more about how this technology is successfully applied back in the classroom. In 2009, the hugely popular seminar and training workshop programme is back. The programme features a selection of over 100 practitioner-led sessions that showcase the very best in innovative and creative teaching practice, keynote speakers, government agency based seminars plus SEN focussed topics. Sessions can be pre-booked prior to BETT for £12 + VAT per session.
With so many exhibitors, feature areas, seminars, demonstrations, expert speakers and not to mention freebies under one roof, you can be assured that you will find something that will be of great value to you, your colleagues and your school. Visit http://www.bettshow.com/ to register today, and to search for more information about the show.
