Could more online learning help fix Australia’s teacher shortage?

... One option that could free up teacher time, and ensure students are getting the education they need, is “blended” learning, in which some learning is done online and some face-to-face. We know this can work in other settings – at the university level, I have three decades of expertise in remote and blended learning, with many thousands of students across several subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

<https://theconversation.com/could-more-online-learning-help-fix-australias-teacher-shortage-185877>

Exploring thinking about i-STEM education at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership

#theSTEMproblem project is funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant, and involves researchers from Monash University and the University of Queensland partnering with staff and teachers from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools to explore the connection and possibilities of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in STEM education.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/research/projects/exploring-problem-based-learning-in-schools/updates/exploring-thinking-about-i-stem-education-at-the-victorian-academy-of-teaching-and-leadership>

Inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers

The world has changed a lot over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that science plays to respond to some of our biggest challenges says Misha Schubert, CEO of Science & Technology Australia – the nations peak body for science and technology representing more than 90,000 members.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-female-scientists-and-engineers/>

International Conference on Change and Complexity in Learning

At the University of South Australia’s first International Conference on Change and Complexity in Learning, educators will learn how educational technologies (EdTech) can maximise outcomes for both students and teachers, paving the way for improved understanding and application of EdTech in class.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/embrace-technology-and-boost-education-outcomes/>

The new normal in classrooms as the 2022 academic year unfolds

January 2022 marked the time the time the National Cabinet agreed to a national framework to promote a statewide consistent approach to the ongoing delivery of high-quality education with a commitment to keeping schools open as the pandemic continued into its third year. Education Matters takes a look at what the new normal might look like across classrooms as the academic year unfolds.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-new-normal/>

Reinventing Learning in a Globally Connected World: Strategies for Success: Jul 21

Education is at a pivotal moment. Explore essential strategies for reinventing learning with dynamic district and organization thought leaders as they share ideas for implementing various learning formats, redefining teacher roles, revamping grading practices, and more.

<https://www.edweek.org/events/webinar/reinventing-learning-in-a-globally-connected-world-strategies-for-success>

Game on for collaborative learning

Holding a conversation, working in a group, giving constructive feedback and dealing with conflict are vital interpersonal skills that contribute to an empowered and connected life.

<https://educationhq.com/news/game-on-for-collaborative-learning-123332/>

Researching the potential of teaching digital writing in secondary school

With the rapid growth in digital technologies, digital writing skills are becoming more and more relevant for students. A new research project from Deakin University will look at the potential to complement traditional writing tasks in schools with contemporary forms of digital writing.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/researching-the-potential-of-teaching-digital-writing-in-secondary-school>

Schools prime targets for ransomware attacks – study

Schools are among the prime targets for ransomware attackers due to their lack of strong cybersecurity defences and the goldmine of personal data they hold, a new global survey has found.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/schools-prime-targets-for-ransomware-attacks--study/280594>

Microsoft School Transformation Program 2022 – Semester 2 registrations open now

Registrations are now open for the 2022 Microsoft School Transformation Program.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2022/06/microsoft-school-transformation-program-2022-semester-2-registrations-open-now/>

Education recovery after COVID-19: Better, stronger & collaborative

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, so do the risks we face. The Covid-19 pandemic has not stopped at national borders, and it has affected people regardless of nationality, gender or level of education or income. But that has not been true for its consequences, which have hit the most vulnerable hardest, whether that is individuals or countries. And, together with high inflation, disrupted supply chains, and military conflicts, the pandemic is dangerously diminishing governments’, families’ and donors’ capacity to support education.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/education-recovery-after-covid/>

Primary-age children’s screen time went up by 83 minutes a day during pandemic – study

Screen time during the Covid pandemic increased the most among primary schoolchildren, by an extra hour and 20 minutes a day on average, according to the first global review of research.

<https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/24/primary-age-children-screen-time-went-up-83-minutes-day-pandemic>

For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws [not education, but could be relevant]

Patrick Perdue, a radio enthusiast who is blind, regularly shopped for equipment through the website of Ham Radio Outlet. The website’s code allowed him to easily move through the sections of each page with his keyboard, his screen reader speaking the text.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/13/technology/ai-web-accessibility.html>

Lessons from Remote Learning, Part 1: Ed Tech’s Successes

In the first of a two-part series, career school technologist Kipp Bentley examines some important ways that ed tech helped schools navigate the move to remote learning. Part two will focus on new and ongoing challenges.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/lessons-from-remote-learning-part-1-ed-techs-successes>

Lessons from Remote Learning, Part 2: Post-Pandemic Challenges

In the second of a two-part series, career school technologist Kipp Bentley considers challenges that lie ahead for ed tech, including the need to manage screen time, make change equitable and teach media literacy.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/lessons-from-remote-learning-part-2-post-pandemic-challenges>

How Parents Can Get Kids Exercising Again After 2 Years of Remote Learning

It took a great deal of collective effort to shut down everyday life for children when COVID-19 first struck in early 2020. And now, more than two years later, it may take just as much effort to return children to pre-pandemic levels of physical activity.

<https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-parents-can-get-kids-exercising-again-after-2-years-of-remote-learning>

Big Tech bosses call for computer science to be taught in all US schools

The CEOs of Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and more signed a letter urging for governors and education leaders to introduce computer science lessons to all K-12 students – those aged five to 18, typically – across the country. Children should be given the opportunity to learn how to code as early as elementary school and all the way through to high school, according to Code.org's CEO Hadi Partovi, who is leading the effort.

<https://www.theregister.com/2022/07/13/big_tech_leaders_sign_letter/>

A who’s who of CEOs is begging every school to teach computer science

More than 500 notable people in business, education, and the nonprofit sector are calling for governors and education leaders to update K-12 curriculums to allow “every student in every school to have the opportunity to learn computer science,” according to a new letter posted publicly at ceosforcs.com. The list of signatories includes many prominent figures in technology, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon founder and executive chair Jeff Bezos, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, and Meta founder, chairman, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

<https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/12/23205907/tech-leaders-ceos-for-cs-apple-amazon-meta-microsoft>

Embracing Indigenous knowledges in STEM the focus of NAIDOC Week webinar

The Australian Academy of Science celebrated NAIDOC Week recently by hosting a virtual webinar on 7 July. In a Q&A format, four Indigenous STEM professionals shared their journeys in STEM and discussed their experience embracing Indigenous knowledges in STEM and the ways in which they foster a more inclusive and diverse STEM sector.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/embracing-indigenous-knowledges-stem-focus-naidoc-week>

STEM Hub for girls receives funding boost

An innovative online hub that encourages girls to participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities has received $1.2m in funding from The Invergowrie Foundation.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/stem-hub-for-girls-receives-funding-boost/280640>

Inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers

The world has changed a lot over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that science plays to respond to some of our biggest challenges says Misha Schubert, CEO of Science & Technology Australia – the nations peak body for science and technology representing more than 90,000 members.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-female-scientists-and-engineers/>

Bush kinders supporting early years STEM learning

‘When you’re in a bush kinder, there are no gendered materials. Everything that’s there is for anybody to play with.’ Recent findings from a Deakin University study reveal that bush kinders can build children’s early confidence and skill development in STEM, especially for young girls.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/bush-kinders-supporting-early-years-stem-learning>

Effective use of virtual reality to improve student outcomes in Science

New research has shown that while the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) increases student enjoyment and presence in a task, when used on its own it does not improve procedural or declarative knowledge when compared to the more traditional learning activity of watching a video.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/effective-use-of-virtual-reality-to-improve-student-outcomes-in-science>

Girls’ schools buck decline in maths participation

Girls’ participation in maths – and indeed all STEM subjects – has long been a topic of global concern. In particular, schools, educators and parents have sought out strategies to keep girls engaged and participating in advanced maths and science in secondary school.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/girls-schools-buck-decline-in-maths-participation-20220714-p5b1ll.html>

Problem gaming leading to aggression, school refusal and self-harm

Tens of thousands of Australian teenagers are gaming at pathological levels, which in extreme cases is leading to prolonged school refusal, threats of self-harm and aggression towards family members.

<https://www.theage.com.au/technology/video-games/problem-gaming-leading-to-aggression-school-refusal-and-self-harm-20220714-p5b1l2.html>

The new normal in classrooms as the 2022 academic year unfolds

January 2022 marked the time the time the National Cabinet agreed to a national framework to promote a statewide consistent approach to the ongoing delivery of high-quality education with a commitment to keeping schools open as the pandemic continued into its third year. Education Matters takes a look at what the new normal might look like across classrooms as the academic year unfolds. ... “My son who is now in Year 2 hasn’t really had school for two years. He hasn’t really experienced what school life is like. There is a curriculum, and we can deliver that but all the other amazing experiences of being involved with each other, with other year levels, is the one thing we really craved at the end of remote learning,” Korber says. Research published in January by The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute shows that child and adolescent mental health difficulties, and physical health problems have increased across the 2020-2021 lockdown period in Victoria and that the potential impacts on health and development are likely to be long lasting.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-new-normal/>

The influence of ed-tech in Australia’s schools, before and after the Covid-19 pandemic

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, schools everywhere have been forced to think outside the box with regards to how they use technology for the continuity of teaching and learning.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-influence-of-edtech-in-australias-schools-before-and-after-the-covid19-pandemic/280634>

7 ways to reduce the learning loss caused by the pandemic

School closures and the shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in learning loss in developed and developing countries. Learning loss is generally defined as any specific or general loss of knowledge and skills or reversals in academic progress when students are not in school.

<https://theconversation.com/7-ways-to-reduce-the-learning-loss-caused-by-the-pandemic-180591>

Bridging education’s digital divide

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a learning moment for the global education system like no other. Now, as we return to something akin to a pre-pandemic world, we need to ask what lessons have we really learned?

<https://www.themandarin.com.au/193209-bridging-educations-digital-divide/>

Why we must take the pulse of education research in Australia now

Australian education research is at a key turning point in a pandemic world where the dramatic effects of climate change demand our urgent attention. This blog piece explores the current challenges facing Australian Education research and the contemporary opportunities to create a future radical agenda for inclusive and compassionate education research. This piece has been adapted from the Community of Associate Deans of Education Research (cADRE) address* that I presented on 29 June at the recent AARE/cADRE Education Research Leaders’ Summit hosted by Professor Anna Sullivan on Kaurna Land at the University of South Australia.

<https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?p=13652>

Internet now lightning fast for regional schools

Thousands of students are now benefitting from faster, more reliable internet thanks to a $328 million investment by the NSW Government to connect every public school in regional NSW to fibre internet.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/internet-now-lightning-fast-for-regional-schools>

Remote public schools get internet upgrade [subscription]

Remote public schools struggling with slow satellite internet have had an upgrade under the final round of a state government scheme.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/remote-public-schools-with-slow-satellite-net-have-had-an-upgrade-under-state-government-scheme/news-story/0011bbd86a712db949926234506a7eed>

Women in science: 15-year-old's quest to change the world

Cadence Taylor may only be 15 years old — but the young Queenslander already has her mind set on changing the world with science. Tackling climate change and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef is a driving passion for the Bundaberg high school student, as is making sure the under-representation of women's voices in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is addressed.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-17/women-in-science-mentoring-program/101236984>

Aboriginal teen uses drone technology to preserve heritage [tertiary, but maybe of interest: DG]

An Aboriginal teenager from Far North Queensland is using the power of drone technology to preserve the history of the Wallara clan of the Koko-Muluridji people.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/aboriginal-teen-uses-drone-technology-to-preserve-heritage/280618>

Large Melbourne school cancels classes, warns remote learning may be needed

A teacher shortage, exacerbated by illness and a flood of resignations, has forced the principal of one of Melbourne’s biggest schools to cancel or merge senior students’ classes and consider a return to remote learning.

>https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/large-melbourne-school-cancels-classes-warns-remote-learning-may-be-needed-20220714-p5b1q9.html>

Mobile phones can enable learning during school disruptions. Here’s how

The COVID-19 pandemic placed enormous pressure on education systems worldwide. At the peak of the crisis, school closures forced over 1.6 billion learners out of classrooms. This exacerbated a learning crisis that existed before the pandemic, with many children in school but learning very little.

<https://theconversation.com/mobile-phones-can-enable-learning-during-school-disruptions-heres-how-186006>

Accelerating learning for students with limited internet access

Millions of students have limited access to the internet at home, leaving them struggling to access interactive online lessons and forcing them to find offline workarounds on devices lacking storage for video and other resources.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/07/accelerating-learning-for-students-with-limited-internet-access>

ISTE 2022: Partners empowering our communities and educators

With the world changing faster than ever, the connections between students, educators, and other learning communities that support them have never been more essential.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/06/iste-2022-partners-empowering-our-communities-and-educators>

Explore Teams updates to enhance teaching strategies

Every day, we work to adapt our tools so that each student has the support and resources needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond it, too. One big part of this is Microsoft Teams, the education platform where we’re always innovating to support students and teachers alike.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/07/explore-teams-updates-to-enhance-teaching-strategies>

Grow Professionally with the Microsoft Learn Educator Center

Investing in teachers’ growth to help them be more effective is key to improving student learning. The reason: teacher quality has more impact on students than any school education program or policy does, and in fact, teacher effectiveness is the largest factor influencing student outcomes, outside of family background.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/06/grow-professionally-with-the-microsoft-learn-educator-center>

Edtech is treating students like products. Here’s how we can protect children’s digital rights

Schools’ use of educational technologies (edtech) grew exponentially at the height of COVID lockdowns. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has exposed children’s rights violations by providers of edtech endorsed by governments in Australia and overseas.

