The Gadget Show Helps Computing Students Stay Ahead of the Curve

A visit to the Birmingham NEC to see The Gadget Show Live exhibition might not seem like a day of study to most but, for our ICT and Computer Science students, that’s exactly what it was.

The popular Channel 5 show has been running for over a decade and their annual live exhibition is a chance for the general public to see first-hand some of the most innovative, cutting edge technology around – which is exactly where our students come in.

Head of Computing & ICT, Trish Lewis, explained that events like The Gadget Show Live are crucial for the development of the students, who are gearing up for a possible career in an field unlike any other:

“There’s a difference in ICT compared to other subjects as we can’t know exactly what the students will be using in their future careers because it hasn’t even been invented yet! We have to keep them looking forward to what’s around the corner, and what’s around the next one, so they can be as prepared as possible when they leave college.”

Trish continued: “The students got to see the kind of software and gadgets that they’ll be working with in the future. It really prepares them for what’s out there, not just for now but in the future when it comes to university or apprenticeships and beyond.”

She also described how many lessons in college will begin with sessions called ‘What the Papers Say’, in which the latest technological advances can be highlighted and discussed so everyone is up to date, including the teachers.

Trish said: “Exhibitions and shows like the Gadget Show Live are also important for the staff because we change what we teach in accordance with what the emerging technology is, so we stay ahead of the curve. Our curriculum in the coming years will most likely have plenty of content about virtual reality and augmented reality, which are at the forefront of advances at the moment.”

IT student, Robyn Brooks, who joined us from Prenton High School, said: “Seeing the new technology, as well as being able to buy and test some, like Google Cardboard, was really enjoyable. It was inspiring to see what’s coming onto the market, where it came from and how they’re making steps in a new direction.”

Robyn continued: “There’s a lot more on offer than what you see in adverts, and at a really high quality. We have to be able to talk about up-and-coming technology in class so the trip to The Gadget Show will really have an impact on my work on the course.”

On future plans, Robyn said: “Whatever job I go into, I will need IT knowledge. The world is dependent on new technology and IT and my studies here have given me skills that plenty of employers will be after.”