Bett 2019 The only secondary-specific guide to the exhibitors, CPD and attractions of Bett 2019 - SecEd
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Bett 2019
www.sec-ed.co.uk
The only secondary-specific
guide to the exhibitors, CPD
and attractions of Bett 2019
23–26 January, 2019
SecEd
INTRODUCTION
Bett 2019 takes place
from January 23 to 26.
This SecEd guide looks
Commun
at the attractions on
offer for secondary
professionals visiting
the show and some of
the technology trends
and discussions we
can expect in 2019
I
t is that time of year again – the
2019 Bett Show is just around
the corner. The global edtech
community will be coming to Excel
in London to celebrate technology
and innovation in education.
The essence of community
is discussion, exchange and
interaction. In order to offer the best
experience, a trade show shouldn’t
just be about trade and transaction.
Teachers, school leaders, academics, students, giving them a change to
innovators and policy-makers talk about the tangible, positive
get the best of their time together differences that their school has
REASON NO. 1
when dialogue and exchange helps experienced thanks to technology
everyone to work better in order to (for the Bett Awards 2019 shortlist,
help technology unlock the potential see page 27).
of all learners.
This year the show is focused What’s on this year?
to offer on-screen assessments on facilitating this exchange of
best practice to support the needs
This year’s Bett themes are based
on the visitor feedback from
of the education community. previous shows. The line-up of
Visitors will be rubbing shoulders speakers, seminars and special
with outstanding practitioners and areas will include the Bett Arena,
The questions require students organisations who are harnessing the Schools Theatre and the Post-
technology to meet 21st century 16 Theatre, as well as a number of
both to be creative and to challenges. others zones and show themes.
work with data. New features Key themes for Bett 2019
Continuing this theme, a new The labour force of the future is
feature of the show this year will be going to look very different from
Peer-to-Peer Connect, an educator- how it does now – and our young
only space for networking and people and future generations
sharing best practice away from the will need to be prepared for that
sales conversations elsewhere at uncertainty. This year’s show aims
the show (for more on this and the to showcase the skills needed by
other special features at Bett 2019, learners to thrive and achieve the
see page 8). life outcomes they deserve.
The show will also be extending Around the globe schools are
its opening hours this year, allowing embracing this challenge and are
To learn more, meet the IB visitors access to CPD-accredited
presentations and networking
equipping young people with these
skills. Bett 2019 has set out to
at Stand B84 or visit outside of traditional hours.
As well as the daytime
showcase some of the stand-out
examples of this work and how
programme, the Bett Arena will technology is helping.
www.ibo.org/bett-show see sessions from 6pm on the
Wednesday to Friday (for more on
Elsewhere, the rising number
of pupils with SEN and learning
what the Bett Arena has to offer, disabilities is constantly challenging
turn to pages 6 and 7). our educators and schools. As such,
Another new addition to the Bett 2019 will be an opportunity
show will be the Impact Award – a for visitors to explore some of the
new category in the Bett Awards. products and solutions tailored to
This will be the first time an supporting our SEN learners.
award recognises educators and In addition, the seminar
2 SecEd
INTRODUCTION
nity, exchange & best practice
As part of this, there is also
the Solutions Den, which offers Bett Show Information and Tips
the chance to hear from fellow • Bett opens at 10am each day, closing at 6pm (apart from the
practitioners talking about and Saturday when doors close at 3pm).
showcasing solutions. Sessions are • Registering for the show in advance on the Bett website will
short and practical, giving tangible
takeaways for educators.
mean you can walk straight in on arrival.
• Use the Bett Show website and app to pre-plan your visit.
All things data There is plenty of information online. During the show, use
Data is fast becoming the lifeblood social media to help you network and connect: @Bett_show
of the high-tech economy of • CPD seminars are first-come, first-served so arrive at your
tomorrow and schools are just chosen seminars in good time.
as important an arena for data-
driven progress, not least because • Post-show planning is important. Gather information and take
analytics and data have a role to time to reflect with colleagues on what you saw at Bett.
play in driving improvements in • If you need help navigating the show, try the BESA Information
learner outcomes. Data also brings Point (stand B134). They can point you in the direction of the
the promise of advancements in suppliers addressing your areas of interest.
Image: Jack Terry Photography
assessment and managing teacher
workload. The show aims to • Take advantage of the networking opportunities that the show
highlight some of the best examples provides – share ideas and source advice from peers.
and case studies to help senior • It can be easy to get overloaded with brochures. Instead, ask
leadership teams make the best for business cards and follow up via email. Having your own
choices around improving their business cards is also useful, if only for the many free prize
existing tech.
draws that are to be found.
programme will share stories Product trails • Dress comfortably and, most of all, wear comfortable shoes!
and best practice around assistive The Bett product trails will be
technology and innovation in SEN, themed to key areas of education, London’s Excel
with a view to developing the such as reducing workload or
knowledge of teachers, support staff leadership, and will offer visitors Situated in London’s Royal Docks, the Excel venue is part of a
and school leaders. quick access to some of the 100-acre campus. Within the campus there are three Docklands
Another aim for the show this highlights of the show, helping them Light Railway (DLR) stations, access to the Jubilee London
year is to present some of the to navigate the hall and maximise Underground line and London City Airport, parking for 3,700
extraordinary work from teachers their time. All trails are accessible cars, six hotels, and numerous bars and restaurants. For a more
across the globe – including through the free Bett 2019 app,
innovations like personalised available to download now. scenic route, why not use the Thames Clipper to get from central
and mobile learning. The idea is London to the O2 and then take the Emirates Air Line (cable car),
to encourage the sharing of best Bett Futures which connects Excel and the O2. Visit http://excel.london/
practice and give teachers practical The Bett Futures zone offers space
takeaways to put into practice. for new and emerging exhibitors
For more on the secondary CPD to showcase their often innovative “hosted meetings” on specific Further information
sessions at Bett, see page 19. start-up projects and solutions and education themes as well as • Bett 2019 takes place at London’s
includes demonstrations and other keynotes from the likes of the Excel from Wednesday to
Classroom tech & resources sessions. For more, turn to page 20. OECD’s Andreas Schleicher and Saturday, January 23 to 26. To
Shiny hardware is one thing – but other international speakers. register for a free pass, visit
there is also a place at the show Learnit www.bettshow.com. You can find
for smaller examples of innovative The new Learnit conference will The Education Show the show on Twitter @Bett_show
technology and resources to aid also coincide with Bett. Learnit is a This year will see the relocation • The Education Show takes place
learning and achievement. Not all conference for the global learning of the Education Show to Excel to next door to Bett on Thursday
tech comes with a price tag: some ecosystem, exploring the current coincide with its sister event Bett. and Friday, January 24 and 25.
of the resources in the space will be state and the future of learning The Education Show will run next Visit www.education-show.com
available to schools on a budget – around the world. It runs on January door on January 24 and 25 and • Learnit takes place on January 24
others will be free. It’s worth taking 24 and 25 in central London. continues to focus on other school and 25 in Westminster, London.
