Staff from South Bank Colleges visited Bett UK, the world’s leading education technology exhibition, on Wednesday 21 January, joining tens of thousands of educators, innovators and decision-makers at ExCeL London.
The visit was led by Holly Benchapongwimon, Digital Learning Coach, alongside Chris Roberts, E-learning Co-ordinator. Together, they explored a wide range of stands showcasing emerging technologies, digital platforms and teaching tools designed to enhance learning, wellbeing and student engagement across further and higher education.
Bett UK brings together the global education community, with hundreds of exhibitors and speakers focused on one shared ambition: learning without limits. This year’s exhibition highlighted practical applications of artificial intelligence, digital strategy, skills development and inclusive learning, offering valuable insight into how technology continues to reshape teaching and assessment.
During the visit, Holly and Chris spent time with the team from Kahoot!, testing new upgrades to the popular interactive learning platform. They were also given a limited “golden ticket”, granting 60 days’ free access to trial the enhanced features, which will support further evaluation of how the platform could be used across the college.
Conversations with the British Heart Foundation highlighted another valuable opportunity for students. The charity offers free CPR training courses to schools and colleges, with participating students receiving a certificate of completion. This kind of provision supports both employability and wider life skills, aligning closely with the college’s commitment to student wellbeing and preparedness beyond the classroom.
Wellbeing technology was a strong theme across the exhibition, with many stands demonstrating apps and platforms designed to help students check in on their mental health, manage stress and build resilience. These tools reflect a growing sector focus on supporting learners holistically, alongside academic progress.
Visits such as this allow staff to stay at the forefront of digital learning practice, bringing fresh ideas, tools and partnerships back into the college. By engaging directly with global EdTech leaders and fellow educators, South Bank Colleges continues to strengthen its digital strategy and ensure students benefit from innovative, inclusive and effective learning environments.
