Insights from BET 2024: Robotics, new educational tools, and updates for educators
BETT 25 is one of the largest education technology events, took place recently, and it’s clear that educational technology continues to evolve, offering teachers and students new tools to make learning more engaging and interactive. From robotics competitions to updates in computer science resources, BETT 25 highlighted the exciting innovations shaping the future of education and we wanted to share some of our best bits from the event.
It was great to talk to the attendees and exhibitors to see what they had to say about the future of tech and education. We even got to ask AQA 'When are the new GSCE specifications being thought about or released?'
To find out what they said and to watch our full review of the day click here.
It was really interesting hearing the personal stories from students and teachers who we met at BETT this year. The best part of the day for us was when people stop us for a chat, so if you do see us at events, don’t be shy, we love talking to you. It really helps us to understand how our resources are used in school and what you’d like us to be focusing on in our continual mission to support teachers in raising attainment and reducing workload.
From hearing about how students independently use our videos to boost their understanding, to teachers explaining how Smart Revise helps with targeted exam prep, this episode captures why we do what we do.
One of the biggest highlights? Meeting a former student who had used our videos throughout GCSE, A-Level, and teacher training—and is now a teacher themselves! Moments like these remind us that we're not just making resources—we’re shaping the future of computer science education.
Robotics in education: The impact of VEX Robotics
One of the standout features for us at BETT was the focus on robotics in education. The VEX Robotics competition, which draws students from around the world, showcases the power of collaboration, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.
At a recent regional VEX Robotics competition, 18 teams from across the UK competed, with the excitement palpable. Teams created complex robots that could navigate a variety of tasks, pushing the boundaries of what students can achieve in STEM fields. What's unique about the competition is that teams don’t compete head-to-head alone. Instead, they form alliances with teams from different schools, fostering cooperation and team building. This format encourages students to collaborate with peers they’ve never met before, teaching them not only technical skills but also essential teamwork and communication.
The competition also serves as a stepping stone to larger international events, with top teams advancing to national and global championships, including a world stage competition in the US. It's impressive to see how VEX Robotics has created a global community of students who share a passion for learning and innovation.
Knowledge Bites: Engaging content for Teachers and Students
On the content front, we have been updating their resources to better support educators and students alike. The "Lesson Hacker" series, which previously featured in-depth discussions on ethical debates and current affairs in computing, has evolved. In response to feedback, the focus has shifted to shorter, more digestible content: Knowledge Bites.
These one-minute videos explore intriguing topics in computer science that go beyond the standard curriculum, such as why SSDs wear out while RAM doesn't or how much it costs to build a CPU. These bite-sized videos are perfect for sparking curiosity in students and giving teachers a quick, engaging way to enrich their lessons.
A longer-form video is released each month to delve deeper into one of these topics, providing both breadth and depth for those who want to explore computer science in more detail.
New developments for A-Level Computer Science educators
For A-Level educators, we are also enhancing their YouTube resources. Their dedicated playlists for the AQA specification are being continually updated to ensure that students have access to the latest, high-quality revision materials. With over 185 videos available, these resources are an invaluable tool for teachers looking for content that is aligned with the syllabus and free from distractions.
In addition to the video content, teachers who have the Craig'n'Dave’s Membership can also download the PowerPoints for all the videos, allowing for seamless integration into classroom lessons. The platform is designed to support both the teaching and revision process, ensuring that students have access to clear and focused materials that help them succeed in their exams.
Professional development with Smart Revise
On the professional development front, we also have a new series of blogs focused on maximising the use of Smart Revise. Teachers often ask how they can get the most out of the platform, and the new "12-step journey" aims to provide clear guidance. The professional development blogs, hosted on both the Craig'n'Dave website and the Smart Revise platform, explore practical strategies for using Smart Revise effectively in the classroom. Topics include everything from starting lessons with Smart Revise quizzes to using the platform to boost subject knowledge in computer science.
Looking ahead
The future of education continues to be bright, with innovations like robotics and new digital tools transforming how students learn and engage with STEM subjects. Whether it's through participating in international competitions or exploring new knowledge in bite-sized chunks, the opportunities for students to enhance their skills are expanding.
Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue to expand our resources, provide teachers with professional development opportunities, and support students in their journey to mastering computer science.
Newsletter in video format
Every month, we also record an extended video version of this newsletter and upload it to YouTube – ideal listening for your commute: Craig ‘n’ Dave Unscripted - all episodes
Check out January's episode here.
