In January 2015, I attended the annual BETT conference in London as principal of Davis College. The conference afforded me an opportunity to learn about developments in technology in education and to reflect on the potential for their application to my school context. Davis College is a co-educational second-level school with a student population of over 800. Student numbers have increased dramatically in recent years.
These success of these changes and innovations depends to a large degree on the quality of teaching and learning; hence, my interest in this conference, as the proper integration of technology in the teaching and learning process is something that I wish to see become embedded in classroom practice. The college’s involvement in the Comenius and Erasmus Plus projects has helped our college to become acquainted with certain aspects of best practice internationally and was also the genesis of the college’s involvement in this conference, where two teachers from the ICT and mathematics departments were also present.
I greatly enjoyed the experience of meeting with interested people from other jurisdictions and exploring the many stalls on view, as well as taking in a number of talks. As a principal, I enjoyed Ken Robinson’s presentation, which allowed me to reflect on how best to move the school culture towards greater awareness and acceptance of innovation and change. I was interested to see all the resources to stimulate student development, including critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills. I was also intrigued by references at various workshops to varying types of digital platforms.The college is exploring Google platforms in terms of a virtual learning environment, having previously worked also with Moodle.
On a practical level, one important outcome of the conference has been the integration of a 3D screen in a science laboratory in the school which is now being utilised by teachers to advance learning. The college has also started to use VS Ware as an administrative tool to support effective record keeping, not least in terms of attendance. It is my firm view that improving structures and systems right across the spectrum of school life is pivotal in laying the correct foundations for the enhancement of teaching and learning. I was also interested in exploring the potential for Apple iPads or other such tablets to be utilised in the school, with the possibility of trialling such products with one of our classes. The conference was a wonderful forum for viewing and discussing the applicability of such devices in the classroom setting.
The BETT conference was an exciting and thoroughly worthwhile experience. It served to broaden my awareness of the full extent of technological aids that are available to schools and provided a much needed space to reflect on the role of school leader in introducing and managing the change required for such aids to be integrated into school life. I look forward to engaging with the conference again in the future and thank all concerned in hosting such a successful event.
Denis Healy, principal, Davis College, Summerhill, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland.