Educloud

It wouldn’t be right to go to BETT 2010 without seeing something cool.  Here is our pick of the neat stuff that turned our heads and brought a smile to our faces.

Lookred

Turning data into information

These guys stood out for us this year with a neat and very visual data mining and analysis interface.  It offered a unique view down from a Local Authority, through a school, to year groups and individual students.

Of course, analysing trends across large data-sets like this is not new, but the way in which schools were displayed (visually, rather than purely text-based) gave a whole new look-and-feel making the user experience both intuitive and engaging.  The simplicity of aggregating filters means that the information can be presented around the needs of the individual leading to a more personalised experience.

Interestingly, the ability of the Lookred technology to automatically construct its own trend analysis means it has the potential to provide insight into the complex web of data that will become available as school information systems move onto the cloud and become more open.

Phihong nLighten Technologies

Screens that are big, and beautiful

At first glance just a stand with some rather big screens on it but then one that really caught everyone’s attention.  nLighten proved that that bigger, sometimes, really is better.

Using multi-touch technology and Microsoft Virtual Earth, the sheer size and vibrancy of the screen, coupled with the fact that you could zoom around Niagara Falls quickly and intuitively using just your fingers on the screen means they got 10 out of 10 for “wow” factor alone!

Gaia Technologies

The best stand at the show

Talk about bringing your ideas to life!  These guys took it literal and build a model of anywhere learning right inside the show.  Seriously, any stand that manages to feature both a bed and a waterfall has to get to marks for creativity.  Well done, a very refreshing change from the standard corporate “pod”!