<https://theconversation.com/edtech-is-treating-students-like-products-heres-how-we-can-protect-childrens-digital-rights-184312>

Remote learning was even tougher for migrant parents. Here’s what they want schools to know in case lockdowns return

When COVID forced school closures, many parents found themselves more involved than ever with their children’s learning. For some parents, it was hard work but broadly achievable. Many migrant parents, however, found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-was-even-tougher-for-migrant-parents-heres-what-they-want-schools-to-know-in-case-lockdowns-return-183039>

Remote learning reshapes education tech development

WHEN THE COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced people to adapt to working and learning remotely in their homes, extra creativity was required to ensure students still had access to education. Not only did Sydney-based maths teacher Holly Millican find new ways to teach and keep her students engaged, but she learned lots of new tricks that she continues to use in her classroom today.

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-exclusivefeature-remotelearningreshapeseducationtechdevelopment/p/1>

Swinburne alum’s gaming app transforms education and training across the globe

Swinburne business alum, educator, entrepreneur and CEO of Quitch, Dr Gráinne Oates, is revolutionising education and training through a multi-award-winning gamified app called Quitch. Since its development in 2015, Quitch has become a global success across the education sector via high schools and universities alongside the corporate sector with users spanning various industries.

<https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/06/swinburne-alum-gaming-app-transforms-education-and-training/>

Edtech is treating students like products. Here’s how we can protect children’s digital rights

Schools’ use of educational technologies (edtech) grew exponentially at the height of COVID lockdowns. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has exposed children’s rights violations by providers of edtech endorsed by governments in Australia and overseas.

<https://theconversation.com/edtech-is-treating-students-like-products-heres-how-we-can-protect-childrens-digital-rights-184312>

Remote learning was even tougher for migrant parents. Here’s what they want schools to know in case lockdowns return

When COVID forced school closures, many parents found themselves more involved than ever with their children’s learning. For some parents, it was hard work but broadly achievable. Many migrant parents, however, found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-was-even-tougher-for-migrant-parents-heres-what-they-want-schools-to-know-in-case-lockdowns-return-183039>

Remote learning reshapes education tech development

WHEN THE COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced people to adapt to working and learning remotely in their homes, extra creativity was required to ensure students still had access to education. Not only did Sydney-based maths teacher Holly Millican find new ways to teach and keep her students engaged, but she learned lots of new tricks that she continues to use in her classroom today.

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-exclusivefeature-remotelearningreshapeseducationtechdevelopment/p/1>

Swinburne alum’s gaming app transforms education and training across the globe

Swinburne business alum, educator, entrepreneur and CEO of Quitch, Dr Gráinne Oates, is revolutionising education and training through a multi-award-winning gamified app called Quitch. Since its development in 2015, Quitch has become a global success across the education sector via high schools and universities alongside the corporate sector with users spanning various industries.

<https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/06/swinburne-alum-gaming-app-transforms-education-and-training/>

Considerations For and Against Online Education

With the pandemic shifting social expectations of conducting business and learning at home, various educational institutions have begun providing online-only learning options even as in class classes have slowly returned during 2021 and 2022.

<https://technofaq.org/posts/2022/06/considerations-for-and-against-online-education/>

Girls Just Wanna Have STEM!

McLaren Automotive has teamed with children’s rights charity Plan International to commission a survey of school girls regarding their interest in science, technology, engineering, and math-based careers and the overwhelming majority said they want to pursue science professionally.

<https://www.designnews.com/automotive-engineering/girls-just-wanna-have-stem>

New $1 million fund to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education across Asia

A new STEM Fund has been launched, by the Micron Foundation and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) which will fund innovative solutions that are increasing gender diversity and equity in schools in India, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia. So far the fund has pooled $1 million in its first round, from Lenovo Foundation, XTX Markets and BHP. The STEM Fund will support solutions that are improving the STEM learning outcomes of girls below 18 years old.

<https://www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/new-1-million-fund-to-close-the-gender-gap-in-science-technology-engineering-and-math-education-across-asia/>

Edtech is treating students like products. Here’s how we can protect children’s digital rights

Schools’ use of educational technologies (edtech) grew exponentially at the height of COVID lockdowns. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has exposed children’s rights violations by providers of edtech endorsed by governments in Australia and overseas.

<https://theconversation.com/edtech-is-treating-students-like-products-heres-how-we-can-protect-childrens-digital-rights-184312>

Research aims to refine digital learning to help children stay on track

Small children with new technology have always fascinated Kim Maslin. That sets the WA educator apart from many parents and teachers who view iPads and smartphones in the hands of primary schoolers with a pang of anxiety.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-13/digital-learning-refined-to-help-children-stay-on-track/101145160>

Remote learning reshapes education tech development

While the pandemic created chaos as schools scrambled to keep students learning remotely through lockdowns, two years later some of the innovative solutions to this challenge are bringing new benefits to classroom teaching

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-exclusivefeature-remotelearningreshapeseducationtechdevelopment/p/1>

Aussie edtech company launches ambitious hybrid teaching and learning build

The average Australian student spends over 11,000 hours in the classroom by the time they complete their school journey, but for those who find their learning content cluttered and confusing, this journey can be a tiresome and often disheartening one.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/aussie-edtech-company-launches-ambitious-hybrid-teaching-and-learning-build/280404>

How schools can make technology safer for kids to use

For today’s younger generation of teachers, educational apps are about as commonplace and familiar as textbooks. However, for many teachers who began their placement before the advent of the Internet, the mass proliferation of digital technologies was a surreal, confronting experience.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-schools-can-make-technology-safer-for-kids-to-use/280402>

Deadly Science founder Corey Tutt receives Queen's Birthday Honour for service to Indigenous STEM

The founder of the charity Deadly Science has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous STEM — science, technology, engineering, and maths education.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-13/deadly-science-founder-corey-tutt-queens-birthday-honour/101142408>

Podcast special: Deadly Science with Corey Tutt

In this podcast special, we’re joined by Corey Tutt OAM, founder and CEO of Deadly Science – an organisation that provides science resources to remote schools in Australia, to inspire and celebrate the next generation of Indigenous people in STEM.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/podcast-special-deadly-science-with-corey-tutt>

Researching education: Five further readings on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

With the growing use of STEM across various industries in Australia, how can we ensure equitable opportunities and pathways for all students? How can schools build successful partnerships with industry specialists to rethink STEM education? In this article, we outline five further readings which explore STEM education in Australia.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/researching-education-five-further-readings-on-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem>

Get crypto-cool for school: Talking about investment risks and rewards in the classroom

With plenty of ‘get rich quick’ hype circulating around social media, and well-marketed trading apps luring people in to investing, it’s important to understand cryptocurrency. In this context, schools and teachers have an important role to play. Here, Dr Carly Sawatzki, Dr Jill Brown and Peter Saffin explore how teachers can understand students’ learning needs in this area.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/get-crypto-cool-for-school-talking-about-investment-risks-and-rewards-in-the-classroom>

Sydney students take lead to boost mental health, address online challenges

About 300 student leaders from 40 schools across Sydney last week gathered to learn how they could boost young people’s wellbeing during a student-led and designed conference.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-students-take-lead-to-boost-mental-health-address-online-challenges-20220613-p5at9c.html>

New exhibitions take Byte of vital STEM subjects

New Questacon exhibitions on display at four sites across Lake Macquarie aim to give kids a hands-on introduction to computer programming, algorithms and other STEM concepts.

