LATWF 2010 – Britain at its best.

By Lopa Patel, 15 January 2010

Having had the privilege to attend the Learning & Technology World Forum 2010 – one of largest gatherings of education and skills ministers in the world – this week, I can say that I am bursting with pride at how great Britain is at Technology for Education.

It gives me enormous pleasure to serve as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Becta * (I am pictured left with L-R: Professor Rose Luckin – Becta Board Director, Stephen Crowne - CEO of Becta and Graham Badman - Chair of the Becta Board), one of organisers of the event. Personally I get a real buzz from the sheer amount of intellectual and human capital that we have at board meetings and the professionalism of the entire Becta Executive Team. If only we could “bottle” this – it could readily become Britain’s best service export!

The Learning and Technology World Forum (LATWF) took place at the QEII conference centre from 11th – 13th January 2009. It is one of the largest gatherings of education and skills ministers in the world and the only forum which brings together key leaders to share their ideas and experiences on the strategy, policy and delivery of learning in all its contexts. It is now seen as the premier international event on learning technologies. This week saw some 70 ministers and more than 750 education and skills leaders from 80 countries including India and China - representing more than 50% of learners around the world - more than one billion young people.

The LATWF precedes the British Educational Training and Technology exhibition (BETT) - the world’s largest educational technology event - where UK companies who currently employ more than 25,000 thousand people and generating £250 million in exports, exhibit. The technology infrastructure of UK schools, and the extent of its use, is well developed. Britain is one of the more advanced European countries in technical infrastructure and workforce skills.

UK Educational Exports of £28 billion

The total value of education and training exports to the UK economy is £28 billion compared to Financial Services exports of £19 billion. Educational technology means software, products and consumer/business technologies. It includes computers, laptops, display technologies and Interactive White Boards. It also includes software and digital resources used in educational settings such as learning platforms and curriculum teaching packages.

The largest proportion of UK education exports (£15 billion in total) is in consultancy and support, reflecting our expertise in improving educational systems and environments through investment programmes like Building Schools for the Future (BSF). A significant proportion – some £2 billion – is created by exports of educational materials, such as books, and equipment. The UK is also a leading innovator in distance and e-learning material and programmes.

There were plenty of success stories from LATWF 2010, check further stories below:
UK hosts the Learning & Technology World Forum 2010
UK Prime Minister announces free laptops for under-privileged kids
UK and India Commit to Strengthening Education Links

* Becta stands for British Educational Communications Technology Agency. You can find out more at www.becta.org.uk www.homeaccess.org.uk and www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

Immigrant Tales from Meerkats, Aleksandr & Sergei.

By Lopa Patel, 5 January 2010

As a huge fan of the ‘comparethemarket’ adverts featuring the fictitious meerkats, Aleksandr Orlov and Sergei, I am delighted to note that cultural identity has finally caught up with the furry duo. In the latest adverts (January 2010), Aleksandr proudly expounds on the fact his “ancestors did not go through all that just to bring you cheap deals on your car insurance! Perhaps a salutary immigrant story for us all – if only life was so “seemples”!

Devised as a sixty second film by ‘Meermax’, Aleksandr’s life story is not suitable mongooses! The chief star, director and producer explains: “Why have I, Aleksandr Orlov, decide to tell tale of my ancestors in thrilling and tender sixty second film? Let me explain. Some peoples are still not know difference between meerkats and cheap car insurance - between comparethemeerkat.com and comparethemarket.com. This is not just infuriate for me, but also incredibles insult to my noble meerkat ancestors.

The Orlov family has not always been successful family of businesskats. We have endured many hardship and adversities. And in seriousness, we did not go through all that to give you cheap deal on your car insurance!

So, I decide to make film. It is the story of my ancestors' journey from the deserts of the Kalahari to the shores of Russia. I am star as well as director and producer. And I think I am not toot my own horn to say that this is the best film ever made. I am hope you enjoy.”

“On his webpage (yes, honestly!) Aleksandr explains to the reader:

“I am founder of comparethemeerkat.com. I live and make my work in Moscow, where many generations of my family have thrive. My greatest grandfather, Mikhail, fought in the Meerkat Mongoose war of 1728. My grandparents survived the Furry Terror of 1921.

It is for honour of my family and meerkats all over the world that I make comparethemeerkat.com. However, recently, this great ambition has been made look foolish by people looking for a cheap deal on their car insurance. People who are looking for comparethemarket.com.

Meerkat. Market. A son of mongoose could tell difference!

My administration and hosting costs have reached sky heights. And, instead of celebrating meerkats, I am having to deal with inquiries about fire damage cover for "sporty hatchback". If you are here for meerkats, I offer great welcome to you. If you are looking for cheap car insurance, please go away to comparethemarket.com”