Date: September 25, 2009
Call for greater ICT integration in BSF design
Steljes, the innovative technology distributor, will demonstrate how touch technology is playing a major role in transforming pedagogy in schools at the Interbuild exhibition on stand A74. This prestigious event is being held at NEC, Birmingham on 18th – 21st October.
Interbuild is the leading exhibition for the construction industry, featuring the best innovations for building and refurbishment products, materials and equipment. This year the exhibition will feature a dedicated area for Building Schools for the Future (BSF) – the largest single government investment in improving school buildings for over 50 years.
As one of the leading technology suppliers to the education market, Steljes is heavily involved with the BSF programme and is engaged in 14 out of the 17 Wave 1 projects. Steljes works with schools on an individual basis or as part of a local authority standardisation to establish a common software platform so teachers can easily share resources and practices collaboratively. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is established around developing teacher confidence and competence using the software and hardware, ensuring lesson time is entirely based on the content rather than delivery. Steljes utilises an analysis and planning phase before putting training programs in place to ensure teacher needs are met, whatever their level of experience or competency. There is always something new to learn or an effective way to engage learners using the technologies and software.
Rachel Jones, Head of Education at Steljes comments “Young people today live in a particularly interactive world. They like to participate so it is important to use technology that plays to this enthusiasm. Interactive technologies are providing new ways of learning that are changing the shape of the learning space. Steljes understands how optimising the use of ICT in teaching and learning can underpin the core principles of school improvement to meet the needs of 21st century learners. Greater integration is needed between those involved with school design, construction and educational technologists to maximise the government’s investment in BSF and can provide flexible, inclusive environments where learning can flourish.”
Visitors to the Steljes stand A74 will be to experience the latest technologies for the 21st century school where new ways of learning puts technology into the hands of the learners. Touch technologies will be demonstrated to show how they provide a personalised learning experience and complement whole class teaching. These technologies include:
• SMART Table
• SMART Response
• SMART Document camera
• SMART AirLiner™ wireless slate
• SMART Podium
The latest in digital signage will also be shown at the Steljes stand with Digital-Sign-in-a-Box system from MediaTile. The system offers a powerful and flexible communication method that allows users to put relevant content to the right place, at the right time, quickly, easily, and securely. MediaTile's built-in IP networking with 3G connectivity ensures that the school does not have to be rewired or add additional Wi-Fi hot spots and the system can tap into an existing network.
Notes for Editors
Notes to Editor
Products
MediaTile
The Digital-Sign-in-a-Box system fully integrates the three main components of a digital signage network including: a commercial-grade display with embedded media player, network connectivity using mobile 3G broadband services, and a web-based broadcast portal for advanced content management.
Table
The SMART Table is the first multitouch, multiuser interactive learning centre that allows groups of primary students to work simultaneously on its surface. The table's interface is so intuitive that even the youngest of students can get started without instructions.
Document Camera
The SMART Document Camera is an amazing, yet simple, teaching tool that can help turn the classroom into a spontaneous and dynamic learning environment. Real-time images of any static or moving object can be displayed onto an interactive whiteboard for the entire class to see. Images can also be captured with Notebook collaborative learning software and used to create interactive lessons.
SMART Response
SMART Response (formerly called Senteo) is an interactive response system combining handheld wireless remotes (or clickers), a receiver and powerful assessment software that allows you to create tests and manage, track, and evaluate the results.
AirLiner Wireless slate
SMART’s AirLiner wireless slate enables you to teach from anywhere and allows students to interact with information from their seats. Multiple slate users can write at the same time as someone at the SMART Board interactive whiteboard.
Interactive display frame
The SMART Board interactive display frame transforms your flat panel into an interactive
whiteboard. It features SMART’s proprietary DViT™ (Digital Vision Touch) technology so that you can select, write and erase on the interactive surface. You can control computer applications, make notes in digital ink, write over videos and graphs and save all your work.
SMART Podium
The SMART Podium is ideal for business professionals who want to add interactivity to lessons or presentations in large boardrooms, auditoriums and classrooms. It connects to a computer and a projector, enabling presenters to project their work on a large screen to give audiences a truly interactive experience. Users can write over slides in digital ink, save their notes and access any website or multi-media file.
About Steljes
Steljes Limited is an innovative technology distributor that sources products from around the world, working with manufacturers to customise and bring their solutions to the UK market through its specialised channel network. The company’s innovative solutions enable people to interact and communicate more effectively while working and learning.
The company has been sourcing products from around the world for over 20 years, introducing LCD panels, projectors, plasma displays and interactive whiteboards to the UK market. The company has consistently been the UK's number one supplier of interactive whiteboards and recently increased its UK market segment share from 54.7% in 2006 to 60.1% first half 2009 (source: Futuresouce Consulting).
Steljes Group is a privately owned company and the exclusive representative of SMART Technologies, Turning Technologies and AVerMedia in the UK.
For media enquiries please contact:
Myra O’Connell
+44 8450 724801
Website: www.steljes.co.uk
