ICTENSW ICTENSW Blog

ACCE News

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:23:32 GMT

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AUSTRALIAN

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Inside the fight to make Western Sydney Australia’s AI engine

Western Sydney could be an AI talent engine, but career literacy, transport and access still hold students back. And that’s bad for SMEs.

<https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/women-in-tech-news-analysis/inside-the-fight-to-make-western-sydney-australias-ai-engine/>

How CSIRO is guiding Australia's responsible AI adoption

As AI adoption accelerates, CSIRO is applying science and engineering to build responsible AI systems Australians can trust.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2025/December/How-CSIRO-is-guiding-Australias-responsible-AI-adoption>

How to make online platforms safer for young people

The tech industry’s unofficial motto for two decades was “move fast and break things”. It was a philosophy that broke more than just taxi monopolies or hotel chains. It also constructed a digital world filled with risks for our most vulnerable.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-to-make-online-platforms-safer-for-young-people/288660>

Evaluating the validity of SimTeach lessons as an alternative to face-to-face classroom observations

Abstract: Class observations are a widely used form of professional development. They are also used for measuring teaching quality of both in-service and pre-service teachers. While they have demonstrated benefits when utilised as a form of professional development, if used for evaluative purposes, they can be overwhelming for teachers, students and observers alike. This study aims to explore whether observing simulated lessons is a valid alternative to traditional physical classroom observations.

<https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/view/10536>

NYSF 2013: Where STEM, and a love story, began for Patrick and Beth

When Beth Metcalfe and Patrick Grant attended the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2013, neither could have predicted the role it would play in shaping both their careers and their future together. Now based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Beth is a veterinarian, and Patrick is a polymer chemist. The two are preparing to get married next year.

<https://www.nysf.edu.au/nysf-2013-where-stem-and-a-love-story-began-for-patrick-and-beth/>

What we can learn from Australia’s social media ban [The Hill]

Let’s start with a thought experiment: Pretend you could design America’s K–12 education system from scratch. Knowing what we now know about how technology shapes our economy, national security, and daily life, would we really debate whether AI education and computer science belong in it? We might argue about who should teach it and how much to include, but it’s hard to imagine building a modern school system that didn’t make this foundational knowledge for every student.

<https://au.news.yahoo.com/opinion-learn-australia-social-media-190000047.html>

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STATE

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Hackers access names, emails of Victorian students in data breach

Hackers have accessed the information of current and past Victorian government school students in a major data breach.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-14/student-data-breach-victorian-education-department/106230114>

Supporting children and young people after seeing distressing content online

Online spaces should be safe for everyone, but you may sometimes come across content that is distressing. This could include content that depicts harm or violence.

<https://education.nt.gov.au/news/2025/supporting-children-and-young-people-after-seeing-distressing-content-online>

How artificial intelligence is being used across the ACT to provide vital services

... AI is also influencing the ACT school system. Students have been dabbling in AI to help with their assessments (without approval) for years, but the ACT education system is now at the starting line of incorporating approved AI tools for teachers and students.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-04/how-act-government-is-using-ai-across-services/106137618>

2025 Wrap Up

There is so much to like about ECAWA and the people involved in 2025. Many things to consider. In 2025 ECAWA went through a period of rebirth and reconfiguration. ECAWA was first configured in the 1970s, and then incorporated in 1987.

<https://ecawa.wa.edu.au/2026/01/04/2025-wrap-up/>

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LOCAL

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Mount Lockyer teacher wins award for Noongar coding

A primary school teacher from Mount Lockyer has been recognised for integrating Indigenous culture with digital technology, winning a state award for her innovative teaching methods.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/mount-lockyer-teacher-wins-award-for-noongar-coding/288745>

Malanda students put school on the map

Luke Turner, Isaac Krems, Braxton Palmer, and Sophie Lynch had plenty to be proud about after competing against 55 other primary school teams from across the country at the National VEX Robotics Championships.

<https://www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au/malanda-students-put-school-on-the-map-2026-01-13>

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MISCELLANEOUS

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AI teachers and cybernetics - what could the world look like in 2050?

The last 25 years has seen some mind-bending technological changes. At the start of the century, most computers connected to the internet with noisy dial-up connections, Netflix was an online DVD rental company, and the vast majority of people hadn't even heard of a smartphone. Fast forward two and a half decades, and innovations in AI, robotics and much else besides are emerging at an incredible rate. So we decided to ask experts what the next 25 years could bring. ... Futurist and author Tracey Follows, who helped write a government White Paper on UK education in 2050, believes learning will take place across "virtual and physical realities" using AI teachers which "adjust in real time". Rather than textbooks, she predicts children will use "immersive simulations". Meanwhile, education will be less standardised, with each child's individual DNA or biometric data studied to understand how they learn best.

<https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c865n800d5jo>

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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The Potential Impact of ChatGPT on Education: Using History as a Rearview Mirror

Technology is a key driver of social change in today's world. However, the history of technological development shows that not all technologies become part of the education system and change and promote educational practices; this space is reserved for technologies that exert extensive influence while changing and promoting the fundamental propositions of educational practices. Regarding ChatGPT and other generative AI in education that have recently been intensely discussed (Su & Yang, 2023), do they have the potential to become the next breakthrough technology that changes the form of education as we know it? When at a turning point, looking toward the future, history serves as an invaluable analytical lens. Using history as a “rearview mirror,” this study analyzes the changing influence of technology on education throughout history and identifies the potential impact of ChatGPT on the future of education.

<https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20965311231189826>

Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Trends, Benefits, and Challenges

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we teach and learn, generating excitement and concern about its potential to transform education. To contribute to the debate, this systematic literature review examines current research trends (publication year, country of study, publication journal, education level, education field, and AI type), as well as the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into education. This review analyzed 155 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025. The review reveals a significant increase in research activity since 2022, reflecting the impact of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT. Studies highlight a range of benefits, including enhanced learning outcomes, personalized instruction, and increased student motivation. However, there are challenges to overcome, such as students’ ethical use of AI, teachers’ resistance to using AI systems, and the digital dependency these systems can generate. These findings show AI’s potential to enhance education; however, its success depends on careful implementation and collaboration among educators, researchers, and policymakers to ensure meaningful and equitable outcomes.

<https://www.mdpi.com/2414-4088/9/8/84>

Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Special Education for K-12: A Decade of Trends, Themes, and Global Insights (2013–2023)

Abstract: This paper provided a review of 210 studies on AI-enhanced special education from 2013 to 2023. Through bibliometric analysis, this review aimed to explore trends, focus areas, developments, and evolving themes of the field of AI for enhancing special education. Several noteworthy findings emerged from our analysis. The trend analysis of publications and citations revealed distinct phases, including an initial exploratory phase (2013–2016) followed by a period of rapid development (2017–2023).

<https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40593-024-00422-0>

AI, learning and education

Developed boldly and responsibly with learning science at the core, AI stands to be a powerful force in improving learning outcomes for everyone, everywhere.

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

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STEM

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How can we teach about AI in the arts, humanities and sciences? Research seminar series 2026

For the last five years, once a month, we have hosted an online seminar sharing computing education research. Seminars are organised as usually year-long series with changing themes. In 2025, for example, our theme was ‘Teaching about AI and data science’. In 2024, it was ‘Teaching programming (with or without AI)’.

<https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/how-can-we-teach-about-ai-in-the-arts-humanities-and-sciences-research-seminar-series-2026/>

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CODING & ROBOTICS

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Learning from Code Clubs around the world: How approaches differ but values are shared

Every week, young people around the world gather in libraries, classrooms, community centres, and makerspaces to create with code. From Gujarat to Glasgow, Nairobi to New Jersey, the settings may differ, but the energy is unmistakable.

<https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/learning-from-code-clubs-around-the-world-how-approaches-differ-but-values-are-shared/>

Our impact in 2025

With breakthroughs in accessibility and huge project milestones reached, 2025 has been full of achievements for the Micro:bit Educational Foundation and our community.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2025-12-29/our-impact-in-2025/>

A practical guide to teaching with the BBC micro:bit in 2026

Start the year with confidence and make the most of your BBC micro:bit with practical, classroom-ready support.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2026-01-01/2026-new-year-top-tips/>

ACCE News

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:15:44 GMT

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AUSTRALIAN

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Will the adults shaping kids’ STEM futures please stand up…to be rewarded

As technology advances and new challenges arise, the demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills will keep growing. For instance, Australia needs 650,000 more tech workers by 2030. We need a solid pipeline of STEM talent to keep up with a rapidly changing world, and our kids need to be equipped to navigate this future.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2025/November/2026_Adult_Future_Shapers>

Breaking barriers: children living with disabilities rarely see themselves reflected in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. An exciting new partnership between the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and Rebel Girls plans to

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) in collaboration with global girl empowerment brand Rebel Girls, creators of the bestselling Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls series, is proud to launch an initiative celebrating the achievements of Women with Disabilities in STEM.

<https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2025/11/breaking-barriers-children-living-with-disabilities-rarely-see-themselves-reflected-in-the-world-of-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-an-exciting-new-partnership-between-the-royal-aus/128820/>

Celebrating Women with Disabilities in STEM: Empowering Future Generations Through Representation

The world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has long faced challenges with diversity and inclusion. Among the groups often overlooked are women with disabilities, whose contributions and potential remain underrepresented. The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), in partnership with Rebel Girls, is changing this narrative by launching an initiative that highlights the achievements of women with disabilities in STEM. This project aims to inspire children, especially young girls with disabilities, by showing them that their dreams in STEM are not only valid but achievable.

<https://www.ausdis.au/post/celebrating-women-with-disabilities-in-stem-empowering-future-generations-through-representation>

Stories of STEM leaders with disabilities inspiring the next generation

A new RACI x Rebel Girls partnership is helping show young people that STEM is for everyone. By showcasing stories of women breaking barriers and thriving in STEM, the project helps young people imagine themselves in those same spaces. It spotlights notable women with disabilities in STEM, from Australia and around the world.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/stories-stem-leaders-disabilities-inspiring-next-generation>

AI’s false revolution: Study buddy or smoke and mirrors?

Billions of dollars are being poured into artificial intelligence systems that promise to change how we learn and work. Yet, according to one major 2025 MIT study, 95 per cent of corporate AI investments have so far generated zero return.

<https://educationhq.com/news/ais-false-revolution-study-buddy-or-smoke-and-mirrors-202557/>

A Principal’s guide to keeping AI honest in the classroom

As schools have familiarised themselves with the way AI works and the many ways it can be used to make life in classrooms and staffrooms easier, the equation for educators is no longer just about working faster – it’s about working smarter.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/a-principals-guide-to-keeping-ai-honest-in-the-classroom/288429>

The ‘AI revolution’ has reached an inflection point

From classrooms and living rooms to boardrooms and factories, AI continues to be used to automate tasks quickly and efficiently, freeing up valuable time and resources. Its almost universal appeal as a personal assistant has seen the industry grow to truly dizzying valuations in recent years.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-ai-revolution-has-reached-an-inflection-point/288441>

Internationally recognised early childhood and digital literacy scholar joins Monash

The Faculty of Education is delighted to welcome Professor Lisa Kervin AM as Professor in Early Childhood and ARC Future Fellow. Professor Kervin joins Monash from the University of Wollongong, where she served as Professor of Education in the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and Director of the Early Start Research Institute. She brings internationally recognised expertise in early childhood education, literacy, digital literacies, and play, and a strong record of research leadership and collaboration with educators, communities, families and children.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/about/news/internationally-recognised-early-childhood-and-digital-literacy-scholar-joins-monash>

Australian Kids Are Making Friends Across Continents Through Gaming

Your teen logs on at midnight. They’re not scrolling social media. They’re building fortresses with friends from Tokyo. Welcome to the new reality of childhood socialisation in Australia. Online multiplayer games like Fortnite have become unexpected bridges for international friendships among Australian youth.

<https://educationdaily.au/technology/australian-kids-are-making-friends-across-continents-through-gaming/>

Social media use is soaring while kids’ sport, reading and arts participation plummets

On the cusp of Australia’s world-leading social media ban for under 16s from December 10, new research has revealed the extent of the grip the websites and apps have on young people.

<https://educationhq.com/news/social-media-use-is-soaring-while-kids-sport-reading-and-arts-participation-plummets-202977/>

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STATE

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Parents To Save Money On Students’ Digital Devices

The Allan Labor Government is easing cost-of-living pressures for families by removing the requirement for parents to provide digital devices for primary school students.

<https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/parents-save-money-students-digital-devices>

ACCE Schools and Technologies News: November

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 23:44:44 GMT

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AUSTRALIAN

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SuperGEMS teams cross the finish line of unique STEM program for Years 9-10

The black and white flags have come down on the inaugural SuperGEMS (Girls Engaged in Motorsport and STEM) program, celebrating the unique ride these passionate high school participants have been on in 2025.

<https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/11/11/supergems-teams-cross-the-finish-line-of-unique-stem-program-for-years-9-10/>

Engineers Australia calls for shared responsibility and a coordinated response to deliver diversity in STEM

Engineers Australia acknowledges the Australian Government’s response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review and welcomes the opportunity to work with government and industry partners to build a more inclusive and innovative STEM workforce.

<https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/2025/11/engineers-australia-calls-shared-responsibility-and-coordinated-response>

Government’s diversity in STEM commitments a positive investment in Australia’s future

The Australian Government’s statement on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review demonstrates its commitment to building a more equitable STEM workforce.

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/governments-diversity-in-stem-commitments-a-positive-investment-in-australias-future/>

Ambitious and strategic action needed to improve diversity in STEM

Australia’s leading tech academy notes the Australian Government’s response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review, which has been released today.

<https://www.atse.org.au/news/ambitious-and-strategic-action-needed-to-improve-diversity-in-stem/>

Statement on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review

Introduction: The Australian Government’s Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review is guiding the government’s actions to build a thriving, skilled and diverse STEM workforce for the future. The government is committed to meaningful reform and is approaching the review’s findings with a focus on long-term impact.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/statement-pathway-diversity-stem-review>

Australian Government has released a statement on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review

The statement outlines broad actions that are improving opportunities for all Australians to learn, work and engage in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/australian-government-has-released-statement-pathway-diversity-stem-review>

‘One of the most rewarding things I’ve done’ – engaging students in STEM through video game development

Last term, we shared the 2025 winners of the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge. This free, annual video game development challenge invites students in years 3-12 across Australia to design and develop a video game based on a given theme in teams of 1-4. Team mentors (typically a school staff member) support students and their games are judged by teachers and industry experts.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/one-of-the-most-rewarding-things-ive-done-engaging-students-in-stem-through-video-game-development>

Is your child’s school using generative AI? Here are 8 questions to ask

There have been at least three watershed moments in how humans access information. One came with the invention of the printing press in 1440, which revolutionised the spread of knowledge. Another came in 1998, when the launch of Google changed how we search for and retrieve information.

<https://theconversation.com/is-your-childs-school-using-generative-ai-here-are-8-questions-to-ask-268873>

AI could bridge education’s digital divide, or blow it wide open [registration]

When Shakespeare penned Othello, a footy match was probably not the literary muse he had in mind. But ask artificial intelligence to find the parallels, and it obliges before you’ve even laced up your boots.

<https://www.themandarin.com.au/302960-ai-could-bridge-educations-digital-divide-or-blow-it-wide-open/>

AI Chatbots Are Supercharging Bullying In Australian Schools

The tools we trust to help our kids learn are now being weaponised against them. Australian Education Minister Jason Clare has issued a stark warning about artificial intelligence chatbots, stating they’re “super-charging bullying” among young people. In response, the government is developing a targeted anti-bullying initiative specifically designed to address AI-enabled harassment. The announcement comes as data reveals an alarming trend across Australian schools.

<https://educationdaily.au/technology/social-media/ai-chatbots-are-supercharging-bullying-in-australian-schools/>

Everyone Supports This Ban But Nobody Thinks It Will Work

The law passed with thunderous support. Almost no one thinks it will work. That’s the paradox sitting at the heart of Australia’s new social media ban for children under 16. On November 29, 2024, Parliament approved what became the world’s strictest age restriction on social media platforms. The House voted 102 to 13. The Senate followed at 34 to 19. Platforms face fines up to AUD $50 million for systematic failures to prevent underage access. You’d think those numbers signal confidence. They don’t.

<https://educationdaily.au/technology/social-media/everyone-supports-this-ban-but-nobody-thinks-it-will-work/>

Why Australia’s Bold Social Media Ban Won’t Work Alone

Australia just made global headlines with legislation that sounds definitive. Starting December 10, 2025, social media platforms must prevent anyone under 16 from holding accounts. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit, Threads, and Kick all face the same requirement. Failure to comply, and platforms could face fines up to $49.5 million. It’s the world’s first legislation of its kind. It positions Australia as a global leader in child online safety. But here’s what the policy doesn’t address.

<https://educationdaily.au/technology/social-media/why-australias-bold-social-media-ban-wont-work-alone/>

‘Able to discern fantasy from reality’: teens to help design new porn literacy program

A new research project is set to give Australian teenagers a voice in designing porn literacy education that helps them critically interrogate online pornography and any unwanted impacts.

<https://educationhq.com/news/able-to-discern-fantasy-from-reality-teens-to-help-design-new-porn-literacy-program-202071/>

New Roblox Safety Measures Protect Australian Kids Under 16

The game your child loves has a predator problem. Here’s what changed this year. Seventy-nine million users log in daily. Not all of them are children. Some are adults specifically targeting the platform’s youngest users.

<https://educationdaily.au/technology/social-media/new-roblox-safety-measures-protect-australian-kids-under-16/>

eSafety joins forces with the European Commission’s DG CNECT and the UK’s Ofcom to strengthen global cooperation on child online safety

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/esafety-joins-forces-with-the-european-commissions-dg-cnect-and-the-uks-ofcom-to-strengthen-global-cooperation-on-child-online-safety>

Copyright Amendment Bill to introduce Australian-first ‘orphan works’ scheme and facilitate online learning

The Albanese Government has today introduced legislation to establish an Australian orphan works scheme and ensure the Copyright Act can apply consistently to support online and hybrid learning. ... The Bill also makes clear that existing rules for copyright materials in the physical classroom apply when lessons are delivered online or in hybrid settings. The changes will clarify that parents and others, such as members of the community and the local police, can assist with these lessons, enhancing the educational experience. This is important for students accessing their education online, or for younger students who may require assistance from a parent or other person. This measure ensures students can take part in diversified learning experiences, while retaining the licensing frameworks that support the creative and media sector’s contribution to education.

<https://ministers.ag.gov.au/media-centre/copyright-amendment-bill-introduce-australian-first-orphan-works-scheme-and-facilitate-online-learning-05-11-2025>

Brain Rot Became Official and Your Students Are Ground Zero

Your child’s attention span has shrunk to 47 seconds. That’s down from two and a half minutes in 2004. The decline isn’t slowing. It’s accelerating. When Oxford named “brain rot” its Word of the Year for 2024, it wasn’t just capturing a cultural moment. It was acknowledging what Australian educators have been reporting for years. Seventy-eight % see students struggling to focus on educational tasks. The digital environment isn’t just distracting your students. It’s rewiring how they think. The question now isn’t whether we have a problem. The question is where this trajectory takes us over the next decade.

<https://educationdaily.au/technology/social-media/brain-rot-became-official-and-your-students-are-ground-zero/>

AI Revolution Threatens to Deepen Education Inequality, Schools Plus Says [Jan]

As artificial intelligence (AI) dominates national headlines this week, discussions about its transformative potential and societal impact are reaching a fever pitch. Amidst this crucial debate, experts warn that the AI revolution poses a significant threat to educational equity, potentially leaving children from rural and remote areas, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds further behind.

<https://www.schoolsplus.org.au/news/ai-revolution-threatens-to-deepen-education-inequality-schools-plus-says/>

WA students explore the future of STEM at Google.org-supported Schools Plus event [Apr]

More than 150 students, educators, and special guests gathered at Southern River College in Gosnells on April 1 for an inspiring and hands-on STEM event presented by national education non-profit, Schools Plus in partnership with Google.org. Designed to spark curiosity and ambition in the next generation of tech leaders, the event is the second in a national five-part series running from 2024 to 2026.

<https://www.schoolsplus.org.au/news/wa-students-explore-the-future-of-stem-at-google-org-supported-schools-plus-event/>

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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How might AI transform the way we assess and understand learning?

This summary discusses the conversation from a Community of Interest event on Artificial Intelligence for Assessment and Evaluation, a collaboration by the World Bank and EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory and Action Lab, supported by FCDO.

<https://edtechhub.org/2025/10/29/how-might-ai-transform-the-way-we-assess-and-understand-learning/>

AI and learning: A new chapter for students and educators

Throughout history, new technologies — from the printing press to the internet — have reshaped how we learn. Today, through the growth of AI, we’re at the start of the next big step.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/ai-and-learning/>

How AI shapes your feed: An explainable social media simulator for the classroom

Social media can have a powerful impact on the way we see and experience the world. What we see in our feeds is not random: it is determined by AI-driven systems that collect vast amounts of data, build user profiles, analyse engagement, and generate recommendations. But while young people are prolific users of social media, studies show that many have little understanding of what is happening ‘under the hood’

<https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/how-ai-shapes-your-feed-an-explainable-social-media-simulator-for-the-classroom/>

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CODING & ROBOTICS

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Designing for every learner in every classroom

One of the things I love most about my role as Chief Learning Officer at the Raspberry Pi Foundation is hearing from teachers around the world. A teacher in Kenya told me how their students debugged their first programming projects on a shared laptop. In Scotland, another explained how our resources gave them the confidence to teach computing for the very first time. These stories remind me daily why our work matters: every young person, no matter where they live, should have the chance to explore the power of computing.

<https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/designing-for-every-learner-in-every-classroom/>

ACCE News

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:37:32 GMT

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AUSTRALIAN

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eSafety urges schools to report deepfakes as numbers double

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has issued an urgent call for schools to report deepfake incidents to appropriate authorities as the rapid proliferation of ‘nudify’ apps online takes a growing toll on communities around Australia.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/esafety-urges-schools-to-report-deepfakes-as-numbers-double>

Deepfake damage in schools: How AI-generated abuse is disrupting students, families and school communities

Understanding the emerging risks of deepfake technology – and how schools, parents, and young people should respond.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/blogs/deepfake-damage-in-schools-how-ai-generated-abuse-is-disrupting-students-families-and-school-communities>

Training for teachers boosts confidence in safe and effective AI use in classrooms

Teachers across Australia have been grappling with how to support the safe and effective use of generative AI (GenAI) in schools. In response, Education Services Australia (ESA) and Microsoft have joined forces to create an online training solution that aligns with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the Australian Government’s Framework for Generative AI in Schools.

<https://www.esa.edu.au/news-insights/training-for-teachers-boosts-confidence-in-safe-and-effective-ai-use-in-classrooms>

AI revolution tests learning foundations

Artificial intelligence has swept through Australian classrooms, promising personalised learning and instant feedback. But emerging research suggests this educational revolution may come at a cost—one measured in diminished brain connections and forgotten lessons.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/ai-revolution-tests-learning-foundations/287516>

Inform.ED Wrap-Up: Where Ideas, Innovation & Education Meet

Thank’s to everyone who joined us for inform.ed from educators and EdTech leaders to sector partners and innovators. Your energy, ideas, and willingness to collaborate are what make this community so powerful.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2025/07/03/inform-ed-wrap-up-where-ideas-innovation-education-meet/>

The digital career practitioner: Effective and ethical use of digital tools in career education

In addition to transforming how people manage their own careers, digital technology has had a huge impact on the delivery of career education. myfuture explore how career guidance practitioners can reflect on technology and what it means for their professional practice.

<https://www.esa.edu.au/news-insights/the-digital-career-practitioner-effective-and-ethical-use-of-digital-tools-in-career-education>

Using worked examples in science

In learning science, students frequently apply their knowledge and skills to tasks that require multiple steps – such as solving a problem, forming an argument, or undertaking an analysis.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/using-worked-examples-in-science>

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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AI Literacy Is Imperative for Classroom Success

As the world becomes increasingly technology-driven with artificial intelligence (AI) leading the way, equipping students with AI literacy skills is essential. A report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that AI will create 170 million new roles over the next decade. This shift underscores the need for students to grasp AI's role in the job market, preparing them for a future where AI literacy is crucial for career success. Beyond conventional teaching methods, educators are tasked with helping students grasp the intricacies of AI—its functionality, potential applications and even inherent limitations.

<https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/2025/july/ai-literacy-is-imperative-for-classroom-success/>

The Future of AI in K-12 Education: Amy Eguchi of Education Studies predicts how AI will change learning

“AI could potentially change education drastically,” says UC San Diego education scholar Amy Eguchi, who is both excited and concerned about the prospect.

<https://today.ucsd.edu/story/the-future-of-ai-in-k-12-education>

2025 AI in Education

AI is transforming nearly every aspect of our society, from how work gets done to how companies operate. It’s changing how we talk with our doctors, our employees, and our customers, bridging language gaps and helping us communicate more clearly and effectively. And it’s transforming education too.

<https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/bade/documents/products-and-services/en-us/education/2025-Microsoft-AI-in-Education-Report.pdf>

Global Educators Gather at First-Ever Joint ISTE+ASCD Conference to Transform Learning and Advance AI in Education

More than 17,200 participants from across 82 countries and all 50 states attended the first-ever co-located ISTELive and ASCD Annual Conference, held in San Antonio and online from June 29-July 2. The event brought together thousands of teachers, curriculum leaders, and edtech industry professionals from around the globe to explore the intersection of technology integration and curriculum development for transformative teaching and learning.

<https://iste.org/news/global-educators-gather-iste-ascd-annual-conference-transform-learning-ai>

ISTELive 25: Strategies for Teaching Teachers About AI

As the fast progression of AI raises both the stakes and urgency of professional development for teachers, education instructors have shared thoughts on what works — and what doesn't — to get them up to speed.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/istelive-25-strategies-for-teaching-teachers-about-ai>

ISTELive 25: 9 AI Ethics Scenarios (and What School Librarians Would Do)

At the ISTELive 25 conference in San Antonio, a group of librarians said the potential of artificial intelligence to enable research must be weighed against costs not only to student learning but to content creators.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/istelive-25-9-ai-ethics-scenarios-and-what-school-librarians-would-do>

EMEA universities and schools transforming education with the help of Google AI

Across the EMEA region, institutions are leveraging Google AI tools like the Gemini app and NotebookLM to enhance efficiency, support teaching and learning, and foster critical AI literacy. See how these universities and schools are finding innovative ways to apply AI.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/emea-universities-and-schools-transforming-education-with-the-help-of-google-ai/>

Gemini in Classroom: No-cost AI tools that amplify teaching and learning

Last year, we began bringing the capabilities of Gemini to Google Classroom to help educators use AI for their common teaching tasks. Today, we’re announcing that our suite of educational AI tools — Gemini in Classroom — will now be available to all educators with Google Workspace for Education accounts, free of charge.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/classroom-ai-features/>

New Gemini tools for students and educators

At this year’s International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference, we announced new AI solutions designed to help every learner and educator. Here’s a closer look at what’s new.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/gemini-iste-2025/>

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REMOTE LEARNING

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International Conference on Open, Distance and Flexible Learning Coming to New Zealand

Join educators, researchers, leaders, and innovators from around the world at the 30th ICDE World Conference 2025. Held under the theme “Ako: Exchanging ideas for inclusive, scalable and sustainable education,” the conference highlights global efforts to expand access to quality education.

<https://edtechnz.org.nz/2025/06/24/international-conference-on-open-distance-and-flexible-learning-coming-to-new-zealand/>

Supporting remote learning with iPad

When schools around the world closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, educators found themselves in unprecedented circumstances. Some schools that had implemented 1:1 iPad programs discovered that they already had the tools to pick up where they had left off — and keep their students on track. Watch the video to learn how iPad enabled them to shift to remote learning without missing a beat.

<https://www.apple.com/lae/education/k12/success-stories/remote-learning/>

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SCHOOLS & CLASSROOM

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Study finds smartphone bans in Dutch schools improved focus

A ban on mobile phones and other electronic devices in Dutch schools has improved focus among students, a study commissioned by the Dutch government found.

<https://www.reuters.com/technology/study-finds-smartphone-bans-dutch-schools-improved-focus-2025-07-04/>

10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom

Google enthusiasts, unite. During an ISTELive 25 session, Dr. Wanda Terral, chief of technology for Tennessee’s Lakeland School System, took attendees through a growing list of Google tools, along with some non-Google resources, to boost classroom creativity, productivity, and collaboration.

<https://www.eschoolnews.com/digital-learning/2025/07/04/10-and-counting-google-classroom/>

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STEM

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CODING & ROBOTICS

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How to build young people’s agency through accessible learning

We think computing or computer science (CS) needs to be accessible to all learners, and we know that teachers work hard towards this. Traditional CS approaches can lack flexibility, creating barriers to learning and excluding some young people. In today’s blog, we’re highlighting the ‘Universal design for learning’ (UDL) framework and how you can use it to make computing education more accessible to all your learners.

<https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/how-to-build-young-peoples-agency-through-accessible-learning/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2025

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:26:49 GMT

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.

ACCE Education & Technology News - January 2025

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:19:37 GMT

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

ACCE Education & Technology News - December 2024

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 01:24:49 GMT

Australian

Student Wellbeing and Technology Access

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
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
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
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

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
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
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

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
Principal’s Perspective on AI
- "Artificial intelligence platforms have the ability to revolutionise teaching and improve student outcomes."
  Link

NSW

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
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
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
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
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

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2024

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:01:46 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - January 2024

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:13:29 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2023 Update 1

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:10:12 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2023

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:34:55 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2023 Update 1

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 02:15:00 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2023

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:17:16 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2023 Update 5

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:07:10 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2023 Update 4

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:59:15 GMT

Teachers are helpless to stop AI cheating

At least 50 per cent of teachers have had to mark assignments they were certain had been written by ChatGPT or other generative AI platforms, but their schools had no policies to deal with the problem, a government inquiry into the use of artificial intelligence in education has heard.

<https://www.afr.com/technology/teachers-are-helpless-to-stop-ai-cheating-20230906-p5e2hr>

Is banning AI in state schools dudding students?

For Westbourne Grammar principal Adrian Camm, artificial intelligence in classrooms is something to be embraced, not feared.

<https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/is-banning-ai-in-state-schools-dudding-students-20230717-p5dotf>

Namecheap’s NC.ME Free Website Initiative For Students & Teachers Surpasses 500,000 Domains Registered

Namecheap ... announced its popular nc.me Namecheap for Education program has given away more than 500,000 .me domains to students and educators throughout North America, the UK, and Australia.

<https://www.namecheap.com/about/press-releases/23-09-05/nc-me-initiative-for-students-surpasses-500000-domains/>

University of Canberra seeks primary schools for STEM program

The University of Canberra’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Research Centre (SERC) is calling for expressions of interest from primary schools across Australia to participate in a free pilot program in 2024.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/university-of-canberra-seeks-primary-schools-for-stem-program/>

UC staff take STEM learning to the regions with microscope donations and citizen science outreach

When Samantha Bronar – a Student Engagement and Work Integrated Learning Advisor at the University of Canberra – realised that her old school was still using the same microscopes she herself used over 30 years ago, she figured the Faculty of Science and Technology could help with an equipment update.

<https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/media/newsroom/2023/august/uc-staff-take-stem-learning-to-the-regions-with-microscope-donations-and-citizen-science-outreach>

ELSA: STEM in Schools – media release

<https://inteact.act.edu.au/2023/08/15/elsa-stem-in-schools/>

Research shows UC’s ELSA Program significantly boosts STEM outcomes and improves language skills, rolling out now for 2023 [December 2022]

More than 400 early childhood centres and preschools around Australia have now used the ELSA Program, and evidence from the University of Canberra shows that both educators and students achieve considerably better STEM outcomes thanks to the program.

<https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/media/newsroom/2022/december/research-shows-ucs-elsa-program-significantly-boosts-stem-outcomes-and-improves-language-skills,-rolling-out-now-for-2023>

Practical infographics for your classroom

Enhance your lesson planning with a series of digital technologies infographics for Foundation to Year 10 students. You'll find posters with relevant examples, clear explanations and helpful 'I can' statements. Explore the topics: Data representation; Algorithms; Programming

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/search/data-representation-f-10-infographic/>

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/search/algorithms-f-10-infographic/>

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/search/programming-f-10-infographic/>

How to improve school education

Our students are not performing well enough. Australia should set its sights much higher. Here’s how.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/how-to-improve-school-education/>

ChatGPT: Schools put new policies in place [video]

With students returning to class, most colleges are starting the year with new ChatGPT policies.

<https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/chatgpt-schools-put-new-policies-in-place/video/c3d05f3f036e8ed6f3125dd89f6f19bf>

Tes launches Learning Pathways to give teachers back time to teach

Education solutions provider Tes has unveiled its latest product, ‘Learning Pathways’, a new solution for schools looking to evidence how they are supporting student diversity – a key area for the new version 9.0 curriculum.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/tes-launches-learning-pathways-to-give-teachers-back-time-to-teach/>

Any AI school policy guidelines need only be one page - for now: Esterman [subscription]

There’s no need for schools to ‘twist themselves into knots’ in a bid to develop ethically sound AI policies, a leading educator has said.

<https://educationhq.com/news/any-ai-school-policy-guidelines-need-only-be-one-page-for-now-esterman-154782/>

Govt under pressure over nuclear submarine STEM challenge [subscription]

The Opposition has called on the Government to guarantee its support for a controversial school STEM challenge.

<https://educationhq.com/news/govt-under-pressure-over-nuclear-submarine-stem-challenge-154438/>

STEM stars headline Hunter conference

Comedian and maths geek Adam Spencer, maths teaching guru Eddie Woo and futurist Dr Catherine Ball were among the STEM stars attending STEM 2023 for teachers in the Hunter last week.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/stem-stars-headline-hunter-conference>

New updates to ensure safer learning at school and at home

The Google for Education team continues to build education services with highly sophisticated privacy technology at their core in partnership with policymakers, data-privacy regulators, third-party groups, and education institutions worldwide. Today, we’re sharing updates for our work globally, to help students, parents, and educators keep their data secure and private, and make sure they are in control when using our services. This includes new features in Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks, such as data processor mode for ChromeOS and the new Service Data Addendum for Google Workspace for Education.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/saferlearning-2023/>

KinderLab Robotics Debuts AI Curriculum for Young Learners

KinderLab Robotics, a leader in educational STEAM robotics for grades pre-K–5, has launched Thinking with KIBO: Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Early Grades, a free curriculum designed to help students understand how AI tools work and think critically about how these tools can improve lives in their communities.

<https://www.eschoolnews.com/newsline/2023/09/01/kinderlab-robotics-debuts-ai-curriculum-for-young-learners/>

How to Use STEM Teaching Tools in Your Classroom

You’re probably familiar with the perks that come with getting students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/use-stem-teaching-tools-classroom/>

What Is Computer Science For Kids? How to Get Kids Started Coding

Computer science is an exciting, ever-changing field with a lot to offer.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/what-is-computer-science-for-kids/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2023 Update 3

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:51:49 GMT

Feds 'playing catch-up' on use of ChatGPT in schools [AAP]

Australia is "playing catch-up" on the use of a popular chatbot in the education system, federal officials have conceded at a federal inquiry.

<https://educationhq.com/news/australia-playing-catch-up-on-use-of-chatgpt-in-schools-155525/> [subscription]

Don’t be seduced by ChatGPT, educators warn: Lack of school policies is damaging education, inquiry hears.

