Bett UK 2023 Highlights
Bett UK 2023 was a huge event, with lots to see and do. In case you missed it, or were just entranced by all the exhibitors, here's our list of highlights from Bett 2023...
1. EdTech companies have a responsibility to keep children safe online
There's a lot of emphasis on cybersecurity, safeguarding, and data protection at this year's Bett UK. In a panel titled 'The Datafication of Education', experts from across the industry discussed the fact that when young learners' internet data is collected and commodified, it may actually have an impact on their futures. The information they are served can steer them down one path or another. That's why it's essential to have data transparency as an industry standard (and why we at MyTutor take safeguarding and privacy seriously when learners use our platform).
2. Using tech to promote a whole-school approach to mental wellbeing
With mental health problems, particularly anxiety, on the rise in young people since COVID, new tools must be created to meet learners where they are. In a talk entitled 'Digital innovation to support children's mental wellbeing', industry leaders discussed the unprecedented reliance that young people have on digital technologies - but contrary to popular belief, this doesn't have to be a bad thing. Instead, this tech should be harnessed to deliver new methods of managing mental wellbeing. One example was a simple 'check-in' tool, that allows children to keep in touch with their emotions, and schools to monitor them.
3. Gamification is evolving and being deployed within the curriculum in new ways
This year, there are swathes of esports stands and even a dedicated e-sports stage at Bett UK. That's a sign of the growing esports movement within education, and a big thumbs-up for gamification at large. It's no secret that making learning fun boosts engagement - but just how much? Robert Ford, Senior Lecturer at Ravensbourne University, outlined the data in his talk; stating 87% of educators say gamification improved student engagement across all levels of education.
Turning the standard curriculum into games is one thing, but incorporating actual gaming into the curriculum is another. In Microsoft's keynote, 'Reimagine: Esports - Education - Employability', we heard from Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke about how their esports course has built in-demand, transferrable skills in their learners as they transfer from education to the workforce. Pupils learn leadership skills, confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
4. Education has a role to play in creating a sustainable future
Sustainability was also at the forefront of Bett day one, with many EdTech companies championing net neutrality and net positivity. Dr Sally Uren OBE acknowledged the fact that systemic change is needed in order to create a 'just and regenerative future' that gives back to the earth more than it takes, and she highlighted the crucial role that schools play in creating that systemic change through informing the behaviour of young learners. "If nature was a bank, it would've been bailed out long ago," she pointed out, as she directed schools to adopt climate-positive behaviours, and prepare their pupils for the impact of climate change.