<https://www.lakemac.com.au/News-articles/New-exhibitions-take-Byte-of-vital-STEM-subjects>

Bathurst High students among the first to participate in STEM program [subscription]

<https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/7772327/high-school-students-improving-their-stem-skills/>

Innovating in children’s best interests for a ‘fair’ digital world

The Digital Futures Commission aims to make children’s best interests a primary consideration in the design of the digital environment. We keep a lookout for good practices and guidelines to help digital innovators embed children’s best interests in their products and services. The Age Appropriate Design Code (the Code) is the first statutory Code of Practice for children’s data protection. Matching the Code’s child rights focus are UNICEF’s Manifesto on Good Data Governance for Children and Policy Guidance on AI for children. Common to all three is the concept of ‘fairness.’ In this blog, Ayça Atabey discusses what is meant by fairness in today’s digital world and why it matters.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2022/06/08/innovating/>

Our changing nature: Education in a hybrid world

“We’ll be able to feel present – like we’re right there with people no matter how far apart we actually are”. With these words, Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the company rebranding as Meta, sketching his futuristic plan to build the “metaverse”, a place where physical and virtual worlds collide through the power of extended reality.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/hybrid-world-education/>

Blended learning for inclusion

Blended learning is a mix of different learning environments and tools that can open up a world of possibility for learners, regardless of their background and abilities. In this article, we will look at how digital technology can encourage inclusion and see some case studies and practices that show inclusive education in action.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/news/blended-learning-for-inclusion.htm>

Incorporating blended learning in the classroom

Blended learning is an approach to education that combines a range of learning environments and digital and non-digital learning tools. The following resources and practices show a number of ways that blended learning can be incorporated into any education plan.

<<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/practices/incorporating-blended-learning.htm>

Blended learning in Steiner Waldorf schools

Blended learning in schools today usually means the use of digital technology to supplement traditional methods of teaching and learning. Martyn Rawson explains that Steiner Waldorf education understands blended learning in a broader sense – one that starts from direct, bodily experience and progresses to the use of digital media.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/viewpoints/experts/blended-steiner-waldorf.htm>

OECD webinar: Re-thinking education from the classroom up: What teachers think about the future of schooling

Despite the impact of better technology and a constantly shifting socio-political landscape, the way we educate our younger generation has remained largely unchanged in most countries for a number of decades. And yet, these same technological developments and societal upheavals – including but not limited to the pandemic – are fundamentally altering the way we live our lives on a global scale, meaning that traditional education models are looking more and more outdated and no longer fit for purpose. If education wants to keep up with the times, we may have to completely re-think the role of schools. But what does that actually mean for teaching and learning?

<https://meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zp3lK10rRlq_dJYW0luNtg>

The Anywhere School 2022

Each year, my team and I speak with thousands of educators around the world to better understand how students and teachers are using technology in the classroom. We do this to help educators amplify their efforts and, most importantly, help students pursue their personal potential. Today, we’re sharing new updates to Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Google Meet to set up teachers and students for success ahead of the next school year.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-overview/>

Adapting products to meet teachers’ changing needs

As we build our products, it’s essential to listen to user feedback. That’s how we help make them useful for the people using them — and more inclusive, too. Our Google for Education team has a long history of directly involving schools in user research studies to better understand what they need. This connection to educators and students has made it easier to adapt our products as schools’ unique needs change over time. Here’s how we’ve done just that.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-uxr/>

Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S) Briefing

Safer Technology 4 Schools (ST4S) is a national privacy and security initiative for digital products in K-12 education. The initiative is a framework to provide a standardised approach to evaluating digital products and services for use in schools across Australia.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2022/06/07/safer-technologies-4-schools-st4s-briefing/>

Inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers

The world has changed a lot over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that science plays to respond to some of our biggest challenges says Misha Schubert, CEO of Science & Technology Australia – the nations peak body for science and technology representing more than 90,000 members.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-female-scientists-and-engineers/>

Building digital intelligence in the middle years with Digital Licence+

A ground-breaking educational program for Australian students to build digital skills and competencies has been launched by national children’s not-for-profit, The Alannah & Madeline Foundation, in partnership with international digital intelligence think tank, The DQ Institute, and supported by global technology leader, Accenture Australia.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/building-digital-intelligence-in-the-middle-years-with-digital-licence/>

220,000 students benefit from $365.8 million Rural Access Gap program

More than 220,000 students in regional and remote areas of NSW are benefiting from the NSW Government’s $365.8 million Rural Access Gap (RAG) program, supplying digital devices to break the digital barrier and lead a tech revolution.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/220000-students-benefit-from-365-8-million-rural-access-gap-program/>

Teachers speak out about 'atrocious' staff shortages crippling many NSW public schools

The school bell rings and the halls fill with yelling and scuffling as a mass movement of teenagers makes its way along a corridor. ... By the end of 2020, Simon feared his school wouldn't be able to fill its staff. Then, in 2021, the NSW government inadvertently made the stress on schools worse. To tackle kids slipping behind through lockdowns and remote learning, the Department of Education introduced the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program, or COVID ILSP. It relied partly on casual teachers as tutors.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-04/teacher-shortages-nsw-public-schools-covid-department-education/101121632>

EduTECH 2022 – Digitisation • Creativity • Diversity

EduTECH 2022 is set to take place in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 10 & 11 August. With two years of pent-up demand and an eagerness to upskill and reconnect in-person, the education sector is extremely excited to be returning to a face-to-face event format.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/edutech-2022-digitisation-creativity-diversity/>

Investing in a Testbed…for EdTech Companies

There are key benefits for all stakeholders involved in a testbed trial. For EdTech companies, direct consumer feedback and quick adoption by a new partner, are just a couple of the exciting prospects of joining a program of this model.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2022/06/08/investing-in-testbed-edtech/>

Networking and Cybersecurity workshop

For teachers delivering the first ACTBSSS unit of Networking and CyberSecurity Lake Tuggeranong College is hosting a workshop.