the time to wander around. The event features a range of equipment and supplies. See page 9. Visit www.learnit.world
Contents: Bett Guide 2019
Introductions • Beware the sales patter Pages 10-11 • The Bett Futures zone Page 20
• Introduction to Bett 2019 Pages 2-3 • A Bett snapshot... Pages 14-15 • Exhibition highlights Page 21
Cover image: Adobe Stock
• State of the ICT nation Page 4 • Tips for surviving Bett! Page 17
Commentary & best practice
• Seminar/CPD highlights Page 19
Bett highlights & advice • Meeting teachers’ needs Page 18
• Bett Awards 2019 Page 27
• The Bett Arena Pages 6-7 • Trends in edtech Pages 22-24
• Special Bett Show features Page 8 The Bett exhibition • Government policy update Page 25
• The Education Show Page 9 • Selected exhibitor listings Pages 13 & 16 • The HundrEd Project Page 26
SecEd 3
STATE OF THE NATION
Focus on evidence
Edtech moves at a rapid pace While his terminology (“those little
extras”) didn’t go down well with
and 2018 saw a shift towards school leaders and teaching
unions, what he was
evidence and the importance responding to was a perceived
need to ensure that schools have
of demonstrating impact. the right equipment in the classroom and
that they have some capital in order to
Patrick Hayes explains purchase the edtech they require.
The key challenge now is to ensure that
F
this additional capital is not a one-off but is
or many of us in the education sector, the sustained over an on-going period. Only
welcome surprise of 2018 was that we then will this help ensure that schools are
finally seem to have a secretary of state not left wanting when it comes to edtech.
that champions the use of edtech. Our hope is that the increase should
Damian Hinds’ first speech after give schools more freedom to be able to
being appointed was a year ago at the make purchasing decisions based upon the
Education World Forum. He spoke about impact that edtech could have on education
the transformative potential of edtech and outcomes, not just its impact on cost-saving.
encouraged the assembled world leaders to
Image: Adobe Stock
attend Bett in order to see the cutting edge Determining impact
of edtech and think about how that could be One of the focuses for 2019 will be for edtech
embedded into their education systems. companies to showcase the work they have
This was a welcome shift for many, been doing to demonstrate the impact and
and his talk was followed by a series of efficacy of their products in classrooms.
engagements with education, culminating in The initiative leading the way in this
an announcement of his vision for edtech in endeavour is University College London’s sourcing a recommendation on the value of
the summer. He revealed that the Department EDUCATE project, for which BESA is the edtech products, although they do also consider
for Education (DfE) would be working with industry partner. evidence from user reviews.
the Chartered College of Teaching, BESA Working with 250 start-ups across London, Our research also showed that by far the
and other industry leaders to “develop online the initiative aims to make sure companies put most important way, according to headteachers
training packages, establish an online portal research at the heart of their offering from the and school leaders, to find out about edtech is
providing free software trials for schools, and very outset, connecting suppliers with world- by attending national conferences such as Bett.
bring together industry and school leaders leading academics to ensure that their products Also, one of the fastest growing methods of
through a series of regional ‘demonstrator’ make a genuine difference in the classroom procurement are the speed dates pioneered by
roadshows”. – and that this can be proven. EDUCATE’s Innovate my School, which are run with small
He said: “It’s only by forging a strong cohort of companies will be exhibiting in the headteacher clusters around the country.
partnership between government, technology Bett Futures area of this year’s show (see page The experiential nature of Bett, LearnED,
innovators and the education sector that there 20), and we encourage visitors to explore the and Innovate my School’s speed dates is
will be sustainable, focused solutions which research they have been doing. reassuring. It indicates that we are taking a
will ultimately support and inspire the learners We know from extensive studies with measured and thoughtful approach to edtech.
of today and tomorrow.” teachers that the biggest barrier to adopting This new era of evidence is very welcome.
Mr Hinds’ aim is to spearhead a digital edtech in the classroom isn’t actually budget, The more emphasis that is placed on evidence-
revolution in classrooms across the UK and his it is the need to be confident that it will have based product development, the closer edtech
subsequent work with industry to showcase the an impact and to be able to show this impact. will be to fulfilling its transformative potential.
very best of edtech has included the LearnED We hope that initiatives such as EDUCATE are Ultimately, this will require education
initiative with BESA. able to give schools the evidence that they need suppliers and schools to work together closely
LearnED roadshows take place around the to make confident procurement decisions. and there is strength in coming together to share
country to enable senior school leaders to requirements and ideas. I’m looking forward
gather and share ideas about best practice in What the sector is saying to seeing the benefits of this over the next 12
edtech, and to see a live edtech demonstrator Every two years, BESA conducts research into months. Enjoy Bett 2019.
classroom in action. The roadshows have been procurement across schools. The most recent
popular, offering a first-hand look at products research – Procurement in English Maintained • Patrick Hayes is director of the British
in action in the school environment and Schools (November 2018) – found that the Educational Suppliers Association (BESA).
supporting peer-to-peer learning in a sustainable secondary sector is most likely to rely on
way. independent reports and published research Further information
findings when making purchasing decisions. • BESA is the trade association covering the
Additional funding However, over the last year there has been an entirety of the UK educational suppliers
Elsewhere, Mr Hinds’ promise to address increasing focus on user reviews and in-house sector and representing 300-plus educational
teacher workload and his acknowledgment evaluations as well. UK suppliers. Visit them at Bett 2019 on
of the potential of technology to help in this We also found that, despite the move towards stand B134.
area has led to a very promising uptick in a more robust way of gauging impact, less • For further information on the
expenditure in edtech, bucking the long-term than half of schools feel there is sufficient LearnED school roadshows, visit
trend of decline over the past four years. information available to assess the efficacy www.besa.org.uk/initiatives/learned/
This looks to increase further after chancellor of edtech and just over half of schools now • For more on the EDUCATE programme,
Philip Hammond announced in October 2018 rely on teachers in their schools to assess the visit https://educate.london/
that he would make £400 million available for worth of a solution. Secondary schools in • For more on the work of Innovate My
schools to spend on much-needed equipment. particular are most likely to look inward when School, visit www.innovatemyschool.com
4 SecEd
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BETT ARENA
From AI and VR
Image: Jack Terry Photography
to coding and policy...
The Bett Arena has become The discussion will also examine an Captive audience: A packed Bett
evidence-based approach to social and Arena during one of the keynote
a central point of the show’s emotional learning that has already been presentations at the 2017 Bett Show
adopted by more than 1,500 schools globally.
