Australia

STEM Opportunities and Achievements

• $100m STEM Initiative for Girls
  Billionaire Robin Khuda has donated $100 million to the University of Sydney to increase female participation in STEM education, funding tutoring and mentorship programs.
  Read more

• Roadmap Needed to Navigate the EdTech Landscape
  Experts from the University of Technology Sydney highlight the need for a structured roadmap to guide the national EdTech market.
  Read more

• Deloitte to Donate 2000 Laptops to Students in Need
  Consulting firm Deloitte is repurposing computers previously destined for landfill, distributing them to students without digital access at home.
  Read more

AI and Technology in Education

• Google and Researchers Teach AI Aboriginal English
  A new initiative ensures AI systems can understand and interact using Aboriginal English, promoting inclusivity in digital tools.
  Read more

• AI Chatbots and Online Safety
  Reports highlight the risks of AI-driven chatbots providing unrestricted access to sensitive themes for young users.
  Read more

Cybersecurity & Online Safety

• Australian Children Easily Bypass Social Media Age Limits
  An eSafety report finds that most social media platforms rely on self-declared age verification, allowing underage users to access restricted content.
  Read more

• Cyberbullying and the Back-to-School Surge
  eSafety data reveals a 450% rise in cyberbullying reports over five years, with new strategies being recommended for online safety.
  Read more

NSW

STEM Innovation and Student Initiatives

• Sydney Mega-Schools Expand Electives
  Large schools like The Ponds High School are offering a diverse range of electives, including robotics, app design, and history.
  Read more

• Next Gen STEM Program Receives $1.9m Funding
  The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge will expand with federal funding, providing hands-on STEM learning experiences.
  Read more

AI in Schools

• Elite QLD Schools Trial AI for Marking
  A pilot program at 20 prestigious schools in Queensland aims to reduce teacher workloads by integrating AI into assessment marking.
  Read more

International

STEM Education & Equity

• UNESCO Supports Women in STEM
  On the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, UNESCO hosted a global panel to encourage female participation in STEM careers.
  Read more

• AI Integration in STEM Classrooms
  Samsung’s latest education survey highlights AI’s growing role in STEM learning, while also revealing teacher struggles with limited resources.
  Read more

Artificial Intelligence in Education

• Pennsylvania Rejects AI-Powered Cyber Charter School
  The Pennsylvania Department of Education denied an application for an AI-driven cyber school, citing concerns over student outcomes.
  Read more

• CT High School Students Publish AI Research
  Two high school students from Connecticut successfully published research on AI in mathematical modeling, showcasing the growing role of AI in secondary education.
  Read more

Cybersecurity in Schools

• US Schools Face Increasing Cybersecurity Challenges
  A new report highlights the vulnerability of K-12 schools to cyber threats, with calls for better security measures.
  Read more

• Phone-Free Multi-Factor Authentication for K-12 Security
  Experts recommend removing mobile-dependent authentication systems to improve cybersecurity in school networks.
  Read more

For more education and technology news, visit the ACCE website.
Stay informed. Stay innovative.

Australia

STEM Opportunities and Achievements

• National Youth Science Forum
  "Senior high school students from across the nation are at present taking advantage of a science and technology chance of a lifetime."
  Read more

• Making a Splash in STEM
  "Students from Cloverdale Education Support Centre have found a creative way to tackle a common rainy-day trouble, by waterproofing their shoes using recycled umbrellas."
  Read more

NSW

STEM Innovation and Student Initiatives

• Student Podcast: Step Up and Shine
  "Three Year 6 students from Harrisdale Primary School are making waves with an innovative podcast."
  Read more

• Elective Variety at Sydney Mega-Schools
  "The Ponds High School principal Jenny Weal said the large school size means they can offer a large variety of electives including robotics, app design, sports physiology and history’s mysteries."
  Read more

Parental Contributions in Public Schools

• Bondi Public School Requests STEM Teacher Funding
  "An eastern suburbs public school has asked its parents to contribute $80,000 to fund an extra teacher in a bid to cut class sizes and reduce composite classrooms."
  Read more

International

STEM Education

• Seven Steps to Support Girls and Women in STEM
  "A three-day conference hosted by UNESCO and the African Union Commission identifies strategies to overcome challenges hindering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Africa."
  Read more

• From Coding Robots to Building Futures
  "STEM education equips learners with critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills, bridging the gap between education and workforce demands."
  Read more

Artificial Intelligence in Education

• Navigating AI Challenges in Schools
  "The transformative potential of AI in schools is undeniable, but it brings challenges that demand attention from policymakers, educators, and innovators."
  Read more

• AI Textbooks to Launch in Korea
  "New AI textbooks will be introduced in Korean schools in March 2025, covering mathematics, English, informatics, and special education."
  Read more

Cybersecurity in Schools

• Education Sector Targeted by Cyber-Attacks (UK)
  "The UK education sector is a key target for cyber-attacks, with 73% of institutions having experienced at least one cyber-attack or breach in the past five years."
  Read more

• Cybersecurity Pilot Program in U.S. Schools
  "The Federal Communications Commission has launched a $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program to improve digital security."
  Read more

• New Jersey Schools Embrace AI for Cybersecurity
  "New Jersey is awarding $1.5 million in grants to fund artificial intelligence education and new AI-related career programs in public schools."
  Read more

For more education and technology news, visit the ACCE website.
Stay informed. Stay innovative

Australian

Student Wellbeing and Technology Access

1. Gendered Violence in Schools

   • "Gendered violence in schools has remained an unaddressed issue for decades. A recent increase in hostilities towards women and girls, and in reporting of gendered violence and abuse across multiple regions, reflects a shifting landscape of gender relations in education settings requiring urgent attention."
     Link