<https://inteact.act.edu.au/2022/06/01/networking-and-cybersecurity-workshop/>

As COVID and influenza cases increase, some students have been forced back to remote learning

In a cruel reminder of the past two years, Albury High School had to go back to remote learning this week. After an outbreak of COVID among students and teachers, coupled with rising influenza cases, the school was advised to move years 8, 9 and 10 to remote learning for a three-day circuit breaker.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-04/albury-high-students-remote-learning-teachers-covid-flu/101124930>

Remote learning was even tougher for migrant parents. Here’s what they want schools to know in case lockdowns return

When COVID forced school closures, many parents found themselves more involved than ever with their children’s learning. For some parents, it was hard work but broadly achievable. Many migrant parents, however, found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-was-even-tougher-for-migrant-parents-heres-what-they-want-schools-to-know-in-case-lockdowns-return-183039>

Google Classroom: Making your favorite educational tools work better together

For educators, there are always a few top of mind questions: how can they optimize their time and find ways to help each student learn effectively? With Classroom, we’re working to help solve these problems so educators can focus more on teaching and students can experience new approaches to make learning more personal.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-classroom/>

Adapting products to meet teachers’ changing needs

As we build our products, it’s essential to listen to user feedback. That’s how we help make them useful for the people using them — and more inclusive, too. Our Google for Education team has a long history of directly involving schools in user research studies to better understand what they need. This connection to educators and students has made it easier to adapt our products as schools’ unique needs change over time. Here’s how we’ve done just that.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-uxr/> 

The Anywhere School 2022

Each year, my team and I speak with thousands of educators around the world to better understand how students and teachers are using technology in the classroom. We do this to help educators amplify their efforts and, most importantly, help students pursue their personal potential. Today, we’re sharing new updates to Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Google Meet to set up teachers and students for success ahead of the next school year.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-overview/>

Helping every student learn how they learn best

I often think about what Laura Allen, a Googler who leads our accessibility and disability inclusion work and is low vision, shared with me about her experience growing up using assistive technology in school. She said: “Technology should help children learn the way they need to learn, it shouldn’t be a thing that makes them feel different in the classroom.”

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/global-accessibility-awareness-day--2022/>

Time to listen to teachers on digital future

Few primary school teachers have the high-level proficiency needed to implement Australia’s digital curriculum in their classrooms, but not for a lack of effort.

<https://www.usq.edu.au/news/2022/06/teachers-digital-future>

ACS releases major computer education report

ACS has released a comprehensive new report on the state of Digital Technologies education in Australia, urging for more ICT-qualified teachers in the classroom.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/acs-releases-major-computer-education-report.html>

World-first tool to increase digital literacy in young people and help bridge digital divide [Alannah & Madeline Foundation news release]

A world-first educational tool to help students grow their digital literacy skills and bridge the digital divide in regions with low levels of digital inclusion is being launched.

<https://www.miragenews.com/world-first-tool-to-increase-digital-literacy-793271/>

Are primary teachers confident in teaching technology?

Over the last two years, the pandemic has seen technology thrust to the forefront of teaching and learning, not to mention the new Australian Curriculum, which will see a greater focus on improving young people’s digital literacy.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/are-primary-teachers-confident-in-teaching-technology/280289>

Fallout of COVID-19 on Children's Education Not Over Yet

A national survey of more than 1,100 parents and carers whose children are supported by The Smith Family, has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to deeply impact children’s education, due to ongoing disruptions to 'normal' schooling, the after-effects of home learning and other urgent issues faced by families in need.

<https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/about-us/media/2022/fallout-of-covid-19-on-childrens-education-not-over-yet>

How culture and identity can enrich the school learning journey through technology [Sept 2021]

In June 2021, One Education Foundation supported our first Cultural Exchange event involving Cairns West State School (Queensland), Hilltop Road Public School and Richmond North Public School (New South Wales).

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjSBiweaoFU>

New report lays out vision for future of Australian schools

With a new Federal Government in place, now is the time “to act boldly” for the benefit of all young people, urges a new report by The Mitchell Institute.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/new-report-lays-out-vision-for-future-of-australian-schools/280330>

How one Sydney school got students reading in the social media age

Like many of her friends, year 10 student Penny Jin used to love reading when she was in primary school. But a busy schedule and change in priorities meant her love of books slowly waned.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/how-one-sydney-school-got-students-reading-in-the-social-media-age-20220517-p5am3e.html>

Goulburn High School Robotics Team places in top 18 per cent of world at Dallas World Championships [subscription]

<https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/7764382/goulburn-robotics-team-places-in-top-18-per-cent-of-world/>

Plagiarism Checker Alternatives to Turnitin (for K-12)

It was never a mystery that teachers get so many papers to check before a specific deadline that they’re often ready to drop everything and fall asleep at the end of the day. Irritation and stress from such tasks are like poison that makes instructors lose energy and harms their nerves.

<https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/05/plagiarism-checker-alternatives-to.html>

Want to expand computer science education? Educate more teachers

When advocates push for computer science education, usually they’re talking about boosting the number of schools offering computer science classes – with the intent to reach more students. But from our perspective as scholars of computer science education, a key factor is how many teachers are qualified to teach the subject.

<https://theconversation.com/want-to-expand-computer-science-education-educate-more-teachers-181697>

Investigation reveals tracking by EdTech of millions of Australian school students during COVID lockdowns

More than 4 million Australian school students were at risk of unprecedented tracking and surveillance during remote learning as corporations exploited their access to children.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-25/investigation-reveals-educational-tech-tracking-children-data/101091808>

Millions of Australian school students tracked by education technology companies during lockdown

Tonight 7:30 can reveal the results of an exclusive investigation revealing how education technology companies treated the data of millions of Australian school children.

<https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/millions-of-australian-school-students-tracked-by/13899246>

Governments Harm Children’s Rights in Online Learning

Governments of 49 of the world’s most populous countries harmed children’s rights by endorsing online learning products during Covid-19 school closures without adequately protecting children’s privacy, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The report was released simultaneously with publications by media organizations around the world that had early access to the Human Rights Watch findings and engaged in an independent collaborative investigation.

<https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/25/governments-harm-childrens-rights-online-learning>

Students, Not Products

We think our kids are safe in school online. But many of them are being surveilled, and parents have often been kept in the dark. Kids are priceless, not products.

<https://www.hrw.org/StudentsNotProducts>

‘Dystopian’: Govt-endorsed education apps surveilling Australian children

A number of education apps and websites endorsed by Australian governments and used throughout the pandemic have been surveilling and tracking children and sending their data to advertisers, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.

<https://www.innovationaus.com/dystopian-govt-endorsed-education-apps-surveilling-australian-children/>

Census provides snapshot of how Australia’s youngest learners fared during COVID-19

The latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) that shows Australian children have been remarkably resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/census-provides-snapshot-of-how-australias-youngest-learners-fared-during-covid-19/>

Kids in remote areas lag in learning development – new research

New data analysis released by The Front Project has found the percentage of children experiencing developmental vulnerability before they start school is significantly higher in remote and outer regional areas than in cities.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/kids-in-remote-areas-lag-in-learning-development--new-research/280267>

Infographic: Student reading in a digital age

An OECD report 21st-Century Readers: Developing Literacy Skills in a Digital World analyses data from the 2018 PISA test and student survey to report on the reading habits of 15-year-olds in OECD countries. Find out more about how reading in digital and paper formats affects students’ reading performance and enjoyment in today's infographic.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/infographic-student-reading-in-a-digital-age>

School Improvement Episode 39: Focusing on the priorities

How have things changed for schools over the last two years of the pandemic, and what are the improvement priorities now for teachers, principals and communities on the ground? Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy joins us for the latest episode in our School Improvement podcast series.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/school-improvement-episode-39-focusing-on-the-priorities>

Game-based program helps autistic kids learn social skills

A successful game-based program that teaches social skills to neurodiverse children and teenagers has been secured the University of Melbourne’s backing to drive its expansion.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/gamebased-program-helps-autistic-kids-learn-social-skills/280271>

How to supercharge your school’s video learning in 2022

In 2018, a report by Cisco predicted that 82% of all created content would be video. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted learning from face-to-face to online over the course of 2020, where ClickView saw a staggering 138% increase in video demand.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-to-supercharge-your-schools-video-learning-in-2022/280173>

Education Ministers agree a new curriculum

Australian schools will have a new curriculum to teach in schools from 2023 after Education Ministers endorsed the revised Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/education-ministers-agree-a-new-australian-curriculum/>

Almost 60% of teachers say they want out. What is Labor going to do for an exhausted school sector?

During the 2022 federal election campaign, schools barely rated a mention. While the Labor government’s cabinet will not be finalised until next week, we expect Tanya Plibersek to become education minister. She will have plenty to do.

<https://theconversation.com/almost-60-of-teachers-say-they-want-out-what-is-labor-going-to-do-for-an-exhausted-school-sector-183452>

Lockdowns caused 'high psychological distress' in 70pc of high school students, study finds

A national survey of young people taken during 2021's pandemic and lockdowns has found more than 70 per cent of students whose studies were disrupted faced high psychological distress.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-25/lockdown-mental-health-effects-students-research/101094088>

AIIA urge Labor to appoint dedicated Digital Minister following election victory [AIIA news release]

Australia's peak body for innovation technology, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), congratulates the incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team following its victory at the federal election.

<https://35hddx2cwawgt701l2sq0v5c-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AIIA-Response-to-Federal-Election.pdf>

Wagga Wagga students crowned national STEM champions

Four senior students from Wagga Wagga Christian College recently travelled to Melbourne to compete in the National Finals for the SUBS in Schools Technology Challenge, where they were able to show off 18 months of work. The team known as 'The Kraken' built and controlled an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) which they describe as an 'submarine of sorts'.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radio/riverina/programs/breakfast/wagga-christian-school-stem-champions/13896068>

Introducing the New Microsoft Learn Educator Center

In support of assisting educators, school leaders, and training partners in the changing education landscape, we are excited to invite the education community to try the Microsoft Learn Educator Center. It is Microsoft’s centralized training and professional development platform where you can explore resources for educators and learn about programs, professional development offerings, and Microsoft technologies that advance teaching and learning practices. The Microsoft Learn Educator Center has replaced the Microsoft Educator Center (MEC) as our new home for the education community.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/05/introducing-the-new-microsoft-learn-educator-center>

From the 'deserts of Western Australia to everywhere in between', Red Dirt Robotics is shaping the next generation of engineers

Trial and error: it's a simple but frustrating strategy. If you ask Jameson Harvey, however, it's all part of the process. "There's always lots of lots of problem-solving that you have to do when you're working on robots," he laughs.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-08/red-dirt-robotics-regional-remote-engineers-stem/100964122>

CSIRO and Microsoft Australia launch Microsoft FarmBeats to encourage digital agriculture among students

CSIRO and Microsoft Australia have collaborated to launch a STEM education initiative that will see students witness the future of farming, exposing them to concepts like cloud computing and data and artificial intelligence.

<https://itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/csiro-and-microsoft-australia-launch-microsoft-farmbeats-to-encourage-digital-agriculture-among-students.html>

All Australian schools to sit NAPLAN online for the first time

More than 1 million students will sit NAPLAN tests this week – and for the first time, all except one must be completed online.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/all-australian-schools-to-sit-naplan-online-for-the-first-time-20220506-p5aj3i.html>

Digital Technologies Hub

Find resources to help teachers, students and families learn about Digital Technologies.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/> 

Industry Insights: lesson plan

This resource is designed to help subject teachers build their students' career development awareness and is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and relates to an Australian Curriculum learning area. To be used in conjunction with the Industry Insight webinar recording in a classroom setting, this suggested activity will help teachers and career practitioners generate classroom discussion and activity and help maximise class time using the most relevant parts of the webinar video. Designed to introduce students to one of the 19 industries (derived from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC). Students can hear from professionals currently working in the industry who are at various stages of their career.

<https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/industry-insights-lesson-plans>

Future schooling – education in the metaverse

‘The metaverse is upon us. Soon it will be as omnipresent as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (now Meta).’ So reads the first line of a new Policy Brief exploring the potential of the metaverse to enhance teaching and learning in the future, and why we need to start planning for it now.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/future-schooling-education-in-the-metaverse>

Federal Election 2022: How do we fix Australia’s education system? Join our online roundtable debate

Australia’s global education rankings are sliding, teachers have been accused of not being capable and there are concerns over the lack of funding for public students. A new curriculum has been unveiled to a mixed response, while the row over equity and quality in the sector is still ongoing 10 years after the Gonski report, which was meant to solve the issues, was released.

<https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/federal-election-2022-how-do-we-fix-australias-education-system-join-our-online-roundtable-debate/news-story/7d92aab5a297f3c1ea9a6f6897150734>

Student participation in higher maths drops below 10%

New research from the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers shows the percentage of students who take higher maths has fallen below 10% for the first time, with only one-third of those students being female.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/student-participation-in-higher-maths-drops-below-10/>

Teacher and school leader curriculum survey

Grattan Institute is running a survey on high-quality curriculum resources and teachers’ workloads.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/teacher-and-school-leader-curriculum-survey/>

State’s best teachers to help shape education plans

Some of the best teachers in NSW have met at Parliament House to share ideas on improving learning outcomes for students, cutting red tape and increasing the time and resources teachers have to deliver the best education for students.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/state-s-best-teachers-to-help-shape-education-plans>

Trailblazing principals to help drive excellence

Principals from 10 leading NSW public schools met for the first time yesterday as part of a ground-breaking advisory group to help drive school excellence and improvement across the state.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/trailblazing-principals-to-help-drive-excellence>

NSW premier, teachers meet to share ideas

More administrative school staff, less paper work for teachers and sharing resources between public and private schools have been discussed by a group of teachers advising the NSW government.

<https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/7735309/nsw-premier-teachers-meet-to-share-ideas/>

Bridging Technology and Education with Campus UNESCO

Campus UNESCO is an ongoing program that gives young people aged 14 to 18 the chance to share views with experts from UNESCO and civil society. The topics discussed in each 90-minute session are linked to major UNESCO themes such as education, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, gender equality, and citizenship.

<https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all/stories/bridging-technology-education-campus-unesco>

Developing Children's Digital Literacy by Storybooks

Abstract: Growing tendency of children in using digital technologies, as well as Coronavirus crisis has forced families to live in new condition and may threaten their children’s health and development. So, there is essential need to investigate different methods of children’s digital literacy training. This paper has used qualitative content analysis to study some Persian and English storybooks based on socio-cultural approach. The process of analysis has been done according to inductive procedure and around different aspects of dealing with digital technologies: (1) the child’s behavior, (2) the child’s personal network, and (3) behaviors of child’s peripheral actors. Findings show that stories describe various behaviors of children in face of technologies: passion and trust in using digital technologies; secret use and vulnerability of them; regret and embarrassment; being tired of technology and tendency to alternatives; thinking, challenge and discussion about online information; collaborating with real and online individuals in using technologies; trust in books versus Internet; and learning digital literacy. Also, the peripheral individuals such as parents, siblings, relatives, peers, educational system, and social actors show different behaviors in relation with children and learning digital technologies.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4098527>

Bett Asia 2022 Roadshow

Bangkok, Wednesday 27 April 2022: Bett, the global community for education technology, held the Bett Asia Roadshow at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. After three years, Bett is proud to present the in-person return of Bett Asia. Following the tremendous success of the 2019 show, Bett Asia is now looking forward to its 2022 edition – moving from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok for Bett Asia’s first event in Thailand.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/bett-asia-2022-roadshow>

The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021

March 2022 marks two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're starting to see a fuller picture of how the last two years have affected everything from the economy and health care to education and mental health. For parents, caregivers, educators, and even policymakers across the country, kids' media use has been a central issue in this conversation.

<https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens-2021>

Game-Based Learning Prepares K–12 Students for a Digital Future

Through culturally relevant themes and virtual interactions, students learn to explore the world, their social relationships and how games work.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/05/game-based-learning-prepares-k-12-students-digital-future>

Pacific Science Center Receives $1 Million Amazon Future Engineer Grant to Deliver Science and Technology Education to Students from Underserved Communities

Pacific Science Center (PacSci) and Amazon Future Engineer today announced a new collaboration, fueled by a $1 million grant from Amazon, to spark curiosity in tens of thousands of students from underserved and historically underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields through free interactive science education programs. The effort builds on continued initiatives by each organization to reach more students from Title I schools – those with 40% or more of the student population classified as low-income – and provides a critical next step in PacSci’s ultimate vision: providing every K-8 student in the state with supplemental STEM curriculum at no cost.

<https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/blog/news/pacsci-receives-amazon-future-engineer-grant/>

ACS digital road map will strengthen the economy

With the twin goals of overcoming the COVID pandemic’s economic legacy and shaping Australia’s future digital economy, the ACS has unveiled a detailed policy road map ahead of the 2022 federal election. ... The nine policies recommended by the ACS ahead of the 2022 election are: ... A $100-million program should be undertaken to boost the resources and support for school teachers to implement an Australian Curriculum Digital technologies framework. This would help teachers by delivering technology-related content to be used in class.

<https://www.afr.com/technology/acs-digital-road-map-will-strengthen-the-economy-20220311-p5a3vp>

School kids to be taught advanced cybersecurity skills

According to AustCyber’s Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan, Australia will need more than 27,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2026.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/school-kids-to-be-taught-advanced-cybersecurity-skills/279824>

Study shows high levels of public trust and value for Australian teachers

Ahead of World Teachers Day, new research from Monash University has found the role of teachers continues to be recognised as important and influential in developing students' social and emotional development - which became even more important during COVID-19 remote learning. ... The study also found there was perceived merit in a hybrid or more flexible approach to schooling with 76.6 per cent of participants in support of rethinking the way schools operate in the future by creating a more flexible model where students attend school but have the option to take some classes online. Over half of the respondents, 56.7 per cent, believed the shift to remote learning during COVID-19 was successful in Australia.

<https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/study-shows-high-levels-of-public-trust-and-value-for-australian-teachers>

NSW school returns to remote learning as spiralling Covid cases hit classrooms

At least one school in New South Wales has had to return to some days of remote learning amid surging Covid cases in students and staff.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/15/nsw-education-officials-unmoved-on-return-of-masks-in-schools-despite-surging-covid-infections>

Tech teachers honoured for robot innovation

Sydney’s south west is becoming a hotspot for science and technology with three schools earning plaudits in the field of robotics.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/tech-teachers-honoured-for-robot-innovation->

Introducing the EdTech Buyers Guide for 2022

EdTech Impact is an independent review platform for EdTech worldwide. It’s also the driving force behind the EdTech Buyers Guide, which is an essential tool to have in your back pocket when you’re visiting the Bett show. This report, written by Michael Forshaw, highlights useful tips for how educators visiting the show can adopt an evidence-informed approach to EdTech procurement in order to make sure they are finding the best solutions for their setting.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/introducing-the-edtech-buyers-guide-for-2022>

Lessons from the pandemic on fairer and more caring uni teaching and learning

The pandemic forced universities to rush out remote delivery of their courses online. Now we have had time to take stock of the impacts. Our newly published Australia-wide research investigated the challenges and opportunities of remote delivery for culturally and linguistically diverse migrant and refugee (CALDMR) students and university staff.

