Bett Show always attracts a number of inspiring people from the education sector. Bett 2016 wasn’t an exception and today we are sharing one of our favourite speeches.
“How teachers can do what technology can’t”- one of the most interesting discussions at Bett 2016. It was presented by Tom Starkey who is a teacher and a columnist. He made some good points about the things that good teachers can do that any education technology can’t.
This is a topic that can definitely start a very controversial discussion, especially at the education technology exhibition. With all the latest technologies in the education sector, it can be easy to forget what the true role of a teacher is. Discussing topics like this can encourage people to remember that there will always be things that could not be replaced by any kind of technology.
“It is a battle to be better than a computer because we are not given time enough to reflect on our own practice, to reflect on people in front of us. If a computer could do that, that would be great…”
It is important to look at both positive and negative things when talking about technology in education. There are some amazing things that technology can do to improve learning. For instance, different learning platforms can be used to make lessons more engaging, they can also be used for homework and assignments. Making lesson plans or even marking assignments can be done with the help of technology. However, as acknowledged by Tom Starkey, although technologies create some amazing learning opportunities for students, there will always be things that could not be performed by any kind of technology. Technologies provide information, but a teacher is someone who can motivate, encourage, give feedback, listen and help with building creative and curious personalities of children.
It can be said that technologies are there to provide information whereas teachers are important for guiding students on how to use that information and to provide any other support that could not be done by any kind of technology.
Check the video below for some more inspirational thoughts by Tom Starkey.
Miles Berry and Tom Starkey at Bett 2016 from Webanywhere on Vimeo.
Webanywhere will be exhibiting at Bett 2016 – the world’s largest learning technology event!
When? Event will be taking place from the 20th to the 23rd January.
Where? ExCel Centre in London, stand F350.
Bett is your annual opportunity to experiment with the latest technology, hear from inspirational figures and experts in the industry and meet your peers from all around the world.
Join us at the event and learn more about our education products including School Jotter – the school website builder – the world’s most popular open-source virtual learning environment. Our friendly education experts will be happy to meet you, answer your questions and demonstrate our education products.
We have some exciting things planned for Bett Show 2016! Watch this space for more updates regarding the event.
Planning your time!
Download the official Bett 2016 mobile app as a planning tool for your visit and make the most of your time before the show, at the show and after the show to stay tuned.
- Decide which speakers you particularly want to hear from and plan your schedule
- Find out who else is attending those sessions and strike up a conversation
- Plan your way around the show floor
- Keep a record of your favourite speakers, exhibitors and products.
This week saw Webanywhere take up residence at BETT and Learning Technologies. Our presence at both shows is bigger and better than ever, and both shows have been incredibly hectic – a great chance to show off our new products and chat to customers old and new.
Follow us on Twitter @webanywhere_ltd , or #BETT_Show for all the latest from the show. Here’s a snapshot of our week so far:
Meanwhile, across town at Learning Technologies
There’s still time to visit BETT 2013, its definitely not to be missed – tomorrows highlights includes ‘An audience with Professor Brian Cox – Bringing Science to Life in Schools’ (click here for the full programme)
Webanywhere are at stand F280. Reasons to visit us include:
- A free Mathsanywhere account for primary schools who visit the Webanywhere stand
- A 5% discount for BETT visitors on the Webanywhere product range. Simply visit the stand and get the promo code(s)
- The launch of the new look Learner Journey e-portfolio and safe social network for schools, with enhanced functionality, improved user interface and a range of new themes
- A chance to see a demo of the great new Learnanywhere mobile app, which allows the primary specific VLE to be accessed on the go
- A joint promotion with Webanywhere partners Planet Sherston (stand F310) – take a product demo at both stands and claim a sticker. Attach both stickers to our flyer and get a promo code for a fantastic special offer
and of course the chance to have a coffee and a chat with our expert e-learning consultants, there to ensure your school is able to unlock the benefits of educational technology in an easy, cost effective manner.
e-Portfolios are becoming increasingly popular in schools: they allow learners to showcase their work and achievements to their peers, and gives them a permanent account of their learning path. Crucial when students start applying for jobs – and ideal for parents who want to know what their son or daughter did at school during the week.
Webanywhere’s Student Jotter has been a highly successful e-Portfolio within schools around the world – and now, it’s being relaunched and rebranded: as Learner Journey.
It’s the next generation of e-portfolio, with new features including a re-organised user interface, making it easier to use, integration with Google Apps (so you can embed documents and YouTube clips), and android/tablet compatibility (including an instant picture upload option).
Learner Journey also promotes collaborative learning: the Collaboration page is where students can share work, and actually edit it at the same time from different computers.
Learner Journey will be officially launched at this month’s BETT Show. However, Webanywhere will be hosting a special, one-off pre-launch event at our offices. We’ll have a guest speaker, Jeff Haslam from SWGFL, who will be talking about the new Ofsted e-safety requirements, how your school can protect teachers and pupils from internet dangers – and also provide you with some useful resources. You’ll also have the chance to try out Learner Journey yourself – and there’ll be a £200 discount for any school that signs up for Learner Journey at the event.
To register for the event, click here. For more information on e-Portfolios, and how they can also be integrated into the flipped classroom technique, click here.