Educational technology (EdTech) solutions risk being marginalised by ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, an inquiry has heard, as teachers and students use it to create lesson plans and write assignments indistinguishable from those written by humans.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2023/don-t-be-seduced-by-chatgpt--educators-warn.html>

Girls take up the STEM challenge in ACER game design competition

Girls have brought their A-game to the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge this year, making up 73% of the winners, despite being only 33% of the total entrants.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/girls-take-up-the-stem-challenge-in-acer-game-design-competition>

How teachers can help young people evaluate online content in a post-truth world

Half of Year 8 students trust adults more than the internet for information, while about a third would accept content as true if it was repeated by multiple online sources, new research shows.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-teachers-can-help-young-people-evaluate-online-content-in-a-posttruth-world/283235>

Podcast - Squiz Kids: Ministers: The Hon Jason Clare MP: SUBJECTS: Star Wars; homework; teacher workforce; NAPLAN; the power of education

BRYCE CORBETT: Hello, and welcome to this very special edition of the Squiz Kids Q&A, the podcast where you, the kids of Australia, get to ask the questions. I'm Bryce Corbett, and joining us today in the Squiz Kids Q&A hot seat is none other than the Federal Education Minister himself, Jason Clare. Now, as the Minister in the Federal Government responsible for schools and education right around the country, it's not a stretch to say that more than any other politician in Australia, this man has a big influence over your day to day lives. So let's plonk him in the hot seat and get him to answer the questions that you've sent in. Minister, welcome to Squiz Kids.

<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/podcast-squiz-kids>

Cyber security licence could be first line of defence for Aussie kids [subscription]

Cyber safety is one of the most prevalent and pressing of concerns in society and it has never been more important that we be well informed and prepared for the exciting, yet perilously dangerous, cyber world.

<https://educationhq.com/news/cyber-security-licence-could-be-first-line-of-defence-for-aussie-kids-155130/>

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>

School Improvement Episode 47: Karonga School’s immersive classroom

Our guest for today’s School Improvement episode is Ruth Rogers, Principal of Karonga School in New South Wales. Ruth joins us today to talk about her school’s immersive classroom, and how it allows students – all of whom have an intellectual disability – to access a world beyond the classroom and practice skills that they can take with them when they are out in the community.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/school-improvement-episode-47-karonga-schools-immersive-classroom>

UNESCO: Governments must quickly regulate Generative AI in schools

As pupils in part of the world return to school after the summer break, UNESCO is calling on governments to implement appropriate regulations and teacher training, to ensure a human-centred approach to using Generative AI in education. To this end, UNESCO publishes the first-ever global Guidance on Generative AI in Education and Research, designed to address the disruptions caused by Generative AI technologies.

<https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-governments-must-quickly-regulate-generative-ai-schools>

The AI Potential for Education

One of the great 80s songs reminds us that education is an essential component to empowerment: “I believe children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way.”

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2023/09/the-ai-potential-for-education/

Time for teachers to get moving on ChatGPT

Students across the globe have been experimenting with ChatGPT, the artificial-intelligence-driven program, over the past several months. Many educators, however, remain mired in concerns about all of its potential impacts on teaching and learning.

<https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/09/time-for-teachers-to-get-moving-on-chatgpt/>

6 Things Teachers Do That AI Just Can't

Education Week asked educators and AI experts which teacher tasks are very unlikely to be replaced with AI tools.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/6-things-teachers-do-that-ai-just-cant/2023/09>

Back to school in a changing world

Dear Teachers, In many parts of the world, students will be returning to the classroom this week. Educators will be busy putting finishing touches on the curriculum and organising scheduling. Parents and caregivers will be focused on packing lunches, dropping anxious and excited students off and trying to figure out how to juggle work, caregiving and responsibilities around schooling. It’s worth taking a step back to consider the global context in which these students are learning.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/back-to-school-in-a-changing-world/>

Fueling student futures with the power of literacy

September 8th is International Literacy Day, a day designated by UNESCO to showcase the far-reaching importance of literacy in our lives. It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the full power, purpose, and potential that literacy offers—in the classroom, in the library, and in the world.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/08/fueling-student-futures-with-the-power-of-literacy>

Microsoft’s 2023-2024 MIE Experts and Showcase Schools: Fostering a culture of innovation

As we embark on the 2023-2024 year, it is with great excitement and anticipation that we extend a huge welcome to Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts and Showcase Schools. These exceptional educators and institutions are at the forefront of educational transformation, harnessing the power of technology to enhance learning experiences and inspire the next generation of learners.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/09/microsofts-2023-2024-mie-experts-and-showcase-schools-fostering-a-culture-of-innovation>

Expand students' information literacy skills: A guide to Search Progress for educators

Search Progress, a new Learning Accelerator, is intentionally built alongside Search Coach to help students gain lifelong information literacy skills within a structured environment. Search Progress empowers you to create, customize, and assign research projects. It offers simple and authentic ways to find, curate, and reflect on information discovered throughout the research process. Search Progress offers many benefits for both educators and students:

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/08/expand-students-information-literacy-skills-a-guide-to-search-progress-for-educators>

Gear up for the school year with Microsoft’s AI-powered solutions

The school year has begun and we’re here to help! Microsoft offers a range of teaching, learning, and work solutions with built-in AI that can help you and your students thrive this year. We are committed to designing, developing, and deploying responsible AI solutions that are fair, reliable, secure, inclusive, and transparent to support educational settings.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/09/gear-up-for-the-school-year-with-microsofts-ai-powered-solutions>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2023 Update 2

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 12:05:25 GMT

Inspiring girls to pursue STEM this Book Week? That’s RAD!

The 2023 Children’s Book Week theme is Read, Grow, Inspire! A Griffith University researcher is using the latest in a series of children’s books to do just that by breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging children to be the scientists of the future.

<https://news.griffith.edu.au/2023/08/23/inspiring-girls-to-pursue-stem-this-book-week-thats-rad/>

Empowering school leaders to tackle cyberbullying and violence

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing best practices and equipping students with essential skills to navigate the digital world safely. Empowering children to be savvy online is as crucial as teaching them road safety. With the prevalence of cyberbullying, inappropriate content and online predators, fostering digital literacy and responsible online behaviour is paramount.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/empowering-school-leaders-to-tackle-cyberbullying-and-violence/283066>

Teacher planning – building student vocabulary in STEM

‘Deliberately planning to support students to build and use their vocabulary is critical to ensuring that students can both access the curriculum content and effectively demonstrate their understanding.’ Educational leader Michael Rosenbrock shares what this might look like in practice for maths and science teachers.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/teacher-planning-building-student-vocabulary-in-stem>

Global Education Episode 22: Technology in education – a tool on whose terms?

In this episode I’m joined by Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report Director Manos Antoninis to discuss the 6 key messages in the major international study Technology in Education: A tool on whose terms?, including what governments, systems and schools should be thinking about when planning to bring technology into the classroom.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/global-education-episode-22-technology-in-education-a-tool-on-whose-terms>

Can education technology really improve learning in Australia?

The student learning experience in Australia has come a long way since the days of chalkboards and being forced to write with your right hand. Quills and traditional whiteboards have been replaced by tablets and smart boards. Abacuses and calculators have since been replaced by laptops and smartphones.

<https://www.standard.net.au/story/8317213/can-education-technology-really-improve-learning-in-australia/>

Lenovo’s versatile new tablets invite learning, mobility and multitasking

Lenovo is introducing two new additions to its lineup of consumer tablets powered by Android: the Lenovo Tab P12 and the Lenovo Tab M10 5G. Designed with students in mind and made for more versatility and enhanced personal time, the devices seamlessly combine entertainment, learning, and mobility.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/lenovos-versatile-new-tablets-invite-learning-mobility-and-multitasking/>

Why Marble Bar Primary School shines as a beacon of brilliance in First Nations education

The Marble Bar Virtual World (MBVW) program has been achieving one of the most elusive goals in Australian education – closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students’ learning outcomes. This feat was demonstrated on the world stage in 2022 when the school won an international gold medal at the 2022 Australia Pacific ICT Awards, known as “the Oscars of innovation in ICT.”

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/why-marble-bar-primary-school-shines-as-a-beacon-of-brilliance-in-first-nations-education/283070>

How one tech school is building STEM skills for the future

How are students getting access to the latest technology in robotics, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, and video games to play, learn and prepare for future careers? Cosmos robotics reporter Petra Stock visits Wyndham Tech, a hub for technology education for schools in Melbourne’s west for a glimpse of what students experience when they visit.

<https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/robotics/how-one-tech-school-is-building-stem-skills-for-the-future/>

Explained: Google’s new tools and features for safer learning, how they work

In an ongoing commitment to safeguarding the privacy of students, parents, and educators, the Google for Education team has unveiled a series of updates and innovations aimed at ensuring the security of data and providing users with greater control over their information.

<https://www.gadgetsnow.com/featured/explained-googles-new-tools-and-features-for-safer-learning-how-they-work/articleshow/102989546.cms>

Kids Are Going Back to School. So Is ChatGPT

Last winter, the unveiling of OpenAI’s alarmingly sophisticated chatbot sent educators into a tailspin. Generative AI, it was feared, would enable rampant cheating and plagiarism, and even make high school English obsolete. Universities debated updating plagiarism policies. Some school districts outright banned ChatGPT from their networks. Now, a new school year presents new challenges—and, for some, new opportunities.

<https://www.wired.com/story/chatgpt-schools-plagiarism-lesson-plans/>

How Widespread Will AI Be in Classrooms This Year? Teachers Offer Some Clues

A new teacher survey also finds educator optimism up for the first time since the pandemic.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-widespread-will-ai-be-in-classrooms-this-year-teachers-offer-some-clues/2023/08>

Transforming Your STEM Classroom: AI and Technology In Action: 12 Sep

Discover the exciting possibilities of using AI and technology in your STEM classroom!

<https://www.edweek.org/events/webinar/transforming-your-stem-classroom-ai-and-technology-in-action>

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/>

What’s Wrong With STEM Education: How to Address the Problems

If there is one area of education that is filled with accusations of being inadequate in the US, it would be STEM.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/whats-wrong-with-stem-education/>

What Are The Characteristics of a STEM Classroom

STEM Education is a rising fast curriculum. It first began to gain even more notoriety in the early 2000s, receiving several federal grants as a research-based curriculum and is now frequently included in teacher training and development.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/characteristics-of-stem-classroom/>

How Does STEM Education Fit With Science Education

STEM is a way of engaging with a child’s natural curiosity about the world. My kids are constantly asking questions. Some I don’t even know the answer to. Kids are so present with their surroundings and are incredibly observant. Imagine how pure and powerful that sense of curiosity is in those little bodies.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/science-education/>

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/>

How Robots Are Helping Better K–12 Schools

K–12 schools everywhere are facing challenges with staffing. Teacher shortages are making headlines across the country, but other departments are feeling the staffing strain too. Job openings persist, proving hard to fill, in IT, transportation, food service and other departments at K–12 institutions.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2023/08/how-robots-are-helping-better-k-12-schools>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2023 Update 1

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 01:22:38 GMT

MobileMuster inspiring recycling action with $5000 student prize in creative works competition

Free mobile phone recycling service MobileMuster is inviting students from around Australia to produce creative pieces that inspire recycling action. With two $5000 first prizes and a total prize pool of $16,000, the competition opened June 12 and entries will be accepted until September 30.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/mobilemuster-inspiring-recycling-action-with-5000-student-prize-in-creative-works-competition/>

Riverside Girls High STEAM team win Metro challenge

Riverside Girls High won the 2023 Metro Minds STEAM challenge with an idea to relieve overcrowding on the Sydney Metro system.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/riverside-girls-high-steam-team-win-metro-challenge>

Australian high school science failing to mention women in STEM

A new study has found Australian high school science courses fail to mention the contributions of women in STEM. Biwa Kwan spoke to Monash University Associate Professor Rashina Hoda for her reaction.

<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/australian-high-school-science-failing-to-mention-women-in-stem/6562nsb87>

AI in the classroom: opportunities and challenges of AI for educators

Not so long ago, chalk and blackboard gave way to marker and whiteboard, followed swiftly by interactive stylus and smartboard. Pens and paper have morphed into laptops and tablets. Then came the abrupt handbrake turn into the online classroom during the world’s pandemic lockdowns. Now, the global market for AI in education is set to be worth £2.88 billion by 2023, according to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/ai-classroom-opportunities-challenges-ai-educators>

What ChatGPT can’t do: Educating for curiosity and creativity

Earlier this year, a Fortune Magazine headline proclaimed that “The next era of work will be about skills – not pedigree,” suggesting that employers are moving away from standard indicators of potential employee success, like college degrees and years of experience, and prioritising tangible skills. At the same time, the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) bots that can write like Shakespeare and win art competitions has led to concerns that technology will make many current jobs obsolete. These changes represent a seismic shift in the future of the workplace. Rather than job-specific knowledge and skills, students will need to do what AI bots can’t do—be curious and creative.

<https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-chatgpt-cant-do-educating-for-curiosity-and-creativity/>

AI as School Librarian: Creating Bannable Book Lists

Can AI be an able assistant to conservative school boards and educators seeking to ban content they consider inappropriate? The answer is, "Probably. Yes."

<https://www.mguhlin.org/2023/08/ai-as-school-librarian-creating.html>

ChatGPT Is Everywhere in This District. Here's What It Looks Like

From newsletters to lesson plans, Wichita Public Schools is all in with artificial intelligence.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/chatgpt-is-everywhere-in-this-district-heres-what-it-looks-like/2023/08>

Reading, writing, and ChatGPT: High school English teachers adjust to the new realities of AI

BOT or NOT? This special series explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines, examining the ways that robots, artificial intelligence and automation are impacting our work and lives.

<https://www.geekwire.com/2023/reading-writing-and-chatgpt-high-school-english-teachers-adjust-to-the-new-realities-of-ai/>

How to Address the Digital Threats That Students Face in Online Education

Adopting digital learning in K–12 comes with potential threats to students. These threats can range from relatively innocuous digital distractions to cyberbullying and online predators.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2023/08/how-address-digital-threats-students-face-online-education>

Teens Are 'Digital Natives,' But More Susceptible to Online Conspiracies Than Adults

Schools have their work cut out for them on students' digital literacy.

<https://www.edweek.org/teens-are-digital-natives-but-more-susceptible-to-online-conspiracies-than-adults/2023/08>

Exciting Ways to Introduce STEM Education to Preschoolers

The world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is not just for school-aged children and adults. Even preschoolers can get in on the fun! Here are 10 exciting ways to introduce STEM education to your little ones.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/exciting-ways-to-introduce-stem-education-to-preschoolers/>

The Importance of STEM in the Classroom – 4 Ways Educators Are Acclimating to STEM Education

It’s no secret that today’s earliest primary grade education maintains some of the staples of classrooms over the years.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/importance-of-stem-in-the-classroom/>

How Can STEM Education Shape the Future

Think of the great inventors and geniuses from the past: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Albert Einstein. Did you know that each of these men had traditional schooling, with some not even finishing? Even though they were born, natural thinkers and innovators think: How could their schooling have been different if they had a STEM education?

<https://stemeducationguide.com/how-can-stem-education-shape-the-future/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 01:18:12 GMT

Australian high school science failing to mention women in STEM

<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/australian-high-school-science-failing-to-mention-women-in-stem/6562nsb87>

Only one female scientist is mentioned in Australian high school science curricula

Australian high school science courses are failing to mention the contributions of women in science subjects, according to new research.

<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/only-one-female-scientist-is-mentioned-in-australian-high-school-science-curricula/sqsquuwcu>

Where are the women? High school STEM curriculum pushes ‘lone male genius’ narrative

The achievements of Australian female scientists are less likely to appear in senior high school lessons despite millions of taxpayer dollars being spent attempting to channel more young women into STEM careers.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/where-are-the-women-high-school-stem-curriculum-pushes-lone-male-genius-narrative-20230826-p5dzog.html>

The small-town scientist shaping the future of STEM

Jess Bugeja is using artificial intelligence to improve outcomes for pre-term infants and she’s passionate about inspiring kids to pursue STEM.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2023/August/Jess-Bugeja>

Much more to be done to improve diversity in STEM

The President of the Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the draft recommendations of the Diversity in STEM review, released today by the Australian Government, which highlights the task at hand while showcasing progress made.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/much-more-to-be-done-to-improve-diversity-in-stem>

Eight ways to better engage girls in digital technologies education

Research conducted by ACER for CSIRO has identified several factors that could facilitate greater engagement of young women in digital technologies education.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/8-ways-to-better-engage-girls-in-digital-technologies-education>

Expert Q&A: Tricky science concepts for primary students

In our latest expert Q&A we talk to Kristy Osborne, a physicist, former pre-service teacher and Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) about the science concepts that primary students struggle with and why it’s important for teachers to identify and address student misconceptions early on.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/expert-q-a-tricky-science-concepts-for-primary-students>

Teacher planning – manipulatives and representations in STEM

So far in a 3-part series on teacher planning, educational leader Michael Rosenbrock has looked at how teachers can pro-actively plan to tackle student misconceptions in STEM and support them to build and use their vocabulary in science and mathematics. In this final article, he explores how teachers can best plan to make effective use of manipulatives and representations to help students build understanding.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/teacher-planning-manipulatives-and-representations-in-stem>

Factors facilitating greater engagement of young women in digital technologies education

‘Addressing the gender imbalance in digital technologies education and careers is an important goal. The research highlighted several areas where educators can contribute.’ Research from ACER for CSIRO has identified several factors that could support greater engagement of young women in digital technologies education. Find out more in this article.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/factors-facilitating-greater-engagement-of-young-women-in-digital-technologies-education>

The promise and peril of AI: Will machines make us more or less human?

AI promises a revolution in education. Systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard demonstrate astonishing conversational ability and knowledge, and these are likely just the tip of the iceberg as AI capabilities continue to accelerate. To us, this provokes both optimism and apprehension about technology’s likely impact on humanity.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-promise-and-peril-of-ai-will-machines-make-us-more-or-less-human/283150>

Aussie teachers optimistic about the benefits of AI in the classroom

A new globally-researched report reveals almost half (42%) of Australian teachers are optimistic about the benefits of leveraging generative AI tools like ChatGPT within the classroom.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/aussie-teachers-optimistic-about-the-benefits-of-ai-in-the-classroom/>

Record-breaking EduTECH congress and expo largest since COVID

EduTECH Australia, described as ‘one giant festival for all of education’, has broken several records at its 2023 event, including the largest attendance since the pandemic disrupted face-to-face events.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/record-breaking-edutech-congress-and-expo-largest-since-covid/>

Australia’s newest International Science Olympiad competitors revealed

Australia’s newest batch of Olympiad stars will be announced on Monday 19 June at Australian Parliament House – and every one of them is still in high school.

<https://www.asi.edu.au/2023-international-science-olympiad/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - August 2023 Update 1

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:44:14 GMT

ChatGPT creator pulls AI detection tool due to ‘low rate of accuracy’

Less than six months after ChatGPT-creator OpenAI unveiled an AI detection tool with the potential to help teachers and other professionals detect AI generated work, the company has pulled the feature.

<https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/25/tech/openai-ai-detection-tool/index.html>

ChatGPT isn’t the death of homework – just an opportunity for schools to do things differently

ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence (AI) platform launched by research company Open AI, can write an essay in response to a short prompt. It can perform mathematical equations – and show its working.

<https://theconversation.com/chatgpt-isnt-the-death-of-homework-just-an-opportunity-for-schools-to-do-things-differently-205053>

AI and the next digital divide in education

The theme of the most recent Education World Forum (EWF), the world’s largest annual gathering of education ministers, was “new beginnings.” The program featured perspectives from education leaders from all over the world on a variety of topics, many of them evergreen: access to education; educational quality; equity; jobs; skills; the role of teachers; gender; and sustainability. Post-pandemic, more attention was paid to issues of building resilience in education systems than it had been in past years. Reflecting larger societal trends, discussions of the role of education vis-a-vis climate change were heard more often, and at a higher volume. However, one new topic did serve as a sort of thematic connective tissue across all three days of discussions, infusing doses of concern, confusion, worry, and excitement into considerations of whatever was on the formal agenda for ministerial deliberation: the potential role and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

<https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ai-and-the-next-digital-divide-in-education/>

What Teachers Should Know About AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

For our students’ sake, as well as our own, we need to learn how to adapt to artificial intelligence—whether we like it or not.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-what-teachers-should-know-about-ai-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/2023/07>

UNESCO report on technology in education highlights lack of appropriate governance

A new global UNESCO report on technology in education highlights the lack of appropriate governance and regulation. Countries are urged to set their own terms for the way technology is designed and used in education so that it never replaces in-person, teacher-led instruction, and supports the shared objective of quality education for all.

<https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/education/2538119-unesco-reporton-technology-in-education-highlights-lack-of-appropriate-governance>

Education in the age of AI and smart technology

We are in a new era–the Era of Smart Technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of ChatGPT-4 is very smart and ChatGPT-5, -6, and -7, etc. will be even smarter. Smart technology will change the “game of work” and it will change how we educate people.

<https://www.eschoolnews.com/digital-learning/2023/07/31/education-in-the-age-of-ai-and-smart-technology/>

Research Finds AI More Popular Among Teachers Than Students

When it comes to the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, educators seem more optimistic than students about its potential to reverse learning loss and improve outcomes, according to recent research from the study-materials company Quizlet.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/research-finds-ai-more-popular-among-teachers-than-students>

From Classroom to Career: How STEM Teachers are Paving the Way for Industry-Ready Graduates

It is a common subsidy both between the teachers and the executives of the industry and the market that STEM education has emerged as a critical element of the modern educational landscape, preparing students for the requirements of the 21st-century workforce. At the “heart” of this transformative approach are STEM teachers who play a vital role in students’ equipment with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical fields. But what exactly is a SΤΕΜ school and why are the STEM teachers so important?

<https://ceoworld.biz/2023/07/31/from-classroom-to-career-how-stem-teachers-are-paving-the-way-for-industry-ready-graduates/>

The Importance of STEM in Childhood Education

STEM is the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics that fuses some of the most important subjects of the 21st century with practical, real-world learning opportunities.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/the-importance-of-stem-in-childhood-education/>

CS Connections has SEVEN new modules, plus professional learning

Code.org is excited to announce the latest additions to our CS Connections curriculum! Intended for grades 3–5, CS Connections is a comprehensive curriculum that seamlessly integrates computer science (CS) into various subjects, such as math, English language arts, science, and social studies. This year’s launch is designed specifically for elementary teachers who don’t teach CS or who are new to CS; these modules empower educators to integrate CS with other subjects, reinforcing, strengthening, and extending student learning.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/new-cs-connections-has-seven-new-modules-plus-professional-learning-66f60a7096e8>

ACCE Education & Technology News - August 2023

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:37:37 GMT

New program brings Indigenous scientific knowledge to the classroom

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Chevron Australia have today launched a new program, ‘Living STEM’, aimed at connecting students to Indigenous scientific knowledge in the classroom.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2023/August/CSIRO-and-Chevron-Australia-launch-Living-STEM>

living STEM brings first nations knowledge to the classroom

Chevron Australia is proudly partnering with CSIRO to deliver the Living STEM program – enhancing the connection between First Nations’ knowledge and the classroom.

<https://australia.chevron.com/news/2023/living-stem-brings-first-nations-knowledge-to-the-classroom>

Draft schools AI framework open for consultation

The next step in developing a framework to guide the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in the nation’s schools is underway with the draft being released for consultation.

<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/draft-schools-ai-framework-open-consultation>

Schools AI framework to grant students access to ChatGPT

Students would be allowed to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT for assessments under a draft framework developed by a taskforce of experts to guide the safe and ethical use of the technology in Australian schools.

<https://www.innovationaus.com/schools-ai-framework-to-grant-students-access-to-chatgpt/>

Ethical AI in the classroom: National taskforce releases draft framework

The federal government is calling for submissions on an artificial intelligence (AI) framework in schools, following an agreement by state and territory education ministers to release the document for feedback.

<https://www.themandarin.com.au/226589-ethical-ai-in-classroom-national-taskforce-releases-draft-framework/>

AI framework to allow use of ChatGPT in schools [subscription]

Students will likely be allowed to use generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT at school soon.

<https://educationhq.com/news/ai-framework-to-allow-use-of-chatgpt-in-schools-152090/>

Designing learning to their needs: new report charts way forward for AI in schools [subscription]

Rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and experiences from the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic all demand practical strategies to ensure education remains human-centred as new tools alter teaching and learning, a new report argues.

<https://educationhq.com/news/designing-learning-to-their-needs-new-report-charts-way-forward-for-ai-in-schools-152085/>

Science program to boost Indigenous girls in tech [subscription]

From bush-food management to cultural burning and astronomy, science has always played a fundamental role in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

<https://educationhq.com/news/science-program-to-boost-indigenous-girls-in-tech-152071/>

Immersive technology and teacher capacity

‘The result of unresolved concerns could well lead to an unwillingness to use immersive technology with students. Yet, often, the barriers are surmountable.’ Dr Susan O’Donnell and Adrian Rayner, from the VR Learning & Design Hub, look at teacher’s prior concerns and some of the solutions.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/immersive-technology-and-teacher-capacity>

Teacher Staffroom Episode 49: Technology to engage students and enhance learning

Augmented Reality is an immersive tool that allows students to engage in learning in new and exciting ways. This month on Teacher, we shared a few stories on the topic of Augmented Reality and technology in education, which we share with you in this episode.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/teacher-staffroom-episode-49-technology-to-engage-students-and-enhance-learning>

Immersive technology in education – our Augmented Reality journey

‘…we strive to ensure that all modules open up learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their academic abilities, by building in learning differentiation rather than simply bolting on at a later stage.’ Dr Susan O’Donnell and Adrian Rayner discuss the AR modules designed and developed by the Learning & Design Hub for use by F-6 students.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/immersive-technology-in-education-our-augmented-reality-journey>

NSW high schools to get four new digital and IT subjects in 2024

Students in NSW will have access to four new digital and IT subjects from the 2024 school year, in the first major overhaul of the state’s computing technology curriculum since 2003.

<https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/nsw-high-schools-to-get-four-new-digital-and-it-subjects-in-2024/news-story/6f0bb8a518fb3f896be3b482917628d9>

A virtual Achilles? Teaching ancient worlds through VR

Teaching agendas have been recently dominated by discussions about the use of Virtual Reality in education. Schools and universities have been eager to consider the benefits of teaching with VR together with creative ways in which it can help promote meaningful education. Humanities have a very important role to play in the exploration of these benefits. Right now, there are pockets of VR exploration across the discipline but there is little work concerning the teaching and learning of ancient languages and literature, meaning we are still at the very beginning of a long and exciting road of exploring technological marvels that can facilitate the transmission of knowledge about the ancient world.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/virtual-achilles-teaching-ancient-worlds-through-vr>

UNESCO concerns on regulation of education tech

A report from UNESCO on technology in education has highlighted what it describes as a “lack of appropriate governance and regulation”.

<https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2023/july/unesco-concerns-on-regulation-of-education-tech>

Call for Chapters: Transforming Education With Generative AI: Prompt Engineering and Synthetic Content Creation

Intro: The rise of generative AI marks a momentous stride in the evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) within the sphere of Natural Language Processing (NLP). This advancement brings profound implications in numerous aspects of our lives, especially in education (Bozkurt et al., 2023). Central to the interaction between humans and generative AI is the essential engagement in in-depth dialogues between both parties, underscoring the importance of meticulously constructed prompts which necessitates a profound grasp of prompt engineering (Bozkurt & Sharma, 2023). An essential aspect of prompt engineering is ensuring that our prompts enable the generation of authentic content. This necessitates crafting prompts that are carefully tailored and well-structured.

<http://www.asianjde.com/ojs/index.php/AsianJDE/announcement/view/16>

Enterprise Computing

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:58:07 GMT

Points taken from this working group

Adobe Summit
This is a great opportunity for our members to learn about the latest trends in digital marketing and communications. The summit will feature keynote presentations from industry leaders, as well as breakout sessions on a variety of topics.

Business Mindset

Using resources from GROK Learning, students develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace and understand the importance of risk management and data security.

Other points covered were:

The applications of decision support systems and expert systems
The hardware used in intelligent systems
The disruptive effects of intelligent systems
The social and ethical issues of intelligent systems
The current and emerging technologies associated with intelligent systems
The role of intelligent systems in surveillance
The creation of intelligent systems

Units that were being developed
Year 11

Unit 1 - Interactive media and the user experience

This unit will focus on developing front-end web applications. Students will learn about data journalism and data science, and how to visualise data using graphs and charts. They will also learn about VR and low-code options for developing apps.

Unit 2 - Networking systems and social computing

This unit will cover communication systems, network theory, and network diagrams. Students will learn about Raspberry Pi and Microbit devices, and how to configure them to model a network.

Unit 3 - Principles of cybersecurity

This unit will focus on the principles of cybersecurity. Students will learn about privacy policies, data security, and how to protect their own data. They will also learn about the attributes of a data breach.

Year 12

Unit 1 - Data science

This unit will focus on data science, including data collection, storage, and analysis. Students will learn how to develop front-end web applications for data visualisation.

Unit 2 - Data visualisation

This unit will focus on data visualisation using Excel and other tools. Students will learn how to create infographics and other visual representations of data.

Unit 3 - Intelligent systems

This unit will focus on intelligent systems, including chatbots. Students will learn how to design and implement chatbots that can interact with users in a natural way.

Unit 4 - Enterprise project

This unit will focus on a capstone project that will allow students to apply the skills they have learned throughout the year.

Software Engineering

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:56:04 GMT

The discussion provided ideas for teaching software automation in the HSC Software Engineering course.

The following was discussed:

- Algorithms in machine learning
- Distinguishing between artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
- Exploring models of training ML
- Supervised learning
- Unsupervised learning
- Semi-supervised learning
- Reinforcement learning
The document provides a variety of resources for teaching these topics, including videos, articles, and online learning platforms.
The document also suggests ways to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.

Here are some of the key takeaways

Machine learning is a powerful tool that can be used to automate tasks.
There are different types of machine learning, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
It is important to understand the different types of machine learning in order to choose the right one for a particular task.
There are a variety of resources available to help teachers teach machine learning.

Other thoughts

The HSC Software Engineering unit should include a section on software automation, with a focus on machine learning (ML).
This section should start by defining AI and ML, and then discuss how ML can be used to automate tasks through DevOps, robotic process automation (RPA), and business process automation (BPA).
The section should also cover the different models of training ML, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, and reinforcement learning.
There are a number of resources that can be used to teach this section, including videos, online learning systems, and interactive quizzes.

Mechatronics and Robotics in Years 9-10 iSTEM, 9-10 Computing Technology, and 11 Software Engineering.

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:55:07 GMT

The list includes resources on drones, droids, and robots, as well as motivation for learning this unit, and control systems with sensors-controller-actuators.

The resources are from a variety of sources, including the Australian Science Week website and the Boston Dynamics YouTube channel.

Here are some specific resources that the working group recommends:

The online booklet "Drones, Droids, and Robots" from the Australian Science Week website.
The Boston Dynamics YouTube channel, which has videos of their Atlas and Spot robots.
The video "Control Systems with Sensors-Controller-Actuators" from the YouTube channel Control Systems Engineering.

Computer Technologies

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:54:28 GMT

This discussion focused on the course design to give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the computing industry. It looked at the following topics, including web design, mechatronics, and game design.

Year 9

Term 1 & 2: Designing for the modern web
Term 3 & 4: Biomedical mechatronics

Year 10

Term 1 & 2: Games for change
Term 3 & 4: Presenting Data Differently

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Select and apply safe, secure, and responsible practices in the ethical use of data and computing technology.
Apply iterative processes to define problems and plan, design, develop, and evaluate computing solutions.
Manage, document, and explain individual and collaborative work practices.
Understand how innovation, enterprise, and automation have inspired the evolution of computing technology.
Explain how data is stored, transmitted, and secured in digital systems and how information is communicated in a range of contexts.
Communicate ideas, processes, and solutions using appropriate media.
Design, produce, and evaluate algorithms and implement them in a general-purpose and/or object-oriented programming language.
Design and create user interfaces and the user experience.

Capstone Project

In the final term of Year 10, students will complete a capstone project. This project will give them the opportunity to apply their skills in web design, mechatronics, or game design to design a system that gathers and presents data in a useful and meaningful way.

Digital Technologies in the Primary Classroom

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:53:36 GMT

This provides an overview of the key elements of the Digital Technologies program in the primary classroom discussed, as well as some of the key pedagogies that can be used to teach technology usage effectively.

Key Elements of the Program
The Digital Technologies program in the primary classroom covers the following key elements:

Coding: This element of the program teaches students the basics of coding, including how to create simple programs using block-based coding languages.
Robotics: This element of the program teaches students how to build and program robots.
Digital Citizenship: This element of the program teaches students about the safe and responsible use of technology.

Key Pedagogies
There are a number of key pedagogies that can be used to teach technology usage effectively in the primary classroom. These include:

TPACK pedagogy: This pedagogy focuses on the knowledge that teachers need to effectively integrate technology into their teaching.
PRIMM pedagogy: This pedagogy is a highly scaffolded and modelled approach to teaching programming.
High Possibility Classroom (HPC) pedagogy: This pedagogy focuses on using technology to create more engaging, challenging, and relevant learning experiences for students.
Visible Thinking Routines (VTRs): These are a set of research-based pedagogical tools that help students make their thinking visible.

Resources
There are a number of resources available to help teachers teach Digital Technologies in the primary classroom. These include:

The Digital Technologies Hub: This website provides a wealth of resources for teachers, including lesson plans, activities, and tools.
The Australian Curriculum: This curriculum includes the Digital Technologies content standards for the primary classroom.
The CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools program: This program provides teachers with the opportunity to work with STEM professionals to develop their own Digital Technologies teaching skills.

Winter Writers Workshop Update

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:52:15 GMT

On the weekend of the 29th and 30th of July, 60 of our members gathered at the ACARA offices in Sydney for the Winter Writers Workshop where we spent time analysing the new syllabus and developed scopes and units of work to deliver this content.

We would like to thank Julie King, Kim Vernon, Melanie Hughes from ACARA for hosting us. Thanks also go to Liz Rose and Peter Davies from the NSWDET and Chris Woldhuis from AISNSW for their presentations. It was a memorable event with all sectors of education represented.

Curriculum Reform Update

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 23:49:02 GMT

At ICTENSW, we are committed to supporting ICT, STEM and Computer Science educators from all sectors and at every level in NSW. Through our professional learning program, we provide resources, networking and advocacy efforts for our members. We support the development of digital literacies, digital citizenship and the use of best practice pedagogies that build students capability to use and create with technology to solve tough problems.

We are intentionally working to assist teachers become upskilled to teach in the hyperconnected world of AI and Machine Learning. Having the methodologies and practices to facilitate students' deep learning from early learning through to tertiary levels.

Another area of focus is supporting teachers to develop strategies for assessment, with concentrated attention being given to formative assessment and the feedback loops that enable iteration and improvement.

NSW Curriculum Reform

NESA is preparing for the next stage of consultation on the following K-6 and 7-10 Syllabuses.

K - 6 Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology K–6
7-10 HSIE, PDHPE, Creative Arts

ICTENSW is preparing a response to the new Science and Technology K–6 syllabuses and would love to hear your feedback. If you have any comments that you would like to be included in our response or would like to hear more about the conversation, please email secretary@ictensw.org.au.

Key Dates

Have Your Say start date31 July
Have Your Say end date 11 Sep

The following link below provides a video overview of the changes.

https://youtu.be/FqBMQqPyIS4

For more information

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/news/consultations

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2023 Update 3

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 06:39:11 GMT

UNESCO calls for global ban on smartphones in schools

A new UN report raised concerns on Wednesday about the excessive use of smartphones, calling for them to be banned in schools worldwide. According to the UN's education, science and culture agency UNESCO, the over-use of mobile phones impacts learning.

<https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/07/1139122>

UNESCO Urges World Governments to Ban Smartphones in Schools

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has issued a major report on the role of technology in education. Among the report’s many findings and recommendations, the UN is now urging governments worldwide to ban smartphones in schools due to their detrimental effect on learning.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/unesco-urges-world-governments-to-ban-smartphones-in-schools>

‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools

Smartphones should be banned from schools to tackle classroom disruption, improve learning and help protect children from cyberbullying, a UN report has recommended.

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/put-learners-first-unesco-calls-for-global-ban-on-smartphones-in-schools>

Teachers: share your experiences of students using smartphones in school

We would like to hear from teachers worldwide about their experiences of how smartphones affect school life. Are smartphones permitted among students at your school? Do you have any concerns?