2. Technology Access Challenges

   • "We often assume Australian students are great with technology and have access to a computer, reliable internet and adequate data. But this is not necessarily the case, despite the importance of technology to our lives."
     Link

3. Social Media Literacy for Students

   • "A pilot evaluation of the first evidence-informed, strength-based, digital eLearning program developed for Australian secondary schools to support body image and online safety of young people has shown significant benefits of the program for students aged 12-16."
     Link

4. Cybersecurity in Schools

   • "Keeping families’ sensitive, personal information safe from cyberattacks has become the top insurance risk for private schools in Australia, according to a global insurance broker."
     Link

STEM Initiatives and Achievements

1. Superstars of STEM

   • "Sixty stellar scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians were officially announced today as Australia’s new Superstars of STEM by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP. ... Over the next two years, the Superstars will undergo intensive training and skills development to give them the experience and confidence to step into the public spotlight as go-to media commentators for science and technology stories. They’ll also do hundreds of school visits to encourage young people into a future in science and technology."
     Link

2. STEM Sustainability Competition

   • "In a first for the Hunter Region, Port of Newcastle will give high school students from five local schools the opportunity to race in the international Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), gearing them up for a future in the clean energy technology industry alongside 8,000 students from 25 countries worldwide."
     Link

3. Addressing Gender Gaps in STEM

   • "Australia has been ranked dead last in a field of 58 countries participating in a long-running, international maths and science test and now has the world's biggest gender gap."
     Link

AI and Digital Education

1. AI in the Classroom

   • "Time-strapped teachers are turning to advanced AI models like ChatGPT and Perplexity to streamline lesson planning. Simply by entering prompts like “Generate a comprehensive three-lesson sequence on geographical landforms,” they can quickly receive a detailed teaching program tailored to the lesson content, complete with learning outcomes, suggested resources, classroom management tips and more."
     Link

2. Principal’s Perspective on AI

   • "Artificial intelligence platforms have the ability to revolutionise teaching and improve student outcomes."
     Link

NSW

1. Sydney Schools Limiting Screen Time

   • "When Robin Chand guides parents on tours through Killara High, there is one topic he is almost always quizzed on: What is the school’s policy on laptops in class? 'When I answer it, parents breathe a sigh of relief,' he says. 'Students must bring traditional stationery – exercise books, rulers, pens – to school every day, for every subject. We use laptops for specific tasks, but it needs tight monitoring,' explains Chand, now in his fourth year as principal at Killara High, one of NSW’s top-performing public comprehensive schools."
     Link

2. Bondi Public School’s Parent Contributions

   • "An eastern suburbs public school has asked its parents to contribute $80,000 to fund an extra teacher in a bid to cut class sizes and reduce composite classrooms. Bondi Public School’s Parents and Citizens’ Association sent a message to families last week saying the school had requested the P&C 'part-fund the STEM teacher' for next year."
     Link

3. Elective Variety at Sydney Mega-Schools

   • "...The Ponds High School principal Jenny Weal said the large school size means they can offer a large variety of electives including robotics, app design, sports physiology and history’s mysteries."
     Link

4. Kensington Public School Podcast

   • "An educator with more than a quarter of a century’s experience, Kensington Public School Principal Louise Stone, has never felt the need to be anchored to the past."
     Link

5. Camden Haven High School STEM Breakfast

   • "CAMDEN Haven High School (CHHS) is attempting to inspire female students to explore opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professions."
     Link

Return to Country Program pioneers new approach to unlocking STEM pathways for Indigenous students

The University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) is pioneering a new Return to Country Program to spark interest in STEM pathways among Indigenous regional, rural and remote communities, with a group of FEIT Indigenous staff and students visiting schools and Indigenous communities in regional New South Wales this week.

<https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/february/return-to-country-program-pioneers-new-approach-to-unlocking-stem-pathways-for-indigenous-students>

School of the Air employs governesses to help with outback NSW

It is standard practice for most school-age children to be in the classroom among their peers throughout the school year. But for bush kids living in remote Australia, schooling is a virtual experience.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-16/school-of-the-air-governesses-help-outback-nsw-sa-education/103467142>

School Improvement Episode 50: Award-winning STEM teachers

The longstanding Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching recognise one primary and one secondary STEM teacher for their outstanding contribution to the field. The 2023 winners were announced late last year and in this episode, we speak with them both about the work they’ve been recognised for.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/school-improvement-episode-50-award-winning-stem-teachers>

Expert Q&A: Building students’ ICT skills

NAP-ICT Literacy measures the skills of Australian students in year 6 and 10. In our latest expert Q&A we catch up with Dr Tim Friedman and Dr Kristy Osborne from the Australian Council for Educational Research to find out more about recent revisions to the assessment, what teachers can learn from the latest round of data, and classroom activities to support student learning.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/expert-q-a-building-students-ict-skills>

3 ways to help your child transition off screens and avoid the dreaded ‘tech tantrums’

Many Australian parents worry about how much time their children spend watching screens. While some time on devices is fine for entertainment and education, we also know it is important children do things away from TVs and devices.

<https://theconversation.com/3-ways-to-help-your-child-transition-off-screens-and-avoid-the-dreaded-tech-tantrums-220138>

Screen time doesn’t have to be sedentary: 3 ways it can get kids moving

There have been concerns about screens making kids more sedentary and less active since TV was introduced more than half a century ago.

