Education AI-driven tools can create a personalised learning environment
for individual students by analysing student data and tailoring educational content. Tis ensures that each learner receives instruction suited to their pace and style and helps address the diverse learning needs within a classroom, making education more inclusive and effective. AI can also automate routine tasks such as grading and
attendance tracking, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and student engagement. Tis efficiency is crucial as it, too, helps manage teacher workload and ensures that technology facilitates their jobs rather than eating into valuable teaching time. Lastly, AI-powered platforms can help provide instant feedback
to students, supporting them in seeing their mistakes and understanding where they can try a new approach or think about something differently. Tis fosters self-efficacy and allows students to learn at their own pace. In addition, this type of immediate response can be particularly beneficial for students with certain neurodivergent conditions who particularly benefit from direct and specific feedback.
SEND and Inclusive Learning Inclusive education was a major focus at Bett this year, with discussions centred on how technology can support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). With at least 20% of students having a diagnosed neurodivergent condition, it’s crucial that the ultimate goal is to create learning environments where every student, regardless of what their specific strengths and abilities are, can thrive. At Bett 2024, we at SMART focused on specific tools
compatible with interactive boards that allow students with different abilities to participate and contribute in a way that works for them. This year, we launched leading research into the needs of neurodiverse students to find out how they can feel more supported through technology, resulting in various takeaways as to what else can be done to achieve more inclusive spaces. The research uncovered 36 practices that can help to support neurodivergent students with tech. We learned that digital tools are essential for creating more
inclusive environments for students, as they support engagement, representation, action, and expression. For instance, explicit, UDL- focused teaching can ensure content is always clearly presented and understood by all students. EdTech can help teachers create personalised pathways tailored to diverse strengths and needs, meaning each student can work at their own pace. Tis includes specific tools including: • Visual Organisation Tools: Digital tools that help students organise their thoughts visually are highlighted as essential for inclusive learning. Tese tools enable students to map out their ideas and understand complex concepts more easily.
• Digital Handouts: Virtual handouts that allow students to interact and showcase their learning in a variety of ways ensures that they feel safe and supported in their classrooms, and give flexible opportunities for participation.
• Safety and Predictability: For many students with ADHD and autism, knowing what to expect in a day is crucial. Digital tools like timers and planners that visually represent time and
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calendarisation can help create a safe and predictable learning environment, reducing anxiety and improving focus.
• Collaboration and Feedback: Inclusive learning also involves giving students a voice and opportunities for collaboration. Technology can facilitate this by enabling students to share their work in different formats and receive feedback from peers and teachers in real time.
Advancements in Technology Supporting Education Once again, Bett showcased plenty of other technological advancements aimed at transforming educational environments. Tese innovations aim to enhance learning experiences, improve accessibility, and address current challenges in the education system. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) played a significant role at the show once again, with new immersive learning experiences that engage students in new and exciting ways. Tese technologies allow for interactive lessons that can make complex subjects more understandable and enjoyable. Students are able to immerse themselves into a virtual classroom, which can make remote studying more fun and connected to tangible learnings, but also provide opportunities to students to take part in experiences that they may not be able to otherwise, whether for location, cost, or accessibility reasons. Attendance Solutions: Technology is increasingly being used
to track and improve student attendance through the ongoing attendance crisis in the UK at the moment. Te education sector is facing significant challenges with pupil attendance, with recent data indicating that the overall absence rate has risen by 0.3% (from 6.6% to 6.9% this year). AI-driven systems can identify patterns and provide insights to help schools address absenteeism effectively. Sustainability and Wellbeing: Tis year’s show also emphasised
the importance of sustainability and wellbeing in education. Technologies that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, as well as a culture of wellbeing are essential for creating a positive and sustainable learning environment. At Bett, the Education Secretary addressed the importance of helping schools understand what type of technology to invest in, which can help educators and administrators choose the right solutions that can truly optimise teaching and learning and stay within potential budget constraints. Shows like Bett can help educators and administrators in making informed decisions about their investments, to provide them with sustainable but efficient solutions and technologies that can improve their teaching experience as well as the students’. Ultimately, Bett 2025 highlighted the transformative potential
of AI, the importance of inclusive learning, and the advancements in technology that are shaping the future of education. By focusing on personalised learning, administrative efficiency, and the needs of all students, the event underscored the importance of using technology to enhance, not complicate, the teaching and learning experience. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to improve on these themes discussed in order to guide the development of educational technologies and ensure that every student has the opportunity, and the right tools, to succeed.
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