Digital offers students and teachers a new approach to learning

I recently attended the BETT 2022 show in London. BETT’s mission statement is:“Reuniting the global community for education technology under one roof.” Spread across nine theatres, Bett 2022 hosted more than 300+ inspiring speakers, 90 plus hours of CPD content. Over 400 exhibitors participated in the show. The theme of the show was “Create the future.”

From India, State Ministries, CBSE team and a delegation from FICCI Arise attended.

It was good to see that the visitors had adapted quickly to the new and unexpected reality.

The show provides an opportunity for the global education community to get together and network (fortunately in-person this year). I met many education leaders, EdTech providers and had meaningful conversations.

Themes & participants…

The participation was encouraged under six global themes. Leadership, Futures, Inclusion, Wellbeing, Skills and Innovation.Some of the participants included HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Pearson, RM and Zoom. The product focus was mainly on Equipment & Hardware, Teaching & Learning Tech, Management Solutions and Start-ups showcasing innovation in the EdTech industry. To name a few (since the list of innovation is fairly long!), we had:

• Pupil Progress Superpower – in order to take control of curriculum planning, portfolios, assessments, progress tracking, remote learning and family engagement in one simple, flexible system.

• Amanote– Turn course materials (slides, syllabus, video, textbook, etc.) to interactive content that allows learners to reach their full potential.

• Twig Education– To integrate existing or localized film and lesson content into online textbook solution, LMS or any other education platform product.

• Examity–offers two variations of automated invigilation – standard and premium.

• Simple Software– Purple Mash is a whole curricular resource that supports teachers with challenging subject areas or topics, whilst encouraging pupils to love learning. There were compelling products on Cybercrime, Mental health and Well-being.

On BETT in India…

The show presented knowledge, fresh ideas and EdTech solutions. Having said that the term “inclusive” kept crossing my mind, especially for children and young people from the disadvantaged background. I keep saying this again and again, will there be a digital divide here in India?

EdTech companies have been innovating, transforming teaching, and provide the learner a good place. With GOI unveiling the ambitious New Education Policy 2020 in order to raise education standards in the country, it would be a good idea to conduct a BETT show in India.

This will help policy makers, schools, teachers and all stake holders in the education space to attend and equip them with the necessary skills. This applies to all levels of education, both school education and higher academic education.

On a closing note, I propose that the EdTech community commence their conversation and make an appeal to the Ministry of Power, GOI. How good will EdTech be when there is coal shortage and power outage? This is a new challenge to “Digital India.”