As ICT becomes more prominent across the curriculum, attending BETT has never been more essential, not only for the mass of exhibitors but also to keep updated on what’s new in the world of education. Every year, BETT provides a revitalised insight into the latest practical learning technologies.
This year, BETT will showcase The New Technology Zone. Students from a selection of schools will be in Olympia 2 to show how they use new technologies in the classroom. Visitors to the New Technology Zone will hear how teachers have managed the implementation of the resources and how they have provided a personalised approach to the new styles of learning. In addition to this, visitors to the stand will be able to gain the student’s perspective of each product.
Another new feature of BETT is ‘Learner Voice’ on stands C62 and D62. Around the world schools, designers, policymakers and governments are realising the importance of designing learning techniques with the involvement of learners themselves.
New technologies have made it far more straightforward to hear, and encourage, pupils' voices. Texting, photo blogging, international discussion forums, poking and beyond - the possibilities are endless. The student’s involved in ‘Learner Voice’ at BETT 2008 will be on hand to seek visitor’s views and to share their research.
BESA Information Point
Celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2008, the BESA (The British Educational Suppliers Association) Information Point will be located in the heart of the Grand Hall at Stand D46. As founder members and official sponsors of BETT, BESA are on hand to offer visitors expert information about exhibitors and seminars, as well as advice on special exhibition zones.
Software Zone
The Software Zone, upstairs in the gallery area of the National Hall, is the hub of BETT’s innovative educational software. Each year this area attracts visitors wanting to explore, experience and compare the learning resources appropriate to their teaching needs. The Software Presentation Theatre will showcase the latest products.
TEEM Software Information Point
Also within the Software Zone, on stand SW7, TEEM will be offering visitors the opportunity to talk to software evaluators, read case studies and reviews of the latest software and locate online resources.
Special Needs Zone
Products and learning resources tailored to support those with Special Educational Needs are scattered throughout the show. However if a very specific learning solution is required, the Special Needs Zone in the Grand Hall focuses on inclusion and letting learners fulfil their potential. Seminars in the SEN theatre will also provide visitors with the latest insight into the world of supporting SEN.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Learning never ceases, regardless of age or seniority. The school and college day is focused on student learning. However the need for a teacher’s development is equally important but often missed. Continuing professional development (CPD), the systematic updating and enhancement of skills, knowledge and competence, is on offer throughout BETT. Visitors attending any of the seminars will be enhancing their career progression and will receive a CPD certificate to mark this development.
Policy in Practice
The Policy in Practice area in the centre of the National Hall brings together the key Government agencies. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Becta, QCA, TDA, Partnerships for Schools (Building Schools for the Future), Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), are there to answer visitors questions on government initiatives, funding and their plans for the future. At the heart of the area will be the key themes within “Personalisation and 21st Century Learning.”
Training Zone
The Training Zone located in the Grand Hall will provide practitioner-led presentations where visitors can access online training modules to help gain confidence and develop ICT skills. In association with Schoolzone, this area is a must for those with ‘training’ high on the list for BETT 2008.
Subject Association Advice Centre
This well established feature of BETT offers visitors the opportunity to investigate how ICT can help achieve more effective teaching and learning in specific subject areas. Advisors from the various subject associations will provide invaluable help and advice on stand J50 in the Policy in Practice area.
BETT 2008 will cover this year’s hot topics including Personalised Learning, 14-19 reform, Learning Platforms, Curriculum Focus, Inclusion and Assessment so teachers can keep their fingers on the pulse while they learn how to accommodate these subjects with the latest technology.
A choice from over 100 seminars and workshops which offer CPD opportunities from high profile speakers is the perfect accompaniment to the information visitors will have already learnt at the exhibitor stands. All seminars are free of charge but due to their popularity, a nominal booking fee is offered to secure places. Speakers include Professor Mike Sharples, Professor of Learning Sciences at the University of Nottingham. He will be discussing the emergence of social networked learning into classrooms through mobile networked devices. Prof. Sharples will also address the important challenges, including how to link formal and informal learning, how to cope with the disruption of personal technology in schools, and how to design mobile technology for learning.
Nobody is too far away to visit with comprehensive travel and accommodation information on the BETT website. Admission is free and visitors can either register on the day, or beforehand where they receive the BETT newsletter amongst other useful information.
BETT 2008 takes place 9-12 January at London Olympia. For more information visit www.bettshow.com