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/25/teachers-share-your-experiences-of-students-using-smartphones-in-school>

Digital Equity Isn't Just About Devices and Internet Access

A tech leader breaks down the four components of equitable access to digital technology.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/digital-equity-isnt-just-about-devices-and-internet-access/2023/07>

How to Use STEM Teaching Tools in Your Classroom

You’re probably familiar with the perks that come with getting students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes. It’s no secret that STEM careers are budding. Therefore, furnishing students with the much-needed experience through effective activities and tools can help foster interest in these lucrative and in-demand professions.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/use-stem-teaching-tools-classroom/>

Coding for Kids: How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

Well…it is not going to be overnight, but it's going to be a fun journey! That being said, it also does not have to take years – your kid does not have to have graduated college to code at least something!

<https://stemeducationguide.com/coding-for-kids/>

What Is Computer Science For Kids? How to Get Kids Started Coding

Computer science is an exciting, ever-changing field with a lot to offer. It is no surprise that people of all ages are interested in how to find out more about it, especially children.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/what-is-computer-science-for-kids/>

Meet education’s future thought leaders

Nine aspiring school leaders will now have the chance to share their groundbreaking work in education on a greater level after being selected as the recipients of Education Perfect’s (EP) inaugural Fellowship program.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/meet-educations-future-thought-leaders/282791>

With STEM You Can: unlocking the code to tech entrepreneurship

A background in international relations and politics helped Tash understand complex systems and how they impact people, which led to a successful STEM career.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2023/July/STEM-Tash-Jamieson>

RoboRebels are riding high

Narooma High School’s RoboRebels team are riding high after recent trips to Sydney and the US.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/roborebels-are-riding-high>

Simple Ideas for Introducing AI Into Your Teaching

Teachers can use emerging generative AI tools both to augment their teaching and to assist with behind-the-scenes tasks.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/3-simple-ideas-for-introducing-ai-into-your-teaching/2023/06>

PISA’s new focus on computational thinking and coding

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, how we educate students should evolve accordingly — including making computer science a core subject. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recognizes the importance of computational thinking and computer science and, in a groundbreaking move, plans to adapt its triennial Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of a sampling of 15-year-old students. In 2025, PISA will add computational thinking and block-based coding to the list of skills it evaluates.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/pisas-new-focus-on-computational-thinking-and-coding-fbe90e456c5f>

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2023 Update 2

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 06:29:40 GMT

Happy campers: Behind the scenes with Future Shapers

Agnes fell in love with astronomy in Kenya when she’d go stargazing with her Dad. One day, she hopes to be an astrophysicist. Agnes got to look through a telescope for the first time ever at a STEM Together Future Shapers camp. Agnes is one of 26 students from around Australia selected to take their interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) further. Future Shapers are from groups we want to encourage to pursue STEM careers. This includes Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, girls, and children from regional or lower opportunity schools.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2023/July/STEM-future-shapers>

Urgent regulation on edtech needed – global report

Countries need to take immediate action to ensure technology never replaces in-person, teacher-led instruction, a global report urges.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/urgent-regulation-on-edtech-needed--global-report/282930>

UNESCO calls for smartphone ban in schools

A major international report released today calls for smartphones to be banned in schools, pointing to concerns about data privacy, cyberbullying, wellbeing and among children themselves. Here are the key messages from the UNESCO 2023 Global Education Monitor Report on technology in education.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/unesco-calls-for-smartphone-ban-in-schools>

New courses to combat out-of-field Technology teaching

Studies show that almost half of the teachers currently teaching technology classes in public schools lack a formal qualification in these critical areas, piling additional pressure on already busy staff and reducing subject options for students.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/new-courses-to-combat-outoffield-technology-teaching/282929>

Girls have overtaken boys in science participation. In workplaces, it’s a completely different story

The number of young women enrolling in science and maths in year 12 has nearly reached parity with young men, but while the battle for the minds is being won at school, jobs in these industries continue to be dominated by men.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/girls-have-overtaken-boys-in-science-participation-in-workplaces-it-s-a-completely-different-story-20230726-p5drah.html>

If your kid is home sick from school, is unlimited screen time OK?

Not so long ago, if a child was home sick from school, the main screen-based entertainment was daytime television. The options were limited to The Price is Right or reruns of Home and Away.

<https://theconversation.com/if-your-kid-is-home-sick-from-school-is-unlimited-screen-time-ok-207922>

Female STEM participation slow to pick up - report

Female participation in Australia’s science, technology, engineering and math- (STEM-) qualified jobs has increased by 15%, or four percentage points, in the decade to 2022, the federal government revealed this week. ... For the first time, this year’s monitor includes Year 12 enrollment data, showing Year 12 enrollments of girls in all STEM subjects has increased only slightly from 45% to 47% from 2013 to 2021.

<https://www.miningweekly.com/article/female-stem-jobs-slow-going---report-2023-07-21/page:48>

The state of STEM gender equity in 2023

The monitor is a national data resource on women’s and girls’ participation in STEM. It captures the state of STEM gender equity in Australia and measures changes and trends. You can use the interactive data to explore girls’ and women’s participation in STEM through school, higher education graduation and the workforce.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/state-stem-gender-equity-2023>

How an old Disney movie inspired Daniya to create a medical robot

Bright, ambitious and enthusiastic – Daniya Syed and Andrew Chung are breaking new ground as Australia’s next generation of innovators. We look at how HSC courses give students the chance to develop exciting new technologies and products for market.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/how-an-old-disney-movie-inspired-daniya-to-create-a-medical-robot-20230529-p5dc8r.html>

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki gives his tips for HSC Science

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/dr-karl-kruszelnicki-gives-his-tips-for-hsc-science-20230531-p5dcp9.html>

Artificial intelligence teaching and learning: The future of education in NSW [subscription]

Artifical intelligence is being implented in the classrooms, and most teachers have come out and said they support its rise. See how technology is reshaping education.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/artificial-intelligence-teaching-and-learning-the-future-of-education-in-nsw/news-story/78c2c9af5720a4b0cd792bd114ecd38c>

How college educators are using AI in the classroom

While developers of artificial intelligence and industry leaders debate the risks and precise consequences of the technology, there’s no question that AI will greatly influence teaching and learning in the coming years.

<https://hechingerreport.org/how-educators-are-using-ai-in-the-classroom/>

Welcome to the 'Walled Garden.' Is This Education's Solution to AI's Pitfalls?

A new kind of chatbot would generate responses based only on vetted content.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/welcome-to-the-walled-garden-is-this-educations-solution-to-ais-pitfalls/2023/07>

AI Isn't the Problem. It's How We Use It, Especially in Schools

The problem is not the technology, but the kinds of tasks we ask students to do.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-ai-isnt-the-problem-its-how-we-use-it-especially-in-schools/2023/07>

UNESCO issues urgent call for appropriate use of technology in education

A new global UNESCO report on technology in education highlights the lack of appropriate governance and regulation. Countries are urged to set their own terms for the way technology is designed and used in education so that it never replaces in-person, teacher-led instruction, and supports the shared objective of quality education for all.

<https://www.unesco.org/gem-report/en/articles/unesco-issues-urgent-call-appropriate-use-technology-education>

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2023 Update 1

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:53:26 GMT

ChatGPT ban in Australia’s public schools likely to be overturned

The ban on public school students using artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT may be reversed next year, the federal education minister says, but students will probably face changes in how they are tested and graded.

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/09/chatgpt-ban-in-australias-public-schools-likely-to-be-overturned>

Why the ChatGPT ban in public schools is being reversed

On Sunday, Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, announced that the ban on public school students using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT may be reversed next year, pending the development of a draft framework addressing concerns of plagiarism, cheating, and impacts on student learning.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/why-the-chatgpt-ban-in-public-schools-is-being-reversed/282834>

‘A profoundly unethical tool’: Experts urge caution on AI in schools [subscription]

A range of experts have weighed in on what rules should govern the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

<https://educationhq.com/news/a-profoundly-unethical-tool-experts-urge-caution-on-ai-in-schools-151029/>

Evidence-informed national framework coming for AI in schools [subscription]

Consultation will soon begin on a national framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools, and Education Minister Jason Clare has indicated that states may need to unwind existing bans on the software.

<https://educationhq.com/news/evidence-informed-national-framework-coming-for-ai-in-schools-150916/>

Explore STEM lesson plans

* Sphero slalom | Years 5–6: Students explore slalom sports and how to maximise speed when completing a course. They investigate the impact of distance and friction on time to complete a course through digital and unplugged activities. They then apply their learning to program a Sphero to complete a slalom course.

* Industrial design challenge – separating materials | Years 7–8: This lesson is a great introduction to the idea of separating mixtures and enables students to consider separation as a process that operates on macroscopic levels. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on engineering using recycled materials.

* Visualising climate change | Years 9–10: In this lesson, students explore different approaches to data representation, with the aim of engaging audiences with scientific data. They explore local temperature and rainfall datasets over time and represent trends in innovative ways.

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/educators/stem-lesson-plans/>

Education ministers to spell out kids’ privacy safeguards for AI and ChatGPT in schools [subscription]

“How do we make sure that if our children are using a generative AI technology like ChatGPT, that what they type into the system doesn’t get spat back to them as an ad on Tik Tok?’’ Why federal Education Minister Jason Clare wants controls over AI in schools.

<https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/education-ministers-to-spell-out-kids-privacy-safeguards-for-ai-and-chatgpt-in-schools/news-story/13f430d56b5dfa610bf2044f716b452e>

Shaping Digital Education: Enabling Factors for Quality, Equity and Efficiency

... This report seeks to guide governments in shaping digital education. Offering a range of perspectives for governments and education stakeholders, it analyses enabling factors that can support quality, equity and efficiency in the use of digital technologies in education systems. It provides a comprehensive review of current trends and emerging policies, covering school education, vocational education and training (VET) and higher education, highlighting pathways to support a cohesive and holistic policy framework for digital education.

<https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/shaping-digital-education_bac4dc9f-en>

AI likely to spell end of traditional school classroom, leading expert says

Recent advances in AI are likely to spell the end of the traditional school classroom, one of the world’s leading experts on AI has predicted. Prof Stuart Russell, a British computer scientist based at the University of California, Berkeley, said that personalised ChatGPT-style tutors have the potential to hugely enrich education and widen global access by delivering personalised tuition to every household with a smartphone. The technology could feasibly deliver “most material through to the end of high school”, he said.

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/07/ai-likely-to-spell-end-of-traditional-school-classroom-leading-expert-says>

AI Is Helping Us With Our Instructional Practice. Here's How

Artificial intelligence can be a timesaver for teachers and an eye-opener for students.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-ai-is-helping-us-with-our-instructional-practice-heres-how/2023/07>

Instead of banning AI, schools should use it to enhance learning

I am 13, so I know first-hand the efforts to combat ChatGPT, and the enormous potential of such technologies, writes Amedeo Bettauer

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/09/instead-of-banning-ai-schools-should-use-it-to-enhance-learning>

How kids pay the price for ransomware attacks on education

Modern ransomware attacks are as much about stealing data and threatening to leak it as they are about encrypting data. Which means that when a school or hospital is attacked, it's often students' and patients' data that's leaked if the ransom demand isn't met.

<https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2023/07/school-documents-outed-by-ransomware-gangs-can-have-long-lasting-consequences>

Can robots replace teachers in schools

The thought of having a robot teach students in a classroom may seem absurd, but this is something that scientists and engineers have been working on for a while. Trailblazing creators are gearing up to make such human-machine interactions feasible and beneficial to create a self-sustaining educational experience.

<https://www.educationtimes.com/article/careers-offbeat/99733149/can-robots-replace-teachers-in-schools>

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2023

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 23:02:53 GMT

2023 STEMinar: Using PBL in STEM - Insights from the classroom

In celebration of National Science Week 2023, join us to hear expert teachers share insights about working with the principles of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in their STEM teaching. Learn more about what this approach meant for their practice, and how they responded to the emerging opportunities and challenges.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/research/projects/exploring-problem-based-learning-in-schools/updates/2023-steminar-using-pbl-in-stem-insights-from-the-classroom>

Forget Barbie: Meet CSIRO's real-life STEM role models

There’s a powerful woman who’s been inspiring and exciting children for over six decades: the iconic Barbie!

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2023/July/barbie-STEM-careers>

Kazakh schoolchildren win silver at robotics championship in Australia

More than 300 children from 10 countries including China, Canada, India and the U.S. participated in Asia Pacific Open Championship held at the Macquarie University in Australia, Kazinform reports citing the Ministry of Enlightenment.

<https://www.inform.kz/en/kazakh-schoolchildren-win-silver-at-robotics-championship-in-australia_a4090602>

Local school teams among winners at annual RoboRAVE robotics competition

Budding tech entrepreneurs have put their robots to the test – climbing vertical surfaces, battling in sumo arenas and navigating labyrinthine mazes – at an annual national event.

<https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/07/19/students-put-their-robots-to-the-test-at-national-event/>

Young minds break boundaries at RoboRAVE

Climbing vertical surfaces, battling in sumo arenas and navigating labyrinthine mazes were just some of the weird and wonderful things seen at the annual RoboRAVE Australia robotics competition at the weekend (July 15 & 16).

<https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/news/young-minds-break-boundaries-at-roborave>

Special robots teleport sick children into the classroom

A special robotics program aimed at teleporting sick children into the classroom needs more funding to reach more kids across Australia.

<https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/special-robots-teleport-sick-aussie-children-into-the-classroom/62884bba-2645-4b48-80a2-1366642c242c>

Immersive technology – teaching and learning the augmented way

‘[When] fully embedded and aligned with the Australian Curriculum, AR can be an extraordinary tool for learning, particularly suited to use by primary-aged students.’ Dr Susan O’Donnell and Adrian Rayner give an update on the work of the VR Learning & Design Hub, which has been exploring the benefits of Augmented Reality in the classroom.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/immersive-technology-teaching-and-learning-the-augmented-way>

How should schools navigate the use of AI in classrooms?

For those of us who were school students in the 1990s, being without the Internet or a mobile phone wouldn’t be a catastrophe. We managed just fine without them, as did every generation before us.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-should-schools-navigate-the-use-of-ai-in-classrooms/282869>

Women and girls in STEM: Cherie Davidson

Cherie Davidson has many people’s dream job – making video games. ‘Video game development is so fascinating because it requires deep, thoughtful collaboration between people with widely different perspectives and skill sets to create a single artistic work.’ Cherie says. ‘Every game development process is different – there’s always some unknown being explored and you never know quite what you’re making until you’ve made it.’

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

Global plaudits for technology innovators

Baulkham Hills North Public’s commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised on the international stage as the school finished runners-up at the Global EdTech Awards 2023.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/global-plaudits-for-technology-innovators>

Arkana College students build a robot to compete on the international stage

Students from Arkana College, Kingsgrove are preparing to travel to Osaka, Japan next month to represent Australia at the 2023 Universal Robotics Challenge (URC) World Final.

<https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8270913/arkana-college-students-build-a-robot-to-compete-on-the-international-stage/>

Shaping Digital Education: Enabling Factors for Quality, Equity and Efficiency

Investment in education technology has surged worldwide over the past decade and digital education technologies are now a key resource for OECD education and training systems. If used effectively, they promise to transform teaching and learning practices, to reduce learning inequalities and to create more inclusive and efficient education systems. However, countries’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed shortcomings in the extent to which digital technologies are currently enabling high-quality teaching and learning, and underlined the need for supportive policies and conditions to make use of their potential. The rapidly improving capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) also bring new focus to the role of education policy in preparing learners for an AI-driven future. This report seeks to guide governments in shaping digital education. Offering a range of perspectives for governments and education stakeholders, it analyses enabling factors that can support quality, equity and efficiency in the use of digital technologies in education systems. It provides a comprehensive review of current trends and emerging policies, covering school education, vocational education and training (VET) and higher education, highlighting pathways to support a cohesive and holistic policy framework for digital education.

<https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/shaping-digital-education_bac4dc9f-en>

What Is Threads? Here’s What Educators Think About the Newest Twitter Alternative

Meta's new competitor to Twitter launched on July 5, and many educators are already using it.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-is-threads-heres-what-educators-think-about-the-newest-twitter-alternative/2023/07>

ChatGPT and PISA: Ensuring Our Education Systems Keep Up

ChatGPT and the likes remind us that many of things that are easiest to teach are now also easy to digitise and automate, and that too often we educate students for our past, rather than for their future. At the OECD, we have been tracking how well systems like ChatGPT fare on tasks from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the global yardstick of educational success that over 80 countries use to assess the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds. This comparison shows rapid advances in the capabilities of artificial intelligence when compared with humans. In March 2022, ChatGPT could answer 28% of a set of PISA mathematics tasks, in March 2023 GPT answered 46% of the tasks successfully. In science, the corresponding percentages were 65% and 85%.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/chatgpt-and-pisa-ensuring-our-education-systems-keep-up/>

Chatbots in the classroom: Revolutionising Career Readiness with Cutting-Edge Technology

Imagine being able to embed an AI chatbot link into every classroom whiteboard. It could allow teachers and students to quickly carry out searches, get feedback, supply study tools and even provide personalised coaching on different subject matters. The interactive learning environment could revolutionise teaching practices; by making lessons more interesting for students and, at the same time, helping teachers save time by automating repetitive processes – freeing them up to concentrate on specific needs within the classroom. It is one vision for the future. But are chatbots really that effective? And are schools and the teaching profession ready to adapt?

<https://oecdedutoday.com/chatbots-in-the-classroom-revolutionising-career-readiness-with-cutting-edge-technology/>

AI trend drives rise in students wanting to study computing

School-leavers are choosing computing courses in record numbers, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

<https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66178247>

Yes, AI could profoundly disrupt education. But maybe that’s not a bad thing

Education strikes at the heart of what makes us human. It drives the intellectual capacity and prosperity of nations. It has developed the minds that took us to the moon and eradicated previously incurable diseases. And the special status of education is why generative AI tools such as ChatGPT are likely to profoundly disrupt this sector. This isn’t a reflection of their intelligence, but of our failure to build education systems that nurture and value our unique human intelligence.

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/14/ai-artificial-intelligence-disrupt-education-creativity-critical-thinking>

More Teachers Are Embracing ChatGPT. Students? Not So Much

Only 35 percent of students said in a recent survey that ChatGPT has positively impacted their schooling experience.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/more-teachers-are-embracing-chatgpt-students-not-so-much/2023/07>

What Educators Know About Artificial Intelligence, in 3 Charts

Most educators say they have not received any professional development on artificial intelligence.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-educators-know-about-artificial-intelligence-in-3-charts/2023/07>

What Do Educators Think of New Twitter Competitor 'Threads'?

Looking for Twitter alternatives to build professional learning networks and connect with peers, some educators said they felt "inspired" by conversations on the app while others compared it to shouting into a void.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/what-do-educators-think-of-new-twitter-competitor-threads>

Could TikTok Be Teachers' New Best Friend?

Teachers are turning to TikTok for content, strategy, and community.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/could-tiktok-be-teachers-new-best-friend/2023/07>

Lewis Hamilton supports youth in Bradford to pursue career in STEM, motorsports

A new campaign has been launched in Bradford to support young people to take up careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and motorsports, a statement said.

<https://www.gg2.net/lewis-hamilton-supports-youth-in-bradford-to-pursue-career-in-stem-motorsports/>

Microsoft MakeCode release exciting new updates

Microsoft have announced some new features and exciting developments in their newly launched update to Microsoft MakeCode.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-06-20/microsoft-makecode-release-exciting-new-updates/>

Support whole class teaching with micro:bit classroom

Run whole class MakeCode or Python coding lessons, share code with students and save their progress with our new online tool - micro:bit classroom.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-07-19/support-whole-class-teaching-with-microbit-classroom/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2023 Update 3

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:04:33 GMT

Girls want coding funds: the push to keep women in tech [AAP]

From teaching digital frogs to 'floss' to creating artificially intelligent chatbots, girls are cracking computer code these school holidays.

<https://au.news.yahoo.com/girls-want-coding-funds-push-053000669.html>

Infographic: How teachers feel about AI

A new report from McCrindle outlines 7 disruptors impacting the future of education, informed by survey data. One identified disruptor is artificial intelligence and technological change. In this infographic, we share some of the survey results for questions on artificial intelligence and technological change.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/infographic-how-teachers-feel-about-ai>

The virtual classroom

In the age of big data, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Education Matters reports on what educational technology means for students, teachers, and the classroom of the future –and how these emerging technologies are changing the way we think about learning.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-virtual-classroom/>

Class War investigation: Schoolkids uploading vicious school fight videos on social media

Vicious schoolyard bashings are being recorded and posted to Instagram profiles dedicated to inciting a growing school fight club craze across Australia.

<https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/class-war-investigation-schoolkids-uploading-vicious-school-fight-videos-on-social-media/news-story/27f44244262d4db74adf45f577ec4db1>

Shock number of ChatGPT school cheats revealed [subscription]

High schoolers and university students are fessing up to using artificial intelligence to cheat on assignments, though experts say they’re the “overwhelming minority”. See the survey stats.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new-south-wales-education/overwhelming-minority-new-report-reveals-one-in-ten-gen-zs-use-ai-to-cheat/news-story/51972c5d3be0ac61cbea67903db7ec01>

How a Narooma school became a global robotics competitor

Narooma on the NSW far south coast is a popular tourist destination, famous for its oysters and dairy. But students there have put the town on the global map for something entirely different: Robotics.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/how-a-narooma-school-became-a-global-robotics-competitor-/102516116>

Hong Kong rolls out first AI curriculum for junior secondary students, including lessons on ChatGPT, with ‘lives definitely affected by artificial intelligence’

Hong Kong has rolled out the first curriculum in the city on artificial intelligence for junior secondary students, including on the use of ChatGPT as well as ethics and social impacts of the technology.

<https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3224954/hong-kong-rolls-out-first-ai-curriculum-junior-secondary-students-including-chatgpt-lives-definitely>

TikTok Teacher Prep: Preservice Teachers Are Getting Inspiration From the Platform

Some preservice teachers find TikTok videos more helpful than formal professional development, one researcher found.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/tiktok-teacher-prep-preservice-teachers-are-getting-inspiration-from-the-platform/2023/06>

ISTELive 23: Using Student Data to Improve Equity for K-12

Sam Callahan, a third grade teacher and data consultant, says schools can use self-assessments and better systems of organizing and analyzing data to help teachers address racial disparities.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/istelive-23-using-student-data-to-improve-equity-for-k-12>

ISTELive 23: AI + Web3 Revolution Coming to a School Near You

Former educators Nate McClennen and Vriti Saraf shared their vision of future schools powered by emerging technologies, namely artificial intelligence, blockchain and the metaverse, at ISTELive 23 on Monday.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/istelive-23-ai-web3-revolution-coming-to-a-school-near-you>

New Google for Education tools for how you teach, learn and manage

At Google for Education, we're constantly working to develop new products and tools that help students learn more effectively, and help educators teach more efficiently, no matter where they are or how they teach. Part of that commitment is making sure every student and educator has access to tools that create more personal, collaborative, accessible and safe teaching and learning experiences.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/google-for-education-iste-2023/>

New education apps and accessible content for Chromebooks

In recent years, we’ve seen more and more schools assign Chromebooks to each student. And now, as more educators turn to Chromebook, we’re making sure we build features like Screencast and cast moderator to help make teaching and learning more personal, collaborative, accessible — and as always, safer and sustainable.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/chromebook-iste-2023/>

New teaching and learning features in Google Workspace for Education

Every day, students and teachers around the world rely on Google Workspace for Education to plan lessons, get their homework done and more. Today, we’re sharing updates that make these tools even more accessible, collaborative, engaging and secure.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/workspace-edu-updates-2023/>

ow Can STEM Education Shape the Future

Think of the great inventors and geniuses from the past: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Albert Einstein. Did you know that each of these men had traditional schooling, with some not even finishing? Even though they were born, natural thinkers and innovators think:

<https://stemeducationguide.com/how-can-stem-education-shape-the-future/>

What Are The Characteristics of a STEM Classroom

STEM Education is a rising fast curriculum. It first began to gain even more notoriety in the early 2000s, receiving several federal grants as a research-based curriculum and is now frequently included in teacher training and development.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/characteristics-of-stem-classroom/>

Coding made easy with a micro:bit and the MakeCode platform

The thought of teaching coding can be daunting for some, but thankfully it’s easy to get started with the micro:bit using the Microsoft MakeCode platform – and there are plenty of training resources available if you do get stuck

<https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/microbit/coding-made-easy-microbit-makecode/zysnb7h>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2023 Update 2

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 23:41:48 GMT

Year 4 reading outcomes steady despite Covid disruptions – major study

Australian year 4 students' literacy levels have remained steady during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an international study.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/year-4-reading-outcomes-steady-despite-covid-disruptions--major-study/282482>

‘Not good for Australia’: Education costs rise faster than most household bills

... Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia chief executive Christopher Duncan said education price rises were driven by increases in teacher pay and the cost of running small classes. He said steep additions in compliance and technology costs, plus investments in student wellbeing and disability support were other contributors.

<https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/not-good-for-australia-education-costs-escalate-faster-than-most-other-household-bills-20230502-p5d4xy.html>

Girls in Tech fostering the next generation of women in STEM

Hundreds of high school students learned about the vital ideas and perspectives women bring to STEM fields at an annual event presented by CommBank and Telstra.

<https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2023/05/girls-in-tech-stem-career.html>

From seed to screen: Indigenous garden goes digital

Students engage in virtual tours and learn about plants, recipes, and STEM education in a captivating Indigenous garden.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2023/May/Indigenous-garden>

PBL in STEM – enhancing learning and teaching

In the second of 3 articles about research into Problem Based Learning in schools, teachers involved in the project discuss how it has enabled them to reconsider their classroom practice and the conditions necessary for meaningful STEM learning.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/pbl-in-stem-enhancing-learning-and-teaching>

Review seeks to increase diversity in the nation's STEM studies and jobs

An independent review has been established to find ways to increase diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, careers and industries.

<https://www.sbs.com.au/language/punjabi/en/podcast-episode/diversity-in-stem-review-sharing-experiences-to-encourage-the-participation-of-diverse-people-in-stem/tht9bxyfx>

Grok Academy on how schools can embrace AI and new technology

The advancement of technology such as AI and ChatGPT is a hot topic in the education sector, with much debate about the potential value or threat posed by these tools.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/how-schools-can-embrace-ai-and-new-technology/>

New report explores Australia’s ed-tech landscape in 2023

Half of Australia’s secondary schools are now dual learning, using a mix of both print and digital learning resources in their classrooms, a new report shows. And the digital creep in Australia’s schools only looks set to grow, with nearly 40% looking to accelerate their technology strategy and become highly tech enabled in the short to medium term.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/new-report-explores-australias-edtech-landscape-in-2023/282491>

Bees and their importance to cropping and the environment is the focus of a new online education hub

Classrooms across Australia could be abuzz with bee knowledge, thanks to a new online education hub dedicated to help children understand the vital role bees and other insects play in the environment and food production.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/vic-statewide-mornings/bee-school-teacher/102356918>

Welcome, to Outback Musical

Every two years, outback kids across an area twice the size of Victoria come together to perform a most unlikely musical. Whether they’re bull riders, dancers or lawn bowlers, they’re all discovering themselves in isolation.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-13/kids-rehearse-for-a-year-online-to-perform-outback-musical/102120636>

eSafety Commissioner creates special resources for children 5-8 years to be safe online

The eSafety Commissioner has created a package of resources for educators, parents and carers to help children develop their online safety skills in the early to middle primary school years (typically aged between five and eight years).

<https://thesector.com.au/2023/05/16/esafety-commissioner-creates-special-resources-for-children-5-8-years-to-be-safe-online/>

New eSafety tools prepare primary aged children for life online

The eSafety Commissioner has created a package of resources for educators, parents and carers to help children develop their online safety skills in the early to middle primary school years.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/esafety-tools-prepare-primary-aged-children-for-life-online/>

New tools to help prepare 5-8s for life online

The eSafety Commissioner has created a package of resources for educators, parents and carers to help children develop their online safety skills in the early to middle primary school years.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/new-tools-to-help-prepare-5-8s-for-life-online>

Let's Talk Teaching Podcast

Join Dr Rebecca Cooper, former teacher turned education academic, as she invites teachers and Monash University Alumni with different educational backgrounds, experiences and learnings to share their insights on a number of topics that teachers in Australian classrooms are facing today.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/lets-talk-teaching-podcast>

Hundreds of students return to remote learning and masks amid COVID outbreaks

Almost a dozen public schools have returned to remote learning this week amid COVID-19 outbreaks that have also prompted one Sydney campus to reinstate a temporary mask mandate.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/hundreds-of-students-return-to-remote-learning-and-masks-amid-covid-outbreaks-20230518-p5d9fs.html>

Low-orbit satellites boost internet for remote school kids

Unreliable internet is a struggle for school kids in remote areas. The Territory government is hoping new funding for low-orbit satellites will help.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-16/satellites-boost-internet-for-remote-school-kids/102350288>

Robots, a barbershop and bagpipes: a Sydney school reinvents its tough past and what it means to love learning

The principal at Granville Boys high school is sick of talking about its one-time reputation for being a difficult, violent school. Noel Dixon, who has been principal at the western Sydney school for just over four years, instead wants to talk about the success of their robotics team, their barbershop program or their bagpipe band.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/14/robots-a-barbershop-and-bagpipes-a-sydney-school-reinvents-its-tough-past-and-what-it-means-to-love-learning>

Upgrading for security at Newington College

Education has changed significantly in the last handful of years. The disruptions that forced students into remote learning catalysed most schools to perform a digital transformation. Today, these changes persist, particularly in hybrid classes that function largely online. Schools are seeing expanded use of education applications, with new ways of organising and distributing information, and various channels and methods for communicating with students and guardians alike.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2023/05/upgrading-for-security-at-newington-college/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2023 Update 1

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 23:21:10 GMT

Indigenous Technology and Kyndryl partner to increase student STEM opportunities

Indigenous-owned and operated IT company Indigenous Technology has partnered with American IT infrastructure services provider Kyndryl to increase participation and access to STEM careers for First Nations students.

<https://www.crn.com.au/news/indigenous-technology-and-kyndryl-partner-to-increase-student-stem-opportunities-596283>

Kyndryl and Indigenous Technology partner for First Nations STEM boost

Indigenous Technology has teamed up with infrastructure services provider Kyndryl to widen pathways for Australian First Nations people to access STEM opportunities.

<https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/707360/kyndryl-indigenous-technology-partner-first-nations-stem-boost/>

Kyndryl, Indigenous Technology partner on First Nations career initiative Featured

IT infrastructure services provider, Kyndryl and indigenous-owned and operated IT company Indigenous Technology have announced a partnership to widen participation and increase access to STEM careers for First Nations students, creating potential pathways into IT professions.

<https://itwire.com/it-people-news/enterprise-staff/kyndryl,-indigenous-technology-partner-on-first-nations-career-initiative.html>

It's time for action on educational technology and the digital rights of the child

Australia has been a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) since 1990.

<https://www.abc.net.au/education/educational-technology-and-the-digital-rights-of-the-child/102407444>

Cracking the code: the alum empowering the next generation of coders

Elena Sveshnikova co-founded CODE4FUN Programming School to educate her own sons. She now employs a team of 22 professionals to teach the fundamentals of computer science to almost 2000 students from kindergarten to Year 12 in classrooms across Sydney, and hundreds more online throughout Australia and beyond.

<https://www.sydney.edu.au/business/news-and-events/news/2023/05/30/cracking-the-code--empowering-the-next-generation-of-coders.html>

Public school bans on AI tools like ChatGPT raise fears private school kids are gaining an unfair edge and widening a digital divide

History teacher Matt Esterman opens the "Artificial Intelligence teacher toolkit" on his laptop to show off software that could turbocharge classrooms of the future.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-26/artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-classrooms-schools/102356926>

Public schools' ban on ChatGPT sparks concerns

ChatGPT is currently banned in many schools, but many private schools still embrace the technology. The different attitudes within the school education sector sparks concerns of a new digital divide.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/public-schools-ban-on-chatgpt-sparks-concerns-of-digital-divide/102395706>

Inquiry to probe generative AI use in schools, higher ed

A parliamentary inquiry will examine the risks and potential opportunities of generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in school and higher education settings, with Education minister Jason Clare convinced the technology is here to stay.

<https://www.innovationaus.com/inquiry-to-probe-ai-use-in-schools-higher-ed/>

Promoting student agency through PBL in STEM

In the final article of a series about a 3-year Australian research project into Problem Based Learning in school-based STEM education, 2 of the teachers who are co-researchers in the project – Melissa Gatt and Frank Fabri – discuss student agency as a necessary condition for meaningful STEM learning.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/promoting-student-agency-through-pbl-in-stem>

What’s better: Online parent-teacher interviews or in-person ones?

Gone are the days of having to manage an early work knock-off or a sitter for a sibling while you meet your child’s teachers. A quick click and you’re into a Teams or Google Meet, touching base about how your child is tracking.

<https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/what-s-better-online-parent-teacher-interviews-or-in-person-ones-20230523-p5daje.html>

Schools need to retain humanity in face of AI revolution

Technology has always promised great things for education, but when it comes down to what is really important, it has never been able to deliver or replace a good teacher.

<https://the-riotact.com/schools-need-to-retain-humanity-in-face-of-ai-revolution/665393>

Bett Asia 2023 Malaysia Roadshow: Personalised teaching & learning for all

To improve access to quality education, the Malaysian government launched DELIMa (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia) in 2020. In just a few years it’s achieved incredible success with 86.5 per cent of teachers and 65.94 per cent of students actively using the platform.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/bett-asia-2023-malaysia-roadshow-personalised-teaching-learning>

Virtual Reality Career Modules

The Career Modules, developed by CareerLabsVR, allow students to experience over 25 different careers in a virtual reality setting without having to leave the classroom. Through guided instruction, each module allows users to engage with several tasks typically demanded by professionals in that occupation in a life-like work environment. Students are able to explore previously inaccessible experiential learning opportunities, while learning essential skills along the way. Many modules are focused on work in the skilled trades where use of equipment in real life would be difficult. Having engaged with the modules, students are directed to relevant labour market information.

<https://www.oecd.org/stories/odicy/practices/virtual-reality-career-modules-f358a2cb/>

ChatGPT and AI Are Reshaping Education

If students are using artificial intelligence to cheat, educators should take issue with the assignments, not AI, says this letter.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-chatgpt-and-ai-are-reshaping-education/2023/05>

AI Isn't Going Anywhere. Ideas for How Educators Can Make It Work for Them

The inevitability of AI requires that we teach students how to use it responsibly. If we don't, we all lose.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-ai-isnt-going-anywhere-ideas-for-how-educators-can-make-it-work-for-them/2023/05>

What ChatGPT Could Mean for Tutoring

AI tools could help personalize tutoring plans, analyze coaching sessions, and potentially even take over as tutor. But is that a good idea?

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-chatgpt-could-mean-for-tutoring/2023/05>

How Schools Can Harness AI for Learning: Advice From the Khan Academy

The chief learning officer for the Khan Academy outlines how schools can use AI in smart, ethical ways.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-schools-can-harness-ai-for-learning-advice-from-the-khan-academy/2023/05>

The information won’t just sink in: Helping teachers provide technology-assisted data literacy instruction in social studies

Last year, Tammy Shreiner and I published an article in the British Journal of Educational Technology, “The information won’t just sink in: Helping teachers provide technology-assisted data literacy instruction in social studies.”

<https://computinged.wordpress.com/2023/05/30/the-information-wont-just-sink-in-helping-teachers-provide-technology-assisted-data-literacy-instruction-in-social-studies/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2023

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:54:30 GMT

Australian STEM Video Game Challenge

Now is a great time to engage your students in the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge. It’s linked to Australian/state curricula, so it’s fun AND informative! Win, win!

