WHAT ARE THE HOT TOPICS AT BETT 2018?

What are the hot topics at Bett 2018?

This year’s programme of seminars is stronger than ever, and they give us an interesting insight into the current hot topics within the sector. So, what’s on the agenda this year and what does it say about the trends for 2018?

GDPR
Yesterday, we saw Bob Geldof, founding partner of Groupcall, take the stage alongside the company’s data protection officer to explore the impending GDPR legislation. If you missed it and still feel like you’re kept in the dark about your school’s data, head over to the Schools Theatre this afternoon for GDPR 101: How to Keep Your School Safe and Secure.
Unsurprisingly, with GDPR just around the corner, many suppliers will be wanting to share how they have developed products, remaining transparent to create a smooth transition when the legislation comes into effect. Bett is a great chance for any school that still has questions and wants to know how their suppliers collect and store data, or how their could help the school manage theirs.

STEAM
Learning through play continues to dominate the discourse within education, especially when we talk about engagement and attainment within science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) subjects. Yesterday’s seminar with Halima Begum from LEGO Education explored this topic, explaining the benefits of learning through play and why we shouldn’t “teach to test”. Typically, engaging students with STEAM has been difficult, but those wanting some tips can head to the Bett arena on Friday at 1pm to hear how The Princes Trust’s Rewise strategy inspired even the most disengaged pupils.
The Bett team has also created the STEAM village, which has a carefully curated selection of exhibitors and events for all things STEAM related.

SEN
As we understand more about special educational needs, more businesses are able to develop innovations or adapt existing products to suit even the most complex needs. Today’s seminar at 12:45pm at the Bett Arena, hosted by Abi James from the British Dyslexia Association, will go into the specifics even further and explore the ways edtech supports dyslexic pupils. Assessment seems to be the underlying factor when we talk about SEN, asking how we can support an inclusive learning environment for every child to fulfil their potential. Emilie-Kate Kidd will be sharing her son’s journey at the Bett arena on Friday at 5:20pm and why she thinks SEND assessment needs to be more child focused.

Artificial Intelligence
Lastly, we couldn’t talk about edtech trends without mentioned artificial intelligence (AI). What was once something reserved for sci-fi films has become reality. As we saw in yesterday’s seminar in the Post-16 Theatre, the breakthrough in artificial learning has had a huge impact on 21st Century learning, and is increasingly redefining the classroom. Bringing lessons to life, AI features across many stands at this year’s Bett show.

If you want to see the hot topics for yourself, head over to the seminars programme on the Bett website or go to ‘schedule’ on the Bett app.

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