Abstract:

Nowadays, technology is a part of education. According to Prensky (2001) students are “digital native” and their needs have changed regarding how to learn. As a result, teaching methodologies have also changed, understanding the importance of using digital resources and materials to keep pace with their students.

In this context it’s necessary for schools to be aware of all the possibilities that technology can offer. At the same time, its important for businesses that offer technological solutions for teaching know the real needs of teachers and schools. For this reason, ITwolrdEdu (ITWE; http://www.itworldedu.cat) was born with the objective to be the most important summit which brings together both users and providers of educational solutions and services.

Since 2008, ITworldEdu takes place in Barcelona every year. Over the first five editions it has brought together a total of more than four thousand participants.

ITWE connects the educational community with the information and communication technological sector through in various formats: conferences, round tables, best practices presentations, bilateral meetings, networking spaces and ITworldEdu awards.
ITWE gives technology providers a space to present their educational technology solutions to the education sector that includes all types of education and training for public and private sectors, that is, formal and non-formal education, primary, secondary, university and lifelong learning, etc.

ITWE is presented in three different environments: the classroom environment (learning, teaching, and digital contents tools); organizational management (tools for the management of educational organisations/centres) and the educational community (tools facilitating the relationships among the different members of the educational community).

The conclusions drawn from the summit are also presented in the same three environments. The main results have confirmed that changes in society and the new needs of students demand a new model of teaching and learning that integrates technology in schools. In addition, the conclusions verify that the educational community believes in the possibility of technology as the key for real change to innovate education.

Keywords:

educational technology, educational innovation, providers ICT, emerging technologies in education