<https://inteact.act.edu.au/2023/05/11/australian-stem-video-game-challenge/>

Explore STEM lesson plans

Engineering from farm to table | Years 5–6: Students are invited to become food and fibre engineers to research how wheat, the largest agricultural crop in Australia, gets from the farm to the table. They will build and improve models of key agricultural or production technologies. TikTok science stories | Years 7–8: Students learn about the diverse roles of science communicators and are challenged to create their own science communication text in a contemporary medium; Designing urban carbon sinks | Years 9–10; In this lesson, students learn about the role of vegetation as carbon sinks, conduct field work to evaluate local carbon sinks and explore urban design issues.

<http://edservaus.createsend.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/8174C3BA08F440CE2540EF23F30FEDED/C67FD2F38AC4859C/>

PBL in STEM – enhancing learning and teaching

In the second of 3 articles about research into Problem Based Learning in schools, teachers involved in the project discuss how it has enabled them to reconsider their classroom practice and the conditions necessary for meaningful STEM learning.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/pbl-in-stem-enhancing-learning-and-teaching>

Teacher recruitment through online games

Researchers from the University of York are hoping to address teacher shortages in the UK by recruiting new teacher graduates to the profession using online games and simulations. The 3-year project also aims to build a better understanding of what might attract STEM undergraduates to teaching.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/teacher-recruitment-through-online-games>

We want to hear from you!

This is your opportunity to ‘Have Your Say’ in the future direction and services provided by Scootle. Scootle was developed in 2007 with the aim of providing teacher with access to digital resources and learning objects. Over time Scootle was adopted nationally and has been a key resource for teachers in supporting the implementation of the Australian Curriculum. The teaching community have significant impact and input in providing clear direction and feedback on the functionality teachers want and need in the design and delivery of Scootle.

<https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7292450/Scootle-research>

Lesson ideas for your classroom

Can an AI recognise what you are drawing? | Years F–2: This lesson provides an opportunity to incorporate representation of data using a relevant context being studied in the classroom. Making maths quizzes 1: Plan and test our programs | Years 5–6: In this sequence of lessons students plan, create and edit a program that will ask maths questions that are harder or easier depending on user performance; Coding for GUIs (Javascript edition) | Years 9–10: This lesson sequence provides step-by-step video tutorials and challenges to incorporate Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) into your General Purpose Programming.

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

Join a STEM workshop

Keen to find out about using drones in the classroom to engage your students in real-world STEM challenges? Join She Maps for a one-of-a-kind Teacher PL workshop. This curriculum-aligned PL session is subsidised by the Australian Government's Department of Education, and its $50 sign-up cost includes access to She Maps online teaching resources for the rest of 2023.

<https://shemaps.com/teacher-professional-learning-workshops/>

More than 1,300 schools to receive funding for school upgrades and new equipment

Today I am announcing that more than 1,300 schools will benefit from a share of $32 million in grants to upgrade school infrastructure and equipment. The funding will be provided to schools for projects including: ... New tablets and laptops.

<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/more-1300-schools-receive-funding-school-upgrades-and-new-equipment>

Many teachers find planning with colleagues a waste of time

Creating protected time for teachers to collaborate with colleagues provides – in theory – an opportunity for teachers to improve teaching, and reduces the time they have to spend in the evenings and on weekends preparing for class.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/many-teachers-find-planning-with-colleagues-a-waste-of-time/>

ACARA releases new Australian Curriculum resource for teachers

New curriculum support resources for teachers are now available on a professional learning hub launched by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/acara-releases-important-new-australian-curriculum-support-resource-for-teachers/>

New learning hub to guide curriculum implementation subscription]

The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has launched an online hub to help teachers get to grips with the new curriculum.

<https://educationhq.com/news/new-learning-hub-to-guide-curriculum-implementation-146610/#>

ChatGPT lesson activity: Secondary students testing the fallibility of AI

While ChatGPT can save students time from searching through textbooks or online databases, the AI-generated content is not always accurate. Steve Brophy from Ivanhoe Grammar School in Victoria assigned students the task of testing the fallibility of ChatGPT with the lesson activity: Would you lie to me?

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/chatgpt-lesson-activity-secondary-students-testing-the-fallibility-of-ai>

Esports in K12 Education - Online Reflection Seminar

Given the overwhelming popularity of video gaming among young people, it is not surprising the rise of esports as a booming industry, with an estimated audience of 532.1 million worldwide. But esports is also a relatively new approach to teaching that utilises competitive video gaming as a tool for learning, promising to promote the development of 21st-century skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning.

<http://www.eun.org/news/detail?articleId=9957477>

ACCE Education & Technology News - April 2023 Update 3

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:28:01 GMT

More structure, less screen time, makes for healthier children

Vacation care, sports programs, or performing arts – whatever a child’s interests, researchers say that adding structure to the school holiday is a great way to keep kids healthy and active over the break.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/more-structure-less-screen-time-makes-for-healthier-children/>

More structure, fewer screens equals healthier kids in school holidays: research [subscription]

Vacation care, sports programs, or performing arts – whatever a child’s interests, researchers say that adding structure to the school holiday period is a great way to keep kids healthy and active over the break.

<https://educationhq.com/news/more-structure-fewer-screens-equals-healthier-kids-in-school-holidays-research-145582/>

Education reforms needed to make Australia a ‘global STEM superpower’ [subscription]

Australia’s peak body representing scientists and technologists is calling for ambitious new targets to boost the number of students studying STEM subjects.

<https://educationhq.com/news/education-reforms-needed-to-make-australia-a-global-stem-superpower-145408/>

These jobs will drive Adelaide for years to come

Australia has to act now if we are to build a workforce capable of sustaining the next generation of nuclear-powered submarines, as announced in the AUKUS agreement last year. ... Mr Davis explained the nature of the skills needed means we must encourage an uptake of more STEM subjects in schools and universities, but also retain and retrain those people currently skilled in these professions and trades.

<https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sponsored/JKwxTdWk74WqfEDmEcDJ/these-jobs-will-drive-adelaide-for-years-to-come/>

Time for a 'national, best practice approach' to phone bans: Clare [subscription]

A national school phone ban could soon come into effect.

<https://educationhq.com/news/time-for-a-national-best-practice-approach-to-phone-bans-clare-145293/>

Ground-breaking new institute promises to close the digital skills gap

A new institute is offering a revolutionary approach to education, allowing students to build their digital skills incrementally, without having to commit upfront to years of study.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2023/04/ground-breaking-new-institute-promises-to-close-the-digital-skills-gap/>

Full STEM ahead for the Hastings Heroes

When it comes to robotics, Hastings Secondary College has terabytes of talent.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/full-stem-ahead-for-the-hastings-heroes->

Books vs. Screens: What Does the Latest Research Say?

Digital texts can be useful for teaching certain foundational skills, but they do not equally develop cognitive patience and slower, deeper processes in the brain that serve comprehension, retention and focus.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/books-vs-screens-what-does-the-latest-research-say>

Tackling phishing

Phishing is the term used for all types of scams that bypass cyber defences by tricking people into handing over information. Bad actors use it to steal money, install ransomware or steal private data. Often they are looking for passwords.

<https://www.n4l.co.nz/tackling-phishing/>

Celebrate the limitless power of Dyslexic Thinking

Of the more than 7 billion people on earth today, 1 in 5 of them are dyslexic. Understanding Dyslexic Thinking skills—creativity and inventiveness—are fundamental to the fabric of the future.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/04/celebrate-the-limitless-power-of-dyslexic-thinking>

Banning ChatGPT will do more harm than good: A high school senior argues that ChatGPT can help reshape education for the better.

The release of ChatGPT has sent shock waves through the halls of higher education. Universities have rushed to release guidelines on how it can be used in the classroom. Professors have taken to social media to share a spectrum of AI policies. And students—whether or not they’ll admit it—have cautiously experimented with the idea of allowing it to play a part in their academic work.

<https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/04/14/1071194/chatgpt-ai-high-school-education-first-person/>

Surveys: Educators Approve of ChatGPT for K-12, College

Two separate entities conducted nationwide studies, one in the first week of February and another in the first week of April, showing that the AI tool is popular at school on both sides of the lectern.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/survey-educators-approve-of-chatgpt-for-k-12-college>

Policies, People, and Protective Measures: Legal Requirements for K-12 Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly pressing issue in K-12 education, as incidents have continued to escalate in frequency and severity. Responses to K-12 cyber attacks have focused on providing resources to educational institutions, increasing coordination and information sharing, and enforcing legal obligations.

<https://cdt.org/insights/policies-people-and-protective-measures-legal-requirements-for-k-12-cybersecurity/>

Can technology help schools prevent AI-based cheating?

Since the public release of ChatGPT took the world by storm last fall, many educators have worried about students using the highly advanced, artificially intelligent chatbot for cheating on school assignments by passing off AI-generated work as their own. But if AI can be used to produce written content, can it also be used to determine whether a piece of writing was created by AI or by a human being?

<https://www.eschoolnews.com/digital-learning/2023/04/14/can-technology-help-schools-prevent-ai-based-cheating/>

What Educators Think About Using AI in Schools

From concerns about harms to ideas on how it will change education, here’s what educators said about the use of AI in K-12.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-educators-think-about-using-ai-in-schools/2023/04>

Preparing students for the future

According to a 2023 survey conducted by Manpower Group, 77 percent of employers report difficulty in finding skilled employees. Employers seek both technical skills and soft skills, including self-discipline, problem-solving, and critical thinking. In today’s continuously evolving job market, it is important to prepare students with the skills they need for the future, regardless of their grade level. In fact, it is estimated that around 85 percent of the jobs that students will be doing by 2030 don’t even exist yet.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/04/preparing-students-for-the-future>

Achieve more in the classroom with new Teams features

Microsoft Teams for Education has been a game-changer for educators who want to create a more collaborative and organized learning environment. With its ability to bring meetings, content, and apps together in one place, Teams has become a go-to digital hub for educators. Now with even more dynamic updates, Teams is offering new and exciting features that can help students and educators achieve even more in the classroom.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/03/achieve-more-in-the-classroom-with-new-teams-features>

Exploring new opportunities with AI in education

In schools around the world, education leaders, educators, and students are exploring the power of AI to save time, personalize learning, and increase the efficiency of their operations. Although AI has already been used to boost inclusivity and productivity, recent advancements offer the opportunity to reimagine solutions to longstanding challenges in education at a time when they are perhaps needed most.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/03/exploring-new-opportunities-with-ai-in-education>

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. Or maybe it doesn't seem very applicable to their daily experiences.

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

App Lab Physical Computing lessons now feature the micro:bit

The BBC micro:bit has now been integrated to Code.org’s App Lab to add the benefits of making to the classroom.

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-04-04/app-lab-physical-computing-lessons-now-feature-the-microbit/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - April 2023 Update 2

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:45:04 GMT

Microsoft Australia CEO urges schools to embrace AI revolution

Education departments in several Australian states have flagged their intentions to ban ChatGPT, but Microsoft Australia's CEO Steven Worrall says we cannot choose to opt out of the AI revolution.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/microsoft-australia-ceo-urges-schools-to-embrace-ai-revolution/282298>

Children of Sydney Royal Easter Show workers taught in mobile classrooms

Travelling workers at the Sydney Royal Easter Show are making sure their children's studies continue during the busy period. The workers — known as "showies" — are often on the road year-round following the show circuit.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-10/travelling-showmen-sydney-royal-easter-show-school/102195526>

Embracing AI-deas

Traditional school environments were designed to encourage students to think for themselves and cultivate critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, and originality of thought. But what happens when artificial intelligence makes it possible for students to get a robot to doing their thinking for them?

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/embracing-ai-deas-chatgpt/>

Robotics and embedded systems

Choose from a selection of four projects to explore programming and designing a digital solution to suit an identified need or solve a problem.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/plan-and-prepare/scope-and-sequence-f-10/9-10-robotics-and-embedded-systems/>

The Girls In STEM Toolkit (The GIST): Explore STEM lesson plans

Browse a range of free STEM education resources, including STEM lesson plans and engaging webinars for primary and secondary students.

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/educators/stem-lesson-plans/>

Building Export Sales in the EdTech Sector

Every Australian EdTech company that generates more than $4M of revenue exports products and services around the globe. Scaling EdTech companies generate 13% of their revenue offshore, whilst the biggest companies generate an average of 37% from export. These companies are impacting learners across the globe using Australian education in a digital form.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2023/03/15/building-export-sales-in-the-edtech-sector/>

Phone bans = bad idea. Proper parenting = good idea. It’s your call

There is a local parenting myth whereby some children were told that the ice cream van plays Greensleeves to tell everyone it has run out of ice cream. So sad, sorry kids, no ice cream left. No flakes, no sprinkles, nada. Best to go home and have some chopped carrots instead.

<https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/phone-bans-bad-idea-proper-parenting-good-idea-it-s-your-call-20230405-p5cy8v.html>

Purple Team Australia

Do you have Senior Information Technology students who identify as women and First Nations Australians and are over 18? Purple Team Australia is offering scholarship applications for those students seeking careers in IT.

<https://inteact.act.edu.au/2023/04/02/purple-team-australia/>

Webinar: Playing with ideas: Cultivating student creativity, innovation and learning in schools: 21 Apr

Description: Do schools and imagination go together? Creativity and innovation aren’t just nice words or highly demanded skills in the labour market, evidence suggests they are also key to well-being and to thriving economies . But are young people leaving education with the skills to apply knowledge and make novel connections, envision new solutions, and contribute meaningfully to their communities?

<https://meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g6fstoIjTF6sGGHgxvb18A>

ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it: The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.

The response from schools and universities was swift and decisive. Just days after OpenAI dropped ChatGPT in late November 2022, the chatbot was widely denounced as a free essay-writing, test-taking tool that made it laughably easy to cheat on assignments.

<https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/04/06/1071059/chatgpt-change-not-destroy-education-openai/>

As ChatGPT Enters the Classroom, Teachers Weigh Pros and Cons

In November 2022, OpenAI, an artificial intelligence (AI) research laboratory, launched ChatGPT, a transformative AI program. Since then, ChatGPT and its impacts on education have been the center of heated debate.

<https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/chatgpt-enters-classroom-teachers-weigh-pros-and-cons>

How Teachers Choose Apps for Their Classrooms

A study examines whether educators are more likely to select apps that have educational benchmarks or ones that feature buzzwords.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-teachers-choose-apps-for-their-classrooms/2023/04>

5 Chromebook updates for students and teachers

We’re announcing new Chromebooks built for teachers and students, updates to our Screencast and cast moderator features, a new reading mode in Chrome and easier customization tools for ChromeOS admins.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/chromebook-updates-2023/>

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/>

Girls Who Code Expands Partnership with MetLife Foundation to Launch New Mentorship Program

Today, Girls Who Code, a non-profit working to close the gender gap in tech, announced Mentoring Corps, a new, free mentoring initiative launching this fall. The program will connect Girls Who Code high-school students with college-aged mentors and was created in partnership with MetLife Foundation. Mentoring Corps is the latest in Girls Who Code’s efforts to support the development of older students through mentoring and leadership opportunities.

<https://girlswhocode.com/news/girls-who-code-expands-partnership-with-metlife-foundation-to-launch-new-mentorship-program>

ACCE Education & Technology News - April 2023 Update 1

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 09:51:53 GMT

Differentiate and build student agency with Reading Coach in Immersive Reader

A recent 2022 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed a decline in average reading scores since 2019. Educators have been met with increasing pressure to accelerate learning for all students, who often arrive in classrooms with varying levels of proficiency. Microsoft’s Learning Accelerator suite of tools provides schools with the solutions and educational expertise they need to positively impact academic, social, and emotional growth for all learners.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/02/differentiate-and-build-student-agency-with-reading-coach-in-immersive-reader>

Mind the Gap: Inspiring female students to pursue careers in STEM

Today, on International Women’s Day, we are looking back on 15 years of Google’s Mind the Gap initiative, a grassroots program which aims to bridge the gap of female representation in the tech industry by inspiring middle and high-school students to pursue careers in STEM at a critical stage of their education.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/diversity/mind-the-gap-inspiring-female-students-to-pursue-careers-in-stem/>

TikTok is adding a dedicated feed for STEM content

TikTok is introducing a new feed dedicated to STEM content in honor of Pi Day, the company announced on Tuesday. The feed, which will appear alongside the app’s “Following” and “For You” feeds, aims to give users a dedicated space to explore videos related to science, technology, engineering and math. The STEM feed will be rolling out to users in the U.S. in the coming weeks.

<https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/14/tiktok-is-adding-a-dedicated-feed-for-stem-content/>

Messy STEM Science Experiments for Kids

Fun, messy science experiments are sure to please kids of all ages. Kids enjoy getting into hands-on activities where they get to touch, play, and explore.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/messy-stem-science-experiments-for-kids/>

Seven STEM Teacher Tips If You’re Suddenly Teaching STEM

STEM education, therefore, combines these four disciplines through an integrated approach, one that offers hands-on experience with relevant and real-world examples. The campaign for STEM education to start at a lower level has been there for quite a while now, and many people are all for that idea.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/seven-stem-teacher-tips/>

Engineering for Kids – 5 Tips to Introduce Engineering to Your Child

Engineers and their skills are in high demand across many sectors, and that is why they are one of the most lucrative jobs.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/engineering-for-kids/>

C-it B-it: Inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM

When the Microsoft Surface and Education team spoke to high school students about the types of career pathways they could take after school, it became evident that the only limitation to their aspirations was what they had been exposed to.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2023/02/c-it-b-it-inspiring-young-people-to-pursue-careers-in-stem/>

Why don’t more women code?

Significantly more men than women become ICT specialists, and this gap persists across countries. Differences in young men and women’s education in science, technology, engineering (including ICT fields), and mathematics (STEM); aspirations for jobs in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector; and ICT skills are well demonstrated. New data from the OECD Going Digital Toolkit confirms that these gender gaps persist later in life. Across OECD countries, the percentage of men working as ICT specialists is three to eight times higher than the percentage of women working in such positions.

<https://oecdstatistics.blog/2023/03/08/why-dont-more-women-code/>

GirlCode: Women Using Technology to Create Meaningful Solutions

Ahead of International Women’s Day, I caught up with Zandile Mkwanazi, the Chief Executive Officer of GirlCode, based in South Africa. I was curious to hear about her journey into technology and what motivates her to act on behalf of women and digital technology. Here is a summary of our conversation!

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/youth-transforming-africa/girlcode-women-using-technology-create-meaningful-solutions>

ACCE Education & Technology News - April 2023

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 09:44:06 GMT

National Science Week grants for primary and secondary schools: apply now

The Australian Science Teachers Assocation (ASTA) has been provided $980,000 to deliver National Science Week grants and teaching resources over the next few years. Apply now for 2023 funding.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/national-science-week-grants-primary-and-secondary-schools-apply-now>

Why we should care about online education

Online education is considered by many in developed nations as a poor substitute for face-to-face teaching and learning, and is only something to be reverted to when there’s simply no other option.

<https://lens.monash.edu/@education/2023/02/16/1385477/why-we-should-care-about-online-education>

Should we concern about the use of ChatGPT by our students?

One artificial tool called ChatGPT is being used more by students since it launched in November 2022. At least five Australian states have banned the use of tools like ChatGPT in public schools to limit the potential for cheating and plagiarism. What do we know exactlt about ChatGPT?

<https://www.sbs.com.au/language/indonesian/en/podcast-episode/should-we-concern-about-the-use-of-chatgpt-by-our-students/y8c1h7236>

AI expert deep dives into ChatGPT in webinar

In an exciting new webinar Redesigning Assessment for an Ever-Changing World, hosted by United Kingdom-based PebblePad, leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Dr Stefan Popenici of Charles Darwin University (CDU) discusses the drawbacks and advantages of using ChatGPT in education.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/ai-expert-deep-dives-into-chatgpt-in-webinar/>

The secret weapon of every teacher: How ChatGPT can help you keep up

Ask teachers what the one thing they want more of from their school is, and I promise you the answer is not "more jeans days passes".

<https://educationhq.com/news/the-secret-weapon-of-every-teacher-how-chatgpt-can-help-you-keep-up-143198/>

ChatGPT, AI, and the Future of Education

ChatGPT has caught everyone’s imagination. Here, we catch up with founder of Writer’s Toolbox, Dr Ian Hunter. An award-winning academic turned innovator, Dr Hunter is no stranger to the world of AI computing. He holds a patent in AI technology and now runs one of the world’s fastest-growing education platforms.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/chatgpt-ai-and-the-future-of-education>

Podcast Special: ChatGPT and the future of learning

Why is everyone talking about ChatGPT? In today’s podcast special, we speak with several education experts to hear their thoughts on the potential impact of ChatGPT on teaching and learning – from assessment, to equity in education, and policy decisions. ChatGPT will also be joining us as a guest.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/podcast-special-chatgpt-and-the-future-of-learning>

ChatGPT: Education assessment, equity and policy

There is much talk about the impact that artificial intelligence-powered chatbots like ChatGPT will have on students, teachers and traditional classroom learning. But what is ChatGPT exactly? And how will it affect the way we approach assessment, issues of equity, and policy decisions in the future? In today’s article, we speak to 3 experts to find out more.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/chatgpt-education-assessment-equity-and-policy>

Paving the way for future leaders in STEM

Loreto College Marryatville, a leading independent girls’ school in South Australia, is set to become the first Australian girls’ school to build an immersive edutech lab when they establish an innovative Lumination Learning Lab later this year.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/loreto-college-lumination-lab/>

School attendance has plummeted. And it’s not just because of COVID

More than 60 per cent of NSW public high school students missed at least four weeks of class in 2022, the worst attendance level on record. While sick days due to COVID and flu cases were behind the falling attendance levels, some in the education sector say the latest figures are part of a bigger trend of student disengagement and schools are now offering late starting times for students who spend much of the night gaming as a short-term measure to re-engage them.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/school-attendance-has-plummeted-and-it-s-not-just-because-of-covid-20230119-p5cdyl.html>

STEM opportunities for young women

STRENGTHENING its commitment to providing a diverse workforce and the next generation of innovators, Ampcontrol has announced its sponsorship of Hunter-based industry schools outreach program HunterWiSE.

<https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/stem-opportunities-for-young-women>

Her future is digital

For years, we’ve argued that technology can be a force for women’s empowerment around the world. But on this International Women’s Day, while we celebrate digital’s transformative power, we also recognize the need to address the barriers that stand in the way. This is why the World Bank is prioritizing three key accelerators for women’s digital inclusion: online safety, inclusive digital public infrastructure, and digital skills.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/her-future-digital>

Bridging the gender gaps in GovTech

This International Women’s Day, the UN Commission on the Status of Women will spotlight its main objective—which is, Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. On the occasion, this blog examines gender gaps in GovTech and the opportunities that exist to bridge these gaps in the public sector.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/governance/bridging-gender-gaps-govtech>

States Should Update Digital Literacy Programs to Include AI Literacy

K–12 schools teach digital literacy because students need to know how to use computers and the Internet to be successful in the digital economy. But they need to update their curriculum to account for the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI).

<https://datainnovation.org/2023/03/states-should-update-digital-literacy-programs-to-include-ai-literacy/>

How AI and remote learning platforms are transforming education in the Middle East

Technological advancements are transforming the way young people in the Middle East are taught as traditional educational systems adapt to new tools, techniques and teaching arrangements.

<https://www.arabnews.com/node/2268721/middle-east>

Digital security basics to make 2023 disruption free

This article explores the connection between digital security, online safety and privacy. Each component plays an important role as part of a robust digital security setup for schools and kura. We’ll be continuing the conversation about digital security in coming editions of Education Gazette, with more cyber security and privacy advice. Additionally, stay tuned for the upcoming launch of the digital strategy, ConnectedAko: Digital and Data for Learning, which will roll out with a series of powerful stories of students and educators embracing and thriving in the digital world.

<https://gazette.education.govt.nz/articles/digital-security-basics-to-make-2023-disruption-free/>

N4L appoints five new partners for schools’ Wi-Fi upgrades

Crown-owned technology company The Network for Learning (N4L) has struck new partnerships with five IT companies.

<https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/706161/n4l-appoints-five-new-partners-schools-wi-fi-upgrades/>

Helping more students improve their cyber security skills and online safety

Following the successful launch at the end of last year, Grok Academy will be re-launching Cyber Comp this month to enable students who would have previously been focusing on exams to participate and test their cyber skills.

<https://www.n4l.co.nz/helping-more-students-improve-their-cyber-security-skills-and-online-safety/>

Is ChatGPT the future of learning? Educators, students discuss how schools can adapt to potential of AI-driven world

At an assembly last week, a pastor at a secondary school in Tai Po found an innovative way to engage the 200 students sitting in the hall – he asked a chatbot to share its perspective on being a student in Hong Kong.

<https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/hong-kong/article/3213126/chatgpt-future-learning-educators-students-discuss-how-schools-can-adapt-potential-ai-driven-world>

High School Teacher Confesses to Using ChatGPT for Work

In an ironic twist on an growing trend, a high school teacher has admitted to using OpenAI's ChatGPT to help her create lesson plans.

<https://futurism.com/the-byte/high-school-teacher-uses-chatgpt>

Cyberattacks Rise Sharply Against Governments and Schools

According to a recent report, the number of attacks on the government sector saw a massive upswing in the second half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid digitization in government organizations, including a significant increase in remote systems access. This expanded the attack surface and further enabled malicious actors to use cyber warfare as a means to target other nations.

<https://securityintelligence.com/news/cyberattacks-rise-sharply-against-governments-schools/>

The Good and Bad of ChatGPT in Schools

The worst part of going to school is all the homework. Nothing strikes dread in a student’s heart quite like facing down a deadline on a seven-page essay. That’s why some of them may find it tempting to turn those hours of work into a task that can be breezed through in a matter of seconds by an AI-powered app. Generative tools like ChatGPT have wormed their way into the school system, causing panic among teachers and administrators. While some schools have banned the tech outright, others are embracing it as a tool to teach students how to tell the difference between reality and science fiction.

<https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-589/>

Measuring Reading Comprehension Is Hard. Can AI and Adaptive Tools Help?

Artificial intelligence might be able to drive cars. But can it help kids comprehend what they read?

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/measuring-reading-comprehension-is-hard-can-ai-and-adaptive-tools-help/2023/03>

Is the AI genie out of the bottle in education?

With the startlingly rapid pace of development in Artificial Intelligence in the last few months it’s easy to imagine that education will be left behind. In order to deal with the implications of these technologies, we need to strike a balance between banning and uncritical adoption.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/opinion-is-the-ai-genie-out-of-the-bottle-in-education/282166>

Why teachers love Surface for the classroom

In today’s digital, physical, blended, and hybrid classrooms, teachers want new ways to help every student achieve more. Providing them with natural ways to work can help. Touchscreens support intuitive interactions for every student and digital inking offers the versatility to sketch ideas, take notes, or do math equations. The Surface family of devices offer rich, responsive interactions like these to help drive student success.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2023/02/why-teachers-love-surface-for-the-classroom/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - March 2023 Update 2

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:01:43 GMT

"Please give it a go, put yourself forward," WA's former chief scientist calls on girls and women to put their hands up for STEM roles

This International Women's Day, listen back as Prof Lyn Beazley AO chats with Joanna Trilling about her distinguished science career.

<https://www.abc.net.au/perth/programs/drive/iwd-stem/102070964>

Remote learning changing the lives of students in war-affected countries

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war, Monash Virtual School has provided fundamental educational opportunities for 70,000 young people whose education has been disrupted by conflict, including students in Ukraine.

<https://www.monash.edu/home/archive/home-page-news/remote-learning-changing-the-lives-of-students-in-war-affected-countries>

Join a free ELLA preschool workshop

ELLA is back with an exciting line-up of in-person workshops in 2023, touring across Australia from February until May. These workshops will provide an overview and exploration of the ELLA program with the aim of guiding implementation in your preschool.

<https://news.ella.edu.au/preschool/events>

The Girls In STEM Toolkit (The GiST): Discover 15 new STEM lesson plans

Along with a fresh new look and simpler navigation, The GiST has added 15 new lesson plans for you to share in your classroom. Check them out:

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/educators/stem-lesson-plans>

School cybersecurity in 2023: What’s your incident response plan?

Australian schools are facing a growing threat from cyberattacks, with an increasing number of incidents being reported by educational institutions.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/school-cybersecurity-in-2023-whats-your-incident-response-plan/282047>

Screen panic: how much time is too much?

Smart devices are powerful tools that can assist teaching and learning. Each device on its own is a personal assistant, a massive library, media creator, communications hub, language translator and entertainment centre on our desk or right in our hands.

<https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?p=16013>

Podcast Special: ChatGPT and the future of learning

Why is everyone talking about ChatGPT? In today’s podcast special, we speak with several education experts to hear their thoughts on the potential impact of ChatGPT on teaching and learning – from assessment, to equity in education, and policy decisions. ChatGPT will also be joining us as a guest.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/podcast-special-chatgpt-and-the-future-of-learning>

ChatGPT: Education assessment, equity and policy

There is much talk about the impact that artificial intelligence-powered chatbots like ChatGPT will have on students, teachers and traditional classroom learning. But what is ChatGPT exactly? And how will it affect the way we approach assessment, issues of equity, and policy decisions in the future? In today’s article, we speak to 3 experts to find out more.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/chatgpt-education-assessment-equity-and-policy>

Melbourne University academic suggests more play, less desk time could help kids learn better

Melbourne University Professor of Education Pasi Sahlberg says Australia children have about 11,000 hours of instruction under their belts by the time they are 15.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-09/more-play-less-desk-time-could-help-kids-learn-study-finds/102065876>

30 Women EdTech Leaders You Should Know

The Australian education sector workforce is dominated by women in all verticals with one glaring exception: the EdTech ecosystem.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2023/03/07/30-women-edtech-leaders-you-should-know/>

Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

Secretary Georgina Harrisson talks about how the NSW Department of Education is 'Cracking the Code' and breaking down barriers.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/celebrating-international-women-s-day-2023>

What Do Teachers Think of ChatGPT? You Might Be Surprised

A new survey finds that many teachers have a positive view of the AI technology and they’re using it more often than their students are.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-do-teachers-think-of-chatgpt-you-might-be-surprised/2023/03>

Three Steps to Prevent ChatGPT Misuse

First, it is important to understand what the artificial intelligence tool is—and what it is not.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-three-steps-to-prevent-chatgpt-misuse/2023/03>

Virtual Education Is Not Popular. But Can It Improve Teaching and Learning?

Quality virtual learning could be the solution for equity issues and teacher shortages, according to SXSW EDU panelists.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/virtual-education-is-not-popular-but-can-it-improve-teaching-and-learning/2023/03>

Kindergarten STEM Activities – Easy & Fun Setup

For kindergarteners to really develop their STEM skills, they will need the appropriate avenues, activities, and materials to train. It may be challenging for them to gain this curiosity when adults constantly take away everything for their safety - rightfully so in most cases.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/kindergarten-stem-activities/>

Cracking the code to a fairer digital future for women

Despite the increasing digitalization of everyone’s daily lives, the digital gender gap has grown; globally around 63 per cent of women have access to the internet today, compared to 69 per cent of men.

<https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134212>

Coding for Kids: How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

Well…it is not going to be overnight, but it's going to be a fun journey! That being said, it also does not have to take years – your kid does not have to have graduated college to code at least something!

<https://stemeducationguide.com/coding-for-kids/>

What Is Computer Science For Kids? How to Get Kids Started Coding

It is no surprise that people of all ages are interested in how to find out more about it, especially children.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/what-is-computer-science-for-kids/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - March 2023 Update 1

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:33:11 GMT

Tech-savvy school tops Blacktown NAPLAN results [subscription]

A western Sydney public school has reached new heights after nabbing a top spot among the state’s learning centres in the 2022 NAPLAN results. Find the full list of schools here.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new-south-wales-education/schools-hub/quakers-hill-public-school-principal-bert-lo-campo-celebrates-naplan-success-for-techsavvy-school/news-story/738ed0f01de8bfbbd24bc368da9ab8d4>

Webinar: Will ChatGPT Forever Change Education?

Generative AI has made waves in the news cycle lately, with new developments like ChatGPT inciting both excitement and panic from educators. Some call it the end of the five-paragraph essay, while others see it as an opportunity for pedagogical advancement. Either way, generative AI is already a reality, and educators need to adapt and prepare for the changes it brings.

<https://datainnovation.org/2023/03/will-chatgpt-forever-change-education/>

We can add ChatGPT to the latest list of concerns about student cheating, but let’s go deeper

Recently, there’s been a virtual tsunami of stories about artificial intelligence and its impact on education. A primary concern is how easy programs like ChatGPT make it for students to cheat. Educators are scrambling to rethink assignments, and families are struggling with another addition to the ever-growing list of online tools that cause concern.

<https://hechingerreport.org/opinion-we-can-add-chatgpt-to-the-latest-list-of-concerns-about-student-cheating-but-lets-go-deeper/>

Building a Safe and Transparent Edtech Ecosystem: A Regulatory Vision

The influence of businesses’ data-driven algorithm-infused products for education raises concerns about the impact of their commercial interests on the quality of educational opportunities for children and their future life chances. Velislava Hillman, a Fellow in the LSE’s Media and Communications department, who leads a project that drives outside-in audits of EdTech companies to verify their commitment to quality, transparency, and accountability, argues here for a move beyond data privacy principles: it is not just data privacy by principle and design that should mitigate these concerns, but everything that digital products and devices can do and un-do to the learning experience for a child. Beyond the guidelines and toolkits on data privacy by design, the businesses pervading education with their digital products need to be regulated.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2023/02/17/building-a-safe-and-transparent-edtech-ecosystem-a-regulatory-vision/>

What is PedTech and why is everyone talking about it?

Every single decision in a classroom, school, or educational organisation is ultimately a pedagogical decision – because it opens up, or closes down, choices that learners and teachers are able to make as part of the process of learning.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/pedtech-everyone-talking->

The rise of ChatGPT shows why we need a clearer approach to technology in schools

ChatGPT and its powerful capacity to generate original text has taken the education sector by surprise. Not only are universities hurrying to adapt to it, schools are also grappling with this new technology.

<https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-chatgpt-shows-why-we-need-a-clearer-approach-to-technology-in-schools-199596>

Generation STEM partners with Telstra to build the future STEM workforce

CSIRO’s STEM Community Partnerships Program, part of Generation STEM, has partnered with Telstra to inspire students to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to encourage curiosity, initiative and critical thinking.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2023/Generation-STEM-partners-with-Telstra-to-build-the-future-STEM-workforce>

Female STEM trailblazers speak out as women in science internationally celebrated

Marianella Chamorro-Koc knows how important different perspectives are to innovation and success. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) industrial design lecturer has co-created a pain metric device for paediatric care that the state's health department is implementing as a touch point for nurses when assessing children in emergency rooms.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-10/stem-women-encourage-females-to-join-professions/101770590>

Nominations open for Australian Education Awards 2023

After a successful face-to-face event in 2022, we are pleased to announce the Australian Education Awards are back and ready to raise a glass to the education sector's best and brightest.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/nominations-open-for-australian-education-awards-2023/281926>

Early warning is the first line of defence against cyber gangs

Newcastle Grammar School ICT manager, Michael Browning, logged into his monitoring dashboard one Saturday morning and watched as all his security alerts switched one-by-one to red. He realised, to his horror, the school was being hacked and its data was being encrypted.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2023/02/early-warning-is-the-first-line-of-defence-against-cyber-gangs/>

Meet the problem solvers: women tackling challenges with science and technology

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, meet two scientists with a passion for problem solving who have received support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme.

<https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_211693.htm?selectedLocale=en>

Deputy Secretary General underlines NATO’s commitment to promoting women and girls in science

Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană emphasised NATO’s commitment to promoting the interests of women and girls in defence and security at an event organised by the NATO Science and Technology Organization on Wednesday (8 February 2023). In a keynote speech marking the United Nations’ 8th International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), Mr Geoană stressed that the traditional barriers facing women and girls in science and technology had to change.

<https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_211451.htm?selectedLocale=en>

Here’s why we need more women and girls in STEM

As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, climate change, and other critical issues, the equal participation and leadership of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines is more important than ever. Addressing existing underrepresentation could not only bolster technological growth and innovation, but it’s also an economic necessity.

<https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/themes/heres-why-we-need-more-women-and-girls-in-stem>

New do your :bit resources launched for UN International Day of Education

Here at the Micro:bit Educational Foundation we are marking the 5th UN International Day of Education by helping you change your world!

