Continuing Professional Development - Technology zone
Friday, December 28, 2007
The latest products and ideas in technology for education can be found under one roof. Karen Faux gives a preview.
Despite its broad educational remit, this year BETT has a lot to offer early years practitioners and training providers who want to get up to speed with how technology can be used to boost learning and development.
The British Educational Suppliers Association says suppliers are increasingly targeting the early years sector and it can help to guide visitors to relevant exhibitors at the show.
Areas worth checking out include:
- The Training Zone - features practitioner-led presentations and online training modules
- Software Zone - provides a chance to explore a range of new learning resources including suppliers u-explore, NumberGym Software and Smart Learning.
- Policy in practice - brings together the DCSF, technology agency Becta, the QCA, TDA and Partnerships for Schools (Building Schools for the Future), whose representatives can answer questions on current initiatives, funding, and the role of technology in early years education.
- FE Leadership Challenge - an open discussion on further education will focus on how tutors can maximise the benefits of e-learning.
SAFETY ONLINE
Tapping the potential of the internet within a safe virtual environment is a theme of many seminars. In his presentation, The Let's Play Project, consultant Paul Vale explains how the Think.com portal has been set up by the Oracle Education Foundation so practitioners, teachers and pupils can contact each other and set up their own web pages.
At its stand Becta will advise on how to adopt e-safety policies and practice and integrating this into planning. Visitors can find out how the Government's e-strategy is progressing since its launch in 2005. Charlotte Aynsley, head of safety and safeguarding at Becta, will co-present a seminar with practical tips on teaching children to behave responsibly when using digital technologies.
E-safety consultant Sue Pickering will also be giving a presentation specifically for local authority visitors.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Entry to the show at London Olympia, 9-12 January, is free. www.bettshow.com.
