Shows like Bett are a good opportunity for these teachers to find solutions to their problems, or discover resources that could help enhance teaching and learning, taking it to the next level.

However, with the vast amount of edtech on show, it’s hard to know where to start. While most issues can often be solved using technology, nine times out of ten, the teachers themselves aren’t equipped with the technical knowledge or the confidence to pick the most effective resource, and those which are suited to their specific needs and wants. This often results in issues remaining unsolved, or schools being sold a resource that has many more features than they actually need, meaning they end up paying for complex solutions, of which they’ll only ever use a fraction.
 
With the right support and guidance, however, this can be avoided. A good place to start is by considering the areas that need improvement. Then think about your desired outcome: What is the challenge? What could be done to solve it? Who will it impact - students, staff or parents? Once this has been decided, you can then start to whittle down which stands are worth visiting to ensure they’re addressing your specific needs and that you’re making the most out of your time at the show.
 
To make sure this happens, two things need to take place. Firstly, rather than listening to what each company has on offer, it’s vital for providers to listen to the teachers and respond accordingly. In relation to our earlier point, schools know what challenges they face, therefore staff need to remain the driving force behind an idea or decision. This can then be combined with a company with the technical expertise to ensure they’re getting the right solution.
 
So how can Minted Box help?

We believe that teachers should have access to solutions that solve their problems, or resources that bring their ideas to fruition, and that’s why at Minted Box we’re working with schools to design bespoke resources for them. We talk to schools about what frustrations or ideas they have, and then offer our technical expertise to come up with resources that provide exactly what they need – nothing more, nothing less.

 

In the run up to Bett, and during the event itself, we’re inviting teachers and school staff to come to us at Stand F62 and submit their ideas on how to make teaching or school processes more effective, no matter how simple or niche they may seem – whether it’s a way for catering staff to monitor the nutritional value of food, or a PE teacher wanting to capture and store footage of student progress in lessons. We will then choose a winner, whose concept will be brought to life!

Schools that have their ideas created can also benefit from earning additional revenue through offering the resource to other schools who could make use of it, sharing the benefits of their idea and easing tight budgets.

While a school’s needs and requirements are the most important thing, being able to address them through a provider with the technical expertise and knowledge is key to success.

Come along to Stand F62 with your ideas, or just your everyday school dilemmas, and enter our competition to turn your visions into solid solutions! To submit your idea before the show, visit: www.mintclass.com/ideas.