January 2008
Newsletter No.41
New Year Edition
BETT 2008
BETT is the world’s largest educational technology event. It is held annually at Olympia in London - this year from the 9th -12th January. Find out more at http://www.bettshow.com
If you are visiting this year then don't forget to go and say 'hello' to Martin on the 'Just 2 Easy' (stand Q26).
Other things to look out for:
Music
ESP (stand SW2) have their 'Compose World Play' and 'Compose World Create' software to show. Both are excellent programs to support music teaching and learning, and inspire musicians and non-musicians.
Whether you are visiting BETT or not it is worth looking at their website to see how they are trying to make music more accessible. Among the areas supported are: singing, world music and 'creativity and composition'.
Sibelius (stand B49) produce software for the serious musician. The latest version of their software (which has been used to produce movie soundtracks) is version 5.
Sherston Software
Sherston ( stand C50) are celebrating 25 years as providers of educational software. Among their new releases are: Gogglebox � The Humanities Channel.
Focusing on humanities and based around hundreds of the highest quality video clips, Gogglebox stimulates thinking, discussion, drama, creativity, literacy and much more.
Also for Early Years look out for Paddington Bear - First Steps in Geography and Paddington Bear - First Steps in History.
BETT is the world’s largest educational technology event. It is held annually at Olympia in London - this year from the 9th -12th January. Find out more at http://www.bettshow.com
If you are visiting this year then don't forget to go and say 'hello' to Martin on the 'Just 2 Easy' (stand Q26).
Other things to look out for:
Music
ESP (stand SW2) have their 'Compose World Play' and 'Compose World Create' software to show. Both are excellent programs to support music teaching and learning, and inspire musicians and non-musicians.
Whether you are visiting BETT or not it is worth looking at their website to see how they are trying to make music more accessible. Among the areas supported are: singing, world music and 'creativity and composition'.
Sibelius (stand B49) produce software for the serious musician. The latest version of their software (which has been used to produce movie soundtracks) is version 5.
Sherston Software
Sherston ( stand C50) are celebrating 25 years as providers of educational software. Among their new releases are: Gogglebox � The Humanities Channel.
Focusing on humanities and based around hundreds of the highest quality video clips, Gogglebox stimulates thinking, discussion, drama, creativity, literacy and much more.
Also for Early Years look out for Paddington Bear - First Steps in Geography and Paddington Bear - First Steps in History.
Paddington Bear
First Steps in Geography
First Steps in Geography
Special Needs Fringe
As in previous years the 'Special Needs Fringe' is taking place at the Olympia Hilton (just across the road from the main Olympia centre). It runs from the 9th to 11th January (not open on Saturday). An outstanding feature of the 'fringe' event is the quality of the seminars which range from 'Reading and writing - how to support those that don't, or won't!' to 'Speaking out for SLD!'
Certainly well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in Special Needs teaching and learning. The 'fringe' offers a more intimate and specialist atmosphere and free refreshments as well as somewhere to sit and chat with colleagues.
BETT Awards
The shortlist for the BETT awards 2008 can be found here.
Anti Virus Software
Dorset LEA schools have now moved from Sophos to NOD32. There are a number of differences in the two programs. Certainly NOD updates much quicker than Sophos but Sophos does have the advantage that many viruses can be removed remotely (i.e. it is not necessary to visit the actual computer - the management software on the server can remove the virus).
We have now become official resellers for NOD32 (their UK office is actually based in Bournemouth).
Non Dorset LEA schools will be given the option when their Sophos licence expires of renewing their Sophos licence or moving to NOD32.
Schools with Sophos will need their management software updating before May 2008. We will be in touch to arrange a visit to install the update.
Technician Training
Thank you for the tremendous response to the announcement of our forthcoming technician training courses. We will be sending out further information in the next few weeks.
As in previous years the 'Special Needs Fringe' is taking place at the Olympia Hilton (just across the road from the main Olympia centre). It runs from the 9th to 11th January (not open on Saturday). An outstanding feature of the 'fringe' event is the quality of the seminars which range from 'Reading and writing - how to support those that don't, or won't!' to 'Speaking out for SLD!'
Certainly well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in Special Needs teaching and learning. The 'fringe' offers a more intimate and specialist atmosphere and free refreshments as well as somewhere to sit and chat with colleagues.
BETT Awards
The shortlist for the BETT awards 2008 can be found here.
Anti Virus Software
Dorset LEA schools have now moved from Sophos to NOD32. There are a number of differences in the two programs. Certainly NOD updates much quicker than Sophos but Sophos does have the advantage that many viruses can be removed remotely (i.e. it is not necessary to visit the actual computer - the management software on the server can remove the virus).
We have now become official resellers for NOD32 (their UK office is actually based in Bournemouth).
Non Dorset LEA schools will be given the option when their Sophos licence expires of renewing their Sophos licence or moving to NOD32.
Schools with Sophos will need their management software updating before May 2008. We will be in touch to arrange a visit to install the update.
Technician Training
Thank you for the tremendous response to the announcement of our forthcoming technician training courses. We will be sending out further information in the next few weeks.