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2023-01-24/new-do-your-bit-resources-launched-for-un-international-day-of-education/>

GameChanger Girls

Esports Community for 10 to 15 year olds: We are creating a safe space for experimentation, design, innovation and sharing for a global community of girls. At the conclusion of the first pilot of this program, we asked the girls where they wanted to go with this program. They said, very loudly, that they wanted to play other games designed by girls, to get to know other girl game designers and players about the world and to feel part of a community.

<https://www.gamechangergirls.net/about>

ACCE Education & Technology News - March 2023

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:24:06 GMT

Tomorrow's STEM professionals in the making

The Albanese Government is continuing to back Australian science and awarding 22 community engagement grants for young people totalling almost $2 million.

<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/tomorrows-stem-professionals-making>

Telepresence robots to help sick kids across Australia 'attend' school in new pilot project

Year five student Fred McGuigan couldn't go to school for more than a year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. But that changed when he met a robot named Steve. "This charity gave us the robot and that was situated in his classroom with all his classmates and his class teacher," Fred's mother Tiffany McGuigan said.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-01/telepresence-robots-get-sick-kids-to-school-missingschool-pilot/102035340>

Video games engage and connect neurodiverse and neurotypical students

Summer Jeppesen first started exploring the online game Minecraft at her school library’s computer lab a couple of years ago. “Once I get into it, it’s relaxing, but it can be challenging, too,” says the Year 5 student at the remote Shepherdson College in the Northern Territory. “A highlight for me has been building a house with my best friend. It was pretty big – 15 by 15 square [blocks].

<https://www.aeufederal.org.au/news-media/news/2023/video-games-engage-and-connect-neurodiverse-and-neurotypical-students>

Welcome to our first edition of the DT Hub newsletter for 2023!

In this edition, we will focus on computational thinking. Computational thinking is one of the aims of the Digital Technologies curriculum, but what is it? It might sound complex, but at its core, computational thinking is about breaking down a problem we want to solve. It requires us to focus on the important information and break our problem into small, logical steps. These steps can then be written as an algorithm that solves the problem. We should evaluate the process to see how well we have solved the problem and consider what could be done differently.

<https://news.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz63ed88bfa5698015/interface.html>

Aim for the stars: Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy gives Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women the tools to succeed in a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) career.

<https://blog.csiro.au/indigenous-womens-stem-academy/>

New resources help parents engage in their child’s learning

Parents of NSW’s youngest learners now have more access to what their child is learning in the classroom than ever before, thanks to a new, free online student learning library.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/new-resources-help-parents-engage-in-their-child-s-learning>

Engaging young citizens: Civic education practices in the classroom and beyond

Many OECD countries have implemented programmes and policies specifically targeting the development of civic skills and values in schools. Some of the most successful practices steer away from knowledge-transfer-based learning, and towards experiential learning practices which empower children by placing them in the centre of the learning process. The benefits of experience-based learning programmes also have the potential to reach beyond the classroom walls, allowing schools and students to create and strengthen relationships with the communities around them.

<https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/engaging-young-citizens_2166378c-en>

ChatGPT allowed in International Baccalaureate essays

Schoolchildren are allowed to quote from content created by ChatGPT in their essays, the International Baccalaureate has said.

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/feb/27/chatgpt-allowed-international-baccalaureate-essays-chatbot>

Women Tech Council’s SheTech provides career experiences and role models to activate and inspire girls into STEM fields [news release]

The Women Tech Council (WTC), a national organization focused on the economic impact of women in technology, today held SheTech Explorer Day, a day-long event to activate, engage and inspire high school girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event drew nearly 3,000 girls from 125 schools across the state to learn about and experience STEM careers. They also met role models and mentors from 125 companies who helped them see what STEM fields are like and give them a vision of what they can achieve.

<https://www.prweb.com/releases/stem_activation_program_draws_thousands_of_high_school_girls_to_prepare_for_technology_jobs/prweb19198726.htm>

How coding with empathy can make science more inclusive

Why would a coding project benefit from having participants from different cultures on opposite sides of the world? It fosters greater empathy and reduces bias, according to Code.organd Empatico, organizers of the Coding with Empathy Challenge.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/how-coding-with-empathy-can-make-science-more-inclusive-af62df558ee8>

Q&A Webinar - The role of education in an interconnected world

Description: The world is fast changing, hyper-connected and increasingly complex. It is becoming ever more important to support students to be active citizens who can help build more sustainable, equitable and resilient societies. How should education systems respond? Join our webinar on 9 March to explore how schools can help students navigate and thrive in an interconnected world.

<https://meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ytwnYMDzTdeU4v3OVl_R2Q>

Aim for the stars: Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy gives Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women the tools to succeed in a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) career.

<https://blog.csiro.au/indigenous-womens-stem-academy/>

Primary school program aims to address STEM gender gap

An evidence-based Australian school program will help young girls catch the STEM bug early and to believe in their ability to succeed in science, technology, engineering and maths.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/primary-school-program-aims-to-address-stem-gender-gap/281957>

The rise of ChatGPT shows why we need a clearer approach to technology in schools

ChatGPT and its powerful capacity to generate original text has taken the education sector by surprise. Not only are universities hurrying to adapt to it, schools are also grappling with this new technology.

<https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-chatgpt-shows-why-we-need-a-clearer-approach-to-technology-in-schools-199596>

Smartwatches, phones make their presence felt in primary schools

Long the domain of secondary schools, mobile phones and smartwatches are becoming increasingly common in primary schools.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/smartwatches-phones-make-their-presence-felt-in-primary-schools-20230213-p5ck5k.html>

The My School website has just been updated. What makes a ‘good’ school?

Parents often worry about which school will be the best one for their children. Is the local public school the best option or would another public, faith-based or independent school be a better fit?

<https://theconversation.com/the-my-school-website-has-just-been-updated-what-makes-a-good-school-199979>

Here's how teachers can model responsible use of ChatGPT [subscription]

Mainstream and social media have been awash with the words of ChatGPT, the AI powered chatbot that promptly generates text on request.

<https://educationhq.com/news/heres-how-teachers-can-model-responsible-use-of-chatgpt-141449/>

‘Girls and the neurodiverse must tackle STEM subjects’ [subscription]

Australia’s chief scientist has called for more girls and ‘neurodiverse’ students to take maths and science subjects, saying our hi-tech industries cannot depend on migrants.

<https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/girls-and-the-neurodiverse-must-tackle-stem-subjects/news-story/1f47742269d36c324975fd662823b218>

SMP 2023 scholarships: open now

For Science Meets Parliament 2023, nine scholarship recipients will be able to access a full program of career-defining professional development training at no cost. Science Meets Parliament is Australia’s most significant event for deep engagement between the science and technology community and policymakers.

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/2023-smp-scholarships/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2023

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 01:22:15 GMT

Trend of banning mobile phones in Australian high schools 'not backed by research,' expert warns

While a NSW Labor government would ban mobile phones in high schools if elected, an expert says the trending policy across Australia does not improve students' focus.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-03/research-does-not-back-nsw-school-mobile-phone-ban-expert-says/101922944>

Blanket ban on mobile phones in schools disadvantages students, education expert says

Queensland's mobile phone policy in schools gives students an advantage over their interstate counterparts, according to a leading academic.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-07/ban-phones-schools-disadvantages-students-education-expert/101939686>

National project to address STEM gender gap

A new project aims to close the gender gap in STEM subjects in primary and secondary schools. Three universities will work together to build a national community of girls, teachers, school outreach practitioners and industry.

<https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2023/02/09/national-project-to-address-stem-gender-gap>

$1m federal grant to enrich STEM education for 1,000 SA and NT girls

New federal funds will help Flinders University support hundreds of Year 9 female high school students in South Australia and the Northern Territory to build science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and entrepreneurial skills to compete in future education and career opportunities.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/1m-federal-grant-to-enrich-stem-education-for-1000-sa-and-nt-girls/>

‘A much more creative approach’: remote learning may be over, but home schooling in Australia is on the rise

This week millions of kids around Australia returned excitedly – or nervously – to their bustling classrooms, but in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, Caitlin Hughes’ four daughters have reopened their school books in the quiet of their home.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/04/a-much-more-creative-approach-remote-learning-may-be-over-but-home-schooling-in-australia-is-on-the-rise>

New report gives young people a voice in online safety education

Researchers from Western Sydney University's Young and Resilient Research Center have released a new report providing critical insight into youths' aspirations for online safety education.

<https://phys.org/news/2023-02-young-people-voice-online-safety.html>

In Real Life: Digital ethics and participation, reimagined by and for young people

Our Vision: In 2021, 44% of young Australians encountered negative online experiences, with their main concerns being online interactions with peers and strangers, privacy issues (stolen identities, photo sharing without consent) and security issues (hacking, scams). Three quarters of young Australians have also highlighted critical information gaps in how to address and support their peers around issues of consent, respectful relationships and diversity online.

<https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/young-and-resilient/projects/current_projects/in_real_life>

Safer Internet Day 2023

What is Safer Internet Day? Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/safer-internet-day-2023>

<https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/cybermarvel/safer-internet-day>

Safer Internet Day 2023: A global day of action

Research by eSafety tells us that 45% of Australian children said they were treated in a hurtful or nasty way online in the past year. This Safer Internet Day, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is encouraging every Australian to moderate their own online behaviour to help stem the negativity and abuse that permeate many parts of the internet.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/safer-internet-day-2023-a-global-day-of-action>

Privacy concerns for school students

Student storytelling can often give a glimpse into what’s happening in their lives, their interests and passions, and the issues that are on their mind. The latest instalment of the Australian Children’s Word of the Year reveals online safety is a top concern for students.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/privacy-concerns-for-school-students>

Online industry asked to address eSafety’s concerns with draft codes

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has asked associations representing the online industry to respond to areas of concern and resubmit draft industry codes that include appropriate community safeguards for users in Australia.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/online-industry-asked-address-esafetys-concerns-draft-codes-0>

Young people call on Big Tech to put their wellbeing before profits

The eSafety Commissioner’s Youth Council has written an open letter to Big Tech to demand they impose consequences on users who abuse and harass others, breaching platforms’ own terms of service.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/young-people-call-on-big-tech-put-their-wellbeing-profits>

CASA drone safety school resources

<https://shop.casa.gov.au/collections/school-resources>

Save the Date: ICTENSW DigiTLL (Digital Technologies, Learning & Literacy) Conference 2023

You are invited to the ICTENSW DigiTLL (Digital Teaching, Learning & Literacy) Conference on the 18th and 19th of March 2023.

<https://www.ictensw.org.au/event-4883767>

ChatGPT: WA Catholic schools will not ban latest AI technology

Western Australia’s Catholic schools will not ban ChatGPT, after the state government announced a move to rid public schools of the latest in artificial intelligence.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/western-australia/chatgpt-wa-catholic-schools-will-not-ban-latest-ai-technology-20230203-p5chq8.html>

Will ChatGPT Forever Change Education?

Generative AI has made waves in the news cycle lately, with new developments like ChatGPT inciting both excitement and panic from educators. Some call it the end of the five-paragraph essay, while others see it as an opportunity for pedagogical advancement. Either way, generative AI is already a reality, and educators need to adapt and prepare for the changes it brings.

<https://datainnovation.org/2023/03/will-chatgpt-forever-change-education/>

Educator considerations for ChatGPT

This page provides a brief overview for educators seeking to learn more about the capabilities, limitations, and considerations for using ChatGPT for teaching and learning. While this page focuses on ChatGPT and the OpenAI AI text classifier, many of these considerations are also relevant to the use of language models for teaching and learning more broadly.

<https://platform.openai.com/docs/chatgpt-education>

5 tips to keep students safer online

Today is Safer Internet Day, a day that aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. The global theme is “Together for a Better Internet,” which means we must all work together, from young people and their parents to government and academia. Safer also means better: It’s not just about staying safe, it’s about using connected technologies to thrive.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/saferinternetday2023-larrymagid/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2022 Update 3

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:35:07 GMT

Insights from our 3rd Mel-Based Professional Learning Day for theSTEMproblem

#theSTEMproblem is a research project funded by an ARC Linkage Grant, and involves researchers, teachers, and support staff from Monash University, the University of Queensland (UQ), Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) working together to refine and implement a framework for Problem Based Learning (PBL) in primary and secondary school STEM education.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/research/projects/exploring-problem-based-learning-in-schools/updates/insights-from-our-3rd-mel-based-professional-learning-day-for-thestemproblem>

The role of technology in addressing teacher shortages

Teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers and without a comprehensive long-term approach that focuses on attracting and retaining quality teachers, this problem will continue to worsen over the coming years. Andrew Smith, CEO of Education Services Australia, discusses how technology could help.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-role-of-technology-in-addressing-teacher-shortages/>

1 million students get eSafety guidance from a trusted source

The eSafety Commissioner has congratulated participants in its Trusted eSafety Provider program on delivering education programs to a quarter of all Australian school students last financial year.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/1-million-students-get-esafety-guidance-from-a-trusted-source/>

Behaviour Management Episode 13: Professor Ken Rigby on bullying in schools

Our guest for this episode of our Behaviour Management podcast series is Professor Ken Rigby – Adjunct Professor at the University of South Australia and a leading international researcher in the area of bullying in schools.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/behaviour-management-episode-13-professor-ken-rigby-on-bullying-in-schools>

Robo-marking in Australian schools: no school left behind

Automated grading technologies could soon be rolled out in Australian schools but without robust national guidelines and an independent advisory body, some schools could be left behind.

<https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2022/11/16/robo-marking-australian-schools-artificial-intelligence-education-expert.html>

How do Australian teachers feel about their work in 2022?

New Monash research offers insights into how Australian teachers are feeling, and what needs to change.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/how-do-australian-teachers-feel-about-their-work-in-2022>

Recent study of detrimental online habits which is affecting learning ‘is a real concern’

The Australian’s media writer Sophie Elsworth says the recent study showing online habits for Australian kids is having a detrimental effect on their learning “is a real concern”. “There also some duties on parents as well at home to control the use of their kids on these devices,” she told Sky News host Peta Credlin.

<https://www.news.com.au/national/recent-study-of-detrimental-online-habits-which-is-affecting-learning-is-a-real-concern/video/3ced663dd1a5887f9302e6f98fb0cd1c>

Science challenge helping students discover a love of STEM for over 20 years

... The Science and Engineering Challenge is an outreach program founded by the University of Newcastle in the year 2000. Since then, it has grown to involve over 120 Rotary clubs and 30 Universities, reaching over 1,000 schools and around 30,000 students each year, in every state and territory in Australia.

<https://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/college-of-engineering-science-and-environment/science-challenge-helping-students-discover-a-love-of-stem-for-over-20-years>

Designing playable video games with primary students

Year 5 and 6 students from MidCoast Christian College in regional New South Wales were tasked with designing their own video games. We speak with educator Melissa Tindall about the process of designing the games from scratch, and how it allowed students to explore the 21st Century skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/designing-playable-video-games-with-primary-students>

Video Games Could Actually Be Good for Kids’ Brains, Study Finds

A new scientific study suggests that video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/video-games-could-actually-be-good-for-kids-brains-study-finds/2022/11>

Google Play streamlines policies around kids’ apps as regulations tighten

Google Play today announced a series of changes to its programs and policies around apps designed for children. The company is describing the update as an expansion of its previously launched “Teacher Approved” program, which includes a review process where teachers and experts vetted apps not just for safety and security elements, but for educational quality and other factors. The newly revamped policies will now impact how apps qualify for this program, which allows apps to gain entry to the Play Store’s “Kids” tab.

<https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/16/google-play-streamlines-policies-around-kids-apps-as-regulations-tighten/>

Empowering student learning with Math Assistant

Math teachers, what if there was a way to help students who say “I’m not a math person” or “I’m just not good at math”? When a student lacks math confidence, every challenge along the way simply confirms their self-doubt. These challenges only intensify as students move through their K-12 school experience and their needs and the course content continue to evolve. The good news is that Math Assistant, found in Microsoft OneNote, helps students find their math confidence and gain important math skills through inclusive, individualized features.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/11/empowering-student-learning-with-math-assistant>

5 Microsoft Education tools for an inclusive classroom

An inclusive classroom is made up of many different learners with unique needs and abilities, that want to feel they belong regardless of their identity, learning preferences, or skills.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/10/5-microsoft-education-tools-for-an-inclusive-classroom>

Keeping students safer with cybersecurity awareness

A common misconception is that young people, many of whom grew up using tablets or touchscreen phones from an early age, are inherently tech savvy. For many, digital safety is a glaring area of growth. K-12 education faces a staggering number of security threats and receives over 80% of workplace malware attacks. By pairing focused, consistent digital safety instruction with Microsoft’s security tools like Defender and Intune for Education, students can safely navigate their digital lives.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/10/keeping-students-safer-with-cybersecurity-awareness>

Developing interest in computer science with Microsoft MakeCode

As part of Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, our work in computer science education is critical to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn foundational computing skills. The mission of Microsoft MakeCode is to empower the next generation of technology creators through fun projects, immediate results, and both block and text editors for learners at different experience and grade levels.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/11/developing-interest-in-computer-science-with-microsoft-makecode>

Hour of Code micro:bit activities

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation have added three activities to code.org's Hour of Code website

<https://www.microbit.org/news/2022-11-10/hour-of-code-microbit-activities/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2022 Update 2

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 15:24:43 GMT

Quantum computing for high school students

The Grok Academy Ltd has announced a new Science and Digital Technologies Challenge for Australia’s students. It is teaming up with Telstra, Commonwealth Bank and Silicon Quantum Computing to come up with an Introduction to Quantum Computing (login required). Karsten, Dominic, Penny, Owen from The Grok Academy tell us all about it.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/quantum-computing-for-high-school-students/>

First scholarships for $41m women in STEM program

The first 50 recipients of the government's $41 million program to increase participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) were announced at Parliament House on Wednesday.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/first-scholarships-for--41m-women-in-stem-program-.html>

Diversity in STEM expert panel announced

The Albanese Government today announced the independent expert review panel for the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review as well as the terms of reference. The review is part of the Government’s commitment to boost diversity and increase the participation of women in Australia’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors.

<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/diversity-stem-expert-panel-announced>

Science and tech superstars to support diversity

A computer scientist monitoring space debris and a hydroclimatologist investigating how floods and droughts begin are just some of the 60 outstanding women and non-binary people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) who have been named the latest Superstars of STEM.

<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/science-and-tech-superstars-support-diversity>

Diversity ‘more than just women’, says STEM review chief

Sally-Ann Williams’ journey to becoming a deep-tech investor might have been by “accident and hard work” and a generous dash of talent, but her mission as head of a new federal taskforce to instigate more diversity in science and technology is to ensure others have a “visible pathway”.

<https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/careers/diversity-more-than-just-women-says-stem-review-chief-20221123-p5c0lx>

Sally-Ann Williams to lead STEM diversity panel

Chief Executive Officer of technology incubator Cicada Innovations Sally-Ann Williams will chair an independent expert review panel for the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review announced today by the federal government.

<https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/sally-ann-williams-to-lead-stem-diversity-panel>

Science teachers named winners of Prime Minister’s prize

The 2022 winners of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching have just been announced. In this article, we share the contributions the primary and secondary school teachers are making to Science education.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/science-teachers-named-winners-of-prime-ministers-prize>

Meet Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM

Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM – 60 diverse brilliant scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians who want to step into the media spotlight as science experts – will be officially announced today by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP.

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/meet-australias-newest-superstars-of-stem-2/>

Superstars of STEM 2023 announcement by Minister for Industry & Science Ed Husic MP

Thanks everyone, and I do want to recognise we are on Darug Land and pay respect to Elders, past and present. It’s great to have Andrew [Charlton] here as the Federal Member for Parramatta and someone who I quoted his work so often, I was expecting him to invoice me and now he’s a Federal Member, I can’t get those invoices!

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/superstars-of-stem-2023-announcement-by-minister-for-industry-science-ed-husic-mp/>

Personalised learning is billed as the ‘future’ of schooling: what is it and could it work?

It is not uncommon for kids to complain about school, but studies show significant numbers of Australian students are actually disengaged with their education.

<https://theconversation.com/personalised-learning-is-billed-as-the-future-of-schooling-what-is-it-and-could-it-work-194630>

The boy who loves buses: A tale of online safety

Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, tells a tale of online safety about a boy named Ben, and highlights how to seek support and guidance regarding online safety of children.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-boy-who-loves-buses-a-tale-of-online-safety/>

Cyberbullying intervention – practical considerations for teachers

In this year’s Teacher survey, lots of you wanted more information on how best to support students targeted by cyberbullying. Dr Roberta Thompson is a Research Fellow at the Griffith Institute for Educational Research. Here, she discusses strategies to help teachers feel more confident in dealing with cyberbullying, related research findings, and helpful resources.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/cyberbullying-intervention-practical-considerations-for-teachers>

New syllabus for students to thrive in a digital world

Creating the next generation of tech leaders, entrepreneurs and experts is at the heart of the new Computing Technologies curriculum released today.

<https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/new-syllabus-for-students-to-thrive-a-digital-world-0>

New cyber security course rolling out to NSW schools

NSW secondary students will be taught the skills of the future with an Australian-first cyber security course developed collaboratively by the NSW Department of Education, industry and Cyber Security NSW.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/new-cyber-security-course-rolling-out-to-nsw-schools>

Students prepare for cyber future

Students across NSW are to be prepared for jobs in a fast-changing digital world following the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) launching a new Computing Technologies curriculum.

<https://psnews.com.au/2022/11/22/students-prepare-for-cyber-future/>

NSW adds cyber education to school curriculum

Hands-on cyber security education will become widespread in NSW classrooms next year as the state government kicks off a new curriculum unit based on ‘smart city sandbox’ networks that will be installed in secondary school classrooms across the state.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/nsw-adds-cyber-education-to-school-curriculum.html>

NSW govt to add coding, cybersecurity to secondary school curriculum

Secondary school students across New South Wales will start to study coding, cyber security and business information systems in 2024 as part of an updated curriculum.

<https://www.crn.com.au/news/nsw-govt-to-add-coding-cybersecurity-to-secondary-school-curriculum-588049>

New cyber security course rolling out to NSW schools

An Australian first will see NSW students being taught the skills needed to become future cyber security experts.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/new-cyber-security-course-rolling-out-to-nsw-schools/>

Why NSW kids will learn to code from age 12 [subscription]

Children are set to become experts at coding under a new plan to overhaul the state’s computer syllabus for NSW high school students.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new-south-wales-education/children-to-learn-to-code-from-12-years-old-under-new-nsw-plan/news-story/ccdab3ced8e48c11766a7e6929ec8d1c>

Narooma High School robotics team two-time Australian champions [subscription]

Imagine designing a robot that can shoot balls into a goal, or climb monkey bars.

<https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/7987508/narooma-high-champion-robotics-students-get-shout-out-in-federal-parliament/>

NSW Labor wants to ban phones in schools [AAP]

Mobile phones will be banned in NSW high schools if the Labor Party wins next year's state election.

<https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw-labor-wants-ban-phones-214227774.html>

NSW Labor to limit smartphones in public high schools under ‘bell to bell’ ban

Students’ access to mobile phones will be restricted in NSW public schools if a Labor government is elected next year.

<https://7news.com.au/news/education/nsw-labor-to-limit-smartphones-in-public-high-schools-under-bell-to-bell-ban-c-8128011>

In 2020, universities shifted to online learning – three lessons from students’ experiences

For young people who were in university at the height of the COVID pandemic, the university experience was suddenly radically different to what they had expected.

<https://theconversation.com/in-2020-universities-shifted-to-online-learning-three-lessons-from-students-experiences-193175>

How your school can make students’ screentime safer

When schools went into lockdown at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the protracted period of remote learning that followed caused children’s’ screentime to rise to unprecedented levels.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-your-school-can-make-students-screentime-safer/281199>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2022 Update 1

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:10:42 GMT

The NBN and mobile connectivity: Boosting the NBN and connecting regional and rural Australia

Fast and reliable internet and mobile coverage is essential to remain connected, access services and support businesses. Connectivity helps regions to thrive and be resilient to natural disasters. A $2.4 billion investment in NBN Co will extend fibre access to 1.5 million more premises, including over 660,000 homes in regional Australia. A year of free broadband for up to 30,000 unconnected families will help students access learning materials from home.

<https://budget.gov.au/2022-23-october/content/stronger-economy.htm#nbn>

Building home-grown STEM talent a focus in 2022 budget

Science and future students will be major winners under the new 2022 budget, as the government focuses on building Australia’s future STEM and manufacturing capabilities, however, support for research has fallen short.

<https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/building-home-grown-stem-talent-a-focus-in-2022-budget>

New report sets out pathways for students' future STEM careers

Australia needs to urgently rethink its approach to encouraging careers in STEM in order to tackle the growing national skills crisis, a new report shows.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/new-report-sets-out-pathways-for-students-future-stem-careers/281294>

Lockheed Martin Australia and STEM Punks launch space education program

Lockheed Martin Australia and STEM Punks have launched a space-focused educational program to educate and upskill Australia’s future space workforce.

<https://www.ferret.com.au/news/lockheed-martin-stem-punks-launch-education-program/>

STEM industry leaders gather to tackle skills gap

release concrete recommendations for helping an “unprepared” Australia claw its way out of the STEM skills crisis, as hundreds of government, academic, and industry leaders meet in Sydney to brainstorm solutions.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/stem-industry-leaders-gather-to-tackle-skills-gap.html>

Federal Budget to allow for three years of e-safety student learning

Digital safety programs will be rolled out to every Australian school through a $6 million federal government investment to better protect children from harms in the online world.

<https://www.kidsnews.com.au/technology/federal-budget-to-allow-for-three-years-of-esafety-student-learning/news-story/ae3398545b949440822b76c8b1b5ed44>

Pandemic review says ‘schools should have stayed open’

One of the most contentious decisions taken by state governments during the COVID-19 crisis – the mass closure of schools – was avoidable and should not be repeated unless strong health advice outweighs the cost of closures, an independent review of Australia’s pandemic response has found.

<https://www.theage.com.au/national/pandemic-review-says-schools-should-have-stayed-open-20221019-p5br0y.html>

Palo Alto Networks CyberFit Nation Education Program in Australia

Education and awareness of our digital safety and security have never been more important, which is why the CyberFit Nation education program has been expanded to address the unique cyber security learning needs of everyone in Australia. ... CyberFit Nation is a comprehensive education portfolio that aims to make cyber security education accessible to all. It features master classes and clinics for a range of audiences, from Kindy through to the boardroom.

<https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2022/10/cyberfit-nation-education-program-in-australia/>

How your school can make students’ screentime safer

When schools went into lockdown at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the protracted period of remote learning that followed caused children’s’ screentime to rise to unprecedented levels.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-your-school-can-make-students-screentime-safer/281199>

What does ‘preparing students for the future’ really mean?

From a quick glance at Australia’s education landscape, it’s clear to most that the days of teaching young people to work in factories, clock-in and clock-out, are long gone.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/what-does-preparing-students-for-the-future-really-mean/281304>

Cyberbullying at an all-time high: report [subscription]

Australian kids are experiencing more abuse online than ever with revenge porn rife among teens.

<https://educationhq.com/news/cyberbullying-at-an-all-time-high-report-132561/>

New science syllabus designed for future leaders in STEM

Creating the next generation of leaders in STEM is the focus of the proposed new Science and Technology syllabuses unveiled today for consultation.

<https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/science-syllabus>

New science syllabus designed for future leaders in STEM

Tangible learning experiences and real-world challenges are at the core of a new science syllabus. Creating the next generation of leaders in STEM is the focus of the proposed new Science and Technology syllabuses unveiled for consultation by the NSW government as part of the ongoing delivery of the most comprehensive Curriculum Reform in a generation.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/new-science-syllabus-designed-for-future-leaders-in-stem/>

New STEM syllabus to hit NSW schools

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is proposing three new syllabuses for students in Years 7 to 10 covering Science, Technology and Drama.

<https://psnews.com.au/2022/10/25/new-stem-syllabus-to-hit-nsw-schools/>

Remote learning to cost NSW kids $16.1b [AAP]

Shutting down face-to-face learning, particularly in western Sydney, will cost NSW students more than $16 billion in future lifetime earnings, a new report has found.

<https://au.news.yahoo.com/remote-learning-cost-nsw-kids-041500516.html>

International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying

School violence and bullying including cyberbullying is widespread and affects a significant number of children and adolescents.

<https://www.unesco.org/en/days/against-school-violence-and-bullying>

Bringing digital technology education to every school in Australia

As the CEO of Grok Academy, Dr James Curran’s mission is simple: to bring quality, accessible digital technology education to every student and teacher in Australia.

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-leaderprofile-bringing-digital-technology-education-to-every-school-in-australia/p/1>

Data and device poverty driving digital divide

A QUT-led project has found some families are investing in technology to ensure their children are not disadvantaged but cost-of-living pressures mean they are cutting out other essentials to do so.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/data-and-device-poverty-driving-digital-divide/281350>

Student video game designers scale the challenges

Students entering the 2021 Australian STEM Video Game Challenge have been commended for persevering throughout an often challenging school year.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/student-video-game-designers-scale-the-challenges>

October 2022 : Algorithms

In our final edition of the DT Hub newsletter for 2022, we’re looking at algorithms! Did you know that algorithms can be found everywhere in our daily lives?

<https://news.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz6343cc6417838784/interface.html>

First Nations women take a step into STEM at CDU

First Nations students from across the Northern Territory are getting a taste of STEM subjects and career pathways as part of a pre-STEM program held at Charles Darwin University (CDU) this week.

<https://www.cdu.edu.au/news/first-nations-women-take-step-stem-cdu>

Have your say on new STEM syllabuses

Proposed new Science and Technology syllabuses for NSW high school students have been unveiled for public consultation, with Central Coast parents and teachers encouraged to have their say.

<https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2022/10/have-your-say-on-new-stem-syllabuses/>

What does the ‘metaverse’ mean for education?

Sometime in the past year or two, you’ve likely heard the word “metaverse.” It’s the future, the next big frontier of the internet, if you ask technology CEOs or researchers.

<https://hechingerreport.org/what-does-the-metaverse-mean-for-education/>

Key lessons driving the future of education in Asia Pacific

Zoom recently hosted its first APAC Education Summit focusing on transforming the future of education in the region. Through customer panels, keynote speakers, and a technology showcase, the event invited the APAC education community to get inspired about utilising technology to improve accessibility and equity and reshape educational models to create a more cohesive and collaborative environment for students, educators, and administrators.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/key-lessons-driving-the-future-of-education-in-asia-pacific/>

Hour of Code 2022: Explore, play, create! $1 million in awards and more is what’s in store for the 10th Hour of Code!

What if students around the world were inspired to try computer science… even if just for an hour? That’s the mission behind Hour of Code, the global campaign that has engaged more than 100 million students across more than 180 countries.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/hour-of-code-2022-explore-play-create-4d16df85e400>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2022

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:00:29 GMT

Oodles of oobleck excites students about STEM in schools

Volunteers from our STEM Professionals in Schools program recently engaged students with an experience right out of a Dr Seuss book. They cooked up a non-Newtonian fluid before a live audience.

<https://blog.csiro.au/stem-schools-program/>

The school that makes technology best practice look easy

On August 12, the best of what Australia’s education system has to offer was duly celebrated at the Australian Education Awards 2022 where the nation’s top educators were recognised across 28 award categories spanning Australian School of the Year, Australian Principal of the Year, Best Professional Learning Program, and Best Student Wellbeing Program.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-school-that-makes-technology-best-practice-look-easy/281225>

Data and device poverty driving digital divide

It’s ‘Get Online Week’ but one in four Australians are digitally excluded. A QUT-led project has found some families are investing in technology to ensure their children are not disadvantaged but cost-of-living pressures mean they are cutting out other essentials to do so.

<https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=183720>

Expand the pipeline of STEM talent by Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science

As Industry and Science Minister, I often speak about the importance of science and technology for developing our industries. Central to that is an adequate supply of workers with education and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

<https://www.industryupdate.com.au/article/expand-pipeline-stem-talent>

WiseTech Global contributes 1% of pre-tax profits to tech education

WiseTech Global ... has pledged 1% of its annual pre-tax profit to enable tech education initiatives that develop technology skills and passion for creatively solving real-world problems in school-age children. Partnering with Grok Academy for an initial 5 year period, the funds will enable all Australian K-12 students to enhance their Digital Technologies experience encouraging more students into IT careers and helping Australia produce its own tech workers.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/wisetech-global-contributes-1-of-pre-tax-profits-to-tech-education/>

Classroom resources: Know Your Drone

You can use our classroom resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum to support students learning about drone safety. Build their confidence and test their knowledge of the drone safety rules using the interactive board game, lesson plans, worksheets and animated videos.

<https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/classroom-resources>

Solving Australia’s tech talent shortage

Jobs in technology are among the most productive in Australia, says the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), with productivity growing at four times the rate of the market sector in the decade to December 2021. They are also among the most well-paid, stable and flexible jobs in the economy.

<https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/business/foresight/boosting-australias-tech-talent.html>

The new Australian curriculum

The revised Australian curriculum will be available to teach in schools from 2023. What are the next steps of the implementation and what do these changes mean for teachers and education professionals at a time when staff are already struggling with heavy workloads? Education Matters finds out.

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

Innovation for Impact and Lifelong Learning – Accelerating Baulkham Hills North Public School’s Digital Transformation

In todays’ rapidly transforming world, how can schools and educators prepare students for the jobs, challenges, and opportunities of the future?

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2022/10/innovation-for-impact-and-lifelong-learning-accelerating-baulkham-hills-north-public-schools-digital-transformation/>

Camden Haven High School robotics teams take on Robocup National Championships [subscription]

<https://www.camdencourier.com.au/story/7940811/high-school-robotics-teams-place-in-top-four-at-robocup-national-championships/>

How to leverage technology to support teachers: Lessons from the pandemic and beyond

Teachers are crucial to improving learning and now, more than ever, they must be supported. The Successful Teachers, Successful Students report highlights the potential for using technology to support teachers and students, but emphasizes the need to use technology wisely and not as an isolated solution.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/how-leverage-technology-support-teachers-lessons-pandemic-and-beyond>

Thank you teachers for inspiring us

For those who think being an educator is just about teaching, what you do in your classrooms goes beyond the curriculum. Many valuable things you do every day go unnoticed. It’s hard for you to manage not only your classrooms, but sometimes your well-being, as you face more challenges than ever before.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/10/thank-you-teachers-for-inspiring-us>

Girls Who Code: Encouraging Girls towards STEM Careers

Girls Who Code – While enrolment in computing science and engineering degrees has largely evened out among men and women, the professional participation of women in the technology sphere continues to lag behind

<https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/article/girls-who-code-encouraging-girls-towards-stem-careers/145706/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2022

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:54:52 GMT

Researcher using maths to help Antarctica recognised in Young Tall Poppy STEM awards

A mathematician who codes models of Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef to better understand how to protect vulnerable ecosystems is one of 12 young Queensland scientists to receive a state award.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-31/qld-tall-poppy-award-winner-combines-maths-antarctica-stem/101390348>

Teenagers prove you’re never too young to have a bright idea

The University of Sydney hosted the 2022 Biotech Futures Challenge, an annual competition which sees high school students from across Australia and New Zealand engineer solutions to address current problems in healthcare and the environment.

<https://www.sydney.edu.au/engineering/news-and-events/unpublished/teenagers-prove-you-re-never-too-young-to-have-a-bright-idea.html>

Surfing the edtech wave: the future is online education

Never in the history of education has online learning been so important. But there’s a big difference between teaching online, and providing quality online education, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/surfing-the-edtech-wave-the-future-is-online-education/280912>

How technology is empowering teachers, and keeping them in the classroom

A recent Grattan Institute report found teacher workloads have blown out in recent decades – an issue that has exacerbated staff shortages across Australia.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-technology-is-empowering-teachers-and-keeping-them-in-the-classroom/280886>

TPACK leveraged: A redesigned online educational technology course for STEM preservice teachers

Abstract: Integration of computational thinking and programming into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes is needed to promote students’ learning of twenty-first century skills. Yet, teachers are not equipped to achieve this integration successfully as teacher education curricula do not generally align with this need. With the Covid-19 outbreak, curricula also need to be adapted for online environments. This qualitative study presents the redesign of an educational technology course that introduces programming and computational thinking to STEM preservice teachers for online settings, and explores learning experiences of preservice teachers, in terms of how they combine technological knowledge with pedagogy and content.

