Microsoft has revealed in a recent blog post that its main focus for this year’s leading education technology event, Bett 2014, will be: ‘Microsoft in Education. We are partners in learning’. The event, which will be opened by the UK’s secretary of state for education, Michael Gove, is being held from 22 – 25 January.
Microsoft’s theme for Bett 2014 will extend on last year’s emphasis on how technology can help create more engaging and emotional connections with learning.
Tim Bush, Microsoft’s UK Education marketing manager, wrote in the blog post that the company is not wanting to confuse this focus with its Partners in Learning programme of the same name, but that this year, Bett 2014 for Microsoft will be building its story around how “Microsoft works holistically with the education community as a whole to support educators, inspire students and empower academic institutions to help transform education.”
“Alongside our partners, we are delivering services, devices and experiences – such as Windows 8, Surface and Office 365 Education – to students and educators that help bring learning to life and allow education leaders to reimagine how technology can modernise learning and improve learning outcomes,” said Bush. “Furthermore, with programs such as Partners in Learning and Skype in the Classroom, we are empowering educators with the communities, training, technology and experiences they need to succeed and help students gain their full potential.”
Microsoft will showcase various technologies at the event that will demonstrate just how technology is being used within the classroom, particularly with tablet devices. A key part of this will be the Microsoft at Bett theatre and its Interactive Classroom, which is new to Bett 2014.
The interactive classroom will offer visitors to Microsoft’s stand the ability to get access to a Surface device and participate in an interactive 15 minute-session around topics including:
- Introductions to Windows 8
- Using video to flip the classroom
- Teaching the computing curriculum
- The power of e-books.
“Our theatre will offer visitors the opportunity to learn and be inspired by educators such as Claire Lotriet, Matthew Pitts, Kevin Sait, Jon Tait and Ray Chambers who are using technology to transform teaching and learning within their institutions”
Ray Chambers, lead practitioner/IT teacher at Uppingham Community College, presented at Naace 2013 on how Kodu is being used by children in the classroom.
Topics within the theatre will include the following:
- Computer science in the curriculum
- Flipped classrooms
- Inspiring young developers
- The future of collaboration
- The IT manager of the future
Microsoft will also be showcasing a range of devices on its stand including Surface tablets and devices from OEM partners. Devices that will be showcased include Surface 2, Surface Pro 2, Toshiba Encore and the Dell Venue Pro 8.
Microsoft will also have a dedicated Windows Phone bar and an ‘app wall’ that will allow visitors to explore new apps based on relevant education.
Microsoft will be showcasing all of this and more on stand number D270 at Bett 2014.
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