CPD and seminars. This Taking part are Anthony Salcito, vice- embed technology into schools, based on
president of worldwide education at EDUCATE’s work with teachers.
year it will host around 40 Microsoft. He will be joined by Barbara
Holzapfel, Microsoft’s general manager of Nudge, stretch, boost, connect: Growing
sessions. We preview some education marketing, and Dr Marc Brackett, humans in the digital age, 11am, January
founding director of the Yale Center for 24: The second day also features a session
of what’s in store... Emotional Intelligence at Yale University in on the future of intelligence. The talk, led
the United States. A student who has already by Alex Beard, senior director at Teach For
T
seen their education transformed by AI will All, will examine how the rapid rise of AI
his year’s Bett Show features a range also share their experiences. is leading us to question the powers of our
of CPD seminars and sessions with an own minds. It will explore how combining
agenda that aims to be informative and Personalising education at scale with the powers of technology with our latest
inspirational, tapping into key issues, such AI, 3:45pm, January 23: AI will also be understanding of how humans learn can
as artificial intelligence and how new and the focus of another session on day one, boost our creativity and productivity and help
emerging technologies can be used to boost which will look at AI’s role in personalised us fulfil our natural potential to learn.
children’s learning. education.
Educators know that they are preparing Joel Hellermark, CEO and founder of AI Schools VR project: Let us take you on a
children for an ever-changing future, and this firm Sana Labs will talk about how new journey, 3:30pm, January 24: Redefining
year’s CPD programme aims to showcase breakthroughs in AI are making it possible the “school trip” – learn how a Leicestershire
ways of doing just that. Leading the way will for students to master difficult concepts. school and college turned a visit to the World
be the Bett Arena keynote sessions, which are His talk will also examine how AI can help Museum in Liverpool into an opportunity to
made up of around 40 talks, 15 to 30 minutes support teachers to inspire and raise the film, edit and create their own VR content.
in length. knowledge levels of all students. In this session, BBC presenter Helen
Skelton, teachers from the school, museum
Bett Arena highlights Making technology work for schools: representatives and UK academic Molly
Emotion and cognition in the age of Lessons from EDUCATE, 3pm, January Zielezinski debate the value of using
AI, 4:30pm on January 23: The opening 24: The increasing availability of edtech technology throughout the syllabus to boost
day will feature an afternoon session on means the need to evidence how technology engagement and build core skills.
emotion and cognition in the age of artificial is supporting good education outcomes is The Schools VR Project allows pupils to
intelligence (AI). more important than ever. develop collaboration, creativity and critical
Today’s young children will find Led by Rose Luckin, professor of learner- thinking skills and shows the benefits of
themselves graduating school into a world centred design at the UCL Knowledge Lab in students sharing the VR and website output
unrecognisable to the one we live in today London, this session will look at the exciting with an authentic audience.
– a world transformed by AI. During this methods of learning made possible by new
session, we will take a look how AI will alter technologies. Why we should be teaching our children
both education and work. New research, Prof Luckin is also director of EDUCATE to be hackers, 5pm, January 25: Why
showing the vital role that emotional London, a hub where researchers and we should teach our children to be hackers
wellbeing plays in ensuring students are educators work together on developing will be up for discussion on day three. A
prepared to succeed in the age of AI will be evidence-informed edtech. This session session led by David Hill, of the University
presented for the first time. will provide practical tips on how to of Portsmouth, will examine the benefits
6 SecEd
BETT ARENA
of teaching children about hacking from aim of the discussion is to help identify the Education, ITN Productions & The
an early age and tackling the traditional skills young people will need for their future Institute for Strategic Dialogue, 1:30pm,
stereotype of what a hacker is. A knowledge careers and how schools and teachers can January 24.
and understanding of hacking can help help to develop these skills. • Evolution in education and technology and
children to protect themselves and others where to next, Tony Cann, edtech pioneer
when using digital devices, while developing The education secretary at Bowland Charitable Trust and the
the mindset of a hacker can help them Many Bett attendees, as is traditional, will founder of Promethean, 4:30pm on January
beyond computing. want to hear from the education secretary 24 (to hear from Mr Cann ahead of his
Other benefits include encouraging and the current incumbent, Damian Hinds, is presentation, turn to page 12).
youngsters to look at problems in new ways due to address the Bett Arena at 10:45am on • You are the teacher who can create bravely,
and come up with creative solutions as well January 25 in a session scheduled to last 15 Peter H Reynolds, author, illustrator and
as sharing new knowledge. minutes, although this is subject to change. founder of FableVision Learning, 10:30am
Mr Hill is outreach co-ordinator for on January 25.
Portsmouth’s faculty of technology and Other highlights • Using and developing tech solutions
is currently studying for a Professional A full list of the Bett Arena sessions is for students with SEN, Noa Nitzan,
Doctorate in Education, focusing on how a available on the show website. Further professional director at the Technology
hacking mindset can help improve learning. highlights include: Center at Beit Issie Shapiro, 12pm on
• Coding in Barcelona to improve learning January 25.
How to prepare young people with skills in India, Francesc Solans, technology • Using technology to make the impossible
for the future, 5:15pm, January 25: How teacher, INS Josep Vallverdú, Spain, possible for all learners, Robert Lynas,
do we prepare our young people with the 12:30pm on January 23. deputy headteacher & Ruth Smith,
skills they need for the future? That’s the • Education policy: Too precious to be left to new technologies and computing lead,
question we will be asking on day three, the politicians, hosted by the City Learning Westmorland School, 12:30pm, January
in a session with Joysy John, director of Trust, 1:30pm, January 23. 25.
education at innovation foundation Nesta. • Changing my teaching to release students’ • Why and how to discuss the news in the
Nesta is dedicated to helping young people creativity, engagement and ownership, classroom, The Economist Newspaper &
prepare for a labour market that will look Simen Spurkland, teacher, Vøyenenga The Economist Educational Foundation,
very different from today’s, one where Upper Secondary School, Norway, 12:45pm, January 26.
skills such as communication, creativity, 12:45pm on January 23.
problem-solving, collaboration confidence • Connecting classrooms with artificial Further information
and resilience are more important that ever intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence • For full details of the more than 40
before. (EQ), Erika Brodnock, founder and CEO sessions taking place in the Bett Arena,
During the session, Ms John, an of Karisma Kidz, Tony Sewell, founder visit www.bettshow.com/bett-seminar-
entrepreneur and investor who has launched and CEO of Generating Genius, 10:30am, programme-2019
a number of start-ups, will share what has January 24. • The Bett Arena will also be opening the
been learnt through Nesta’s research and the • Empowering your students to become new series of Bett Lates evening CPD
development of toolkits for teachers. The critical consumers of the news, Discovery sessions. For more on these, see page 8
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SecEd 7
SPECIAL FEATURES
Special attractions for 2019
Bett is well-known for its
special features, areas and
other attractions. From
Escape Games to late-night
TeachMeets, we look at what
is on the agenda for 2019
V
isitors to Bett 2019 will have the
opportunity to take part in a number
Image: Jack Terry Photography
of new experiences, ranging from
late evening CPD sessions in the Bett Arena
to an immersive experience with classroom
technology as part of the show’s very own
Escape Room. In addition, traditional
favourites, such as Bett Futures and CPD
theatres, return once again this year.