<https://theconversation.com/screen-time-doesnt-have-to-be-sedentary-3-ways-it-can-get-kids-moving-223460>

EduTECH keynote speaker a pioneer in AI-powered learning

The founder of a not-for-profit organisation piloting an AI tool that acts as a personalised tutor and teaching assistant has been confirmed as EduTECH keynote speaker this year.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/exclusive-edutech-keynote-speaker-a-pioneer-in-ai-powered-learning/>

Unlocking tech industry career pathways for young people

The Albanese Labor Government is helping more young people, including those experiencing disadvantage or increased barriers to employment, receive training and experience for future careers in tech with the launch of a Virtual Work Experience Program. The program – a result of the Albanese Labor Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit and designed by the Tech Council of Australia – aims to help young people and post-school leavers aged 14-25 build their skillset through online modules that were designed in collaboration with companies including Microsoft, the Commonwealth Bank and the National Broadband Network.

<https://ministers.education.gov.au/rishworth/unlocking-tech-industry-career-pathways-young-people>

Opening pathways to tech jobs for more young Australians

The Tech Council Australia (TCA) has launched a national virtual work experience program for tech jobs that will be delivered in partnership with leading education group Year13. CBA, along with some of Australia’s leading tech companies and members of the Digital Employment Forum, including Microsoft and nbn®, have signed up as initial program partners. They will be delivering virtual work experiences in high-demand roles like software and networking engineering, cyber security, and data science.

<https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2024/02/cba-virtual-work-experience-program.html>

New program opening up tech career pathways for more young people

Young Australians, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, will be given a boost to gain work in the growing technology sector as part of a new training program.

<https://educationhq.com/news/new-program-opening-up-tech-career-pathways-for-more-young-people-166985/>

NSW secondary school sees more IRL interaction after phone ban

Mobile phones will be officially banned in schools starting next term, but some schools have already implemented the policy.

<https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/first-up/audio/2018926756/nsw-secondary-school-sees-more-irl-interaction-after-phone-ban>

Asking the hard questions about COVID school closures: The Herald's View

For more than two years, the Herald has been a vocal proponent of the need for a sweeping inquiry into how our nation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal should not be to lay blame but to learn important lessons by asking uncomfortable questions about whether we should make different decisions when the next pandemic strikes.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/asking-the-uncomfortable-questions-about-covid-school-closures-20240218-p5f5t2.html>

‘We made the wrong decisions’: COVID-era mass school closures condemned: losing Sydney’s schools was one of the biggest - and most controversial - calls during the pandemic. But was it really necessary?

Mass school closures that stretched for months during the pandemic were unnecessary and led to a cascade of social and educational problems that threaten a generation of Australian children, top education experts say.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/we-made-the-wrong-decisions-covid-era-mass-school-closures-condemned-20240214-p5f521.html>

Violence, anxiety in students as young as 5: Marks of the COVID generation: In part two of this series, experts discuss reports of students struggling and teachers being physically attacked in the aftermath of school closures during the pandemic.

Young children are losing control and hitting out at teachers, while older students are struggling with anger management and problem-solving because they could not practise key social skills when schools shut during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their difficulties are turbocharging anxiety, depression and technology abuse, a panel of top psychologists and educators has warned.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/violence-anxiety-in-students-as-young-as-5-marks-of-the-covid-generation-20240213-p5f4n1.html>

Teenagers the biggest losers of COVID-era school closures: In the third and final part of this series, experts say the impact of COVID-era school closures on a generation of students is still unclear.

Teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds are still struggling to make up lost ground years after pandemic-era school closures, while experts warn the full impact of 1.2 million children missing out on months of in-person learning remains unclear. The Sydney Morning Herald convened a panel of top educators to assess the impact of COVID-19 on students after the federal government failed to include the decision to close schools in its independent inquiry into how the nation managed the pandemic.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/teenagers-the-biggest-losers-of-covid-era-school-closures-20240215-p5f588.html>

Building a better future with STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is one of the most talked about topics in education, highlighting scientific research, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity.

<https://narrabricourier.com.au/2024/02/16/building-a-better-future-with-stem/>

Teaching for the future: when careers start in the classroom [subscription]

<https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8515611/james-cook-boys-high-school-stem-coordinator-wins-10000-scholarship/>

What Is Age-Appropriate Use of AI? 4 Developmental Stages to Know About

Child development experts and teachers offer advice on when K-12 students should start using AI-powered tech and for what purposes.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-is-age-appropriate-use-of-ai-4-developmental-stages-to-know-about/2024/02>

 AI Is Common Thread Through the Big Challenges Schools Are Facing, New Report Says

Recruiting and retaining educators, cybersecurity, and scaling innovation across schools are some of the biggest challenges.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/ai-is-common-thread-through-the-big-challenges-schools-are-facing-new-report-says/2024/02>

Australia at ‘AI inflection point’ – report

Australia is at a crossroads with developing AI technologies, with the potential to become a leader or laggard in technical and regulatory innovation.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/australia-at-ai-inflection-point--report/283738>

Can AI guess your emotion? Years F–4

Students explore the key facial features that help us recognise emotions, and then train an AI to recognise emotions as happy or sad.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teach-and-assess/classroom-resources/lesson-ideas/can-ai-guess-your-emotion/>

Rock, Paper, Scissors AI! Years 7–8

This lesson uses the game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to investigate how an AI can recognise your hand gestures.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teach-and-assess/classroom-resources/lesson-ideas/rock-paper-scissors-ai/>

