The Bett show, the annual education technology extravaganza, always showcases an array of new products and services and this year's event at London's Olympia, London, (12–15 January) is no exception.
The RM Slate is a tablet PC which uses a 29.5cm multi-touch screen and runs on Windows 7. It is packed with features including wireless technologies, camera, microphone, speakers and handwriting recognition software. RM is also launching Beyond Data, a professional development programme designed to help teachers use data to make better decisions.
Interactive whiteboard technology continues to evolve and Promethean's ActivBoard 500 Pro system uses multi-touch technology. Jon Audain, an information and communications technology (ICT) advanced skills teacher at Titchfield Primary school in Fareham, Hampshire, has been using the system with his pupils.
"Two people can use two pens at the same time, and the multi-touch technology really helps the lesson flow much better," he says.
Bradon Forest comprehensive in Purton, Wiltshire, has the ActivBoard 500 Pro in its maths department, using maths tools, such as rulers that can be resized with your fingers. Dave Wright, the school's head of ICT and e-learning, says: "This really is a leap forward in the technology. It makes interactive whiteboards even more interactive and brings iPad-type technology to students."
Smart Technologies' SMART Board 800 series also supports multi-user writing and multi-touch gestures. Smart is also launching the SMART Document Camera 330, which is designed for mixed reality, which combines 2D and 3D images with real-world objects.
Texthelp's Read&Write 10 helps pupils improve their reading, writing and literacy skills, while Go-Robo Programmer from Q4 Technologies works in conjunction with the popular Robosapien robot, and is designed to make software writing fun.
Meanwhile, if you want to see the latest in projector technology, Texas Instruments will be showing its range of 3D-ready DLP projectors.
And Kudlian's I Can Present lets pupils create, film and present their work using green-screen technology.
Capita Children's Services will be demonstrating Verismic's Power Manager software, which helps schools save energy and money by monitoring PC usage.
Finally, look out for free offers and trials. Widgit, for example, is offering visitors to its stand an opportunity to apply for a free trial of its online tools, Point and Insite. Point lets pupils use their mouse to point to difficult words, while Insite enables content to be published online.
