The EdTech 50: Transforming the way students learn forever

The EdTech 50 is a list of the 50 most inspirational and innovative people, products and projects in education technology today.

Not only does EdTech 50 celebrate some of the leading lights in education technology, it acts as a signpost that teachers can follow to upgrade their classroom in all sorts of wonderful ways.

Let’s introduce you to EdTech 50 and give you some info on how to adopt some of the techniques used by the big players shaking up education in the UK today.

What is EdTech 50?

Released at the end of February, the EdTech 50 was put together by EdTech UK; a national group set up by the Education Foundation.

EdTech UK wants this list to be a tool that’s part celebration and part information, making cutting-edge tech more accessible for teachers, and ultimately students.

This list will tell you everything you need to know about what’s new in education technology. It should also give you plenty of ideas for things you might want to try out in your own classroom.

The list is split into three categories:

• People
• Products
• Projects

Everyone listed in the EdTech 50 was voted for by both the public and an expert panel of judges. The panel featured folks with teaching know-how, as well as tech bosses and officials. EdTech 50 also has the backing of the Department for Education. So, you know you can trust these results!

Who’s making a splash at the latest event?

So, without further ado, here’s our top pick from each category of EdTech 50:

People: Bethany Koby

Bethany Koby’s mission was to get kids interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

As co-founder of Technology Will Save Us, she’s definitely hit the mark. The company produces innovative dough-based electronic toys that encourage kids to make things themselves. With interest in STEM subjects flagging, we need this more than ever!

Inspire your kids to choose STEM subjects by revitalising your science labs. Or, combine interactive screens with a 3D printer for the ultimate iterative design session.

Products: SpyQuest

SpyQuest is a one-of-a-kind interactive learning game for primary and secondary students.

It uses augmented reality (AR) game design principles to take students through their very own imaginary world, helping them pick up some handy knowledge along the way!

Want to test out AR in the classroom and see how effective it is at keeping students engaged? The new Apple iPad 2018 (with stacks of educational goodies) has the camera, screen resolution and processing power you need to dive straight in.

Projects: National Digital Learning Council, Wales

The National Digital Learning Council (NDLC) is transforming how digital resources are used across the entire curriculum for the whole of Wales – wow!

NDLC features a respectable group of politicians, education secretaries and academics. This makes sure all Digital Competency Framework (DCF) recommendations work for teachers and everyone else involved in the education process.

You can get your students engaging with technology in loads of exciting ways, making it a key part of your lesson plans. Using an electronic whiteboard is just one way to bring lessons to life. Or, try a practical design project, with a 3D printer or laser cutter to create, then improve, students’ designs.

With so many exciting developments in education technology, and so much more in the pipeline, there’s never been a better time to enhance your school’s technological credentials.

Upgrade your school equipment to keep up with the latest EdTech 50 trends. Ask our leasing experts today about financing new school technology.