AI image recognition: Exploring limitations and bias: Years 5–6

This hands-on activity enables students to practise training and testing an AI model using cartoon faces. It also includes a discussion about sources of potential algorithmic bias and how to respond to these sources.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teach-and-assess/classroom-resources/lesson-ideas/ai-image-recognition-exploring-limitations-and-bias/>

AI ethics: What's possible, probable and preferred? Years 9–10

This lesson encourages students to explore the social and ethical matters relating to AI. It outlines a project to help frame such discussions using the curriculum Key Idea of Creating preferred futures, tying into Critical and Creative Thinking.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teach-and-assess/classroom-resources/lesson-ideas/ai-ethics-what-s-possible-probable-and-preferred/>

‘We haven’t looked back’: home schooling in Australia experiences post-lockdown boom

Number of children learning at home has doubled since the pandemic – with parents saying the mainstream education system isn’t working

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/26/we-havent-looked-back-home-schooling-in-australia-seeing-post-lockdown-boom>

NSW leads the way in tackling digital skills shortage

The NSW Government is joining leaders across government, the digital industry, and education and training providers to address the projected shortage of 85,000 digital workers in NSW by 2030.

<https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-leads-way-tackling-digital-skills-shortage>

North Coast teens ‘rising all stars’ in Lego robotics [subscription]

A group of North Coast school students have been recognised as “rising all stars” in a popular STEM-based national Lego competition.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lismore/kyogle-high-school-team-recognised-as-rising-all-stars-in-first-entry-of-stembased-lego-league/news-story/06b32b369f8add70c8292801d7ddbe59>

Delivering education in crisis zones Can EdTech save education amid disaster?

Suppose you woke up and there was no school today. Or tomorrow. Or possibly ever. This is the reality for millions of students around the world.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/delivering-education-crisis-zones-edtech-save-education-amid-disaster>

Bridging the tech gap

Technology has a strong track record of empowering students and supporting teachers. But as tablets, online lessons, interactive tutorials and VR fuel some students’ success, those who lack access to technology can be left further and further behind. The gap between them is known as the digital divide -- and educators worry it's not getting any smaller.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/bridging-tech-gap>

Thinking About 'Gamifying' Your Classroom? Teachers Use These Tools

Quiz-style apps, such as Blooket and Quizizz, were the most mentioned.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/thinking-about-gamifying-your-classroom-teachers-use-these-tools/2023/11>

Teacher reader survey 2023: AI, wellbeing and teacher shortages

The annual Teacher magazine reader survey has concluded for another year! In today’s article, we share some themes to emerge from your responses about the issues that are important to you, and announce the winner of our $500 prize.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/teacher-reader-survey-2023-ai-wellbeing-and-teacher-shortages>

How technology can bridge resourcing gaps in multicultural education

With the end of the school year fast approaching, principals and heads of departments are using the lead-in to Christmas to think about next year’s curricula.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-technology-can-bridge-resourcing-gaps-in-multicultural-education/283646>

NSW Catholic school Chevalier College unveils plans for remote learning Mondays

A Catholic college in regional New South Wales has announced it will go ahead with plans for senior students to study from home one day a week, despite negative feedback from some parents.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-16/chevalier-college-plans-remote-learning-mondays/103113304>

The school where children are being asked to learn from home one day a week

Parents at a major regional Catholic college are fighting back against plans by the school to cut time in the classroom to four days a week, a move that will allow students to learn at home on Mondays with no formal teaching.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-school-where-children-are-being-asked-to-learn-from-home-one-day-a-week-20231114-p5ejtb.html>

Apps snap up design thinking awards

The Game Changer Challenge grand final saw 24 school teams come up with ideas to change the world. Student journalists report on the outcome.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/apps-snap-up-design-thinking-awards>

UNESCO’s Digital Transformation Collaborative: Mobilization for the first three pilot countries

On the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly and SDG Summit in September, the Global Education Coalition hosted an event to spotlight the progress of the Digital Transformation Collaborative and discuss its path forward as in-country mobilization is planned for the first three pilot countries.

<https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unescos-digital-transformation-collaborative-mobilization-first-three-pilot-countries>

7 principles for AI in education

A new framework intends to guide the edtech industry’s implementation of AI in education in a purpose-driven, transparent, and equitable manner that enables critical tools for personalized and enhanced learning experiences and improved assistive technologies.

<https://www.eschoolnews.com/digital-learning/2023/11/10/7-principles-for-ai-in-education/>

han Academy Plans to Shake Up Writing Instruction With AI Tool

Chatbots designed specifically for K-12 education are expected to proliferate rapidly over the next few years.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/khan-academy-plans-to-shake-up-writing-instruction-with-ai-tool/2023/11>

Students Want to Learn More About AI. Schools Aren't Keeping Up

Students want more guidance on technology use from their schools, a survey shows.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/students-want-to-learn-more-about-ai-schools-arent-keeping-up/2023/11>

From Chalkboards to Smartboards: How Generations Adapt to Technological Advancements in Education

The landscape of education has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. From the chalk-dusted classrooms of the past to the digital learning environments of today, each generation has had to adapt to the technological advancements of their time. Let’s go on a journey through time, exploring how different generations have adapted to the evolving technology in education.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/generations-adapt-to-technological/>

Join the global Hour of Code movement

From December 4–10, 2023, schools around the world will join the Hour of Code movement as part of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek). With just one hour of coding—whether during CSEdWeek or anytime throughout the year—anyone can learn the basics of coding. And this year’s Hour of Code may be the biggest yet, thanks to a new AI-focused tutorial from Minecraft Education called Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/11/join-the-global-hour-of-code-movement>

Free coding education coming to Kiwis thanks to Grok Academy

Online educational platform, Grok Academy, has entered into a five-year partnership with WiseTech Global, a global software company. This partnership, effective from 1st January 2024, will enable students, teachers, and homeschooling parents in New Zealand to gain free access to all of Grok's school content. Grok’s platform, which features a breadth of resources ranging from programming to web design, will now be completely open for use.