<https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-the-pandemic-on-fairer-and-more-caring-uni-teaching-and-learning-178292>

School kids to be taught advanced cybersecurity skills

According to AustCyber’s Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan, Australia will need more than 27,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2026.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/school-kids-to-be-taught-advanced-cybersecurity-skills/279824>

Rural residents say $750m NBN boost 'not enough' to bridge digital divide in the bush

In one of the most remote regions of Australia, residents in the Gulf of Carpentaria have long suffered the consequences of poor internet services. "We're so remote, we rely on telehealth. But what good is that when you lose your connection in the middle of a chat with your doctor," the region's mayor Jack Bawden said. "Our businesses can't do transactions because the EFTPOS machines are always down, you can't do remote learning, run meetings, because online connections are always dropping out.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-24/farmers-welcome-nbn-upgrade/100928668>

What Generation Z can teach us about cybersecurity

Girl Security National Security Fellows Program fellow Amulya, a 17-year-old interested in countering online disinformation, said she feels her sense of personal privacy has been largely nonexistent “growing up in a media-saturated world.” She believes her sense of privacy was stolen by a combination of mass media, access to tech without education, and an increasing divide among generations, government, and industry around responsible technology. With an online presence from a young age, members of Generation Z, like Amulya, bring personal insight to the cybersecurity conversation about online privacy.

<https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/03/15/what-generation-z-can-teach-us-about-cybersecurity/>

Let’s get personal: adaptive learning tech and education

Twelve years ago, Shantanu Sinha left his job to join his long-time friend Sal Khan’s new venture. At the time, Sal was spending his days making educational YouTube videos. It was an unusual career choice for both of them. But they saw what was possible when students had more agency over their learning and how technology could play a role. Together they started the online education platform Khan Academy, and Shantanu worked there for five years.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/adaptive-learning-technology/>

6 Ways Conversational Virtual Humans Can Be Used in Education

The “New Normal” isn’t new anymore. The world of E-learning has changed forever, and it’s not going back. Even if students are returning to school, and eventually it happens - the model of a teacher, a whiteboard, and dozens of students sitting on chairs has changed forever. Instead, multitudes of new learning tools have entered the classroom. Technologies such as conversational AI, which were used mainly in textual interfaces and for commercial purposes, have entered this field.

<https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/03/6-ways-conversational-virtual-humans.html>

Why learning together is the future of online education

Something remarkable is happening with online learning. Let’s call it ed tech’s second wave.

<https://www.fastcompany.com/90733863/why-learning-together-is-the-future-of-online-education>

Rising to the challenge of providing all students with high-quality STEM education

Whether it’s the pandemic, climate change, food shortages, or economic inequality, almost all of the world’s most pressing problems would benefit from STEM-based solutions. Fourteen of the 16 fastest-growing “industries of the future” are STEM industries, and all of the top 25 degrees by pay and demand are in the STEM subjects. By 2025, there will be 3.5 million STEM jobs open in the United States alone.

<https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2022/03/23/rising-to-the-challenge-of-providing-all-students-with-high-quality-stem-education/>

CSIRO program sees students harness coding to solve musical challenge

Year 6 students in Perth have invented a device that makes music lessons easier for people with hearing impairments as part of a program run by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2022/CSIRO-program-sees-students-harness-coding-to-solve-musical-challenge>

$2 million in grants to give young Australians STEM opportunities

Applications to foster creativity and inquiry-based learning for young Australians are open as part of the Maker Projects – Community STEM Engagement grants.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/2-million-in-grants-to-give-young-australians-stem-opportunities>

A milestone for championing the vision for women in STEM

The Academy is delighted to welcome Nokia as the 40th Champion of the Women in STEM Decadal Plan. The national plan aims to establish a thriving STEM-skilled workforce that is fit for the future, globally recognised, powered by a diverse and gender-balanced pipeline, and supported by an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/milestone-championing-vision-women-stem>

Helping Australian school kids and teachers learn cybersecurity

A computer science academic at Sydney University, and associate professor James Curran’s research was in computational linguistics. One of the programs he ran was the 27-year-old National Computer Science School. That was where he came across students and teachers who were enthusiastic about IT but did not have the technical skills they needed to pursue IT positions.

<https://www.csoonline.com/article/3654201/helping-australian-school-kids-and-teachers-learn-cybersecurity.html>

New educational website to help teachers promote equitable learning

The Australian Academy of Science’s secondary science program, ‘Science by Doing’, is proud to announce a new website designed specifically for teachers.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/new-educational-website-help-teachers-promote-equitable-learning>

The science of screen time: How much is too much for our kids?

New research has found that two hours a day appears to be the upper limit of healthy recreational screen time for children, beyond which they start to report only negative effects.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-science-of-screen-time-how-much-is-too-much-for-our-kids-20220329-p5a934.html>

Some (other) facts about teachers and teaching

We spend time and energy revering celebrities and “influencers”, but rarely, if ever, teachers. Let’s perhaps reconsider where we direct our admiration and respect.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/some-other-facts-about-teachers-and-teaching-20220324-p5a7ja.html>

3D printing shaping learning for blind and low vision students

More than 1,000 blind or low vision public school students in NSW are benefiting from access to 3D models, which can be created at their school with a 3D printer.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/3d-printing-shaping-learning-for-blind-and-low-vision-students>

The promises and perils of new technologies to improve education and employment opportunities

Digital technologies are rapidly developing and transforming the way individuals work, learn, and participate in civic life. As digital innovations become more available and present opportunities to make quality learning and career opportunities more accessible across the globe, educational institutions, administrative data systems, and regulatory frameworks have struggled to adapt. Through research on the landscape of digital micro-credentials, we hope to provide insights and policy recommendations to decisionmakers and stakeholders, such as education and labor policymakers, to expand access to skills and quality jobs to the most disadvantaged learners and workers across the world.

<https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-promises-and-perils-of-new-technologies-to-improve-education-and-employment-opportunities/>

Dear Members, 

Out of respect for our numerous members who have experienced a number of extreme difficulties during the recent floods and Covid 19 challenges, the ICTENSW Board, together with our scheduled presenters have decided to postpone this weekend's conference. The new dates will be Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2022.

The following limited sessions will still run this Saturday 12th March 2022.
2. The AGM will be held online via Zoom, at 4.30pm on Saturday 12th March. The link will be emailed to registered participants prior to the event.  Registration for AGM is mandatory and needs to be completed before 8:00 pm Friday 11th March via https://bit.ly/icte2022agm .

1. HSC Solutions Sessions (IPT and SDD) will go ahead as follows:  

• IPT with Christopher Kalodikis 9.45am to 11:00am

• SDD with Samantha Pennington 11.30am to 1:00pm

These sessions will be live via Zoom and recorded. Recordings and solutions will be made available for members via our website. Those registered for these sessions will receive an email tomorrow evening, containing the link to the sessions.

What you need to know about the rescheduled conference sessions:

• All additional conference sessions and the announcement of our annual awards will be rescheduled for Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2022. Details to follow later this term (via our website and email).

• Those who have paid for their conference ticket, will have their payment applied to the new conference dates. 

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We hope this arrangement will allow people time to recover. 

We thank you for your understanding. 

Warm Wishes, 

The ICTENSW Board