Based on the success of previous teacher-led TeachMeet events at the past 2 BETT shows, and by kind arrangement with EMAP this event is part of a 'three day teacher residency' of evening events at the BETT Show 2010.  This is an unprecedented opportunity for educationalists to be inspired by and contribute to discussions, debates and presentations featuring speakers and topics chosen by other educationalists.

"Amplified is essentially a 'Network of Networks'.  It uses the burgeoning connectivity afforded by social networking tools to link different groups of people together.  To this end an educationally-themed Amplified event, or 'AmplifiED'  as we have decided to call it, is our opportunity to bring together different groups of people together no matter what their involvement may be in the field of education.  Whether working with the youngest members of our society in nurseries, through schools, colleges, universities and on into the University of the Third Age, all have something to bring to the party. It is our hope that AmplifiED will give people from these backgrounds the chance to celebrate the work they do and ask challenging & provoking questions which could ultimately lead to changes in society."

AmplifiED will take place in the APEX HALL at OLYMPIA, LONDON on THURSDAY 14th JANUARY from 6pm as part of the THREE DAY TEACHER RESIDENCY AT BETT 2010.

Entry is FREE

So how will it work?

Unlike the TEDx and TeachMeet events where attendees are members of an audience listening to presenters on a stage, the AmplifiED event is designed to encourage participation by all attendees (if they want to).

AmplifiED  will follow the Barcamp model of unconference.  Essentially this means that anyone who attends will be able to contribute to the discussions that take place.

Prior to the event a list of topics will be made available  so that attendees know what is going to be discussed, however late additions can be added on the night itself.

Individuals put forward a topic that they wish to be discussed  - this person will act as an 'instigator'. Each session will last for 40 minutes, after which there will be a short break before the next session starts.

A programme will be posted in the event hall and people will be able to go to the tables at which the particular educationally-themed discussion will take place.

The 'instigator' will start the discussion, a 'scribe' will keep notes and the discussion will be videoed.  All participants will have the chance to take ownership of the data that is recorded during the event.

The 'instigator' acts as chairperson once the discussion starts - they must not merely deliver a monologue to the rest of the group, they must allow full discussions to take place.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any person with a 'burning' educational issue (no matter how loose it may be) to have the matter discussed with a large group of fellow educationailsts from all phases of the profession.

Previous Amplified events have featured 30 topics which were made available in three session blocks of 10 40-minute topics.  We will follow this same model

More information : http://edunconferences.org.uk/

As this event is taking place immediately after the BETT Show closes on the Thursday evening, it is suggested that you also register to attend the BETT Show as this will streamline your access to the event.

Registration for the BETT Show is free and you can register here