BETT Show London 2024 – Less is more

Now that the dust has settled, I feel I am in a position to share my belated thoughts on the BETT Show 2024 held in London. A round-up email from the BETT Team did prompt some thoughts.

The highlights from the video certainly give the impression of grandeur. For me, the BETT Show, with its grand promises of AI advancements and a showcase dominated by Chinese robotics choices, left me pondering the global landscape of innovation. It was undeniably awe-inspiring to witness the strides made in AI and robotics, but amidst the fervor, the absence of substantial European support felt evident. As I navigated through the bustling aisles and dazzling displays, I couldn’t help but wonder about the real substance and value of what was being displayed.

Amidst the cacophony of innovation, the BETT Show provided an invaluable opportunity for networking and connecting with existing vendors. Engaging in conversations with like-minded individuals and forging new partnerships was, without a doubt, a highlight of my experience. I was able to connect with real people from software companies and solutions currently being used at our school and configure our settings to suit our needs. The Ubuntu Education team was one of my highlights of the show. They are a great grassroots team working to truly make education accessible.

However, the event’s grandiosity also underscored the inherent challenge of sifting through the sea of offerings to find the true gems – a task akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, as I reflect on my experience, I can’t help but acknowledge the potential for hype to overshadow substance. The dazzling displays can, at times, obscure the genuine impact and practical applicability of the innovations on showcase.

There was so much to do and see that three days are never enough. To truly obtain value from the BETT Show, I learned the importance of adopting a deliberate and focused approach. It became clear that dedicating time over the three days and maintaining a sharp focus on desired outcomes were essential for navigating through the myriad offerings with purpose and intent.

In a world where technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s worth considering the idea that sometimes, having less technology can actually be more beneficial. In the context of education, it’s crucial to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the depth of knowledge and human connection. By adopting a deliberate and focused approach, we can navigate through the sea of offerings and find the true gems that enhance learning experiences.

Ultimately, it’s worth considering whether innovation in education and other areas should prioritise quality over quantity. By embracing the concept of “less is more,” we can gain clarity, focus, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

For me, the awe was not in the big stands and the free giveaways but rather in the smaller, less flashy stands that were lost in the sound of innovation. This got me thinking about what innovation is and what it means, especially in education.