<https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/view/4773>

A flexible solution for hybrid learning

Over the past few years, getting digital devices into the hands of students has dramatically changed in line with the shift to working and learning from home.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/a-flexible-solution-for-hybrid-learning/280899>

What is the future of education looking like in Asia Pacific?

The concept of traditional education has drastically changed over the last several years, and even more so during the pandemic, shedding light on what the long-term future of education may include. Being physically present in a classroom is no longer necessary to learn thanks to the growth of the internet and innovative technologies like video conferencing systems and smart whiteboards.

<https://techwireasia.com/2022/08/what-is-the-future-of-education-looking-like-in-asia-pacific/>

Google Classroom: Beyond the Traditional Setting [Problems of Education in the 21st Century][2021]

Abstract: This research explored the participants’ use of Google Classroom and evaluated its acceptability using the Technology Acceptability Model (TAM). The respondents were limited to 56 teachers enrolled in the research methodology class in a graduate school of a certain university in Bulacan during the first semester of the school year 2019-2020. The study utilized a mixed-method design. Triangulated were the result of the TAM survey, the analysis of the open-ended survey, and the record of the submission frequency of the respondents through Google Classroom.

<https://scientiasocialis.lt/pec/node/1436>

Phone bans should be a matter of principals, not governments by Daisy Turnbull

Every Sunday morning, my phone will get a screentime notification of how much (usually too much) time I’ve spent on my phone in the past week. I use my phone a lot. I am writing this on my phone. I also know when not to use my phone, when to have it on silent, and when it is using me more than I am using it. I have learned how to do this because sometimes that screen time notification is a bit too high.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/phone-bans-should-be-a-matter-of-principals-not-governments-20220908-p5bgkt.html>

Uptick of women in STEM jobs welcomed: But still more work to be done to achieve parity with men.

... Professor Yolande Strengers from Monash University's Department of Human Centred Computing said it was important for learning institutions to build programs that encourage greater diversity among their students. “Creative programs that build technical skills whilst simultaneously demonstrating how emerging fields like AI need contributions from all disciplines and perspectives to address issues of social responsibility, equality and ethics are a great way to encourage young girls to experience STEM,” she said.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/uptick-of-women-in-stem-jobs-welcomed.html>

The state of STEM gender equity in 2022

We’ve updated the STEM Equity Monitor for 2022. The monitor is a national data resource on women’s and girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It captures the state of STEM gender equity in Australia and measures changes and trends. You can use it to explore girls’ and women’s pathways of participation in STEM through school, higher education, graduation and the workforce.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/state-stem-gender-equity-2022>

I spy playful STEM learning at school

‘One class was a notable illustration of everything we know about quality in play-based learning.’ In this article, ACER Senior Research Fellow Rachel Parker shares the details of a playful STEM class she witnessed in the United States, where students were engaged in a crime scene investigation activity.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/i-spy-playful-stem-learning-at-school>

Students march into the future with smaller (carbon) footprints

Through STEM Professionals in Schools, a school teacher teamed up with an environmental scientist to help students identify ways to reduce their impact on the climate.

<https://blog.csiro.au/students-reduce-carbon-footprints/>

Happy campers: Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy provides students with the tools and support to succeed in an exciting science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) career.

<https://blog.csiro.au/young-indigenous-womens-stem-academy-camp/>

Supporting the next science rock stars

Students from the Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School visited us in Perth, Western Australia, for a day of astronomy fun. We welcomed the students as part of our joint science camp with Curtin University (Curtin). Pia Wadjarri’s STEM Professionals in Schools representative and geology researcher from Curtin, Dr Luc Doucet, organised the camp.

<https://blog.csiro.au/pia-wadjarri/>

NSW government to appoint chief behaviour adviser to boost respect at schools

A chief behaviour adviser tasked with improving behaviour in NSW's public and private schools will be appointed by the state government after an "inappropriate" group chat run by students at one of Sydney's most exclusive schools was uncovered.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-26/nsw-to-appoint-chief-behaviour-adviser-lift-respect-at-schools/101472388>

Premier’s plea to parents to set better example in social media ‘cesspit’

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has urged parents to set better examples for children when engaging on social media, deploring the “cesspit” of disrespectful engagement led by adults on online platforms.

<https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/premier-s-plea-to-parents-to-set-better-example-in-social-media-cesspit-20220926-p5bl3a.html>

Remote learning tools can support mental health

New research examines innovative ways to support the mental health of children in low- and middle- income countries and emergency contexts.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/remote-learning-tools-can-support-mental-health>

Broadband Commission highlights role of digital technology in globe’s future: Commissioners address pandemic-driven realities and review next steps for meaningful universal connectivity

Digital technologies should form the foundation of education and skills-building as communities continue to adapt to the realities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, which met on Sunday at its annual fall meeting. ... Technology's role in education: During the meeting, convened ahead of the U.N.'s Transforming Education Summit at the opening of the 77th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, the Commission called for universal, inclusive and affordable connectivity for the digital transformation of education.

<https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/PR-2022-09-18-digital-technology-in-future.aspx>

The power of ICT for education

The Transforming Education Summit has been an opportunity for countries to make commitments to provide high-quality digital learning for all. Today’s session organized by ITU, UNESCO and UNICEF was no exception.

<https://www.itu.int/hub/2022/09/transforming-education-digital-learning-houlin-zhao/>

EdTech Research Update: What Schools Need to Know

New findings from the EdWeek Research Center will help you identify the most impactful edtech tools and how they can help students succeed.

<https://www.edweek.org/events/webinar/edtech-research-update-what-schools-need-to-know>

Virtual Reality Looks Cool, But Can It Actually Help Schools Teach Maths?

A VR company founded in 2019 to offer a learning solution for maths now serves over 20,000 students.

<https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-virtual-reality-looks-cool-but-can-it-actually-help-schools-teach-math/2022/09>

The Role of STEM Education in Improving the Quality of Education: A Bibliometric Study [International Journal of Technology and Design Education]

Abstract: The United Nations (UN) has launched several initiatives to promote the role of education in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and set Goal 4 for quality education among other SDGs. The integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approach is a promising educational framework for sustainable development that improves education quality. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to evaluate the scientific results of the role of integrated STEM education specifically in improving the quality of education (SDG 4). A hundred and fifty publications, with an increasing trend in the number of documents each year, out of the total number of 74,879 documents related to “education quality” and 5,430 documents related to “STEM education” were chosen from the SCOPUS database. The study analyzes the growth and development of research activities in the area of “STEM education” and “Quality education” as reflected in the publications output in the time span of 27 years from 1993 to 2020. The publication and citation trends, the most frequently used keywords, the most influential authors and journals, and the research hotspots were investigated using VoSviewer and Bibliometrix software. Accordingly, the United States happened to be the most productive country in this field owning two-thirds of the number of publications. The “Science Education” journal is ranked at the top of the highly cited journals. The findings show that topics such as “early childhood education”, “computing education”, and “environmental education” are the main hotspots in the research area of STEM and quality of education. The results of this study will help enhance the understanding of integrated STEM education in improving the quality of education and will support future works in this area.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4191297>

ACCE Education & Technology News - August 2022 Update 2

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:39:11 GMT

Another school has banned mobile phones but research shows bans don’t stop bullying or improve student grades

This week, one Sydney high school made headlines for banning mobile phones during school hours. Phones can come to school but must stay in locked pouches allowing teachers to “focus on educating students”.

<https://theconversation.com/another-school-has-banned-mobile-phones-but-research-shows-bans-dont-stop-bullying-or-improve-student-grades-188435>

Why is tech giant Apple trying to teach our teachers?

Apple products are already a central part of our lives in so many ways. We use them to work, socialise, monitor our heart rates, pay for things and watch TV. But did you know they are also involved in teaching school teachers?

<https://theconversation.com/why-is-tech-giant-apple-trying-to-teach-our-teachers-186752>

Surfing the edtech wave: the future is online education

Edtech Never in the history of education has online learning been so important. But there’s a big difference between teaching online, and providing quality online education, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

<https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2022/surfing-the-edtech-wave-the-future-is-online-education/>

Recycling robo-bin among innovations to solve circular economy gap

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is unveiling the latest innovations in recycling this National Science Week to inspire the next generation of leaders who will lead our circular economy-focused future.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2022/Recycling-robo-bin-among-innovations-to-solve-circular-economy-gap>

CSIRO unveils circular economy innovations

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, unveiled the latest innovations in recycling for National Science Week to inspire the next generation of leaders who will lead the country’s circular economy-focused future.

<https://www.packagingnews.com.au/sustainability/csiro-unveils-circular-economy-innovations>

What makes an award-winning STEM program

The most recent TIMSS report shows that Australia has climbed into top 10 in Year 8 maths and science, and Year 4 science – progress the government hopes to maintain through a raft of changes to the Australian Curriculum.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/what-makes-an-awardwinning-stem-program/280860>

Young Academics launches STEAM workshops during Science Week

Children attending Young Academics centres will soon benefit from weekly science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) workshops with dedicated educators employed to deliver the program from Term Four.

<https://thesector.com.au/2022/08/23/young-academics-launches-steam-workshops-during-science-week/>

CSIRO Robot Olympics prize money reinvested in future Aussie scientists [university]

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will fund a $1.2 million scholarship program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to train the next generation of aspiring Australian roboticists.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2022/CSIRO-Robot-Olympics-prize-money-reinvested-in-future-Aussie-scientists>

Parents and screen time: are you a ‘contract maker’ or an ‘access denier’ with your child?

Screen time was a battle for parents before COVID and it continues to be a battle, long after lockdowns have ended. The Royal Children’s Hospital March 2021 child health poll found too much screen time was parents’ number-one health concern about their kids, with more than 90% of surveyed parents saying it’s a problem.

<https://theconversation.com/parents-and-screen-time-are-you-a-contract-maker-or-an-access-denier-with-your-child-188977>

‘Screen time’ for kids is an outdated concept, so let’s ditch it and focus on quality instead

It is school holidays in Australia and, in many parts of the country, it’s also raining and bitterly cold. This means many children are stuck indoors and many parents will be grappling with how much “screen time” their kids are having.

<https://theconversation.com/screen-time-for-kids-is-an-outdated-concept-so-lets-ditch-it-and-focus-on-quality-instead-186462>

Reimagining assessment to promote learning

At Research Conference 2022, ACER CEO Professor Geoff Masters AO presented an alternative to traditional assessment models, highlighting ways to monitor learning and broaden student skills and attributes. This model will help establish and understand where learners are in their long-term learning progress; evaluate growth over time; and provide teachers, students, parents, school leaders, system managers and governments with quality information to promote further learning.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/reimagining-assessment-to-promote-learning>

Q&A: Meeting learner needs by reimagining classroom assessment and feedback

ACER’s Research Conference 2022 has kicked off today, and this afternoon delegates who attended Dr Fabienne van der Kleij’s presentation, ‘Reimagining classroom assessment and feedback to meet learner needs’, learned about the advantages of a student-centred approach to classroom assessment and feedback.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/q-a-meeting-learner-needs-by-reimagining-classroom-assessment-and-feedback>

Connecting, collaborating, and creating in the modern classroom

The JB Hi-Fi Education BYOD program at Eltham High School is equipping students and educators with excellent devices for teaching and learning while making the process – from purchasing to repairing – straightforward and seamless for everyone.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/connecting-collaborating-creating-for-the-modern-classroom/>

Melbourne edtech raises $3.3 million to help schools improve student performance and wellbeing

Melbourne data analytics startup Intellischool has raised $3.3 million as it looks to go global with its edutech platform.

<https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/melbourne-edtech-raises-a3-3-million-to-help-schools-improve-student-performance-and-wellbeing/>

Maitland students share their tech-spertise

Maitland Grossmann High School students have been sharing their expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) with East Maitland Public school students.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/maitland-students-share-their-tech-spertise>

Dungog High School students have won the Hunter Robocup Junior competition

A pair of year eight students at Dungog High School have won first place in the Hunter Robocup Junior competition.

<https://www.dungogchronicle.com.au/story/7864184/dungog-students-toy-with-technique-to-take-home-robocup-title/>

When should you talk to kids about online safety?

Parenting today involves raising kids who are surrounded by technology and smartphones. As a mother of two young kids, making sure they understand online safety is a top priority of mine. Children are spending more time than ever looking at screens, and at younger ages. Finding that balance of online and offline, setting boundaries, and having those conversations are critical for creating a healthy and safer experience online.

<https://blog.google/technology/families/when-should-you-talk-to-kids-about-online-safety/>

New Teams features help improve your classroom’s well-being

Listening to and empathizing with students through ongoing dialogue is vital to their current and future success. And with the right tools educators can foster an environment where students feel heard and help keep a pulse on their emotional well-being.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/08/new-teams-features-help-improve-your-classrooms-well-being>

ACCE Education & Technology News - August 2022 Update 1

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 11:39:30 GMT

Smith Family trials digital delivery of educational programs to reach more students in need

Like many parents, Tammy (not her real name) is happy to see the back of remote learning experienced by families during the COVID lockdowns.

<https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7851512/trialling-digital-delivery-of-educational-programs-to-reach-more-students-in-need/>

Digital skills challenge sets kids up for tech careers

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/digital-skills-challenge-sets-kids-up-for-tech-careers/280765>

Grok school program to hone digital skills [AAP]

A digital skills challenge will be free to schools across Australia to plug a critical gap in teaching, and attract thousands of students needed as future technology professionals.

<https://michaelwest.com.au/grok-school-program-to-hone-digital-skills/>

<https://www.cessnockadvertiser.com.au/story/7854742/grok-school-program-to-hone-digital-skills/>

<https://www.portnews.com.au/story/7854742/grok-school-program-to-hone-digital-skills/>

Making sense of the digital education landscape

The consortium for school network has released its driving K-12 innovation report, Education Services Australia CEO, Andrew Smith discusses.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/making-sense-of-the-digital-education-landscape/>

ESA News

This edition of ESA News features engaging lesson plans from the Digital Technologies Hub, upcoming professional learning sessions and a 20-year milestone with myfuture. Read about where we'll be at EduTECH and find details for our live session on AI classroom lessons.

<http://edservaus.createsend.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/A6F113F3745BDE8B2540EF23F30FEDED/C67FD2F38AC4859C/>

Tech revolution essential to help stop technology-facilitated abuse

As new research reveals 1 in 2 Australians have experienced technology-facilitated abuse at some point in their lifetime, the eSafety Commissioner is calling for a radical shift in technology design and use to help end online abuse.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/tech-revolution-essential-help-stop-technology-facilitated-abuse>

Parents urged to watch out for signs of cyberbullying

As Term 3 gets underway, parents are urged to be alert to changes in their children’s behaviour that might suggest they are a target of cyberbullying.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/parents-urged-watch-out-for-signs-cyberbullying>

AFL and eSafety commit to #PlayitFairOnline

The AFL has signed a new agreement with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to help improve online safety for AFL players, fans and the broader community and raise awareness of the steps Australians can take to #PlayItFairOnline.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/afl-and-esafety-commit-playitfaironline>

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare supports Spelling Bee competition

The new Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has thrown his weight behind a campaign to improve children’s spelling. He said the skill was critical for setting children up for their future. He said it was important to choose the right kind of book in an era where screens are the preferred choice of entertainment for kids today.

<https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-education-minister-jason-clare-supports-spelling-bee-competition/news-story/0c466fc4aa4a6de6c52fc3c3844f3ff4>

Powering the next generation of teaching and learning by ASUS

Educators, students and parents nowadays are confronting more barriers than ever to streamline education systems and enhance teaching communications.

<https://educationhq.com/news/powering-the-next-generation-of-teaching-and-learning-125716/>

Australia spends $5 billion a year on teaching assistants in schools but we don’t know what they do [not technology: DG]

This Friday, state and federal education ministers will meet for the first time since the federal election.

<https://theconversation.com/australia-spends-5-billion-a-year-on-teaching-assistants-in-schools-but-we-dont-know-what-they-do-187918>

EduTECH 2022: Moves to assess students' critical and creative thinking, resilience [subscription]

Is there a better way of assessing the vital skills and capabilities that students will need to thrive in their lives beyond school?

<https://educationhq.com/news/edutech-2022-moves-to-assess-students-critical-and-creative-thinking-resilience-126144/>

Train teachers to spot signs of radicalisation in classrooms: expert [subscription]

Teachers should receive training in semiotics to better detect signs of right-wing radicalisation in classrooms, a former FBI agent and cyber intelligence expert has said.

<https://educationhq.com/news/train-teachers-to-spot-signs-of-radicalisation-in-classrooms-expert-125832/>

Investing in a Testbed…for Schools and Institutions

There are unique benefits for education partners in a testbed trial program. These schools and institutions can be brought into the education innovation ecosystem, market themselves at the cutting edge of digital learning, and more.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2022/07/09/gveia-investing-in-a-testbed-for-schools-institutions/>

A Sydney high school banned mobile phones. It had dramatic results

A Sydney high school has seen a dramatic decrease in behavioural issues and a boost in physical activity and students talking to each other just two months after it tightened restrictions on mobile phone usage.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-sydney-high-school-banned-mobile-phones-it-had-dramatic-results-20220803-p5b6zf.html>

Wollongong cycling race road closures force students back to online learning

Thousands of Wollongong students face a week of online learning as roads close to cars for the UCI Road World Championships in September.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-10/wollongong-cycling-race-road-closures-students-online-learning/101318246>

Wollongong schools forced into remote learning during UCI bike race

Seven Wollongong public schools will be forced into remote learning for the last week of this term due to road closures for the UCI bike race.

<https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/7853852/wollongong-schools-forced-into-remote-learning-during-uci-bike-race/>

Google's 'Read Along' Learning Tool Now Available on the Web

Google is rolling out its Read Along learning tool for the web. The app, which is supposed to help children learn how to read, has been exclusive to Android since it was released in India in 2019. (It was called Bolo at the time; Google changed the name for its global launch in 2020.) Now it'll finally be available to kids without Android devices.

<https://au.pcmag.com/education-1/95548/googles-read-along-learning-tool-now-available-on-the-web>

Help kids learn to read with Read Along, now available on the web

Over the past three years, more than 30 million kids have read more than 120 million stories on Read Along. The app, which was first released as Bolo in India in 2019 and released globally as Read Along the following year, helps kids learn to read independently with the help of a reading assistant, Diya.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/read-along-web/>

What we are learning | What we are reading: Recommended reading for people who demand evidence in EdTech (1 of 6)

This is Part 1 of a six-part blog series inspired by discussions with partners working in the EdTech space who recognize they do not have the information they need to make informed decisions and recommendations. With that in mind, we put together a series summarising what we have learned so far in each of our focus areas: Data for Decisions, Digital Personalised Learning (DPL), Girls’ Education & Technology, Participation & Messaging, and Teacher Continuous Professional Development. In each blog, we provide some key lessons, an outline of our ongoing work, and additional resources (written by us and by our partners) for readers who want to delve deeper. This first blog focuses on the general EdTech Hub space.

<https://edtechhub.org/2022/07/29/what-we-are-learning-what-we-are-reading-recommended-reading-for-people-who-demand-evidence-in-edtech-1-of-6/>

What we are learning | What we are reading: Data for Decisions – Can technology be used to improve data collection, analysis, and planning to improve learning outcomes?

This is Part 2 of a six-part blog series inspired by discussions with partners working in the EdTech space who recognize they do not have the information they need to make informed decisions and recommendations. So, we put together a series summarising what we have learned so far in each of our focus areas: Data for Decisions, Digital Personalised Learning (DPL), Girls’ Education & Technology, Participation & Messaging, and Teacher Continuous Professional Development. We provide some key lessons, an outline of our ongoing work, and some additional resources (written by us and by our partners) for readers who want to delve deeper. This blog focuses on Data for Decisions.

<https://edtechhub.org/2022/08/09/what-we-are-learning-what-we-are-reading-data-for-decisions-can-technology-be-used-to-improve-data-collection-analysis-and-planning-to-improve-learning-outcomes/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - August 2022

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:27:54 GMT

Top Aussie kids picked to compete at world science and maths games

Thirty-one of Australia’s brightest high school scientists and mathematicians have won selection to represent Australia at the UNESCO-sanctioned International Science, Informatics and Mathematical Olympiads – the world’s toughest maths and science competitions for teenagers. They will compete against more than 2,000 of the world’s brightest students.

<https://www.asi.edu.au/media_releases/top-aussie-kids-picked-to-compete-at-world-science-and-maths-games/>

Bridging the digital divide in Australia's schools

The advent of COVID-19 has forever changed modes of learning delivery with education and training providers now requiring students to have access to online learning environments.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-australias-schools/280727>

Why is tech giant Apple trying to teach our teachers?

Apple products are already a central part of our lives in so many ways. We use them to work, socialise, monitor our heart rates, pay for things and watch TV. But did you know they are also involved in teaching school teachers?

<https://theconversation.com/why-is-tech-giant-apple-trying-to-teach-our-teachers-186752>

Bridging the digital divide in Australia's schools

The advent of COVID-19 has forever changed modes of learning delivery with education and training providers now requiring students to have access to online learning environments.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-australias-schools/280727>

Prolonged screen time leaving a generation of short-sighted kids at risk

Children are at increased risk of developing myopia due to increased screen time during the pandemic and delayed vision checks, optometrists say.

<https://educationhq.com/news/prolonged-screen-time-leaving-a-generation-of-short-sighted-kids-at-risk-125022/>

Challenging students beyond the curriculum in Mathematics, Reading and Science

ACER’s Global Academic Challenge was held for the first time this year and offers higher-performing students in Years 4, 6 and 8 the opportunity to attempt the kinds of questions sat by students in international schools around the world. ACER Senior Research Fellow Frances Eveleigh, who led the development of the challenge, shares some of the insights in this article.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/challenging-students-beyond-the-curriculum-in-mathematics-reading-and-science>

Growing skills and STEM careers this National Science Week

The Australian Government is celebrating the work of our scientists this National Science Week, working to close the gender gap and inspire the next generation to be part of the highly skilled STEM sector.

<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/growing-skills-and-stem-careers-national-science-week>

New scholarships to support women in STEM careers

A program to support women in STEM careers has opened, with up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available across the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields over the next six years.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/new-scholarships-to-support-women-in-stem-careers.html>

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 Sisters that empowers women of colour wins 2022 TechDiversity Business Award

Non-profit organisation STEM Sisters has won the Business Award at TechDiversity Awards 2022.

<https://www.theaustraliatoday.com.au/stem-sisters-that-empowers-women-of-colour-wins-2022-techdiversity-business-award/>

No wonder no one wants to be a teacher: world-first study looks at 65,000 news articles about Australian teachers [not technology, but maybe of interest: DG]

Remember when former Morrison government minister Stuart Robert lashed out at “dud” teachers? In March, the then acting education minister said the “bottom 10%” of teachers “can’t read and write” and blamed them for declining academic results.

<https://theconversation.com/no-wonder-no-one-wants-to-be-a-teacher-world-first-study-looks-at-65-000-news-articles-about-australian-teachers-186210>

Why biomimicry is the perfect lens for STEM learning [subscription]

Could nature hold clues to solving complex problems and tick the box for engaging students in STEM?

<https://educationhq.com/news/why-biomimicry-is-the-perfect-lens-for-stem-learning-125173/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2022 Update 2

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 10:45:19 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2022 Update 1

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 10:17:44 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - July 2022

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 02:21:00 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2022 Update 2

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:24:29 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2022 Update 1

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:01:55 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2022

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 12:48:41 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - May 2022 Update 1

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:35:07 GMT

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>

ACCE Education & Technology News - May 2022

Thu, 12 May 2022 12:48:35 GMT

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/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - March 2022

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:09:01 GMT

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/>

ICTENSW Conference Rescheduled due to NSW current challenges

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 11:59:16 GMT

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

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2022 Update 3

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:49:34 GMT

Educational leaders across Australia tackle challenges and reimagine the future of learning by Amazon Web Services

The experiences of education systems adapting to remote learning during the pandemic while thinking through solutions to ongoing social and administrative challenges have given engaged observers much to listen to.

<https://www.themandarin.com.au/181835-educational-leaders-across-australia-tackle-challenges-and-reimagine-the-future-of-learning/>

School Improvement Episode 36: Winners of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science Teaching

The two most recent winners of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching join us in this podcast. They each share how they’re improving student outcomes in their own school settings and their top tips for other Science teachers across the country.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/school-improvement-episode-36-winners-of-the-prime-ministers-prizes-for-science-teaching>

Fintech education – meeting students’ interests and needs

Financial technology developments such as cashless transactions and in-game purchases, and risks such as scam emails and texts warrant teaching about. Carly Sawatzki, Jill Brown and Peter Saffin ask: ‘In what ways are your students financially active, and how is your school preparing them for informed financial participation?’

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/fintech-education-meeting-students-interests-and-needs>

‘Clear’ need for STEM boost to prepare job-ready graduates [subscription]

Billionaire Richard White has a clear vision of how to improve the Australian economy, starting with education.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/education-new-south-wales/wisetech-globals-richard-white-to-revolutionise-stem-education-in-australian-schools/news-story/89a846b3b54917020e768e042efc6e49>

Pay teachers $130,000 to attract high achievers, leaked review says

Trainee teachers must learn more about managing classroom behaviour, engaging with parents and teaching reading, according to a review of Australian teaching.

<https://www.watoday.com.au/national/pay-teachers-130-000-to-attract-high-achievers-leaked-review-says-20220223-p59z37.html>

No Gonski ‘nirvana’: Why Australia’s most ambitious education reforms have failed

On the eve of the 10-year anniversary of the Gonski reforms, its failure shows how politics, self-interest and a lack of forward-thinking can derail even the most worthy objective: that no student be left behind.

<https://www.watoday.com.au/education/no-gonski-nirvana-why-australia-s-most-ambitious-education-reforms-have-failed-20220215-p59wpj.html>

City staff head north to keep classrooms running

The NSW Department of Education’s COVID workforce plan was devised ahead of this year’s return to school to quickly mobilise current, former and future staff if and when absences occurred in schools due to teachers and staff testing positive to COVID-19. ... “While here at Inverell High School, I’ll be helping out with coding for the junior classes as computing is my background, and filling holes where there’s a need.”

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/city-staff-head-north-to-keep-classrooms-running>

UNESCO releases report on the mapping of K-12 Artificial Intelligence curricula

UNESCO has released “K-12 AI Curricula: A mapping of government-endorsed AI curricula”, the first report on the global status of K-12 AI curricula.

<https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-releases-report-mapping-k-12-artificial-intelligence-curricula>

Introducing Our New Windows 11 Device Portfolio for Education

As we enter the third year of the pandemic, we continue to see many bright spots of innovation and perseverance in today’s education landscape.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/01/introducing-our-new-windows-11-device-portfolio-for-education>

The Learning Passport provides learning continuity for millions of out-of-school children

While the world and educational systems throughout it continue to grapple with challenges stemming from the pandemic, students across the globe keep learning in their local languages with the help of the Learning Passport.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/02/the-learning-passport-provides-learning-continuity-for-millions-of-out-of-school-children>

Microsoft Education Partners help students with pandemic learning disruption

Microsoft Teams’ assignments and Microsoft 365 integrations give our education partners the ability to enable rich end-to-end scenarios within core workflows—for both educators and students. It also makes it easier for instructors to give feedback on assignments. This not only saves teachers valuable time, it also gives them a range of powerful features to support the assessment of learning and engage students.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/02/microsoft-education-partners-help-students-with-pandemic-learning-disruption>

Imagine Cup Junior 2022: A global challenge for students

Today marks the launch of registration and content availability for the third annual Imagine Cup Junior, an exciting opportunity for students to learn about technology and how it can be used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Imagine Cup Junior helps students build skills in technology concepts that will help them in their future learning and in the workforce.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/02/imagine-cup-junior-2022-a-global-challenge-for-students>

World Read Aloud Day: 4 tips to promote fluency, connection, and joy

On February 2, 2022, LitWorld and Microsoft invite you to come together for this year’s WRAD. Join us as we honor the joy and power of reading and sharing stories. From hosting intimate classroom gatherings and organizing community wide parades, to broadcasting radio programs across countries and trying a new technology to celebrate WRAD, everyone can participate.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/01/world-read-aloud-day-4-tips-to-promote-fluency-connection-and-joy>

UNESCO and Stakeholders Celebrate Women & Girls in Science

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was declared on 11th February 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-and-stakeholders-celebrate-women-girls-science>

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2022 Update 2

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:02:20 GMT

$6.7 million investment extends women in STEM initiatives

February 11 marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In Australia, women make up only 28% of workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Australian Government is committed to improving gender equity in STEM education and careers. We are investing more in effective programs that support this goal.

<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/67-million-investment-extends-women-in-stem-initiatives>

New funding to advance women in STEM

The Morrison Government is continuing to break down barriers to the advancement of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with an additional $6.7 million in funding.

<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/price/media-releases/new-funding-advance-women-stem>

Superstars of STEM funded for stratospheric success

The Australian Government has today announced a further $2 million investment to advance women in STEM through Science & Technology Australia’s game-changing Superstars of STEM program.

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/superstars-of-stem-funded-for-stratospheric-success/>

School interventions to increase female representation in STEM

If you’re in a co-education school, look at student enrolments for STEM subjects and participation in STEM-related clubs and extracurricular activities – is there a gender imbalance? A new report shares global examples of effective interventions from primary and secondary education settings.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/school-interventions-to-increase-female-representation-in-stem>

Women in science still jumping higher hurdles

The digital revolution has changed the game for women and girls in science, but despite strong progress, female students are still asking dispiriting questions

<https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/women-in-science-still-jumping-higher-hurdles/>

Women in STEM: The Australian icon who’s bridging the gap between science and commerce

A career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is often considered the road less taken for women, and it’s not for lack of trying. Women in STEM face many barriers entering and staying in the field, and continue to be excluded from fully participating in the industry compared to men. Globally, only 30% of the world’s researchers are women, with less than one-third of female students choosing to study subjects like math and engineering in higher education.

<https://www.studyinternational.com/news/australian-women-in-stem/>

Offering online learning permanently – reflecting on the advantages

A majority of teachers have now had experience with online teaching thanks to the pandemic. But, what can we learn from schools who were teaching online long before COVID-19 restrictions? Jeremy Kwok and Su Temlett from Australian Christian College join Teacher to share the advantages.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/offering-online-learning-permanently-reflecting-on-the-advantages>

The Research Files Episode 72: Online mentoring for disengaged students

Our guest on episode 72 of The Research Files is Professor Joseph Ciarrochi from Australian Catholic University’s Institute for Positive Psychology and Education. He’s the lead researcher for projectHOPE – a program that’s notched up success in re-engaging at-risk secondary students with their schooling.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/the-research-files-episode-72-online-mentoring-for-disengaged-students>

2022 cybersecurity predictions and 3 ways educational institutions can protect digital identities

Remote and hybrid learning models, as well as digital operations, are now the new norm across all levels of the education system.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/2022-cybersecurity-predictions-and-3-ways-educational-institutions-can-protect-digital-identities/279578>

Deadly Science Educator of the Year

Remote school teacher, Chris Errington, has recently been recognised as a 2021 DeadlyScience Educator of the Year, an accolade attributed by DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that supports remote schools across Australia.

<https://education.nt.gov.au/news/2022/deadly-science-educator-of-the-year>

The state of education during the COVID pandemic

<https://www.oecd.org/education/state-of-school-education-one-year-into-covid.htm>

VR Really Has a Kid Problem

The Virtual reality (VR) industry is growing at a fast pace. But as pointed out by the AR/VR developer Skarredghost, the industry has ‘a kid issue‘. And, for a number of reasons, “VR shouldn’t be used by children“.

<https://dataethics.eu/vr-really-has-a-kids-problem/>

Why a clear school vision empowers staff and students

Tes research reveals that many teachers do not feel their school has a vision for the future – but as these leaders and business experts explain, putting a vision into words can work wonders in more ways than one

<https://www.tes.com/magazine/leadership/staff-management/why-clear-school-vision-statement-teacher-wellbeing-empowers-staff-and-students>

Blended learning scenarios to mix distance and in-school lessons

A selection of blended learning scenarios using the Learning Designer tool, produced by participants of the online course Bridging Distance and In-School Learning – Blended Learning in Practice on Teacher Academy.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/teacher_academy/teaching_materials/blended-learning-scenarios.htm>

School under (re)construction: a tutorial on learning environments

Traditional classrooms with their blackboard, the teacher standing in front of it and the desks laid out in rows date back to medieval monasteries. But as society grows ever more technology-rich and the focus shifts to key competences and student-centric pedagogy, so the learning space needs to catch up. In this tutorial, you will learn that greener is better, classrooms don’t always need walls, and more.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/resources/tutorials/school-under-reconstruction.htm>

As Demand Grows for COVID-19 Testing in Schools, So Must Our Attention to Student Privacy

The rampant omicron variant and the CDC’s new test-to-stay guidance has significantly increased the demand for COVID-19 testing as well as reporting this information to schools. The increase in testing may occur at a point in time (e.g., to return to school in-person after an extended break) or on an ongoing basis (e.g., as students have COVID exposures). While all schools have experience collecting health information related to COVID-19 (95% reported having a system in place for parents to report a child’s COVID diagnosis), the scale at which it is now being demanded is unprecedented. To keep students safe and schools open, it is important to scale testing efforts along with student privacy considerations.

<https://cdt.org/insights/as-demand-grows-for-covid-19-testing-in-schools-so-must-our-attention-to-student-privacy/>

Teach coding from a young age at school

CHILDREN are growing up surrounded by technology amidst IR4.0 (the Fourth Industrial Revolution), so computational thinking and coding should be considered essential abilities. As such, the Education Ministry should review if such critical skills and knowledge are being taught to primary school children.

<https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2022/02/15/teach-coding-from-a-young-age-at-school>

Des Moines high school students share coding projects with Principal engineers

Students in the Pi515 program learn technical skills like coding, but also practice life skills like resume writing and building confidence.

<https://www.weareiowa.com/video/tech/des-moines-high-school-students-share-coding-projects-with-principal-engineers/524-fd4f4d0a-89e2-4dce-b9a5-006ce4aa9a3a>

We need more girls and women in science. What are three ways in which we can support them?

Choosing one’s path in life should not be limited by prejudice or hindered by a less than supportive environment to thrive. Girls and boys should be supported to develop their talents to the fullest and without the constraints often imposed by gender stereotypes.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/we-need-more-girls-and-women-science-what-are-three-ways-which-we-can-support-them>

The 7th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly

The Assistant Director-General for UNESCO Natural Sciences, Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, will address the UN members states and other participants in the 7th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly, taking place on 11 February 2022, in virtual format from UN Headquarters in New York.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/7th-international-day-women-and-girls-science-assembly>

UNESCO and Japan Sign a New Partnership Agreement for the Development of Teachers and Students’ Skills in STEAM and Coding

On 16 February 2022, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) signed an Arrangement Letter at the Representative Office of Japan to Palestine, based in Ramallah, the State of Palestine, to support a UNESCO-led project on “Improving Student Skills for Innovation and Sustainable Development through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Coding in Palestinian Schools”. The project is aligned with the priorities of the Government’s National Policy Agenda for the State of Palestine and the priorities of the Ministry of Education to provide quality education for all.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-and-japan-sign-new-partnership-agreement-development-teachers-and-students-skills-steam>

STEM Hub launch across Ireland to inspire future STEM leaders

I’m delighted to share the launch of our most recent Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) campaign which aims to continue to build on our work aimed at increasing awareness and understanding in STEM. This journey has been constantly evolving with the development and activation of our previous Accenture STEM research and our Women On Walls campaign adding to the progress.

