PEN Comment: Really radical visions of learning spaces are unlikely while the compulsory schooling model holds court. Visions of alternatives for everybody all of the time, of an inivitational personalised educational landscape of settings are unlikely here. Nonetheless, its important that mainstream does start thinking about futures and important that those looking at alternatives take on board new possibilities that can be adapted in support of more enlightened educational thinking.

Ever wondered what classrooms will look like in 2012, or even 2015? Visit BETT 2010, the world’s largest and most exciting technology in education show, and catch a glimpse of what the future holds in the new feature area, ‘Future Learning Spaces (FLS).’ 
The innovative feature area ‘Future Learning Spaces’ has been developed by show organisers Emap in collaboration with Partnerships for Schools (PfS), the body responsible for the development of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and the Primary Capital Programme (PCP). Here, visitors can find out the latest news from BSF and PCP projects around the country, and find out about more about projects in their own local authority. Free to attend, BETT is held annually at London’s Olympia, and runs from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 January 2010.
Within this space, specialist exhibitors involved in BSF and the Primary Capital Programme are running information-pods, giving visitors a glimpse of innovative new learning spaces. Those visitors keen to hear the BSF experiences of other educationalists, suppliers and local authorities should not miss the wide array of  seminars in the dedicated Future Learning Spaces presentation area.  The seminars are showcasing a range of topics on the school renewal programmes, including many practitioner-led presentations by both schools and local authorities offering advice, tips and recommendations for their peers.
Richard Joslin, exhibition director for BETT organisers, Emap comments: “With so many schools in the UK expected to undergo renewal as part of Building Schools for the Future or the Primary Capital Programme, we feel that BETT 2010 has the responsibility and opportunity to provide both UK and international visitors with a platform to inspire, inform and debate initiatives, activities and potential. In the Future Learning Spaces area, visitors can see first-hand the innovative approaches to learning that are currently being implemented in schools across the country, something which BETT is keen to showcase.”
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools comments: “The investment in schools through Building Schools for the Future and the Primary Capital Programme will create schools which inspire all young people to reach their full potential; provide teachers with 21st century workplaces; and help put schools back at the centre of communities. The Future Learning Spaces feature at BETT 2010 will give all those yet to start on their projects a great insight into the possibilities for creating safe, welcoming and inspiring schools of the future and a chance to hear the lessons learned from those who have completed their BSF and PCP journeys.”
Nicola Newman, director of marketing and communications, of FLS headline sponsor Ramesys says: “Ramesys is proud to be supporting this important feature of BETT 2010.  Many school leaders are now engaged in redefining their school’s vision, ways of working and physical and virtual learning environments.  Ramesys recognises the impact significant change has on staff and students and how important it is for schools to learn from, and support each other through the process.”
The Becta sponsored Local Authority Lounge and the brand new Network Manager Lounge supported by Ramesys are also located within this zone, offering excellent networking opportunities. Come and see what the future holds for education or find out more at www.futurelearningspaces.com. Here, exhibitors can also pre-register for the show.
BETT 2010 is free to attend and runs from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 January 2010. For more information or to register, visit www.bettshow.com.