Bett Futures the Peer-to-Peer Connect space. Feedback from The Post-16 Theatre is a dedicated space
Bett Futures is the show’s hotspot for creativity 2018 indicated that visitors wanted a space for educators to learn about and discuss issues
and innovation, where pioneers in edtech can dedicated solely for teachers, school leaders affecting the move into further and tertiary
offer a sneak peek at the next big thing. and academics. This area allows educators education. It also has a research-designed
This area has become one of the most visited to network and share best practices, away programme.
spaces of the show, and once again this year it from the sales conversations to be had with
will bring together some of the best start-ups exhibitors elsewhere. Microsoft Experience
from across the globe, offering visitors the Speakers will also be dipping in and out of Microsoft is partnering with Bett again
opportunity to get hands-on with the tech Peer-to-Peer Connect, so there will be a chance this year. Visit Bett and Microsoft on stand
Included among this year’s exhibitors will to extend questions and answers from headline E300 if you’d like to experience the latest
be some of the 250 start-ups that have been sessions and seminars. in Microsoft’s education tools. There is also
working with University College London’s Morning meet-up sessions will offer those a chance to take part in the Partner Passport
EDUCATE project, already mentioned on page visiting on their own a chance to find their Adventure to win some prizes. Alternatively,
4 of this guide, to put research and evidence at feet early on in the day and make connections join one of the Solutions Showcase sessions
the heart of their offerings. among the community. to get insider knowledge about global trends
The exhibitors here can range in size and are and forecasts from the Microsoft Worldwide
generally organised in three stages. Stage 1 is The Education Show Education leadership teams.
for first or second time exhibitors who want With one badge, visitors will get access to two
to validate their solution or find investment. shows this year as the Education Show moves Official app
Stage 2 is for companies that have proof of to Excel on January 24 and 25 to run alongside Don’t forget about the new official Bett
their concept and are ready to sell. Stage 3 is Bett 2019. For more on this, see page 9. App, which you can use to search through
for the slightly more mature company ready to exhibitors and locate them easily, check the
generate real revenues. For more on the Bett Theatres and zones agenda programme and connect with other
Futures zone, see page 20. Bett’s theatres and zones will be offering professionals at the event via the Connect@Bett
talks, events and seminars for specific sectors, service.
Bett Lates challenges and concepts.
Bett Lates is another new space at the show this New this year is the SEN and neurodiversity The Escape Room
year. Not all visitors will be able to attend the sensory space where companies will be Bett is also latching onto the latest craze in
show during the morning or afternoon – so Bett showcasing the latest advancements and Escape Games. New for 2019, the Escape
Lates allows those travelling outside of tradition resources to support SEN professionals. Visitors Room is an immersive experience for visitors
show hours to visit seminars and network into will also be able to visit a sensory room. to interact with classroom solutions and explore
the evening. Elsewhere, the Solutions Den offers the products hands-on. Visitors can enter the
From 6pm onwards on the Wednesday, chance to hear from fellow practitioners talking Escape Room and try to use their problem-
Thursday and Friday, educators can visit the about and showcasing solutions that have solving skills and work in a team to solve
new edtech surgery, run by leading practitioners worked for them. Sessions will be short and puzzles and work your way through each level.
Abdul Chohan, Matt Harris and Neelam practical. Small groups of visitors will navigate their
Parmar. The CPD at the show is led by the keynotes way through a series of rooms each containing
There will also be a TeachMeet session at on centre stage at the Bett Arena (see pages a “Crystal Maze-style” challenge where they
6pm on January 25 led by teacher and tech 6 and 7). However, there are smaller CPD have to solve the puzzle within the allocated
expert Mr P, exploring practical tips and theatres dotted about the show, including the time to escape.
working methods to lighten the daily workload Schools Theatre and Post-16 Theatre.
and save time and money. The Schools Theatre will offer strategy Further information
advice for leaders and “tangible takeaways” for For more information on the various show
Peer-to-Peer Connect teachers and ICT staff and much of its offering features, including the special zones and areas,
A new addition this year comes in the form of will be research-based. visit www.bettshow.com/whats-on
8 SecEd
THE EDUCATION SHOW
Bett welcomes
In a bid to breathe new life
into the Education Show,
organisers have moved the
event to run alongside Bett.
It will take place on January
24 and 25
a new neighbour
T
The show offers hands-on demonstrations, include funding, mental health, safeguarding,
raditionally the Education Show has CPD seminars, and the usual exhibition social mobility, teacher wellbeing and the
taken place in Birmingham’s NEC space as well featuring around 150 education recruitment crisis.
during the month of March. However, suppliers and other companies.
after more than 25 years the organisers have In announcing the move, Education Show Pedagogy in Practice
taken the decision to move the show to and Bett managing director, Rohan Marwaha, To explore the newest and most effective
London to coincide with Bett. said: “We’ve had overwhelming support for ways of teaching while helping schools
With both Bett and the Education Show the change, which will see the Education to develop whole-school approaches and
taking place under the same roof, organisers Show provide fresh appeal to those charged rounded curricula. Includes evidence-based
are hoping to increase the footfall at both with spending budgets as effectively as approaches, case studies and the latest
events, especially the Education Show. possible. research in learning and neuroscience,
While Bett will focus on all things “It will be a show not only for UK schools, popular pedagogies, and internal CPD
technology, the Education Show has been but also for those from overseas, helping practice.
revamped to focus on policy, pedagogy and school decision-makers see all that they need
school management, including resources and to equip their schools.” School Business
supplies. There will be three core strands to the CPD Offering school case studies focused on all
It means that together the shows will host and seminars on offer at the Education Show things financial, from how to profitably run a
the world’s largest gathering of the education this year, with speakers still being confirmed school or sixth form college to best practice
community for both UK and international as this guide went to press. The three strands in procurement and managing facilities.
visitors. focus on:
The new-look Education Show will cater Further information
for a range of education suppliers covering Policy in Practice The Education Show takes place on
early years, primary, secondary (including To explore the latest developments in Thursday and Friday, January 24 and 25.
multi-academy trusts), further and higher policy and contextualise the meaning and Passes are free and you can register via
education. application of them in schools. Sessions will www.education-show.com
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to my leadership role. It is informed,
balanced and really gets to the bottom of
the current educational issues.”
Jonathan de Sausmarez, Executive
Headteacher, The Romsey School
Join the thousands following us on twitter @SecEd_Education
SecEd 9
SHOW ADVICE
Image: Jack Terry Photography
Beware the sales patter…
Focus on the smaller companies, search out the teacher-led CPD, avoid flash-in-the-pan
gimmicks, and beware the sales patter! Seasoned Bett attendee Bob Harrison gives us
his view of the show and offers some advice for teachers visiting this year
P
eople sometimes forget Bett is a educational conference. It is a showcase to Finally, a highlight for me is the Bett
technology trade show; probably the promote goods and services which (allegedly) awards dinner and as a judge it is always
biggest and most successful education will help improve teaching, learning and pleasing to see the growth and development
technology gathering in the world. assessment outcomes. of those companies that started in a teacher’s
How else could you explain the arrival of However, mindful of the need for teachers spare room and are now big global players
almost 100 education ministers and policy- to increase their knowledge, understanding (for this year’s award finalists, see page 27).
makers from around the world, all jetting in to and skills in the use of the newest and shiniest
London for three days at the Education World gadgets and gizmos, the organisers do provide A shifting dynamic
Forum, which is deliberately organised to a wide and varied programme of keynotes and The dynamic of Bett seemed to shift several
coincide with Bett. CPD. years ago when the show (and what a show
They are attracted by the technology This ranges from the latest politician it is) moved venue from the cramped and
companies such as the many big-hitters – (who usually reads a speech mentioning the overcrowded Olympia to the corporate
Google and Microsoft for example – and their latest tech buzzwords but with little or no exhibition playground that is Excel.
mega-stands staffed with hundreds of bright understanding of their meaning, relevance Being close to City Airport provides a
and energised smiley faces. or implications) to the big-name stage much greater international dimension and
There are also hundreds of smaller, and presentations (usually paid for by the same more than 30 per cent of last year’s footfall
perhaps more interesting, innovative start-ups global companies who have the mega-stands was from international delegates.
and technological creative solutions looking and very deep pockets). A noticeable development in recent years
to scale up from their initial pilots to become From my experience of attending Bett for has been the large stands from overseas
the global corporations of the future. 20 years now, I would say that better value is governments, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE
The organisers must be doing something always to be found in the smaller workshops and so on. Often these exhibitors seem
right to scan the barcodes of hundreds of and seminars, usually run by teachers and more interested in promoting their own
thousands of educators over the four days educators whose only vested interest is trying countries’ educational systems and teaching
of bright lights, loud presentations and, of to share what works. opportunities than actually sharing how
course, the infamous freebies (which become In particular, I would keep an eye out technology can improve teaching, learning
ever more creative every year). for interesting innovations in the use of and assessment. As a guide for the Education
However, exhibitors be warned – it takes augmented and virtual reality, artificial World Forum, I have had the pleasure of
more than a bucket of sweets and a stress ball intelligence, robotics and machine learning. meeting ministerial delegates from across the
to get teachers to step on to your stand these And it is always worth checking out the world and translators are critical.
days. developments in adaptive and assistive Of course, the UK has been seen as a world
But let’s not forget that this is not an technologies for SEND learners. leader in the use of technology in education
10 SecEdSHOW ADVICE
but in recent years cuts in school budgets, the to rely on the megaphone marketing and Do come say hello as I am there all week
degradation of infrastructure and decline in hordes of t-shirted troubadours that are, sadly, and let me know what excites you and what
funding for local authorities – not to mention ubiquitous at Bett nowadays. you think is rubbish. Maybe I can use the
a techno-sceptic schools minister in the form For this reason, and given how large in information in my next piece for SecEd.
of Nick Gibb – means that is now in doubt. square meterage the show has now become,
However a recent reform of the ICT you will need stamina, resilience and careful Beware!
national curriculum and an £84 million planning to make the best of your investment One final note of caution honed from 20
investment in the National Centre for of time and travel to attend the show. Most years’ Bett experience. Be aware (beware):
Computing Education (computing not days are busy but things slow down late there is no evidence of a causal link between
computer science please note) should lead to afternoon and later in the week. any technology and improved learning
some interesting developments this year (See: Register online beforehand to beat outcomes. However there is evidence of a
Can new £84m NCCE solve our computer the queues, and if there are a few of you correlation between those teachers, schools,
education woes? SecEd, November 2018: attending share and spread yourselves around colleges and learners who use technologies
http://bit.ly/2EpqkAg). the show before reconvening to reflect. The effectively and improved learning outcomes.
Some people may also have been inspired online guide is usually excellent and there are So if a vendor says “buy this product or
by education secretary Damian Hinds’ hard copies by the lorry load inside Excel. service and your students’ learning outcomes
recent epiphany about the potential of digital will improve”, move on quickly.
technology to improve teaching learning Fewer teachers? If you ask a vendor “if I buy your product
and assessment, which he declared in an I imagine the Bett footfall from UK teachers or service will my students’ learning