<https://itbrief.co.nz/story/free-coding-education-coming-to-kiwis-thanks-to-grok-academy>

Exploring problem-based learning in school-based STEM education: Insights from our Fifth (& Final) Professional Learning Day

For Phase 3 of #theSTEMproblem, we have been co-developing a pedagogical framework for PBL in STEM Education with expert teachers. To create this framework, our final two professional learning days have been designed to support teachers in discussing and documenting their insights from implementing problem-based learning (PBL) in STEM education in their schools.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/research/projects/exploring-problem-based-learning-in-schools/updates/insights-from-our-fifth-and-final-professional-learning-day>

STEM teachers recognised with national prize

Each year, the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching recognise the critical role primary and secondary school educators play in inspiring and encouraging students to take up an interest and consider careers in STEM. Last night, Judith Stutchbury and Donna Buckley were named winners of the 2023 prizes.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/stem-teachers-recognised-with-national-prize>

How schools can use digital technology for impact

While COVID-19 has kicked off a digital revolution in classrooms, Australia still has room to grow when it comes to tech-driven education.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-schools-can-use-digital-technology-for-impact/283449>

School kids teaching older Australians how to use latest technology

Seniors are getting a crash course on recent technology as part of a campaign aimed at closing the digital gap.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/school-kids-teaching-older-australians-how-to-use-latest-technology-20231018-p5edeb.html>

Seniors learn new technology from school kids

Helen Macris retired from teaching 12 years ago, which was around about the last time that she seriously used a computer.

<https://www.9news.com.au/national/seniors-learning-new-technology-from-school-kids/1ae4457d-2974-4d63-acf1-063bdd5bc959>

Remote Study in 2024: How Sunraysia Students Can Stay Motivated

For Aussie students living in regional areas, remote learning has become a crucial part of their educational journey. However, keeping students focused and motivated can be difficult because classmates and teachers are not physically in the same environment, which leads to less supervision.

<https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/education/6215247/remote-study-in-2024-how-sunraysia-students-can-stay-motivated> 

Bold pilot program aiming to increase STEM participation in low socio-economic schools [subscription]

A promising new pilot program has been launched to encourage more students in low socio-economic schools to enter physics and engineering careers.

<https://educationhq.com/news/bold-pilot-program-aiming-to-increase-stem-participation-in-low-socio-economic-schools-157684/>

Blue Mountains students solving real-world STEM challenges

From coding and robotics to biodiversity and bushfire regeneration, Blue Mountains students are learning new skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

<https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/8382370/blue-mountains-students-solving-real-world-stem-challenges/>

400 students explore science, technology, engineering and maths at Hunter School Expo [subscription]

FROM navigating a flight simulator, to tinkering on batteries and engaging with a robot, 400 students from public and private schools across Newcastle and the Hunter gathered for the 2023 Hunter School STEM Expo.

<https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8388362/stem-expo-an-eye-opener-for-students-career-aspirations/>

Rutherford Technology High STEM students win best pitch for biodegradable packaging [subscription]

A TEAM of year 8 students at Rutherford Technology High School have won a statewide competition for inventing a business idea on biodegradable packaging for milk products.

<https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8390771/team-dairyway-win-best-business-idea-for-eco-friendly-milk-packaging/>

ChatGPT is landing kids in the principal’s office, survey finds

Ever since ChatGPT burst onto the scene last year, a heated debate has centered on its potential benefits and pitfalls for students. As educators worry students could use artificial intelligence tools to cheat, a new survey makes clear its impact on young people: They’re getting into trouble.

<https://www.fastcompany.com/90966620/chatgpt-is-landing-kids-in-the-principals-office-survey-finds>

I'm a Maths Teacher. Graphing Calculators Taught Me a Thing or Two About AI

Yes, this technology changes everything. But it's also an opportunity to make your teaching better and your content more relevant.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-im-a-math-teacher-graphing-calculators-taught-me-a-thing-or-two-about-ai/2023/10>

Reading Instruction and AI: New Strategies for the Big Education Challenges of Our Time

Join the conversation as experts in the field explore these instructional pain points and offer game-changing guidance for K-12 leaders and educators.

<https://www.edweek.org/events/k-12-essentials-forum/reading-instruction-and-ai-new-strategies-for-the-big-education-challenges-of-our-time>

How Google Classroom help teach kids where their food comes from

One common obstacle for children with disabilities is picky eating habits. Often, this is because they don’t fundamentally understand what it is they’re eating: what ingredients are in it, how it was cooked, and how it ended up on their plate. This kind of unknown can create an uneasy sense of anxiety around the meal.

