Futurelab is passionate about transforming the way people learn. Tapping into the huge potential offered by digital and other technologies, they develop innovative resources and practices that support new approaches to learning for the 21st century. 

At the ITF09 Futurelab will be represented by; 

Learning Researcher - Sarah Payton

Sarah works on the Enquiring Minds project, supporting teachers in developing their Enquiring Minds practice and researching the impact of the project in schools across the UK. She is particularly interested in tracking the innovation trails as different schools develop Enquiring Minds, the use of digital technologies to support practice, and student/teacher perceptions of the changing role of the teacher. Prior to joining Futurelab Sarah taught as a primary school teacher in Bristol, during which time she was involved in Futurelab's Fountaineers project. She has a BSc in Psychology and Health Science.

sarah.payton@futurelab.org.uk

Senior Learning Researcher – Ben Williamson

Ben’s research interests include the ways in which education policy and research is translated into school practices, the role of different media in constructing and representing ideas about childhood, and student voice. At Futurelab he has worked on the three-year Enquiring Minds project, carried out research and written about citizenship education, the role of games in school, and young children's drawing. He has previously worked as an English teacher and in magazine publishing. A graduate of English Literature from Cardiff University, Ben also completed his PhD on American literature and pragmatist philosophy at the University of the West of England.

ben.williamson@futurelab.org.uk