Industry
The development of the microcomputer spawned a unique industry of low-cost equipment and exciting software for use in schools, colleges and universities and in the home & workplace.
Starting with Apple, Commodore and Research Machines in 1978 and growing with Acorn and Sinclair in the eighties, computers began to make impact across the sector and in all phases.
With the creative possibilities in the hands of teachers, many left education to create small companies to write software and materials, invent hardware to augment the computer's capacity and carry out training for teachers and lecturers.
The focus for this industry is the British Educational Suppliers Association, which was founded in 1933, who in January each year since 1984 have organised the British Education and Training Technology show (BETT).