article in August in the Daily Telegraph (See: may suffer this year as budget cuts means outcomes improve?”, and the vendor says “it
Don’t look back in anger? Really? SecEd, many schools cannot even afford to replace depends, it’s complex because of a number of
September 2018: http://bit.ly/2rFc6mF). aged and degraded kit. In addition, it is factors” it might be worth a chat – but keep
It will be interested to see how this all difficult for teachers to get released and travel your purchase order in your bag for now...
plays out at Bett 2019. costs are high.
For this reason, many teachers attend • Bob Harrison has spent more than 40 years
The humble teacher on the Saturday morning in their own time as a teacher, lecturer, principal and governor
All the politics aside, for the humble teacher, (disregarding work/life balance challenges). in schools and colleges. He is a trustee of
one of most beneficial bits of Bett are the If you can afford to spend some time, if the UfI trust and a judge for the Bett and
fringe events and the opportunities for not money, then a day at Bett is worth it just Tes awards. He was education advisor for
networking or just catching up with old for the conversations with other teachers Toshiba Information Systems Northern
friends and colleagues and learning from and educators about what really can help to Europe for 16 years. He also chaired the
them whether the latest product launch improve education outcomes (as distinct from ICT teacher-led DfE expert group supporting
has some benefit and value (to teachers or those flash-in-the-pan gimmicks that are here the implementation of the new computing
learners) or whether it is just another puff today, gone tomorrow, which eat away at your curriculum. Follow him on Twitter @
piece with built in obsolescence. budget and, more importantly, your credibility bobharrisonedu. For Bob’s archive of best
I have always felt it was more reliable to with pupils, colleagues and managers). practice and commentary pieces for SecEd,
listen to colleagues’ recommendations than So I hope you can get to Excel this year. go to http://bit.ly/2zS0bpQ
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visit esafeglobal.com or email hello@esafeglobal.comEXHIBITOR LIST: A TO L
Listings correct at the time of going to press, but subject to change. Visit www.bettshow.com for latest listings
CABRILOG F61 EDUKEY EDUCATION A180 HPC LASER A401
Listed here and on page HUE B300
CAMBIUM NETWORKS C371 EDULAB E182
16 are selected suppliers EDUTAPP (THE EDUCATIONAL HUG GROUP E171
CANTIUM BUSINESS
relevant to secondary SOLUTIONS B354 TRAINING APP) A431 HURIX SYSTEMS PRIVATE E62
schools. For a list of CAREMONKEY A54 ELITAD INTERNET B49
CELCAT F195 ELMO EUROPE D121 I3-TECHNOLOGIES C112
all exhibitors, visit the IBT C271
CENTURY E192 ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA E91
Information Point or see CERTWOOD G150 ENGINO PUBLICATIONS D401 ICT DIRECT E150
the show’s website at CHARANGA POD4 ENGINO.NET D400 IDEASWISE B144
www.bettshow.com CHARITY LINK C31 ENRAID FS21 IDXTRA A231
CHEN-SOURCE C412 ENTERPRISE LEARNING IFLYTEK D95
CHQ GROUP E160 ACADEMY F80 IMMERSIVE INTERACTIVE H361
Selected Exhibitors CISCO MERAKI E260 EPSON (UK) D270 IMMERSIVE VR EDUCATION E188
2SIMPLE SOFTWARE B221 CITY CULTURAL ENTERPRISE C425 EQSTEM E422 IMPACT EDUCATION SOFTWARE FS9
3.14 E200 CIVICA B185 EROMESMARKO B244 IMPERO SOLUTIONS D160
4MATRIX E360 CLARITY IN SOUND ESEMTIA GRUPO EDEBE D320 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
5-A-DAY FITNESS G61 LIGHT & VISION A240 ETB TECHNOLOGIES C163 INNOVATION CLUSTER D62
CLARO SOFTWARE A52 EUREKOS E182 INSTITUCION FERIAL DE
A*STAR EDUCATION F81 CLASSLINK B302 EURO HOLOGRAPHY A430 MADRID D320
AB TUTOR E158 CLASSOOS UK E271 EUROPEAN ELECTRONIQUE C251 INSTRUCTURE GLOBAL B110
ACCROSOFT D360 CLASSUM F154A EXA NETWORKS C322 INTEGREX E402
ACER UK B100 CLEAPSS G82 EXERTIS UNLIMITED F250 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
ACTIONTEC ELECTRONICS C353 CLEVERTOUCH C280 EXTRON ELECTRONICS UK E105 OFFICE B52
ACTIVE FLOOR C360 CLICKVIEW C240 EZYEDUCATION F325 INTERNATIONAL
ADOBE C244 CLIO ONLINE E182 BACCALAUREATE B84
AEROHIVE NETWORKS C261 CODERZ FS61 FABLAB FACTORY C422 INTRICON A270
AHA TOUCH C407 CODEUCATE G80 FILEWAVE EUROPE F310 (THE) INVENTORS F321
ALBION COMPUTERS C270 CODEWARDS.ORG G303 FIREFLY LEARNING D170 INVENTRY E140
ALEF EDUCATION C260 CODEYUG WEB SERVICES F359 FISCHERTECHNIK B51 INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND C121
ALGORITMIKA B409 COLLIN-I-CONSULTING G131 FLOWOL/ROBOT MESH A191 ISAMS INDEPENDENT E180
ALICE INNOVATION G325 COMMON SENSE EDUCATION FS24 FORMCASE F300 ISMART VIDEO TECH B225
ALINEA E182 COMMUNITY PLAYTHINGS C152 FROG EDUCATION C70 ITOP EDUCATION C100
ALLIED TELESIS CONSEQUENTIAL ROBOTICS E53 FRONTROW A152 ITS: INFO TECHNOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL A80 CORNELSEN EXPERIMENTA B50 FSE DESIGN A251 SUPPLY B130
ANT D42 COUNTERPOINT B308 FUIJIAN JOYUSING
ARBOR EDUCATION PARTNERS C65 CRB CUNNINGHAMS G260 TECHNOLOGY B142 JABAL AMMAN PUBLISHERS C254
ARGEX C50 CREATIVE HUT FOR EDUCATION F70 FUJITSU SERVICES E250 JELLYJAMES A400
ARTEC C434 CRICK SOFTWARE POD3 FURLONG B74 JOSKOS SOLUTIONS B235
ARTSMITHS G71 CRISTIE DATA C63 FUTURE EDUCATION BOOKSHOP B55 JOYPLACE E190
ARUBA B184 CTL B232 JP SÁ COUTO B200
ASTONIO FS73 CXD (CHILD EXPERIENCE GNT INFORMATION SYSTEMS A420 JUMP360 FS40
ATI STUDIOS B233 DESIGN) E63 GCM EDUCATIONAL GAMES FS42 JUST2EASY.COM A100
ATLANTIS INTERNATIONAL C410 CYBER SECURITY CHALLENGE E432 GCSEPOD B114
ATOMWIDE D260 CYBERNETYX TECHNIK E186 GENEE WORLD B102 KAI’S CLAN B318
AVANTIS SYSTEMS C205 CYLO MEDIA UK D40 GENERAL ONOLOGIC SOFT B195 KANO E361
GENIALLY WEB F89 KAREERHUB C121
B SQUARED C134 DANSK INDUSTRI E182 GET MY GRADES E101 KAZ TYPE D405
BBC LEARNING D406 DATA HARVEST GROUP B160 GLAMSCI G362 KENT CCTV & DATA A271
BECREO TECHNOLOGIES H350 DAYDREAM EDUCATION E183 GLI TECHNOLOGY B306 KEYTRACKER A90
BENQ B180 DEBATEMATE FS56 GLOBAL TRAILS FS18 KIDLO FS55
BESA B134 DELL CORPORATION B316 GLOBISENS C52 KITRONIK C423
BINARYBOTS/CBIS EDUCATION C432 DELTA ELECTRONICS C135 GO 4 SCHOOLS C162 KOGNITY F72
BIOSTORE B280 DESIGNSOFT A153 GOBITO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS A51 KOKORO LINGUA B153
BKSB B224 DFROBOT C413 GOOGLE UK C230 KOREA SCIENTIFIC