<https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stem-hub-launch-across-ireland-inspirefuture-leaders-paula-neary/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2022 Update 1

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:45:36 GMT

EY aims to inspire 100,000 girls in 2022 to pursue a career in STEM with free mobile app

EY today announces that the EY STEM App will be rolled out to an additional seven countries, following a successful pilot in the US and India. The app aims to inspire girls 13-18 years of age pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers.

<https://www.ey.com/en_gl/news/2022/01/ey-aims-to-inspire-100000-girls-in-2022-to-pursue-a-career-in-stem-with-free-mobile-app>

New EY app encourages teenage girls to consider STEM career

Following successful pilots in India and the United States, professional services firm EY is set to release a new app in Australia designed to encourage interest among teenage girls in the world of STEM.

<https://www.consultancy.com.au/news/4768/new-ey-app-encourages-teenage-girls-to-consider-stem-career

Solving Aussie school and university cyber challenge

The pandemic has dramatically increased the Australian education sector’s reliance on online systems. Technologies such as cloud have created a new norm for day-to-day operations, and how students will continue to learn moving forward.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/solving-aussie-school-and-university-cyber-challenge/279463>

The Australian school system has a serious design flaw. Can it change before it’s too late? [not technology]

When colleagues overseas ask what I think about Australia’s school system, I tell them that it does offer world-class education, but not for everyone

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jan/31/the-australian-school-system-has-a-serious-design-flaw-can-it-change-before-its-too-late>

Time-poor teachers struggling to prepare effective lessons for students [not technology]

More than 90 per cent of teachers lack the time to properly prepare for their core teaching duties, a new report by the Grattan Institute has found.

<https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/time-poor-teachers-struggling-to-prepare-effective-lessons-for-students-20220128-p59rxh.html>

Reform urgently needed to help teachers do their job [not technology]

If we want our children to succeed at school, we need to support our teachers to succeed in their jobs.

<https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/education/reform-urgently-needed-to-help-teachers-do-their-job-20220130-p59sb4.html>

Making time for great teaching: How better government policy can help

Teachers in Australian schools don’t get enough time to prepare well for class, and student performance is suffering as a result.

<https://grattan.edu.au/report/making-time-for-great-teaching-how-better-government-policy-can-help/>

Curtin and STEMSmart join forces for a digital future

Curtin University and STEM educator STEMSmart have joined forces in an innovative partnership to prepare primary and secondary students and those in under-served communities for a digital future.

<https://news.curtin.edu.au/media-releases/curtin-and-stemsmart-join-forces-for-a-digital-future/>

DLTV presents DigiCon 2022

DigiCon 2022's theme is: What's next? “Using digital pedagogies to ignite learning”

<https://dltv.vic.edu.au/event-4570441>

What Could Web3 Mean for Education?

The first ghost that Ebenezer Scrooge meets in “A Christmas Carol” is the spirit of his business partner, Jacob Marley. When the specter appears, he has a chain “wound about him like a tail,” made out of “cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses wrought in steel.”

<https://www.edsurge.com/news/2022-01-24-what-could-web3-mean-for-education>

These 3 charts show the global growth in online learning

The number of students accessing its online courses now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, a leading global online learning platform reports.

<https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/online-learning-courses-reskill-skills-gap/>

Microsoft Education tools that supported learning in 2021

Perhaps unlike ever before, learning in 2021 occurred in a wide variety of classroom settings. But no matter where it took place—remotely, in person, or in hybrid environments—schools and educators showed great flexibility as they worked to meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs. As we reflect on and celebrate the year, we’re inspired by how classrooms evolved and how educators used our technology and resources to adapt and support student learning.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/microsoft-education-tools-that-supported-learning-in-2021>

Use Of Technology To Improve The Education System

“Technology will not replace great teachers but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational”.

<https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-technology-improve-education-system-niti-tantra>

Knowledge about what? ‘The knowledge question’ in the Norwegian curriculum [not technology]

A fundamental question in education is, ‘What is most worth teaching and learning?’ A variation of this question can be directed from student to teacher: ‘Why should we learn this?’ Curriculum makers may find that answers to this query are self-evident, as they are often found in formal curriculum documents and guidelines. However, when looking at a new school reform in Norway, known as LK20, and how knowledge is framed, positioned and formulated in a concrete subject curriculum, it is not always easy to pin down or have a clear understanding of just what the students are expected to learn.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/knowledge-about-what-the-knowledge-question-in-the-norwegian-curriculum>

Responsible Technology Training Series for Education Practitioners

Practitioner training plays a vital role in ensuring that schools, local and state education agencies, and other education organizations use data and technology responsibly. CDT provides a suite of training modules that cover key principles of student privacy protection, cybersecurity, digital equity, and related issues.

<https://cdt.org/insights/responsible-technology-training-series-for-education-practitioners/>

The Evolution of Technology in K–12 Classrooms: 1659 to Today

In the 21st century, it can feel like advanced technology is changing the K–12 classroom in ways we’ve never seen before. But the truth is, technology and education have a long history of evolving together to dramatically change how students learn.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/higher/article/2022/01/evolution-technology-k-12-classrooms-1659-today-perfcon>

Hash Code 2022 returns with a new look

Registration is officially open for Hash Code, Google’s team-based programming competition! On February 24, developers around the globe will team up to test their coding skills and have some fun. Whether you’re new to coding or a seasoned expert, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you can expect from Hash Code 2022:

<https://blog.google/technology/developers/hash-code-2022-returns-new-look/>

Simple STEAM Activities to Do With Household Items

The STEAM education program (short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) helps students develop new problem-solving skills. This program is often used as part of the school curriculum, but there are also ways you can teach the various aspects of STEAM at home using some common household items. Check out this guide offering some fun STEAM activities to do at home. You can use these activities as part of your home-schooling program or supplement whatever your child is already learning at school. From science and technology to math and engineering, it’s a great way to keep kids engaged and interested as they learn and develop new skills.

<https://porch.com/advice/simple-steam-activities>

ACCE Education & Technology News - February 2022

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 08:11:41 GMT

Preparing teachers for a digital future

Brett Henebery sat down with Associate Professor Chie Adachi, Director, Digital Learning and course director of digital learning leadership at Deakin University, to discuss preparing graduate teachers for a digital future.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/preparing-teachers-for-a-digital-future/279165>

Get the edge with online Greek language learning

As Greek Australians we find it tough to get our children to maintain their Greek language skills. It is equally difficult for us to preserve our own Greek.

<https://neoskosmos.com/en/sponsored/get-the-edge-with-online-greek-language-learning/>

CS in Schools: Developing a Sustainable Coding Programme in Australian Schools

Digital technology is compulsory in schools in most states at most year levels in Australia. However, a recent survey of over 400 Australian schools in 2019 found that 96% have had difficulty hiring qualified technology teachers and 39% of schools have reduced the amount of technology education they offer. We have observed that there is a shortage of teachers who feel qualified to teach coding.

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340819766_CS_in_Schools_Developing_a_Sustainable_Coding_Programme_in_Australian_Schools>

Technology-enabled remote learning during Covid-19: perspectives of Australian teachers, students and parents

ABSTRACT: The majority of Australian students learned remotely in term two (April–June 2020), in response to state government directives to close schools during the ‘first wave’ of Covid-19. This created myriad challenges for students, teachers and parents. Accordingly, this study seeks to capture these multiple perspectives of the remote learning experience. Forty interviews were conducted at the end of term two, with students, teachers and parents. The findings represent an integrated framework for engagement in the context of remote education. Engaging students was a top priority for teachers – albeit students felt less engaged with teachers. Student–peer engagement varied considerably. Lack of social interaction was a challenge for many students. Parents remained pragmatic, but largely unengaged with teachers. For the most part, students found online learning to be less personalised. While the pandemic has expedited emergency technology adoption in schools, this is not equivalent to the purposeful integration of technology over time.

<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Holly-Cooper-6/publication/348983410_Technology-enabled_remote_learning_during_COVID-19_perspectives_of_Australian_teachers_students_and_parents/links/602e9116299bf1cc26d637d8/Technology-enabled-remote-learning-during-COVID-19-perspectives-of-Australian-teachers-students-and-parents.pdf>

<https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1475939X.2020.1868562> [subscription]

COVID-19 experts and community leaders urge politicians to allow schools to open for face-to-face learning in open letter

Thirty-five of Australia's top academics, doctors and community leaders have written an open letter to Australian governments, urging them to allow schools to open for face-to-face learning on time.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-12/keep-schools-open-despite-omicron-covid-surge-experts-say/100751796>

A National Privacy and Security Initiative for Digital Products in K-12 Education

The Safer Technologies 4 Schools initiative is a standardised approach to evaluating digital products and services used by schools across Australia against a nationally consistent security and privacy control framework.

<https://st4s.edu.au/general-information/>

Strong new powers to tackle harmful illegal online content

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner will soon have strengthened powers to protect Australians from exposure to harmful illegal online content, including child sexual exploitation and terrorist material, no matter where in the world it is hosted under new regulatory guidance released today.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/strong-new-powers-tackle-harmful-illegal-online-content>

New advisory council to give young Australians a voice in online safety

The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, welcomed the Government’s announcement today of the formation of an Online Safety Youth Advisory Council to inform policy and programs for keeping young Australians safe online.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/new-advisory-council-give-young-australians-voice-online-safety>

For the sake of the ‘forgotten voices’ of the pandemic, reopen Australia’s schools

Thirty-five of Australia’s top academics, doctors and community leaders and have written an open letter to Australian governments, calling on them to reaffirm their commitment to open schools.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/for-the-sake-of-the-forgotten-voices-of-the-pandemic-reopen-australia-s-schools-20220111-p59ng2.html>

Australia needs a national plan for children, schools and COVID-19

For two years, Australia’s children, young people and their families have tolerated school closures to protect the adult and elderly population from COVID-19. Now it’s time for the kids.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-needs-a-national-plan-for-children-schools-and-covid-19-20220110-p59n58.html>

NSW Mathematics Strategy progress report - December 2021

Online learning tools marketplace now live | Recommend the Everyday Maths Hub these holidays! | Join professional learning in 2022 to explore the big ideas and core concepts in mathematics | Will you be a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher in 2022? | How would you solve 25 x 8? | New numeracy course to commence in Term 1, 2022 | New release of English and mathematics K-2 syllabus resources

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/nsw-mathematics-strategy/updates/nsw-mathematics-strategy-progress-report2>

Going Global NSW – India | NSW EdTech Dialogue

The NSW EdTech Dialogue Event is part of the NSW Going Global – India export program – connecting NSW EdTech companies to the Indian Education market.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2021/12/17/going-global-nsw-india-nsw-edtech-dialogue/>

Trends Shaping Education in 2022

It’s hard to see trends in a crisis. And now layered crises–pandemic, climate, racial reckoning, economic inequity, geopolitical tension–is the new normal. We’re living through a jumble of unexpected events that thwart pattern recognition.

<https://www.gettingsmart.com/2022/01/11/trends-shaping-education-in-2022/>

6 Elements of Thriving Learners [not technology related]

One year ago from this publication, on January 6, 2021, people from around the world witnessed an American Insurrection. A confluence of factors led to this event, and it’s not the goal of this article to diagnose them. What is worthy of investigation is thinking about the role education can play to create conditions that counteract the forces that led to the Insurrection.

<https://www.gettingsmart.com/2022/01/06/6-elements-of-thriving-learners/>

The influence of remote learning on sleep patterns of teenagers

Abstract: A healthy sleep pattern is crucial to the overall health and wellbeing of teenagers, and poor sleep patterns can harm school performance. Due to stay-at-home orders mandated by the governor of Ohio in March 2020, students were converted to remote learning. The purpose of this study was to compare the sleep patterns of teenagers before the stay-at-home orders and during remote learning. Individual chronotypes impact peak productivity, and remote learning imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to study how teenagers may take advantage of their chronotype for optimal learning. Data was collected using an online survey distributed to teenagers in the Greater Cincinnati area.

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354934680_The_influence_of_remote_learning_on_sleep_patterns_of_teenagers>

Live Instruction Predicts Engagement in K–12 Remote Learning

Abstract: How does live instruction relate to student engagement in distance learning? Does the relationship differ across grade levels? This study addresses these questions by examining data from a random sample of families from a large urban school district in southern California. We find a strong correlation between live instruction and student engagement in online learning among elementary school students, with every additional hour of live instruction per week increasing the probability of reporting that students have completed all their schoolwork by 26%. The correlation is also significant though smaller in magnitude for middle and high school students.

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355899172_Live_Instruction_Predicts_Engagement_in_K-12_Remote_Learning>

Augmented reality, STEM and remote learning

Abstract: Augmented reality can enhance teaching more than a textbook. The advancing technology of AR allows for interactions between real objects and virtual objects to allow for better understanding of complex geometries. By using AR, students can experience and interact with the objects or procedures in detail, simply using a smartphone, tablet, or AR glasses. This makes AR highly effective when teaching geometric and spatial concepts, often found in science, technology, engineering, and math.

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353351407_Augmented_reality_STEM_and_remote_learning>

From Face To Face To Remote Learning: A Retrospective Study

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356433112_FROM_FACE_TO_FACE_TO_REMOTE_LEARNING_A_RETROSPECTIVE_STUDY>

Best Digital Education Tools For Teachers To Teach Online

With so much of our children’s education being placed online these days, finding the best digital education tools for teachers to teach online is critical in the success of each student. While there are tons of options out there in the form of apps, software, and programs, they are definitely not all created equally.

<https://taughtup.com/best-digital-education-tools-for-teachers-to-teach-online/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - December 2021 Update 1

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 06:36:06 GMT

Culture and community the focus for Indigenous STEM Award winners

Funded by the BHP Foundation and delivered by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the Awards recognise the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, teachers and scientists to inspire more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2021/Culture-and-community-the-focus-for-Indigenous-STEM-Award-winners>

Barrie Cassidy's One Plus One: Rebecca West

Rebecca West was recently named one of the best teachers in the world. The Deputy Principal from Bonnyrigg Public School talks to Barrie Cassidy about the difficulties of online learning and teaching during COVID.

<https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NC2131H003S00>

Australia to establish youth advisory council for countering online child exploitation

Australia will create a new panel consisting of Australian youths and young adults that will provide consultation to industry and government about how to approach regulating online platforms.

<https://www.zdnet.com/article/australia-to-establish-youth-advisory-council-for-countering-online-child-exploitation/>

Australian EdTech Ecosystem Snapshot

Sector overview and statistics

<https://edugrowth.org.au/programs/ecosystem/edtech-snapshot/>

‘Kids need to find their passion’: Daniel Ricciardo joins drive to engage students

Daniel Ricciardo, among the world’s most popular racing drivers, is about to use his fame to help struggling students stay at school and seek success.

<https://www.watoday.com.au/education/kids-need-to-find-their-passion-daniel-ricciardo-joins-drive-to-engage-students-20211214-p59hl6.html>

Going Global NSW – India | NSW EdTech Dialogue

The NSW EdTech Dialogue Event is part of the NSW Going Global – India export program – connecting NSW EdTech companies to the Indian Education market.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2021/12/17/going-global-nsw-india-nsw-edtech-dialogue/>

The G20 takes a closer look a blended learning and educational poverty

A new report by the Group of Twenty (G20) Education Working group highlights the challenges for countries in implementing blended learning and tackling educational poverty. UNESCO contributed expertise, data and analysis towards the research, which also calls for strengthened collaboration among the G20 governments.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/g20-takes-closer-look-blended-learning-and-educational-poverty>

The age of the educational technologist

I always enjoy reading Tony Bates' posts that always offer a balanced and informed view of current trends in education. This week's post is a review of educational technology trends of the past year, A Review of Online Learning in 2021, and has the sub-heading bad but still better. The lessons learned this year are the same as those learned in 2020 only more nuanced. There is the realisation that almost all courses are now blended in some way and this is changing how we design our courses as well as how we design our learning spaces, both on-site and online. There are plenty of new buzzwords in this field and there's a lot of learning by trial and error but we have come a long way since early 2020.

<https://acreelman.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-age-of-educational-technologist.html>

Revising ‘Teaching in a Digital Age’: the Impact of Covid-19

I am in the process of editing the third edition of Teaching in a Digital Age, my open, online textbook for instructors and teachers. I have four goals in mind for this edition:

<https://www.tonybates.ca/2021/12/16/revising-teaching-in-a-digital-age-the-impact-of-covid-19/>

Exclusive: Online learning rises by up to 92%

The online school Oak National Academy has seen a big increase in pupils using its online lessons this term - with numbers nearly doubling in one region - indicating the extent of Covid disruption in schools.

<https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/exclusive-online-learning-rises-92>

How to do online learning well? A California district has some answers.

On a morning this fall at Washington Elementary, a young boy, sitting at a table with five of his peers, held a tablet while he built a digital snowman — a cool proposition given the 85-degree heat just outside his air-conditioned classroom.

<https://hechingerreport.org/how-to-do-online-learning-well-a-california-district-has-some-answers/>

Digital Learning – A Look Into The Future

Improvement of digital learning by establishing and enhancing Information Management Systems (IMS) in education was one of the many activities within the Reimagining Education United Nations joint project, implemented by UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO and UNV in three administrative units in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska Entity, Una Sana Canton and West Herzegovina Canton). With the general objective of supporting the digitalization of educational processes through quality data management, the activity helps building a more resilient system able to quickly respond to emergencies, particularly when addressing the needs of the most vulnerable students. These systems aim towards a more efficient communication between all actors in education, including parents, guardians and caregivers, school administration and relevant education authorities.

<https://bosniaherzegovina.un.org/en/165282-digital-learning-look-future>

ICT Standards in BiH Education Systems Ensure Efficiency and Continuity of Learning for All Children Equally

Defining basic ICT standards in education is a prerequisite in education digitalization process, addressing the digital divide exposed by the COVID19 pandemic. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic induced school closures, digital distance education platforms have become essential for ensuring continuity of learning for all. Students and teachers in BiH have not stayed immune to challenges arising from the switch to online teaching modality, as they have been lacking adequate access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices and quality internet connections. These challenges prevented them to continue their learning trajectories and participate smoothly in distance and blended learning.

<https://bosniaherzegovina.un.org/en/165283-ict-standards-bih-education-systems-ensure-efficiency-and-continuity-learning-all-children>

Microsoft Education tools that supported learning in 2021

Perhaps unlike ever before, learning in 2021 occurred in a wide variety of classroom settings. But no matter where it took place—remotely, in person, or in hybrid environments—schools and educators showed great flexibility as they worked to meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs. As we reflect on and celebrate the year, we’re inspired by how classrooms evolved and how educators used our technology and resources to adapt and support student learning.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/12/microsoft-education-tools-that-supported-learning-in-2021->

Introducing Microsoft Learn Educator Center

Over the past two years, we’ve all seen the education industry deliver hybrid, remote, and blended learning, heighten its focus on student-centric outcomes, and rely on educators to purposefully integrate technology in their teaching and learning practices. COVID-19 has created a greater demand for educators to prioritize their own training and skilling readiness to effectively use and apply technology in impactful ways that improve student learning and engagement.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/12/introducing-microsoft-learn-educator-center>

Fun coding holiday activity for NZ children and teenssponsored

What do the following all have in common? Apps, games, email systems, banking systems, fire alarm systems, electric vacuum cleaners, car dashboards, coffee machines, washing machines and social media platforms.

<https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/127275976/fun-coding-holiday-activity-for-nz-children-and-teens>

New ways to make the most of Hour of Code all year long

Throughout the week of December 6-12, classrooms around the world will celebrate Computer Science Education (CSEd) Week, and millions of students and educators will participate in Hour of Code. This fun, global movement was designed as part of a worldwide push to demystify, democratize, and spark interest in coding and computer science. Anyone can code, and with just one hour, students and teachers can discover that they are coders too.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/12/new-ways-to-make-the-most-of-hour-of-code-all-year-long>

Meet the Amazing Cape-wearing Superhero Behind the Tech Girls Movement

The founder of Tech Girls Movement, Dr. Jenine Beekhuyzen, is the guiding force behind a tremendous effort that began in New Zealand in 2013 but has since gone global. She’s a STEMinist changing the world – one girl at a time. Her foundation supports the awareness of and sustained interest in STEM with the goal of imparting new skills and self-confidence in girls.

<https://gritdaily.com/like-a-boss-jenine-beekhuyzen/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - December 2021

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:28:56 GMT

Helping schools stay safe with ST4S

We recently launched the Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) initiative. ST4S is a standardised approach to evaluating digital products and services used by schools across Australia against a nationally consistent framework developed in collaboration with all Australian state, territory, Catholic and independent school sectors.

<https://st4s.edu.au/>

Five tips from school leaders on learning through COVID

The Connection is a network of high-performing school leaders working in some of Australia’s most challenged communities. They’ve been reflecting on successful practices in their own schools since the start of the pandemic. Today’s article shares their top five recommendations for learning through COVID.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/five-tips-from-school-leaders-on-learning-through-covid>

Sydney schools offer remote learning as fears grow over Omicron spread

Up to 150 schools across Sydney have provided students with the option to finish the year off at home as concerns grow over the spread of the Omicron variant.

<https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/sydney-schools-offer-remote-learning-as-fears-grow-over-omicron-spread/news-story/

TAFE NSW to pilot digital learning institute along Microsoft and local universities

TAFE NSW will partner with Microsoft, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to pilot a new digital learning institute.

<https://www.zdnet.com/article/tafe-nsw-to-pilot-digital-learning-institute-along-microsoft-and-local-universities/>

Researchers to put successful schools under the microscope

A new research centre will study the state’s most effective schools to discover the secrets of their success

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/researchers-to-put-successful-schools-under-the-microscope-20211208-p59fxm.html>

UNESCO ICT in education prize: Call for nominations open to projects for inclusive crisis-resilient learning systems

The UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the use of ICT in education is now accepting candidatures. The theme of the 2021 edition is the use of technology to enable inclusive crisis-resilient learning systems.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-ict-education-prize-call-nominations-open-projects-inclusive-crisis-resilient-learning>

Online Learning Can Be Engaging and Effective

Online learning, done right, can be a delight — and achieve learning objectives. It appears that teaching online by necessity rather than aspiration has led to a many online attempts at learning that have fallen short of the mark, leaving those who were forced into it unsatisfied with the outcome and sometimes outright hostile to the whole idea.

<https://hrheingold.medium.com/online-learning-can-be-engaging-and-effective-87200d37dc62>

Learning on the go with Classroom on Android

The past two years have seen a rapid rise in the use of educational tools by teachers and students everywhere – driven primarily by the need for distance learning. Now that educators and schools have experienced the benefits of these tools, their use continues to grow, even as many schools return to in-person and hybrid learning.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/offline-nbu-updates/>

UNESCO and Kids Code Jeunesse join forces to promote data and algorithms literacy

UNESCO and Kids Code Jeunesse (KCJ) are proud to announce a new partnership to promote the Data and Algorithms Literacy programme, with the support of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The two main goals of this partnership are the organization of an international challenge to get youth using AI and data to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the promotion of data and algorithm literacy through advocacy activities and provision of training resources, accessible through digital platforms

<https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-and-kids-code-jeunesse-join-forces-promote-data-and-algorithms-literacy>

Hour of Code 2021 is here: Celebrate #CSEverywhere!

We’ve been waiting all year: It’s Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code 2021! This year’s theme is #CSEverywhere, so we encourage students and teachers to explore the relationship that computer science has with different subjects in school, different industries, and even different career paths!

<https://codeorg.medium.com/hour-of-code-2021-is-here-celebrate-cseverywhere-15e96ae0f238>

This Code Next student is paying it forward

As part of Google’s Code Next program, which brings computer science (CS) education to underrepresented communities in tech, student Gideon Buddenhagen took on a research project that would make a big impact. Through his research, he found that young students of color without financial resources don’t have the same access to technology, computer science education and mentors who look like them — opportunities that had a meaningful effect on Gideon’s own life. So for his final project with Code Next, Gideon is introducing technical education to middle school students and helping them see the many doors tech can open for them.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/code-next-student-paying-it-forward/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2021 Update 2

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 11:24:20 GMT

Teaching Methods: Delivering PE online

In this episode of Teaching Methods we’ll be looking at how PE teachers adapted to online learning during the pandemic. My guest is Dr Vaughan Cruickshank and we’ll be discussing in this ‘emergency mode’ of teaching and learning, did PE happen at all? If it did, it more Physical Activity than Physical Education? And what lessons can we learn from this experience for the future?

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/teaching-methods-delivering-pe-online>

Science teachers recognised with Prime Ministers’ Prize

A primary teacher from Queensland and a secondary teacher from Sydney were last night recognised for their contribution to STEM and agricultural science education by being named winners of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching. Here, we share details of the work they’re doing in their schools.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/science-teachers-recognised-with-prime-ministers-prize>

‘It’s a fresh start’ – a return to classroom teaching and learning

The Student Wellbeing Hub team recently hosted a webinar to help educators support the transition back to in-person teaching and learning. Here are the key takeaways.

<https://www.esa.edu.au/resources/news-articles/article-detail/it-s-a-fresh-start-a-return-to-classroom-teaching-and-learning>

Families Digital Technologies: Explore, learn and be inspired

The following collection of activities have been designed for you to complete in your home or around your local community to assist in building your child’s knowledge of the Digital Technologies curriculum. These activities require minimal preparation from you and the knowledge required to enable you to complete the tasks with your children has been included.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/families/learning-at-home>

The Australian Education Awards: Recognising excellence in Australia's schools

On 3 December, hundreds of Australia’s education elite from across the country will converge virtually for the fourth annual Australian Education Awards.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-australian-education-awards-recognising-excellence-in-australias-schools/279130>

Australia leads the world in helping kids stand up to online bullies

Australia’s world-first cyberbullying scheme is set to be significantly expanded to provide protection to children being bullied in online games and on private messaging platforms, according to new regulatory guidance released by the eSafety Commissioner.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/australia-leads-world-helping-kids-stand-online-bullies>

Australian young people learning to push back against online bullies

Australian children and young people are learning how to counter negative online experiences and are prepared to stand up to cyberbullies, early insights from research into young people’s online experiences by the eSafety Commissioner has shown.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/australian-young-people-learning-push-back-against-online-bullies>

Australian sporting organisations and eSafety to tackle online abuse

The eSafety Commissioner and Australia’s major sporting organisations have joined forces to address online abuse, including racism, sexism, and homophobia, targeted at athletes in a signed statement to manage the risk of online abuse in sport.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/australian-sporting-organisations-and-esafety-tackle-online-abuse>

Penrith home to Generation STEM

Penrith City Council and CSIRO are launching Generation STEM, an exciting new initiative aiming to attract, support, retain and train NSW students in STEM at school, into further education and into employment.

<https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/news/904-penrith-home-to-generation-stem>

Eliza selected for rare STEM learning opportunity

Year 10 Narrabri High School student, Eliza Dampney, has been picked for a unique learning experience in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector.

<https://narrabricourier.com.au/2021/11/10/eliza-selected-for-rare-stem-learning-opportunity/>

Disinformation and youth: how can we increase media literacy among young people?

A study conducted by researchers at Stanford shows that young people have difficulty judging the credibility of online information. As children of the internet and major media consumers, young people primarily get information and communicate online and through social media . Still, the speed with which they receive and come into contact with information does not give them the hindsight to judge its reliability. With the proliferation of fake news, schools have long-run educational programmes to teach children media literacy to decipher the content received.

<http://www.eun.org/news/detail?articleId=7365325>

Opening a global conversation about the gender digital divide

The COVID-19 pandemic showed how critical digital technologies are in today’s world — they kept businesses, education, government services, healthcare, and economies running despite the health crisis and global economic downturn.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/opening-global-conversation-about-gender-digital-divide>

Examination of Classroom Teacher’s Experiences Regarding Mathematics Courses Taught through Distance Education throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the experiences of teachers regarding online primary school mathematics courses throughout the pandemic period. In this respect, the teachers were examined about the efficiency of distance education during the course sessions, the activities that involve the student, its positive and negative aspects, the utilized materials, portals, websites, the situation of students embodying the concepts, the extent to which they maintained the assessment, the difficulties they encountered within the process, as well as their suggestions. In the study, it was seen that teachers had both positive and negative views on distance education. The participant teachers in the study utilized different portals and websites throughout the distance education process. The majority of those teachers had the opinion that the methods used in mathematics courses through distance education assisted students in learning the concrete concepts. In the study, suggestions were made to enhance the efficiency of the mathematics courses along with distance education.

<https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/Examination-of-Classroom-Teacher’s-Experiences-Regarding-Mathematics-Courses-Taught-through-Distance-Education-throughout-the-COVID-19-Pandemic-Period->

How Schools Surveil Your Kids

A startup named GoGuardian is changing the way teachers monitor their students online.

<https://slate.com/podcasts/what-next-tbd/2021/11/goguardian-and-school-surveillance-software-on-what-next-tbd>

School connectivity equips learners for education, work, and life

New research by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and ITU identifies sustainable funding models that could cover the bulk of investments to connect every school worldwide.

<https://www.itu.int/en/myitu/News/2021/11/01/09/53/School-connectivity-Giga-BCG-report>

The Digital Learning Ecosystem: What’s Missing?

While it may be challenging to determine the downstream effects of COVID-19 on technology, one clear result is that institutions have accelerated efforts to marshal existing technologies to support teaching and learning. This includes maximizing the interoperability of these solutions and ensuring that any new technologies deployed will improve agility to respond to new initiatives, like increased hybrid learning.

<https://encoura.org/the-digital-learning-ecosystem-whats-missing/>

The latest Surface is a $250 laptop that takes a swing at cheap Chromebooks

Microsoft's next Surface device is the company's latest and most direct attempt to compete with Chromebooks in schools. The $250 Surface Laptop SE is a low-end, 11.6-inch laptop made for basic browsing, document editing, and remote learning. The Surface Laptop SE runs Windows 11 SE, a cloud-focused version of the operating system that preserves the basic look and feel of Windows 11 but allows school IT admins to control which apps are installed and keeps most files and user settings in the cloud rather than on-device.

<https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/11/the-latest-surface-is-a-250-laptop-that-takes-a-swing-at-cheap-chromebooks/>

Igniting a spark for Computer Science Education Week

I feel extremely lucky. My job at Google is to find and support the next generation of Black, Latino and Indigenous leaders with a passion for computer science (CS). As a Black woman, this role has a deep meaning for me. In fact, it’s the job I’ve always dreamed of — one that bridges my passion for computer science and equity. And, I get to work with people who look like me.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/code-with-google/igniting-spark-computer-science-education-week/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2021 Update 1

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:18:12 GMT

Clever pickle: the YouTubing Sydney teacher in the running for $1.3m global prize

Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. Rebecca West still can’t bring herself to call hers by his first name, even though, 20 years on, she’s friends with Paul on Facebook. But she’ll never forget the example that her geography and legal studies teacher Mr Fields set her as a student, before teaching was even on her radar as a career. ... But West has also been recognised for her creative approach to teaching (for example, turning writing tasks into role-playing exercises based on the game Dungeons and Dragons), and her inexhaustible desire to support students and colleagues – and not just her own. In 2017, long before teachers were dragged in front of the camera during the pandemic, West started making instructional videos and posting them on YouTube, at first as a teaching aid for her own students.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/30/clever-pickle-the-youtubing-sydney-teacher-in-the-running-for-13m-global-prize>

Three-to-four-year-olds to learn about digital safety in Australian trial

QUT researchers are leading an Australian-first study to teach young children, including those aged three to four, about digital citizenship.

<https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=178928>

Minecraft: Education Edition Across the Australian Curriculum

We have published a series of videos for teachers to demonstrate how Minecraft: Education Edition can be used across all learning areas in the Australian Curriculum. Created by Steven Payne and Meg Pusey from Standout Education, these videos aim to inspire you to take and adapt these Minecraft ideas, lessons, and resources to use in your classroom. We have also included interviews with teachers from across Australia who are enthusiastically using Minecraft for learning and teaching.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2021/11/minecraft-education-edition-across-the-australian-curriculum/>

Science teachers recognised with Prime Ministers’ Prize

A primary teacher from Queensland and a secondary teacher from Sydney were last night recognised for their contribution to STEM and agricultural science education by being named winners of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching. Here, we share details of the work they’re doing in their schools.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/science-teachers-recognised-with-prime-ministers-prize>

Curriculum considerations for ADHD

... Science and technology: Students may remember and engage in lessons better if they can see it in real life. Consider excursions to see science in action.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/inclusive-practice-hub/all-resources/primary-resources/understanding-disability/adhd/curriculum-considerations>

Kindergarten orientation moves from zoom to reality

One fully vaccinated parent or carer per child will be allowed on school sites to support their pre-schooler as they start Kindergarten orientation, under new COVID-safe guidelines announced today.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/kindergarten-orientation-moves-from-zoom-to-reality>

Esports 101 - An introduction to the industry

It is different from standard video gaming in that esports is competitive (human-vs-human) and usually involves an interactive audience element, similar to traditional sports.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/esports-101-an-introduction-to-the-industry>

The 2 Platforms You Need to Transform Digital Learning and Assessments

The challenges for schools and universities have been exacerbated amidst the extended global pandemic to the point where even managing fundamental school operations like online classes and exams are difficult.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-2-platforms-you-need-to-transform-digital-learning-and-assessments/279040>

Parents, Educators, and Caregivers Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns for Remote Learning during COVID-19 [In Proceedings of the International Conference of the Greece ACM SIGCHI Chapter (CHIGreece 2021)]

Abstract: In 2020, there was a sudden and internationally widespread shift towards remote learning, primarily stemming from a need to facilitate learning while also maintaining the physical safety of students and community members. While there are benefits to remote learning, increased integration and use of Internet Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to create opportunities for cyber threats that exist within the digital environment. These threats can range from unauthorized use of webcam, an increased risk for phishing, to increased time spent online and risk of cyberbullying as well. To this aid, our goal is to seek to understand the users' privacy concerns and security risks related to the remote learning process. For this, we conducted a survey-based study with 520 participants. Through thematic analysis we obtained an understanding of the perceptions of parents, teachers, and caregivers of children attending online educational institutions. We found that most participants have experienced a cybersecurity or privacy-related incident pertaining to remote learning. We conclude by providing suggestions based on our findings to create a more secure and privacy-preserving online education experience for the users.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3947273>

Connect All Students: Understanding the K–12 Digital Divide

The gap between students with high-speed internet and adequate devices at home and those without is perpetuating educational and economic inequality. We explore the scale and scope of the digital divide in the United States, and suggest ways to close it for good.

<https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/connect-all-students-understanding-the-k-12-digital-divide>

International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying

4 November 2020 will mark the second edition of the new International Day against Violence and Bullying at School including Cyberbullying, under the theme “Tackling cyberbullying and other forms of online violence involving children and young people.”

<https://en.unesco.org/news/international-day-against-violence-and-bullying-school-including-cyberbullying>

Afghan girls learning to code 'underground' to bypass Taliban curbs on education

Cooped up at home in Herat, Afghanistan, Zainab Muhammadi reminisces about hanging out with her friends in the cafeteria after coding class.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-31/afghan-girls-learn-code-underground-to-bypass-taliban-curbs/100581408>

ACCE Education & Technology News - November 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 08:30:32 GMT

Sydney's new airport inspiring young minds to pursue a career in STEM

Western Sydney students are being inspired to take up exciting careers in STEM and work at Sydney’s new airport in the future thanks to a new partnership between Western Sydney Airport and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2021/Sydneys-new-airport-inspiring-young-minds-to-pursue-a-career-in-STEM>

Lessons from home learning

Many parents worry about how the lockdown experience will impact their children's education in the long run.

<https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7480967/worry-less-focus-on-positives-lessons-from-home-learning/>

Diary of a home schooling parent: What I’ve learned about remote learning this lockdown by Tiffany Wright, Director Education, Australia at Microsoft

When the first school closures were announced in early 2020, my two primary school kids had one clunky laptop, complete with sticky keys and a foggy screen, between them. With its slow loading times and poor-quality sound, the outdated machine made remote learning harder than it needed to be.

<https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/diary-home-schooling-parent-what-ive-learned-remote-learning-wright>

Women in STEM underpaid, underrepresented and unsupported: Professionals Australia survey

A nationwide survey from trade union Professionals Australia has found that women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and professional roles across Australia are underpaid, underrepresented and unsupported.

