The Human Heart of EdTech: My Week at Bett 2026 as a Microsoft Expert

There is a specific kind of hum you only hear at the ExCeL London during the third week of January. It’s a mix of the low-frequency thrum of thousands of devices and the high-pitched energy of educators who have finally found "their people."

At Bett 2026, the theme was Learning Without Limits. As a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert, I had the privilege of stepping behind the curtain of the massive show floor. While the flashy lights and giant screens draw the crowds, the real transformation was happening in the quiet corners of the Microsoft Learn Live Classroom.

Here is what I saw, what I learned, and why I’m more hopeful than ever about the future of our classrooms.

Moving Beyond "Using Computers"

The week kicked off with a breakfast for Showcase School (SCS) Leaders. If I had to summarize the strategic tone of the morning in one word, it would be transformation.

We’ve moved past the era of simply "having laptops" in the classroom. The leaders I spoke with are now focused on creating digital-first cultures. The Microsoft engineering teams showcased updates that were surprisingly human-centric. Rather than just more software, the focus was on unified data insights.

The goal? To automate administrative paperwork so that school leaders can spend more time focusing on the people—the teachers and the students—who make up the heart of the school.

Pedagogy Leads, Technology Follows

On the second day, I joined my fellow MIE Experts. There is a special kind of "shop talk" that happens when classroom practitioners get together. We did a deep dive into the latest evolution of Learning Accelerators.

As an educator, I’m less interested in "cool features" and more interested in "student outcomes." The newest updates in Teams for Education are designed to be more intuitive, specifically helping students bridge gaps in literacy and public speaking.

One of the most grounding moments was a panel featuring Microsoft Education Fellows. Their message was clear: Pedagogy must always lead the technology. Having a tool is meaningless if it doesn't transform the lesson. We aren't just teaching kids how to use AI; we are teaching them how to think critically within an AI-driven world.

A Global Hub of 130 Perspectives

When I finally ventured out onto the vast exhibition floor, it felt like a global village. I met peers from over 130 different countries. While our local contexts might be different, our mission is identical: empowering the next generation.

I spent hours exploring the different "zones," looking for trends that go beyond the hype. A few things stood out:

• Inclusive SEND Support: Seeing new tools specifically designed for diverse learning needs was a highlight.
• Esports in Schools: No longer just a hobby, but a legitimate pathway for student engagement and skill-building.

Where the Magic Happens: The Networking Reception

The week culminated in a networking reception that brought together the builders (the engineers) and the users (the educators).

Standing in a room with Global Training Partners, Fellows, and MIE Experts, I realized that this is where the "magic" of EdTech lives. It’s in the swapped stories of a classroom "win," the debates over the ethics of generative AI, and the realization that we are part of a global support network that doesn't disappear when the lights at the ExCeL go out.

Final Thoughts: Returning with Purpose

I’m returning to my school with a suitcase full of notes, but more importantly, a renewed sense of purpose. Bett 2026 proved that "Learning Without Limits" isn't just a marketing slogan—it’s a roadmap we are all building together.

If you are an educator looking for your tribe, I can’t recommend the MIE journey enough. It starts with a simple step onto the Microsoft Learn platform, but it ends with a global community that will change the way you see your classroom forever.

And for those already looking ahead? I'll see you in London for Bett 2027.