BLINKING LIZARD SOFTWARE FS50 DICOTA A30 GOPAK G94 INSTRUMENTS E90
BLOCKSI E161 DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY C380 GRATNELLS A310 KUBO ROBOT F71
BLUEGA F77 DISPLAX C81 GREAT GIZMOS A432
BLUESKY EDUCATION E43 DOODLEMATHS E100 GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGY D412 LABBOX G351
BLUTICK FS43 & FS44 DOUGLAS STEWART C275 GROUPCALL D191 LALILO C100
BOCLIPS E185 DREMEL B406 LANGUAGE WORLD C49
BODET A260 DRONEDAYS FS69 HANSHIN INTERNATIONAL B70 LAPSAFE E130
BODYMIND FS25 HANWANG TECHNOLOGY B356 LEARNETIC C151
BONADRONE FS27 EASYTIS C100 HARBIN ZHIQU TECHNOLOGY G314 LEARNING BY QUESTIONS F160
BOOLINO D320 EDAURA C256 HELGI C130 LEJU (SHENZHEN) ROBOTICS G90
BOOTCAMP SQUAD G323 EDISODES FS39 HELLO WORLD KIDS C258 LENOVO C184
BOXLIGHT C79 EDLOUNGE E170 & D150 HEWLETT-PACKARD G190 LEXPLORE B303
BROADCASTRADIO G320 EDMODO C105 HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL B407 LIBRESOFT E42
BROMCOM COMPUTERS B320 EDNOLOGY B139 HILLS COMPONENTS A50 LIGHTSPEED SYSTEMS D240
BUILDING BLOCKS B353 EDTECH IMPACT FS53 HIPPOMINI E182 LIKETOBE F73
BULB D350 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH HIVE SOFTWARE F418
BUSINESS FRANCE C100 CENTRE C281 HOHENLOHER UK B290 Continued on page 16
SecEd 13BETT SHOW A Bett snapshot: T The Bett Arena A scene from the Bett Arena during last year’s Bett Show. The space hosts a range of keynote speakers during the show, including the traditional address from the education secretary. For full details of this year’s Bett Arena line-up, turn to pages 6 and 7. Image: Jack Terry Photography SecEd guide to Bett 2019 This SecEd guide to Bett 2019 has been published in hard copy and pdf format and is free to download from www.sec-ed.co.uk/supplements/ For more technology-related articles, case studies and best practice from SecEd’s pages, visit our archive at www.sec-ed.co.uk/best-practice/technology/694365/
BETT SHOW The Arena
EXHIBITOR LIST: L TO Z
Listings correct at the time of going to press, but subject to change. Visit www.bettshow.com for latest listings
Continued from page 13 OCADO TECHNOLOGY E400 ROBOTIS B59 TASK & TIME FS66
ODEN SERVICES UK G324 ROBOTIX LEARNING TEACHER DASHBOARD 365 C352
LITTLE GREEN BUTTON F360 ODILO B216 SOLUTIONS A190 TEACHERCENTRIC (SHOW
LITTLE SUNFLOWER FS22 ODYSSEY EDUCATION B60 ROBOTS IN SCHOOLS C44 MY HOMEWORK) F130
LIVE REGISTER D281 OJO G63 RPS E424 TEACHERS2PARENTS C262
LIVETILES D430 OKYSTAR TECHNOLOGY B61 RUCKUS WIRELESS UK B239 TEACHPITCH B42
LOCKNCHARGE F250 OMNICARD G130 RULER IT LIMITED C403 TERRASUL PRODUCOES A320
LOGINLAND C100 ONLINE-PLATFORMS B140 TEXTHELP C141
LONDON GRID FOR LEARNING D260 ONVU LEARNING E191 SAFEGUARDING MONITOR C133 THOMAS REGOUT
LOXIT C252 OPEN ASSESSMENT SAFETONET E362 INTERNATIONAL D60
LÜ (INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES E420 SALAMANDERSOFT B288 TOODLEBIT FS35
PLAYGROUND) C430 OPEN DIGITAL EDUCATION C100 SAM LABS D101 TOPDESK UK C401
LUMINIS UK E187 OPENCAMPUS B222 SB COMPONENTS E430 TRAININGTOOLZ FS65
LYNX NETWORKS A111 OPUS E405 SCANNING PENS A230 TRIPLE T GLOBAL G115
ORDBOGEN E182 SCHOLARPACK D112 TROTEC LASER F420
MACH1VR FS67 OSLO EDTECH CLUSTER B246 SCHOOL CLOUD SYSTEMS A200 TTS GROUP C195
MADMAGZ H60 OTTER PRODUCTS B319 SCHOOL EXERCISE BOOKS C143 TURNITIN UK C145
MAGIC SPELL FS33 OVERDRIVE D94 SCHOOL EXPLAINED POD5 TWIN SCIENCE & ROBOTICS B65
MAGIKBEE E41 OXFORD EDTECH LABS E55 SCHOOLS BROADBAND B281 TWINKL F361
MAGPIE EDUCATION FS36 SCOPE CORPORATION. C272 TYPESY A391
MAKEBLOCK C89 PAESSLER B352 SEEKMIND TECHNOLOGY B212
MAPPIX E51 PAI TECHNOLOGY C402 SELFIEREG ME F423 UBTECH EDUCATION C320
MASSTOUCH INTELLIGENT C159 PANZERGLASS D51 SENSO.CLOUD C274 UHANDY MOBILE MICROSCOPE E162
MATATALAB C140 PARAT B162 SEROSOFT SOLUTIONS D92 UNIFORM TRADE FS20
MATCHWARE C142 PAROTEC SOLUTIONS/ SES (SCIENTIFIC UNITY SOFTWARE F140
MATHS FOR MORE D320 REDBOXVR B141 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS) C55 UNIWISE E182
MATHSPIRE FS70 PASCO B152 SEVEN360 E426 UNLIMITED EDUCATIONAL
MATTEAPPEN F322 PASCO SCIENTIFIC B149 SHAPE ROBOTICS B53 SERVICES E363
MAX CASES H280 PHOTON ENTERTAINMENT F326 SHENZHEN IBOARD UTC SHEFFIELD G322
MAZE MEDIA (2000) H100 PI-TOP C200 TECHNOLOGY B236 VERNIER SOFTWARE/IDS B210
MEDHURST COMMUNICATIONS B183 PIOTA FS72 SHENZHEN BELL CREATIVE
METRO SECURITY (GB) A160 PLANET ESTREAM D110 SCIENCE AND EDUCATION B83 VESTEL B90
MICRO:BIT EDUCATIONAL PLAYSTEAM EDUCATION B223 SHENZHEN FANGCHENG VICTORIA FORMS F324
FOUNDATION C420 POBBLE EDUCATION G60 TEACHING EQUIPMENT B248 VIDEO ENHANCED
MICROSOFT F280, C300, E300 POMERANIAN REGION C242 SHOWBIE C150 OBSERVATION G62
MIGHTY WRITER G352 POWERSCHOOL B357 SINGAPORE BOOK VIEWSONIC EUROPE D180
MIGHTYMANGO E40 PRIME PRINCIPLE POD2 PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION E320 VIPER PLAGIARISM CHECKER C32
MINDSETS (UK) D413 PRINCE’S TRUST B211 SINOEVIEW TECHNOLOGY C161 VIVE TECHNOLOGIES A388
MINUSHU FS68 PRO-SKOOL INTERNATIONAL G350 SISRA D410
MOMENTUM WORLD F421 PROFECTUS FS26 SKILLRS FS49 WACEBO EUROPE B73
MONARCH ACOUSTICS B122 PROJECT LAB B39 SLOMER B154 WALL ART C354
MOZAIK EDUCATION F262 PROJECTOR LAMPS FOR SMART TECHNOLOGIES B111 WAVE 9 MANAGED SERVICES E350
MPL SERVICIOS DE ELEARNING E184 SCHOOLS A40 SMARTMETALS MOUNTING WEBANYWHERE G249
MRS C! FS37 PROMETHEAN B98 SOLUTIONS C170 WEEEMAKE C416
MRT INTERNATIONAL F88 PROMOTE YOUR SCHOOL C354 SMOOTHWALL D250 WELLCOME TRUST G306
MV-NORDIC E182 PROTEIN MODELLING: EZMOL SOUNDTRAP D280 WHOLESCHOOL SOFTWARE C121
MY CAREERS OPTIONS G300 TOOLS AND BIOBLOX GAMES G312 SOYO TECHNOLOGY WISEPAY C164
MYSIRCLES FS34 PROTO-PIC A433 DEVELOPMENT B350 WISHTRAC HOUSE D91
PROWISE C92 SPEEXX D70 WIZENOZE C83
NANJING MYTHWARE PUPIL ASSET B231 SPELLING SHED FS41 WIZKIDS B213
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY A130 PURE IT RECYCLING B403 SPHERO C110 WONDE D140
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SQUAD IN TOUCH G354 WONDER WORKSHOP
COMPUTING EDUCATION F178 QNEURO E273 STAGE ELECTRICS G326 GERMANY F192
NATIONAL CYBER QUANTA COMPUTER H360 STARBOARD B237
SECURITY CENTRE G370 QUEST SOFTWARE UK G360 STERLING PIXELS PRIVATE D71 XIAMEN XISENDA EDUCATION
NAUTILUS B238 QUICK SCORE F343 STICHTING THE DUTCH SCHOOL F150 TECHNOLOGY D96
NEO BY CYPHER LEARNING F302 QWANT C100 STONE COMPUTERS E270 XMA E240
NET-CTRL C61 STUDYSAFE E60