<https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-asia/25-toyama-daigaku/>

Eight how-to guides for educators: Quickly get started with Microsoft Education classroom technology solutions

Each school year may bring new adventures and challenges but learning how to use new technology in your classroom shouldn’t be one of them. Since we know you’re busy, we’ve put together a list of eight free how-to guides to help you quickly get started with Microsoft Education solutions in your classroom.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/09/eight-how-to-guides-for-educators-quickly-get-started-with-microsoft-education-classroom-technology-solutions>

Thank you, teachers, for your dedication and expertise

In the dynamic field of education, teachers are the unsung heroes who shape the minds of our future generations. While we often hear phrases like "it's not rocket science," it's time to challenge that notion. Teaching, in fact, stands as one of the most intricate and challenging professions, often surpassing the complexity of rocket science.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/10/thank-you-teachers-for-your-dedication-and-expertise>

Ensuring secure, safe experiences for every school

World-class security and secure learning experiences are pillars that guide how Microsoft approaches cybersecurity in education. We recognize that cybersecurity is a top concern across this nation—from IT professionals who provide frontline support to technology decision makers that purchase services—and our solutions reflect both their needs as well as our expertise as a leading security company.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/10/ensuring-secure-safe-experiences-for-every-school>

Fostering STEM Diversity And Inclusion Through Robotics And Turkey

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Robert Jones, a social investor focused on K-12 STEM enrichment within the greater NYC area. Through his organization, Hand & Mind LLC, Robert has a decade of experience helping K-12 schools, universities and community organizations develop programs to increase participation in STEM for historically underrepresented K-12 students.

<https://www.forbes.com/sites/paologaudiano/2023/10/18/fostering-stem-diversity-and-inclusion-through-robotics-and-turkey/>

How STEM Education Improves Student Learning

Why should a child learn STEM? Perhaps they aren’t particularly interested in timetables or the periodic table (I know I wasn’t when I was a kid!), and you don’t want to force it on them.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/how-stem-education-improves-student-learning/>

Simplifying text-based programming - the micro:bit Python Editor, one year on

Celebrating a year of the micro:bit Python Editor, bringing simple text-based programming to even more students around the world.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-10-16/microbit-python-editor-one-year-on/>

10 times teachers were legends with micro:bits

There are lots of creative ways to bring coding to life with micro:bits, and we've picked some of our favourites to celebrate World Teachers' Day. Thank you to all the incredible educators who are bringing digital skills into classrooms all over the world.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-10-05/10-times-teachers-were-legends-with-microbits/>

Supporting science teaching with the micro:bit

Get ready for UNESCO's World Science Day on 10 November with BBC micro:bit's practical science investigations in class and outdoors, working with data and learning some core skills of scientific enquiry.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-10-02/supporting-science-teaching-with-the-microbit/>

Women and girls in STEM: Verity Normington: From a mining area in South Australia to Geoscience Australia, geologist Dr Verity Normington's career path wasn’t always easy.

Dr Verity Normington is Executive Officer to Geoscience Australia's Office of the Chief Scientist. She's also a 2020 Australian Science Policy Fellow and one of Australia’s Superstars of STEM. Verity has overcome many barriers as a woman in STEM living with a chronic illness. While retaking year 12, she discovered a love for earth science. She was the first in her family to finish high school. She went on to put the ‘Dr’ in ‘Dr Normington’ by getting a PhD. Now, she uses her passion and expertise to contribute to research, policy and science communications.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/women-and-girls-stem-verity-normington> 

Digital learning: how to manage a very tricky balance

The way we navigate the fast-changing digital landscape is crucial for the academic and social experiences for students of all ages. The digital age presents opportunities and challenges for all learners, whether it be a student in an early childhood setting or an adult engaging in vocational education. We know that for all students to be successful, we need to think carefully about what we are doing with technology and why we are doing it. While understandable given the nature of the crisis, the rapid shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many unintended consequences of engaging with digital pedagogies in a haphazard way.

<https://blog.aare.edu.au/digital-learning-how-to-manage-a-very-tricky-balance/>

Improving student outcomes by celebrating female figures in STEM

In the latest episode of our podcast series, The Research Files, we spoke with Dr Kathryn Ross about the gender bias evident in Australian high school science curricula. In this article, we speak with primary school STEM teacher Megan Hayes about how she ensures her students learn about the contributions of Australian female scientists in order to improve girls’ participation in STEM.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/improving-student-outcomes-by-celebrating-female-figures-in-stem> 

Infographic: ICT standards for teachers – an international snapshot

UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report for 2023 focuses on technology in education. According to the report’s Profiles Enhancing Education Reviews for 211 education systems, 51% have set ICT standards for teachers ‘in a competency framework, teacher training framework, development plan or strategy’. Here is an international snapshot for 2022.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/infographic-ict-standards-for-teachers-an-international-snapshot>

How Australia’s education system can overcome its ‘wicked problems’

In the world of global education, few names resonate as deeply as Professor Pasi Sahlberg. Currently a distinguished figure within the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, Professor Sahlberg's journey is a rich tapestry of experience and expertise, spanning continents and roles.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-australias-education-system-can-overcome-its-wicked-problems/283427>

New infographic: What is the difference between Digital Literacy and Digital Technologies?

A topical question and key consideration for schools is working out the relationship between Digital Literacy and Digital Technologies, and how they differ. New to the DT Hub is an infographic that aims to do just that! It explains the differences between the two, provides examples and offers examples for implementing both areas of the curriculum in your classroom.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/understanding-dt/the-dt-curriculum/digital-technologies-and-digital-literacy/>

New autism resources to support students starting school

The Student Wellbeing Hub recently launched a new suite of free resources designed to support students on the autism spectrum as they begin their primary school journey.

<https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/autism>

Join the free webinar: Support your students to develop spelling accuracy

Are you interested in supporting your students to develop spelling accuracy? Join the Literacy Hub’s free webinar on spelling generalisations and systematic synthetic phonics (SSP).

