MY BETT


Over the next four pages, SecEd’s BETT preview will focus on specific staff and what the show offers them. We begin with senior leaders and ICT managers


B


ETT 2011 is a chance for leaders and school management teams to see first- hand innovative products and services


that can benefit the overall standards and running of their individual schools. Furthermore, BETT has become a must-


visit exhibition for ICT heads searching for the most targeted and cost-effective solutions for their schools. Often a launch platform for the latest ICT solutions and with many exhibitors offering special “at show” discounts, free demonstrations and product training, time spent at BETT can pay dividends for ICT heads. We list some of the key attractions for leadership and heads of ICT here, and some of the many exhibitors they may be interested in visiting.


Key zones


Visitors wishing to see inspiring examples of technology in action should head for BETT’s Central Feature entitled Visual Leaning, led by technology-in-education guru Professor Stephen Heppell. With a theme of “learning for less”, the area features practical examples of learners using technology in an innovative classroom environment, providing interactive opportunities to get a feel for the benefits of technology in education (see page 8). Another area for ICT heads is the Software


Zone, which displays the latest and most innovative software products and enables visitors to evaluate resources and equipment. Other show features include lounges for network managers and school leadership, an ideal place to explore peer-to-peer collaboration.


Seminars


It is crucial that school leaders and decision- makers carry out extensive research and obtain as much information as possible about the products available on the market. There will be more than 100 seminars, including a number of specific management and innovation seminars every day. The seminar programme is CPD-accredited. One such presentation is by Peter Twining,


director of the ICT association NAACE (10:45am on January 12 in the Management Zone). His seminar suggests a model for 21st century ICT CPD informed by the Vital programme and works on approaches to learning emerging from the Schome Park programme. ICT management tools have the benefit of streamlining working practices in the school office. Another session from NAACE is by


Fiona Aubrey-Smith, head of educational development. Entitled “Learning Together through Technology”, the session looks at examples of how school communities


18


Leadership and ICT


are using technology to move beyond the traditional constraints of the classroom into new territories, and the impact that this is having on learning (5pm on January 12 in Gallery 2). For a chalkface view of ICT in education,


Craig Wilkie, senior school improvement advisor for transformation (ICT) at Nottinghamshire County Council, delivers a seminar on “Tailoring Integrated Learning Spaces and ICT Around the Needs of Learners” (3:45pm on January 12 in Gallery 2). His session enables delegates to learn the


benefits of co-operation and collaboration in an era where national ICT support infrastructures are pressurised and reducing and understand the factors which allow the delivery of exceptional ICT-rich spaces.


Exhibitors at BETT


With industry leaders such as Dell, Microsoft, Toshiba and Panasonic at the event alongside specialist education suppliers, BETT 2011 is an event rich in innovation. There are around 700 exhibitors at the show with an encompassing range of ICT solutions, from hardware and software to connectivity resources and support services. Here are some companies ICT managers and leadership teams may want to visit.


Dataspire (stand B51) Among the many companies offering demonstrations and products for leadership staff, Dataspire is a provider that consolidates a school’s network systems into one place. Citrix Thin Client is a system that enables fast and cost-effective network performance, optimising remote access and maintenance of large networks.


WisePay (stand A60) WisePay enables school business managers and bursars to efficiently manage income and expenditure, make and receive online payments, manage school meals, and


communicate with parents through one centralised system. WisePay helps schools to cut time spent on administration, reduce debt and ultimately be more efficient.


Groupcall Messenger (stand B60) Communication in a school is paramount and can be a heavy cost issue. Groupcall Messenger is a communications solution which allows schools to contact parents, staff and other key stakeholders via text, multi-lingual voice calls, and emails. As an integrated system it can cut time and cost within a school.


Bluewave SWIFT (stand E95) This company is showcasing its web-based system for all staff. It focuses on the four cornerstones of organisational improvement – strategic planning, enabling the workforce through CPD, performance management and self-evaluation. Bluewave SWIFT enables everyone to work in as much detail as they need to and ensures the school can view its progress from any angle.


Dell (stand B20) The Dell Connected Classroom learning environment combines innovative technology products, services, software and training. The company aims to provide teachers with the tools required to equip students with the 21st century skills they need to be competitive in the global economy.


Computers4Africa (stand Y68) Worth a visit for ICT heads looking for environmentally friendly and ethically sound solutions to the disposal of old hardware.


Further information


For details of all the companies and seminars at BETT 2011, visit www.bettshow.com. Early booking is recommended for the seminars. This costs £15 plus VAT but will guarantee you entry.


SecEd • 5to7 Educator


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