Learning Technology Update from BETT 2015

BETT , the biggest  Learning Technology trade show in the world,  takes place every January in the Excel Centre in London. I spent 2 days at the show last week, and the following is a summary of some of the technologies on show with particular relevance to the FET sector. It is a non-exhastive summary list and I would strongly advice anyone with an interest in Learning Tecnologies to download the Bett Show App to find out about technologies specific to their area of interest.

In no particular order there follows my summary observations/recommendations – I may add to this list next week when I get a chance to review the rest of my ‘digital scribblings’

• 3d Printing and Scanning featured very prominently with Makerbot (the market leader) and Ultimaker (a slightly better value alternative) among those displaying their wares. SG education are Irish re-sellers for both Makerbot and Ultimakers and have sold to many educational institutions (and also a Makerbot to UTC Aerospace Systems in Shannon).
• Blippar (augemented reality) allows you to add digital content to any object – So you can scan an object with your phone or tablet and see all the content others created related to the object. You can create your own ‘Blipp’ adding content for others to see.
• For literacy once again this year a lot of the resources were targeted at children – the best in my view were the Clicker software/Apps from Crick Software (http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/clicker/home.aspx).
• For Storytelling I liked Plotagon (free from the App Store) which I think could be used with adults.
• For managing a wireless network in the cloud I liked Meraki – still leading the way and very suitable for deployment of a BYOD solution.
• For attendance, access control and ID management I looked at IDextra, CIS Connect and VPASS (the really simple cheap alternative – approx. €23 per month).
• For Digital Signage/Displays I loved the simplicity and potential cost savings offered by a solution from ‘Monitors Anywhere‘ – A single PC to operate multiple monitor displays. It could be even be utilised with old/recycled monitors for a green cost-effective display solution.
• In my ‘Free Stuff’ category
  • There were literally hundereds of stands focused on coding or coding related activities (mostly focused on the new primary curriculum in the UK) – I liked the approach of J2Code from Just2easy
  • Cambridge Computing Online is an excellent free resource with courses on computer basics & programming
  • A free resource in the MOOC space is FutureLearn from the Open University, showcasing a wide variety of courses with an impressive approach which utilises storytelling, discussion, visible learning and community support to support learning.
  • For Science/Chemistry teachers the RSC have a range of brilliant resources at http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry
  • True Tube https://www.truetube.co.uk provides access to free RE, PSHE and Citizenship resources (targeted at post-primary but may still be useful in FE).
• Finally for the ‘Wow factor’ Bird (described as the Mouse for the 21st Century) allows educators and presenters to move away from the screen/board while still maintaining full control of the lesson/presentation. It is a device worn on the teacher’s index finger, facilitating continuous interaction with projected digital content from any location in the classroom. It enables educators to seamlessly choose from a variety of interaction methods, including: touch, remote-touch, depth sensing, hover, gestures, mouse functionality or a red Laser pointer