<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8287771633161174106>

Fear of missing out driving teen online anxiety

A new study has shed further light on the effect of social media on young people’s mental health, closely linking FOMO – the fear of missing out – with high social media use and symptoms of anxiety. Australian high school students who reported high social media use in conjunction with high levels of FOMO also reported increased symptoms of anxiety, while those with lower levels of FoMO had less anxiety when online, according to a new study.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/fear-of-missing-out-driving-teen-online-anxiety/283425>

STEM champion a Global Teacher Prize finalist

A Griffith teacher is among the finalists in the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. Ian Preston, Deputy Principal of the NSW Virtual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy, is in the running for the US$1 million prize that shines a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/stem-champion-a-global-teacher-prize-finalist>

Mobile phone ban in schools gives students more learning time, 'freedom away' from devices

When Grace Shoesmith's high school first introduced a phone-free policy at the start of the year, there was a mixed response from students.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-11/phone-free-schools-hunter-region/102943532>

Blue Mountains students solving real-world STEM challenges

From coding and robotics to biodiversity and bushfire regeneration, Blue Mountains students are learning new skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), thanks to a partnership between Council and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

<https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/media-centre/blue-mountains-students-solving-real-world-stem-challenges>

Measuring learning outcomes across programmes focused on learners, teachers and systems

Measuring student learning in a meaningful way is a significant challenge within a single school, but measuring and comparing learning outcomes at a global scale can seem impossible. This is a problem for anyone in a position of choosing between different options for maximising the impact of their spending on education because it is difficult to make a data-driven decision. It also affects priorities for policy and implementation of education interventions, especially where resources are limited.

<https://edtechhub.org/2023/09/27/measuring-learning-outcomes-across-programmes-focused-on-learners-teachers-and-systems/>

Chromebooks will get 10 years of automatic updates

When Chromebooks debuted in 2012, their affordable price tags helped make personal computing more accessible. That also made them a great fit for the education world, providing schools with secure, simple and manageable devices while helping them save on their budgets. In fact, Chromebooks are the number one device used in K-12 education globally, according to Futuresource. Plus, they’re a sustainable choice, with recycled materials that reduce their environmental impact and repair programs that help them last longer.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/automatic-update-extension-chromebook/>

STEM Education Statistics in 2023

We’ve gathered the most interesting, informative facts and statistics about STEM education.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/stem-education-statistics/>

CSIRO invests $500K to help Indigenous students pursue futures in STEM

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has bestowed more than half a million dollars to the University of Wollongong (UOW) to enable more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2023/September/CSIRO-invests-$500K-to-help-Indigenous-students-pursue-futures-in-STEM>

Robotics educators Andrei and Mila Loginovski: 'Perhaps our students will invent something on Mars'

Mila and Andrey Loginovsky, founders of Thinklum, told us about their first major robotics competition for Sydney's children, and their new book about a friendly robot that they dream of donating to every school in NSW.

<https://www.sbs.com.au/language/russian/en/podcast-episode/robotics-educators-andrei-and-mila-loginovski-perhaps-our-students-will-invent-something-on-mars/ykm2shqls>

14-year-old launches UN AI & mental health initiative

The Dynamic Teen Coalition, co-led by an Australian teen, will debut at IGF 2023 in Kyoto, amplifying teen voices for a brighter technological future.

<https://channellife.com.au/story/14-year-old-launches-un-ai-mental-health-initiative> 

Schools can accurately detect AI writing, even if OpenAI can’t – experts

OpenAI – the organisation behind ChatGPT – made the eye-opening decision to discontinue a tool meant to detect AI-generated writing, due to its insufficient accuracy. The company says it is now refining more reliable AI detection methods while creating new mechanisms to help users identify AI-created audio or visual content.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/schools-can-accurately-detect-ai-writing-even-if-openai-cant--experts/283341>

App-y ending for COVID-inspired work

Three students at Warners Bay High School have won the 2023 Tech Girls NSW Secondary School competition.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/app-y-ending-for-covid-inspired-work>

Meet the year 12 student who spent two years crunching HSC data

Baulkham Hills High HSC student Syed Ahmad can pinpoint the moment when he started thinking seriously about a career in software development. “I was in year 7 and had just finished at my local primary school, Winston Heights Public, but I didn’t know anyone at Baulkham. So I joined their Tuesday lunchtime computer programming club and became their youngest-ever member,” he says.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/meet-the-year-12-student-who-spent-two-years-crunching-hsc-data-20230920-p5e67t.html>

Constant Companion: A Week in the Life of a Young Person's Smartphone Use

Smartphones have become a constant companion in our teens' lives. From connection with family and friends to entertainment and literal white noise, young people rely on their smartphones for different types of support, relaxation, and distraction—at home and at school, and during the day and night.

<https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/constant-companion-a-week-in-the-life-of-a-young-persons-smartphone-use>

Skip the AI Hype: What Can Educators Do With It?

Artificial intelligence can provide practical assistance in the classroom, in the front office, and at home.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-skip-the-ai-hype-what-can-educators-do-with-it/2023/09>

ISTE: Most New K-12 Teachers Not Confident About Technology

A report from the International Society for Technology in Education suggests educator preparation programs should go beyond just preparing entry-level teachers and provide ongoing professional development for technology.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/iste-most-new-k-12-teachers-not-confident-about-technology>

New Research Study From ISTE Examines Educator Preparation Landscape

Today, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), a nonprofit focusing on accelerating innovation in education, released Transforming Teacher Education – a research study that examines the current landscape of educator preparation programs (EEPs) by combining data from two seminal surveys conducted last year.

<https://www.iste.org/explore/press-releases/new-research-study-iste-examines-educator-preparation-landscape>

ChatGPT can now access up to date information

OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed creator of ChatGPT, has confirmed the chatbot can now browse the internet to provide users with current information.

