At the centre of BETT this year, was the new “Tomorrow’s Learners Today” feature focusing on the Building Schools for the Future programme. Learners from around the country turned the table on their teachers as they asked the questions at BETT. Young people surveyed BETT visitors about their thoughts on what the future of education might look like, which resulted in some compelling and rather surprising findings. The feature also had a range of experts on hand offering advice and assistance to visitors about how they can help shape the classrooms of tomorrow at their school. The feature proved to be a winning addition to BETT, which has continued to evolve and grow over its 23 years.
One visitor, Jennie Price, Senior Advisory Support Teacher, EPSS Norfolk LA commented; “I have been amazed by the enthusiasm and generosity of the exhibitors who have taken the time to understand my specific query and then share their knowledge, advice and skills with me. You certainly can’t get this sort of support online.”
From an exhibitor’s point of view, Nigel Canin, director, 2Simple Software, added; “BETT is central to our marketing activity and a place where we can meet many teachers, advisors and those involved in technology in education face to face. We aim to use this opportunity to understand their individual requirements and offer advice and guidance to ensure they get the most from their learning resources.”
Briony Mansell-Lewis, Group Head of Events at BETT organisers, Emap Education commented; “It’s remarkable testament to everybody involved that such an established event as BETT can still continue to develop and improve year on year. It’s thanks to the constant innovation from suppliers exhibiting at the show, our continued support from all the relevant Government agencies, as well as to the enthusiasm and passion that BETT visitors have for using technology to improve teaching and learning in the UK and around the world.”
Ray Barker, Director of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) concluded; “BETT continues to offer visitors the opportunity to see and experience a massive array of products and solutions all under one roof. The show is also an excellent demonstration of how the industry has responded to the sector's needs over the last 12 months, with the constant development of materials that fully support ever changing teaching requirements."
BETT 2008 will again be at Olympia, London, 9 - 12 January. Further details can be found at www.bettshow.com
