BETT Show 2016 – Recap

        Published on 29th January 2016

        Written by Sander van Geelen – Ultimaker.com

        The British Educational Training and Technology (Bett) show 2016 is a wrap! The Bett is one of the most important shows around the world for the education sector. Ultimaker was there to inspire countless teachers and others who are passionate about teaching and informing our youngest.

        While talking to teachers and walking around passing various booths, you could really feel a deep desire to change the classical educational system. STEAM is the latest trend and it revolves around learning in a more multi-disciplined, project based environment. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Sparking creativity, stimulating research and working together as a group are key.

        After exhibiting at the Bett and other shows that Ultimaker has visited, we feel confident claiming that putting an Ultimaker in your classroom ignites a similar level of enthusiasm and eagerness as you’d expect from kids when you ask them to play videogames. Kids want to learn again and after spending 4 days at the Bett show, I must say that I almost wished I was back in school again too!

         

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        CREATE, Kideville and 3DKanjers

         

        But in terms of 3D printing in the classroom we are not quite there yet. We realise teachers need guidance and help in putting their machines to good use. We love seeing the initiatives that are surfacing left and right, like CREATE and Kideville in the UK and 3DKanjers in the Netherlands. They really contribute to making a teacher feel comfortable in front of the class, even though they themselves have only just grasped the idea of 3D printing and connecting the digital world with the physical one.

        After spending 4 days at the Bett show, I must say that I almost wished I was back in school again too!