Free education tech event to be held with chance for Derbyshire schools to win a 3D printer

L.E.A.D. IT Services, which is based on Pride Park, will give demonstrations on virtual reality headsets, interactive smart screens and communication software at the third M.E.E.T. education technology conference.

The event will take place at Reach events, Riverside Court on June 28th from 9.30am and as well as showcasing the latest in education technology, there will be guest speakers and a chance for up to four visiting school to win a 3D printer and support session from L.E.A.D. technicians.

Multi-Academy Trusts including Embark Federation, Reach 2 Academy Trust, Odyssey Collaborative Trust and Flying High Trust will also be in attendance, whilst Canva will be holding workshops for educators throughout the day. Sessions include an exploration of how Canva can be used within school to improve learning outcomes, reduce staff workload and make things a little more fun.

Sophie Jepson is one of the organisers. She says that she is looking forward to bringing schools together to show them the benefits of technology in the classroom, and help them realise that it can be affordable, too.

She said: “It is great to be able to host this event for the third time and we are excited to welcome great exhibitors and guest speakers.

“Our young people are so much more tech-savvy these days and it’s important that schools are able to cater for their needs in the classroom.

“There is this assumption that technology is expensive, but this event will help school leaders to find out what is cost effective for them.”

L.E.A.D. IT Services has seen a huge rise in the number of schools requesting how to make the best use of iPads and other technologies, and support with VR headsets in the classroom.

Technician Ben Houghton recently supported Waingroves Primary School – part of the Embark Federation Multi-Academy Trust – as its pupils explored space using VR headsets.

Sophie added: “The teachers was initially a little anxious about using the headsets and the software but Ben did a great job in supporting and making them feel confident about using them again.

“The headsets are a fantastic way of helping teachers and pupils to experience things that they may not get a chance to in real life – such as a trip to the International Space Station, or a visit to a Greek temple.

“The children absolutely love it. It gives them great world experiences and helps them to connect with what they’re learning about in the classroom.”

Research published earlier this year by GoStudent revealed a significant technological gap in European classrooms, including the UK, where only 20% of schools provide access to artificial intelligence learning tools.

The report, which surveyed 1,000 UK parents and children, highlights the emerging trend and how it has reached our youngest generations, who currently feel left behind.

In addition to the more than half (50%) of school children who want to learn through AI, as many as nine in 10 parents agreed that AI can be an effective educational tool.

“There have been some big changes in how technology is being used,” added Sophie, “but more still needs to be done.

“We are seeing a rise in the number of schools integrating tablet devices, particularly in primary schools; this doesn’t seem to be the case as much in secondary schools and this is a concern.

“Most schools now have switched from interactive white boards to smart screens, which are more environmentally friendly, and communication systems in all schools is improving.

“M.E.E.T. will aim to show school leaders just what is available out there; it will also be a good chance to network and share ideas, and hopefully we can make a difference to young people’s education.”

For further details on M.E.E.T. 2024 and to book a place, visit meetevent.co.uk