NETPOWER WEB SOLUTIONS A201 RADIX A110 SUCCEEDU EDUCATION FS28 YAP TECHNOLOGY C40
NETSUPPORT D120 & D130 RAPID ELECTRONICS D420 SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION FS12 YES I’M A DESIGNER F342
NETSWEEPER D260 READSPEAKER C66 SUZHOU KEDA TECHNOLOGY B305 YETITABLET C84
NEWTON INTERNATIONAL D192 REDSTOR B230 SWITCHSHOP H270 YOUR FAVOURITE TEACHER C48
NISAI GROUP C60 REFRESHED BY US F340 SYNEL INDUSTRIES (UK) G180
NORTH27 FS62 RETURNSTAR INTERACTIVE SYNERGY LEARNING C121 ZAGG INTERNATIONAL F190
NOVABASE G308 TECHNOLOGY GROUP E280 ZHANGZHOU WANLIDA
NOVATECH CONNECT B351 REVAS F327 TACKLING TABLES C373 TECHNOLOGY B220
NS OPTIMUM C273 RGB COMMUNICATIONS G251 TACTILES CORPORATION E401 ZHEJIANG STEELRIX FURNITURE D97
NUMBERFIT G188 RIOTOUCH A340 TAPESTRY F62 ZHITONGLEHUI TECHNOLOGY D93
NUTKASE C42 ROBO TECHNOLOGIES D89 TAREMTEC G97 ZIOXI C122
NUWCO G280 ROBOBLOQ A281 & C415 TARGUS C160 ZOOM VIDEO
NVIRON A350 ROBOTEL G99 TASC SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS D361 COMMUNICATIONS A392
16 SecEdSHOW ADVICE
Getting the best out of Bett
suppliers that meet both criteria. Using the app
Seasoned Bett attendee and edtech expert Terry Freedman you will also be able to see where the suppliers
offers his advice for successfully navigating this year’s show are on a map. Try and plan a sensible route
around the show that takes in the key topics and
T
suppliers that you are interested in.
here are several new features to be found Register in advance
at this year’s Bett. “How come?” you ask. You can register on the day, but it takes a while Walk around aimlessly
Well, I think it is because the company and only serves to reduce your time looking at This is the exact opposite of the preceding
behind the show has changed hands and the new stuff. Registering online takes five minutes using point of course. Nevertheless, there is definitely
owners seem to be very much aware of the need the Bett Show website. mileage in walking around without any particular
to emphasise the educational aspects of Bett goal in mind because you may well come across
rather than mainly the commercial side. Buy a travelcard something you didn’t know was there or that you
Not that there’s anything wrong with a trade If you’re not a regular in London, you may needed to see but could not find.
show of course, but many I speak to feel that not know that you will need to pay for fares in
Bett was starting to stray and was in danger of advance. Buses also no longer accept cash. A Get some CPD
losing its educational raison d’être. one-day travelcard will get you around hassle- There’s an extensive seminar programme, so be
So I am excited about attending this year’s free and save you money on individual fares. sure to look through the list on the Bett website
‘
show. Here follows my advice on making the or on the app and select a few sessions to suit
most of your time at Excel this year, much your needs. They are all free, but some, like the
of which is based on my own experiences of Escape Room, need to be booked in advance.
attending in the past. This year you will Others, such as those in the Bett Arena, tend to
be very popular and have long queues to get in.
Bett Futures be able to experience So plan to start lining up early if it’s a must-see.
This is not new, but most of the companies to be
found in it will be. This is the area where edtech
start-ups -- often a single entrepreneur or even
being in an immersive Personal comfort
Take a bottle of water and wear comfortable
a teacher with a dream -- may be found. The
products are often innovative, sometimes quirky,
room without the shoes. Excel, where the exhibition is held, is air-
conditioned, which dries the atmosphere, and the
and always interesting. See page 20 for more. floors are concrete, which kills your feet. Yes,
pressures of someone there is a carpet, but one so thin you probably
The Escape Room wouldn’t notice if they took it away.
This year you will be able to experience being trying to sell you Finally, get some business cards made and
’
in an immersive room without the pressures of take them with you. They make networking a lot
someone trying to sell you something. However,
it will involve solving puzzles to work through a
something easier and you can use them to enter the various
prize draws that are usually to be found! You
series of “Crystal Maze-style” experiences. More never know...
details to come, we are told, but it sounds like
it’ll be worth a look! Plan your visit • Terry Freedman is a freelance edtech writer.
Bett is so vast that it is worth spending a bit of He publishes the ICT & Computing in Education
Late closing time planning your visit. The list of exhibitors and Digital Education newsletters at www.
Not all teachers can get time off school to attend, can be searched through on the Bett website. ictineducation.org. Terry’s book – How to get the
but those who work locally may be able to get You can use the filters there to help you plan most out of education conferences – is now in
along to the evening sessions this year. These who to see. its third edition. To read Terry’s previous SecEd
run from 6pm to 7:30pm or 8pm, and consist For example, you could select Secondary, and articles focused on computing and technology,
of an event with, one hopes, good networking Tablets, and you will be presented with a list of go to http://bit.ly/2NAtSDX
opportunities. See page 8 for more details.
Peer-to-Peer Connect
On the subject of networking, there is going
to be an area where people can connect up for
conversations. I suggested something like this
nearly seven years ago, because it has been run
very successfully at the ISTE Conference in
America. It could be one of the best aspects of
the show if it helps you to make useful contacts.
I will be looking on with interest.
The app
The app for this year’s Bett has been beefed
up. According to the blurb, it is powered by
AI to make recommendations for who to
meet with, based on your usage of the app
Image: Jack Terry Photography
over time. The usefulness of that remains to
be seen, but managing seminars is now much
easier and (very usefully) you can gather all the
information you’ve amassed, such as seminars
attended, suppliers visited and notes made into
a ready-made report that you can forward on to
colleagues and headteachers.
SecEd 17You can also read
