BETT debates future of education
A series of debates on the future of education will take place at next year’s BETT conference, the educational technology show. World Education Leaders @ BETT gathers policy-makers from around the world to discuss how education can best prepare pupils for future challenges, while UK Education Leaders @ BETT will feature debate on the coalition Government’s education policies. Panellists will include NUT general secretary Christine Blower and journalist and free-school campaigner Toby Young. The debates will take place from January 12 to 15 during the BETT show, at London’s Olympia. For details or to register, go to www.bettshow.com.
Free ICT skills courses
A range of new free online courses has been launched to help teachers who want to brush up on their ICT skills. The interactive courses have been put together by Alison, a social enterprise company based in Ireland. Subjects include introductions to spreadsheets and databases, using web browsers and putting together PowerPoint presentations. For details, go to www.alison.com.
‘Digital native’ talk
The author who is said to have coined the term “digital native” will give a lecture later this month on how technology will affect education. Marc Prensky, who first used the phrase in 2001, will speak about how technology has changed pupils, how traditional teaching methods are becoming less effective and how digital technology can make a difference. The venue is Bournemouth University and the lecture will take place on Monday September 13 at 4.30pm. To register, go to www.eventbrite.comevent800784167.