<https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66940771>

‘I’ve never met my classmates’: the Australian high schoolers sitting their year 12 exams at home

For the average year 12 student, weekdays tend to consist of PowerPoint presentations in packed classrooms and exam cramming in the library.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/05/ive-never-met-my-classmates-the-australian-high-schoolers-sitting-their-year-12-exams-at-home>

New report reveals $2.9b in education Australia can unlock with cloud-enabled technologies

A new report has revealed micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in education that embrace cloud-enabled technologies in Australia could unlock AU$2.9 billion in annual productivity benefits by 2030.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/new-report-reveals-2-9b-in-education-australia-can-unlock-with-cloud-enabled-technologies/>

Reports of students using AI to produce sexually explicit content raises concerns

Australia’s online safety regulator has urged schools to overhaul their safety policies after recording its first-ever case of school students using artificially-generated sexually explicit material to bully others.

<https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/reports-of-students-using-ai-to-produce-sexually-explicit-content-raises-concerns/news-story/74112ffce251bfb0a85cfcdd145df7de>

Concerns over AI grooming of school-age kids, bullying and sexual images [subscription]

There are growing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on school children as the technology becomes more widespread, including in relation to grooming and sexualised abuse.

<https://educationhq.com/news/concerns-over-ai-grooming-of-school-age-kids-bullying-and-sexual-images-156806/>

Students take on cyber security challenge

With demand for cyber security workers growing exponentially, a NSW Department of Education initiative is looking at ways to help meet the need.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/students-take-on-cyber-security-challenge>

Rethinking artificial intelligence through a relational lens

Artificial intelligence (AI) prompts an existential crisis for universities (Bearman et al., 2022), stoking concerns that we may lose the human touch or that teachers and institutions may be replaced by AI. Many educational commentators suggest we should embrace these new technologies as AI will be another fabulous tool for educators and students. While human versus machine is an old debate – which could usefully be reset (Bayne, 2015) – there has been a recent rise in these binary perspectives due to generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/rethinking-artificial-intelligence-through-a-relational-lens>

PISA to test student motivation, self-regulation in digital learning in 2025

PISA’s new area of assessment examining how students engage with digital tools comes amid a dreary backdrop in education.

<https://www.k12dive.com/news/pisa-test-digital-learning-2025/689881/>

​​Applications now open for Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

Applications are now open for the next intake of students to join the world-first Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (the Academy), which is co-managed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2023/September/Applications-open-for-Young-Indigenous-Womens-STEM-Academy>

Students construct winning video games for national STEM challenge

The 2023 winners of the annual Australian STEM Video Game Challenge have just been announced. This year, students in years 4-12 created their own video games inspired by the theme ‘construction and destruction’. In this article, we share the winning entries.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/students-construct-winning-video-games-for-national-stem-challenge>

Research news: Factors contributing to secondary students’ sleep

Many teenage students are not getting enough sleep each night. New research from the University of South Australia has analysed the sleep habits of boarding and day students to see how they differ, and which group gets higher quality sleep.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/research-news-factors-contributing-to-secondary-students-sleep>

Ideas and innovation at STEM showcase

Illawarra and Shoalhaven schools took part in a STEM showcase to promote their Young ICT Explorer projects.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/ideas-and-innovation-at-stem-showcase>

Dynamic Teen Coalition

Introduction: The Dynamic Teen Coalition at the IGF is an extraordinary platform that empowers passionate and determined teenagers to take part in shaping the global landscape of internet governance. Through the near selection of thirteen teens for an ultra-intersectional STEAM Teen Board in coordination with our existing multigenerational Co-chair mentorships, we create a slow to growth community with shared concerns and hopeful solutions.

<https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/dynamic-teen-coalition>

UNESCO: Reassert Public Control Over Generative AI

Recently addressing the disruption ChatGPT and other tools have brought to global education, the international cooperative agency recommends new laws and regulations, training and forward-thinking public debate.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/unesco-reassert-public-control-over-generative-ai>

Metaverse Technologies Are Creating New Opportunities for Teachers to Inspire Students by Nick Clegg, President, Global Affairs

Digital technologies have transformed so many areas of education in recent decades. From pocket calculators to laptops, tablets, and the video conferencing tools that helped learning shift online during the pandemic, technology plays a crucial role in how people teach and learn. Metaverse technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) promise to create new ways for teachers to inspire students. In fact, they’re already being used to do just that.

<https://about.fb.com/news/2023/09/metaverse-technologies-education-opportunities/>

ChatGPT: One in three teachers use AI to help with school work

A third of teachers now use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to help with their work, double the number who used it five months ago.

<https://schoolsweek.co.uk/chatgpt-one-in-three-teachers-use-ai-to-help-with-school-work/>

‘Technology is not something we can hide from students’: How NYC Public Schools invited AI into its classrooms

Generative AI burst onto the scene in late 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT. Almost overnight, the technology – capable of creating new content in real-time – was everywhere. But New York City Public Schools soon declared one place generative AI would not be: its classrooms.

<https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/digital-transformation/how-nyc-public-schools-invited-ai-into-its-classrooms/>

Educators, Not Companies, Should Shape Educational AI

Educators, students, and families should shape learning-focused AI's values and capabilities, says a letter to the editor.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-educators-not-companies-should-shape-educational-ai/2023/09>

Google's Chromebooks Fix Could Save Schools Millions

Starting next year, Google will begin providing 10 years of automatic software updates for all Chromebooks released in 2021 and beyond, saving schools from having to toss the devices due to baked-in expiration dates.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/googles-chromebooks-fix-could-save-schools-millions>