<https://www.crn.com.au/news/women-in-stem-underpaid-underrepresented-and-unsupported-professionals-australia-survey-571817>

Women staying in the STEM Workforce Report

Professionals Australia has urgently called for future, post-COVID STEM strategies to focus on improving the participation, retention and career advancement after a nationwide survey found that women in STEM are underpaid, underrepresented and unsupported.

<https://scientists.professionalsaustralia.org.au/Scientists/News/2021_women_in_stem_report.aspx>

Back-to-school: a time for celebration or concern?

This week, students in NSW and Victoria are finally returning to the classroom after extended lockdowns. ... Principal, Henry Grossek, says almost half of his school’s parents are refusing to send their kids back because of potential exposure. “While remote learning might not have been the best approach for some people, we at least had certainty and predictability. We knew what we were doing every day. We also knew that the risk was lower because kids were at home,” Grossek told The Educator.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/backtoschool-a-time-for-celebration-or-concern/279042>

Powerhouse Museum $30m boost aims to inspire kids from diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM careers [AAP]

The Powerhouse Museum's Parramatta chapter will receive a combined $30 million in donations to help kids from western Sydney and regional NSW learn about science and technology.

<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/powerhouse-museum-30m-boost-aims-to-inspire-kids-from-diverse-backgrounds-to-pursue-stem-careers/105534f9-c589-4394-a997-6c9d3cb88d34>

Historic $30 Million Commitment To Powerhouse Parramatta

The Powerhouse has today announced an extraordinary $30 million investment in the future of Powerhouse Parramatta by The Walker Family Foundation and Western Sydney University (WSU). In one of the largest donations ever to an Australian cultural institution, The Walker Family Foundation has committed $20 million to the Lang Walker Family Academy and associated programs, a commitment that will fund access to world-class immersive STEM education experiences at the museum for over 10,000 high school students from Western Sydney and regional NSW every year – including overnight stays at the museum for many of these students.

<https://www.maas.museum/media-story/historic-30-million-commitment-to-powerhouse-parramatta/>

Sydney students excel in world battle of the bots

St Johns Park and Bankstown Girls high schools are celebrating success at the 2021 Universal Robotics Challenge, writes Glenn Cullen.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/sydney-students-excel-in-world-battle-of-the-bots>

Enterprising effort rewarded with ministerial pitch

Vanessa Lahey meets a Rivers Secondary College team that has ‘solved’ a COVID-19 conundrum as part of a national ‘all-girl’ STEM challenge.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/enterprising-effort-rewarded-with-ministerial-pitch>

Students’ academic skills survive remote learning, study finds

Lara White will return to class in Sydney this week and her mum is happy with her daughter’s progress during remote learning.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/students-academic-skills-survive-remote-learning-study-finds-20211022-p592cz.html>

The truth about inquiry-based learning

As Victorian and NSW students return to the classroom, it is crucial that we make wise choices about how we teach.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/the-truth-about-inquiry-based-learning-20211012-p58z8v.html>

Building Skills For Life: How to expand and improve computer science education around the world

This report makes the case for expanding computer science education in primary and secondary schools around the world, and outlines the key challenges standing in the way. Through analysis of regional and national education systems at various stages of progress in implementing computer science education programs, the report offers transferable lessons learned across a wide range of settings with the aim that all students—regardless of income level, race, or sex—can one day build foundational skills necessary for thriving in the 21st century.

<https://www.brookings.edu/essay/building-skills-for-life-how-to-expand-and-improve-computer-science-education-around-the-world/>

The 2 Platforms You Need to Transform Digital Learning and Assessments

The challenges for schools and universities have been exacerbated amidst the extended global pandemic to the point where even managing fundamental school operations like online classes and exams are difficult.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-2-platforms-you-need-to-transform-digital-learning-and-assessments/279040>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2021 Update 3

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 07:40:26 GMT

Glenn Maxwell Teams Up With BYJU’S Future School To Encourage Aussie Kids To Get Into Maths And Coding

Aussie cricketer Glenn Maxwell is encouraging kids to upskill in maths and coding as part of a new campaign for BYJU.

<https://www.bandt.com.au/glenn-maxwell-teams-up-with-byjus-future-school-to-encourage-aussie-kids-to-get-into-maths-and-coding/>

Videogames or homework? Why not both, as ACMI has 75 game lessons for you to try

Despite the growth of technology in our daily lives, the integration of digital technologies into education has been slower than anticipated. There seem to be a number of factors at work here, including problems with access to technology and the time and support needed to use technology successfully in the classroom.

<https://theconversation.com/videogames-or-homework-why-not-both-as-acmi-has-75-game-lessons-for-you-to-try-169359>

Free online webinar helps students address mental health concerns

... This week, eSafety Commissioner announced free online resources for parents and carers to help young people aged 10-18 manage their mental health while they’re online.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/free-online-webinar-helps-students-address-mental-health-concerns/278995>

Integrating algorithm tasks into early years teaching

Algorithms are a key component of computational thinking, and the foundations for developing these skills starts in the early years. What are some of the day-to-day ‘unplugged activities’ that offer teachers easy opportunities for emphasising and building these skills?

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/integrating-algorithm-tasks-into-early-years-teaching>

Australian music teachers making a difference

Teachers from Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales have been recognised as nominees for the 2021 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award for their contributions to music education by fostering students’ self-esteem; keeping them engaged and inspired during periods of remote learning; and providing performance opportunities.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/australian-music-teachers-making-a-difference>

Students scale up their skills for STEM challenge

A blob trying to break into the Underworld, a scientist jumping through size-altering portals, and a man who wakes up dazed and confused in a scrapyard – these are some of the protagonists from winning games in this year’s Australian STEM Video Game Challenge.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/students-scale-up-their-skills-for-stem-challenge>

Meet and Greet: Introducing Google’s virtual space

Google Classroom is increasingly becoming a one-stop digital shop for remote education, the introduction of the ‘Meet’ function for students set to make learning life that much easier.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/meet-and-greet--introducing-google-s-virtual-space->

Engaging school communities to improve student outcomes

The Quality Teaching Practice unit has been successfully working with schools this year to engage their communities with the Learning Ecosystems for Improved Student Outcomes professional learning.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/engaging-school-communities-to-improve-student-outcomes>

‘I’m just busting to come back to school’: Sydney’s youngest students back in classrooms

At MLC School in Burwood, the heads of school were dressed in unicorn onesies to welcome kindergarten and year 1 back after more than three months of remote learning.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-m-just-busting-to-come-back-to-school-sydney-s-youngest-students-back-in-classrooms-20211018-p590w2.html>

NSW parents to get $250 vouchers as a homeschooling thank you

Parents of school-aged children will be given a $250 thank you gift from the NSW government.

<https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-parents-to-get-250-vouchers-as-a-homeschooling-thank-you-20211021-p591zy.html>

Uneven global education stimulus risks widening learning disparities

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNESCO has been monitoring government stimulus investments in education. In total, US$ 16 trillion was invested in fiscal stimulus worldwide. However, 97 per cent was concentrated in high-income countries, revealing the coverage gap between those countries with financial capacity and those without. The education and training sector represents only 2.9 per cent of this total global stimulus package amount. In light of these findings, UNESCO continues to advocate for prioritizing investments to education, not only as a human right, but also as a strategy for an efficient, effective, and sustainable economic recovery.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/uneven-global-education-stimulus-risks-widening-learning-disparities>

From Tiktok to bear mascots — 7 ways education is recruiting cyber talent

Higher education institutions and businesses are targeting students for cybersecurity careers by offering hands-on experience at high-tech cyber ranges, designing mascots to teach K-12 students about cracking ciphers and by posting videos on TikTok.

<https://edscoop.com/list/from-tiktok-to-bear-mascots-7-ways-education-is-recruiting-cyber-talent/>

Empower your educators and staff with new training resources

As we are entering the new school year in the Northern Hemisphere and approaching summer break in the Southern Hemisphere, Microsoft Education continues to see incredible transformation at so many schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, and education systems across the world. We are keenly aware of the important role that technology is playing in supporting this transformation.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/empower-your-educators-and-staff-with-new-training-resources>

Everything comes together in Teams

Learning can happen from anywhere with the right set of tools. Whether you’re a school leader looking to bring together learning resources or an educator looking to bring out the best in your students, Microsoft Teams puts your classroom tools into one powerful platform.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/everything-comes-together-in-teams>

How to support your students with personalized learning experiences

No two students are the same, and as they learn, communicate, and grow in different ways, educators understand that supporting individual needs can make all the difference. To make that easier, Education Insights in Microsoft Teams helps educators create personalized learning experiences for their students.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/10/how-to-support-your-students-with-personalized-learning-experiences>

round 63% students claim online learning platforms help reduce stress

Brainly, online learning platform, surveyed its Indian user base to determine the impact of the paradigm shift to study-from-home on the student’s mental health.

<https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/around-63-students-claim-online-learning-platforms-help-reduce-stress>

Today’s classrooms require flexible, scalable device management

Where learning takes place has changed. Educators and students now convene in person, remotely, and in blended environments. This means classroom device management must evolve as well.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/10/todays-classrooms-require-flexible-scalable-device-management>

Hour of Code 2021: Computer science everywhere!

Computer science has helped unlock mysteries in math and medicine. It’s been used to create art, including your favorite games, movies, and TV shows. It helps us eradicate diseases and enables us to explore the depths of outer space. It allows us to imagine ancient civilizations, as well as build the cities of the future. And obviously, computer science is responsible for the very device you’re reading this story on!

<https://codeorg.medium.com/hour-of-code-2021-computer-science-everywhere-540165a5f3e0>

McLaren Racing and Dell Technologies announce multi-year extension

McLaren Racing has today announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with Dell Technologies. Together they will continue to drive innovation and push the boundaries of human-machine performance on the track and beyond. Their work together does not stop at technology – they will collaborate on programmes to ensure their societal and environmental impact drives success across the industry and help achieve their 2030 goals, focusing on STEM education, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable practices.

<https://www.mclaren.com/racing/partners/dell-technologies/mclaren-racing-and-dell-technologies-announce-multi-year-extension/>

Project Lead The Way Prepares Texas Students for STEM Careers

Middle school students in Bastrop, Texas are getting hands-on experience with computer-aided design, 3-D printers and other tools involved in STEM careers through a curriculum from the nonprofit Project Lead The Way.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/project-lead-the-way-prepares-texas-students-for-stem-careers>

Has online learning given Stem subjects a boost?

In this podcast, experts explain how the use of technology in lessons is encouraging pupils to consider science careers

<https://www.tes.com/news/has-online-learning-given-stem-subjects-schools-boost-science-careers>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2021 Update 2

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 00:19:20 GMT

'Giving all kids a go' - Bridging the gap between the city and country in virtual learning

Students who are geographically remote or have other factors limiting their ability to attend face-to-face schooling will benefit from a new virtual online learning program developed by the Victorian Department of Education and Training and Monash University.

<https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/giving-all-kids-a-go-bridging-the-gap-between-the-city-and-country-in-virtual-learning>

Schools prioritise quality online safety education during the pandemic

Almost a third of all Australian schools are using quality online safety education providers endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner, the federal online safety regulator, as reports of cyberbullying continue to surge during the pandemic.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/schools-prioritise-quality-online-safety-education-during-pandemic>

Landmark framework sets foundation for effective online safety education in Australian schools

The eSafety Commissioner has today launched the first-ever national online safety education framework for Australian schools and teachers, helping educators equip young people with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/landmark-framework-sets-foundation-for-effective-online-safety-education-australian-schools>

Digital Practices During Remote Learning and Beyond

The Evidence Institute’s new report presents insightful findings from four diverse schools on the challenges and successes of navigating teaching and learning in a post-pandemic world.

<https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/newsroom?ArticleId=602ea014-4ec8-4244-b7c2-1e59c9eee791&_cldee=YnJpYW5ob3N0NzdAZ21haWwuY29t&recipientid=contact-c3356ded1145e0119109005056b82c7b-d3326f3a4c014c258afe6f4c564df152&esid=261d7cee-8f2c-ec11-a2f8-0050568d2360>

Join ACS' advisory panels: Do you want to help shape the face of ICT in Australia?

As the professional association for Australia’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector, ACS is passionate about the ICT profession being recognised as a driver of innovation and business.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2021/join-acs-advisory-panels.html>

What can we learn from remote learning – parent reflections

As Australia's vaccination rates continue to increase, lockdown home schooling is coming to an end for many families. However, the changes to education that have resulted from home schooling provide an opportunity to reflect upon what has happened and what we might decide to retain into the future

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/what-can-we-learn-from-remote-learning--parent-reflections/278941>

Parents, studies show most kids have done just fine in remote schooling. Here’s how to survive the home stretch

With nearly half of Australia’s population in lockdown, a lot of children and young people are still not attending face-to-face school.

<https://www.studyinternational.com/news/remote-learning-in-2020/>

Child Safety for Students in all Environments
Child Protection Week gives us a timely reminder to ensure students are kept safe both online, offline and during remote learning, writes MARIA COSTA.
<https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/newsroom?ArticleId=6f03e59c-46c1-41c6-80b4-81ec1819da0b>

Student Engagement in Online Learning
Creating a positive environment for online learning can be enhanced using these practical and effective classroom management strategies, by DR ELIZABETH MAHER.
<https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/newsroom?ArticleId=3cbe4944-602a-4cbf-b6c3-38252915009b>

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

Learning resources for parents and carers

Now schools are open for the staged return of all students, they are expected to be back at school unless they are unable to for medical reasons (with approved documentation) or due to a temporary school closure.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/learning-resources-for-parents-and-carers>

Transition to school during COVID-19: Information for early childhood education and care services

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) transition to school practices may need to be adapted this year as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). This webpage provides information and resources for early childhood professionals to support children transition to primary school in 2022.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/working-in-early-childhood-education/transition-to-school/covid-services>

Tackling the teacher shortage

A New South Wales Government plan to spend $13.5 million recruiting 500 specialist STEM teachers has been welcomed by the peak body for science and technology.

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/tackling-the-teacher-shortage/>

Adapting, Adopting and Transforming: Enhancing teaching and learning through technology

World Teachers’ Day provides a good opportunity to reflect on the way in which teachers have rapidly upskilled and embraced new approaches to teaching and learning during the pandemic and ways in which to ensure that this can be embedded in future practice.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/adapting-adopting-and-transforming-enhancing-teaching-and-learning-through-technology>

Unleashing the Potential of Young Women and Girls Everywhere

The World Bank is committed to seeing every girl prosper in her life. Our projects support the education of hundreds of millions of girls and young women across the world.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/unleashing-potential-young-women-and-girls-everywhere>

The kids are not alright: Three ways EdTech can support student’s wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Most of us may remember our first day at school, making friends and sharing experiences inside and outside of the classroom. In the same way, we might remember our graduation day and sharing with our friends the closing of a stage in our lives and the start of a new chapter full of dreams.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/kids-are-not-alright-three-ways-edtech-can-support-students-wellbeing-during-covid-19>

Language learning for success in an interconnected world

In today’s global and connected world, proficiency in more than one language is a fundamental tool for communicating and interacting with others and a key asset for employability. Fifteen-year-old Leonard from Spain – one of several students who shared their thoughts on language learning with us – is aware of these benefits:

<https://oecdedutoday.com/language-learning-success-interconnected-world/>

Opportunities and dangers of digital technologies: the views of children and young people on their leisure time behaviour

The influence of digital everyday technologies on the lives of children and young people is an increasingly researched field. This applies to the resulting opportunities as well as to the associated risks and dangers. In this blog, Andreas Chmielowski discusses children’s views of the online benefits and risks, their varying degrees of skills and competence, and the e-safety strategies children use.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2021/09/22/children-and-leisure/>

What to be mindful of: children’s mental health and the digital environment

An estimated 13% of the global adolescent population aged 12-19 years – or 166 million children – live with some mental disorder, according to UNICEF’s new flagship report State of the World’s Children 2021 – On My Mind: Promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health. As lives became digital by default, our attention was drawn to the possible impacts of children’s internet use on their wellbeing. For parenting.digital, Mariya Stoilova explores the role of the digital environment in supporting children’s vulnerability or resilience looking at the factors that make a difference between wellbeing and harm.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2021/10/06/childrens-mental-health/>

Is it time for agile pedagogical digital competences?

Pedagogical digital competence is the ability to consistently plan, conduct and apply teaching supported by digital technology. It is not a fixed set of attitudes, knowledge and skills – we learnt that fast (maybe even hard) in the previous school year. So, how can teachers build resilience against future crises? Digital education expert Lidija Kralj shares her views.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/viewpoints/experts/agile-pedagogical-competence.htm>

When Girls Have Access to Technologies, A True Digital Revolution Will Be In Sight [IPS]

This year’s International Day of the Girl theme, Digital Generation, Our Generation, celebrates the potential of digital technologies while calling for the inclusion of all girls in accessing technology.

<http://www.ipsnews.net/2021/10/girls-access-technologies-true-digital-revolution-will-sight/>

Could do better: what students want from schools: An FT/World Bank competiton asked young people to share their sometimes startling views

Since 2019, the free FT for schools programme and the World Bank have run an annual blog writing competition for students aged 16-19, seeking their views on education. We publish edited extracts from the winning blogs and runners-up, plus fresh reflections.

<https://www.ft.com/content/bbc70b0c-bdc5-479e-a5b9-8f964a83cda6>

Apple unveils new resources for elementary schools

Apple is unveiling new resources for elementary school students and educators, including a new activity guide, Everyone Can Code Early Learners, that extends its coding curriculum resources from kindergarten to college.

<http://appleshopaholic.com/apple-unveils-new-resources-for-elementary-schools/>

Lego to remove gender bias from its toys after findings of child survey

Lego has announced it will work to remove gender stereotypes from its toys after a global survey the company commissioned found attitudes to play and future careers remain unequal and restrictive. ... The study found that parents still encouraged sons to do sports or Stem activities, while daughters were offered dance and dressing up (girls were five times more likely to be encouraged in these activities than boys) or baking (three times more likely to be encouraged).

<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/11/lego-to-remove-gender-bias-after-survey-shows-impact-on-children-stereotypes>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2021 Update 1

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:43:21 GMT

Teachers continue to inspire, against all odds

During the pandemic and remote learning, teachers continue to work hard and inspire a new generation.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/teachers-continue-to-inspire-against-all-odds-20211007-p58y62.html>

One in six teachers working outside their area of expertise, documents reveal

An analysis of HSC results found students taught by specially qualified teachers did better than those who were not, particularly in science and technology subjects.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/one-in-six-teachers-working-outside-their-area-of-expertise-documents-reveal-20211007-p58y28.html>

Webinar: Anxious kids, remote learning and school refusal

There have been plenty things which can cause us to be anxious over the past 2 years. To which, children and young people have not been exempted. In this presentation, Clinical Psychologist ,Tom Lothian, will review the nature of anxiety, what can be done to help and what to avoid. There will be a specific focus on anxiety in young people and on school refusal as this is a widespread challenge in many households coming into the final school term of 2021.

<https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/anxious-kids-remote-learning-and-school-refusal-tickets-180631994157>

Student video game designers scale the challenges

Students entering the 2021 Australian STEM Video Game Challenge have been commended for persevering throughout an often challenging school year.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/student-video-game-designers-scale-the-challenges>

Industry, schools and governments must work together to foster STEM career pathways

Weld Australia is calling on industry, schools and governments to work together to develop and deliver STEM programs that engage, excite and attract students. Australia needs a vibrant national STEM skills program that illuminates the opportunities available in careers like welding and manufacturing for kids and parents alike.

<https://weldaustralia.com.au/news-views/industry-schools-and-governments-must-work-together-to-foster-stem-career-pathways/>

Chief Scientist: We need more women in STEM

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley is urgently calling for cultural change to help encourage women in STEM fields to avoid being left out as the country undergoes a shift toward science and technology.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2021/chief-scientist--we-need-more-women-in-stem.html>

STEM Women Asia launched to the world

STEM Women Asia has been launched—providing an online directory of women in Asia and Oceania working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/stem-women-asia-launched>

Celebrating two years of impact with The GiST

In September, The Girls in STEM Toolkit (The GiST) is celebrating its second anniversary. Read about the achievements of The GiST during this time, from developing classroom principles to publishing inspiring stories of women paving the way in STEM.

<https://www.esa.edu.au/resources/news-articles/article-detail/celebrating-two-years-of-impact-with-the-gist>

Supporting teacher and principal wellbeing

How does educator wellbeing build a foundation for effective and rewarding teaching and learning? This self-paced online course from the Student Wellbeing Hub will help you develop tailored strategies to enhance your own wellbeing and professional fulfilment.

<https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/educators/professional-learning-courses/principal-and-teacher-wellbeing/>

Artificial Intelligence Explainers video: AI applications

The invention of the car more than 125 years ago transformed society at the time. Today, AI has the same transformative power. Share this video with your students to learn about innovative AI applications in Australia that will help to transform our modern lives.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/resourcedetail?id=1f3e4d98-09f9-6792-a599-ff0000f327dd>

Lesson plan on AI and image recognition

How does a computer see? This new lesson plan from the Digital Technologies Hub helps students explore how computer vision, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), is used in digital systems to recognise and classify an object in an image.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teachers/lesson-ideas/ai-lesson-plans/ai-and-image-recognition>

STEM students prove they are masters of the universe

Vanessa Lahey meets a team of budding astronauts from Newcastle that has won an international space race.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/stem-students-prove-they-are-masters-of-the-universe>

Public school teacher shortage raises fears they will ‘run out of teachers’

Confidential departmental documents show NSW government schools face an unprecedented lack of teachers and are likely to “run out in the next five years”.

<https://www.watoday.com.au/national/nsw/public-school-teacher-shortage-raises-fears-they-will-run-out-of-teachers-20211003-p58wtq.html>

Early childhood education in remote NSW moves online to help kids during lockdown

A preschool in western New South Wales is using online conferencing and toy deliveries to help ensure its young people are not being left behind during the pandemic.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-02/remote-early-childhood-education-bourke-nsw/100505420>

Towards a more equitable and empowering mathematics curriculum: What if we made progressive pedagogies more visible?

The Covid-19 pandemic has added to growing concerns about how misleading statistics and media reports can influence the beliefs and behaviour of millions of people. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Future of Education and Skills 2030 project (OECD, 2018) called for a review of the school curriculum with a view to cultivating the collective knowledge and critical understanding needed for today’s learners to address the environmental, economic and social challenges facing our society. We believe that mathematics education has a vital role to play in meeting these aims; however, current policy directions in England may prevent it from doing so.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/towards-a-more-equitable-and-empowering-mathematics-curriculum-what-if-we-made-progressive-pedagogies-more-visible>

Teaching with Google Arts & Culture

Since its creation in 2011, Google Arts & Culture has made a wide range of cultural stories and experiences available to everyone, thanks to our collaboration with cultural organisations around the world. From experiencing dinosaurs and iconic fashion garments in 360 to getting immersed into masterpieces guided by your favourite actor or musician, and even projecting Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit into your home in AR, the platform offers curious minds many opportunities to learn.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/arts-culture/teaching-google-arts-culture/>

Will technology solve education inequality?

As Harvard analyst, Deval Patrick, truthfully pointed out once: “When there’s inequity in learning, it’s usually baked into life.” The quality of education we receive as children and young adults directly impacts the quality of life we enjoy later. A good education allows us to work, develop and ultimately live a more secure and happier life. Receiving an inadequate education, on the other hand, can significantly hinder our personal development.

<https://www.techradar.com/au/news/will-technology-solve-education-inequality>

A celebration of strength and resilience this World Teachers’ Day

According to Google Trends, over the last 18 months, searches for “missing my students” increased 150%, and searches for “bulletin board ideas” dropped to an all-time low in April 2020.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/world-teachers-day/>

Apple launches new coding guide for elementary school students

Apple is rolling out several new resources for elementary school students, including a new "Everyone Can Code Early Learners" activity guide. The new guide extends Apple's curriculum resources from kindergarten to college. This latest rollout is part of the tech giant’s Everyone Can Code initiative, which aims to help educators and families introduce coding to students early on.

<https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/05/apple-launches-new-coding-guide-for-elementary-school-students/>

Panel: Demystifying computer science for Black parents of K-5 students

Code.org recently launched CS Journeys, a program designed for K-12 students to explore how computer science impacts their world and envision their own future possibilities. This initiative also engages parents to join this journey along with their children.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/panel-demystifying-computer-science-for-black-parents-of-k-5-students-517ca3913ceb>

ACCE Education & Technology News - October 2021

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:36:08 GMT

Australia’s Digital Future—a nation of users or leaders?

Australia risks becoming a laggard among the world’s top technologically driven nations without a stronger investment in digital technology-based research, innovation and workers, according to a new summary for policymakers published today.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/australias-digital-future-nation-users-or-leaders>

Australia's chief scientist urges for diversity in STEM to help fill the country's skills shortage

Australia's chief scientist Cathy Foley has highlighted that an important part of solving the country's skills shortage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors is embracing a diverse workforce.

<https://www.zdnet.com/article/australias-chief-scientist-urges-for-diversity-in-stem-to-help-fill-the-countrys-skills-shortage/>

<https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/australias-chief-scientist-urges-for-diversity-in-stem-to-help-fill-the-countrys-skills-shortage/ar-AAOWiIb>

'Teach NSW' calling for the world’s best teachers

Overseas and interstate STEM teachers will be the target of a new campaign to boost teacher numbers in NSW public schools.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/teach-nsw-calling-for-the-world-s-best-teachers>

$13.5m plan to poach 500 overseas teachers to NSW [subscription]

The $13.5 million education plan is aimed at addressing an “urgent shortage” of teachers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/nsw-education-plans-to-bring-in-over-500-stem-teachers-from-across-the-globe/news-story/f8b66c8b4af2da9a2504306528c1ac19>

EDISON Alliance Members Commit to Improving 1 Billion Lives Through Affordable Digital Access to Healthcare, Finance and Education by 2025

The EDISON Alliance aims to improve the lives of 1 billion people through the 1 Billion Lives Challenge by increasing affordable digital access to healthcare, finance and education by 2025. Although 85% of the world’s population lives in areas covered by 4G, only half are online. Cost, not coverage, is the critical barrier to connectivity. In low-income countries, home to 650 million people, mobile broadband is 18 times more expensive than in developed countries, as a proportion of average income.

<https://www.weforum.org/press/2021/09/edison-alliance-members-commit-to-improving-1-billion-lives-through-affordable-digital-access-to-healthcare-finance-and-education-by-2025>

Spotlight on social emotional skills: Results of OECD’s global survey

The past year and a half has highlighted that disruptive events affect communities very differently. Students in lower income areas and those who are traditionally underserved face challenges that those in higher income areas don’t, such as heightened anxiety about graduating, increased loneliness, and difficulty feeling connected to peers. Education experts are already seeing an increase in mental health issues as a direct result of COVID-19 and advise placing focus on students’ social and emotional skills. This may minimize the severity of psychological damage and help students feel calmer, more confident, and most importantly, provide a sense of control in a world which can feel largely out of control.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/spotlight-on-social-emotional-skills-results-of-oecds-global-survey>

Unlimited learning. From anywhere.

Imagine a future in which everyone, everywhere, has access to the world ’s best education. Imagine no limits, no exclusions: old, young, rich, poor, from the mega-cities to remote hillside villages - fully connected schools to fully connected students learning from anywhere. A future of connectivity bringing complete equity and inclusivity to universal learning. It sounds like a dream, but in a world where digital innovation will complement and evolve classroom learning, it ’s possible.

<https://www.ericsson.com/en/about-us/new-world-of-possibilities/unlimited-learning-from-anywhere>

Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon

The UNESCO annual Global Media and Information Literacy Week is a major occasion for stakeholders to review and celebrate the progress achieved towards “Media and Information Literacy for All” and a UN international Day.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/global-media-and-information-literacy-youth-hackathon>

EdTech is at a crossroads: Why evidence is needed, standards must be set, and regulation should be implemented

As a result the many pandemic-related lockdowns around the world, many children have been spending more time online than ever before, and schools have been forced to teach online using various digital platforms and tools. But are there risks inherent in this shift towards digital education? In this post, LSE Visiting Fellow Ioanna Noula argues that start-ups focusing on education technology, or EdTech, need more regulation and must provide more evidence of their impact.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2021/09/22/edtech-is-at-a-crossroads-why-evidence-is-needed-standards-must-be-set-and-regulation-should-be-implemented/>

Is Remote Learning the Future of Education?

The world has been moving toward remote learning models since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Especially when it comes to educational institutes, educators are finding new ways to leverage and execute educational programs efficiently and effectively.

<https://news.elearninginside.com/is-remote-learning-the-future-of-education/>

We’ve seen how remote learning works. Now, let’s get ready for hybrid learning

It’s fair to say that many more people have experience of the benefits and challenges of online education today than did two years ago.

<https://www.theregister.com/2021/09/29/remote_learning_lenovo/>

Why lockdown learning loss shouldn't cloud the gains

An over-emphasis on 'lost learning' does a disservice to teachers' work during Covid, say these researchers

<https://www.tes.com/news/why-lockdown-learning-loss-shouldnt-cloud-gains>

Distance learning & initial teacher education: Making connections in a virtual world

The peaks and troughs of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives, and initial teacher education (ITE) is by no means an exception. Reflecting on changes to our delivery of education gives us an opportunity to consider possibilities and limitations, while also focusing on what is important.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/distance-learning-initial-teacher-education-making-connections-in-a-virtual-world>

Giving time for students to think – using learning logs to guide student reflection

In high school, the curriculum often feels overcrowded and rushed. There are just too many things to cover and not enough time. However, it is important to give students the time to stop and think about what they are learning and how they are learning, which are important for becoming self-regulated learners. Students need to be supported to set goals, monitor their progress towards their goals, identify areas for improvement and evaluate the usefulness of different learning strategies.

<https://aliceleung.net/2021/09/27/giving-time-for-students-to-think/>

New Research Warns of Risks to K-12 Students Due to Monitoring Software

Today, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) released a pair of research reports detailing the concerning use of online monitoring software that can track student activity on devices like laptops or tablets—even outside of school hours. With 81% of teachers reporting the use of such software in their schools, the reports cite community concerns regarding disciplinary actions, potential outing of LGBTQ+ students, and chilling effects on students’ expression as some of the privacy and equity issues surrounding their use.

<https://cdt.org/press/new-research-warns-of-risks-to-k-12-students-due-to-monitoring-software/>

Report – Online and Observed: Student Privacy Implications of School-Issued Devices and Student Activity Monitoring Software

Many school districts across the nation expanded efforts to provide devices like laptops and tablets to students during the global pandemic in an effort to close the homework gap and address inequities in technology access. Part of this shift included the introduction of student activity monitoring software and other digital tools aimed in part at facilitating remote classroom management and driving student engagement.

<https://cdt.org/insights/report-online-and-observed-student-privacy-implications-of-school-issued-devices-and-student-activity-monitoring-software/>

Student Activity Monitoring Software: Research Insights and Recommendations

The past few years have seen widespread adoption of software that monitors students in K-12 schools across the country. These tools provide teachers and schools with the ability to filter web content, monitor students’ search engine queries and browsing history, view students’ email, messaging, and social media content, view the contents of their screens in real time, and other monitoring functionality.

<https://cdt.org/insights/student-activity-monitoring-software-research-insights-and-recommendations/>

CDT Original Research Examines Privacy Implications of School-Issued Devices and Student Activity Monitoring Software

During the global pandemic, at a time when remote learning was the only educational option available, K-12 schools across the nation moved quickly to provide devices like laptops and tablets to students to address inequities in technology access.

<https://cdt.org/insights/cdt-original-research-examines-privacy-implications-of-school-issued-devices-and-student-activity-monitoring-software/>

Emerging Safety Technologies in Schools: Addressing Privacy and Equity Concerns to Ensure a Safe In-Person School

Schools that have resumed in-person classes are trying to ensure a safe environment for students and school staff, a challenge that’s been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. In addition to protecting against threats such as weapons and unauthorized visitors, there is currently a need to enforce health guidelines, like requiring students to wear a face covering. Some schools are employing emerging AI-driven systems with the goal of enforcing school safety protocols and protecting those attending schools in-person.

<https://cdt.org/insights/emerging-safety-technologies-in-schools-addressing-privacy-and-equity-concerns-to-ensure-a-safe-in-person-school/>

What coding can teach you!

In the digital age, coding is basic literacy. We’re only at the beginning of a technological revolution, with the world as we know it evolving at an unprecedented pace. As we step into a future more digitally connected than ever, we must be able to understand and communicate with the technology around us.

<https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/what-coding-can-teach-you-316920>

Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards

The Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards honor and recognize 10 all-star teachers working diligently to help students in underserved and underrepresented communities pursue futures in computer science and robotics.

<https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/teacheroftheyear>

Amazon launches computer science education program Future Engineer in India

Amazon is extending its computer science program, Future Engineer, to India, making the world’s second-largest internet market the fifth market where the firm offers the childhood-to-career community program.

<https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/27/amazon-launches-computer-science-education-program-future-engineer-in-india/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2021 Update 4

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 09:52:06 GMT

Remote learning is even harder when English isn’t students’ first language. Schools told us their priorities for supporting them

The COVID-19 pandemic has left large numbers of students, teachers and families grappling with the challenges of remote learning. Remote learning can be particularly challenging for students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D students).

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-is-even-harder-when-english-isnt-students-first-language-schools-told-us-their-priorities-for-supporting-them-166957>

Developing literacy skills in a digital world

‘The change over the last 20 years in what and how students read has emphasised the importance not only of assessing students’ capacity to read, but also what they have learned about the credibility of what they read.’ In her latest Teacher column, Dr Sue Thomson delves into international PISA 2018 data on reading literacy and digital literacy skills.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/developing-literacy-skills-in-a-digital-world>

Expert resources help support remote learning

When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on 25 June that the state would go into lockdown, few expected that it would drag on for three months. And the state still has another month to go before the lockdown ends in earnest.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/expert-resources-help-support-remote-learning/278749>

Supporting critical numeracy and maths skills in teaching and learning

In today’s article, Dave Tout, Justine Sakurai and Carly Sawatzki discuss numeracy and its relationship with mathematics, and the importance of real-world contexts. They’ll also share a problem-solving cycle to help students develop their skills, and a classroom example of health numeracy, using trampolining as a focus for mathematical investigation.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/supporting-critical-numeracy-and-maths-skills-in-teaching-and-learning>

Students at home, but school life continues

Two schools for students with special learning and support needs have created outstanding programs to connect with their community.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/students-at-home--but-school-life-continues>

Quality Time for teaching

Teachers and school staff are being called on to provide feedback on the NSW Government’s Quality Time Action Plan which sets an ambitious agenda for reducing duplicative, repetitive, and low-value administrative tasks in schools. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said leveraging technology and digital tools to streamline teaching tasks is at the centre of the plan.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/quality-time-for-teaching->

Teachers to spend less time on reports, forms and playground duty

A plan to reduce the time teachers spend on menial tasks could save them up to 40 hours a year.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/teachers-to-spend-less-time-on-reports-forms-and-playground-duty-20210916-p58s65.html>

<https://www.watoday.com.au/national/nsw/teachers-to-spend-less-time-on-reports-forms-and-playground-duty-20210916-p58s65.html>

We stand with her: A call to action on girls’ online learning and digital skills

Global leaders from across the public, private and philanthropic sectors have signed a joint letter committing to girls’ education and in particular girls’ digital access, skills and participation in online learning.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/we-stand-her-call-action-girls-online-learning-and-digital-skills>

The spy tech that followed kids home for remote learning—and won’t leave

Gaggle’s software monitors students’ use of school-issued accounts. But educators may not be prepared to respond to what they learn.

<https://www.fastcompany.com/90677509/the-spy-tech-that-followed-kids-home-for-remote-learning-and-wont-leave>

Effects of online education on mental and physical health

Covid-19 has caused destruction and devastation worldwide in ways nobody could anticipate. The world in one way or another came to a standstill. Life as we knew it changed. And this change became the new constant.

<https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/effects-of-online-education-on-mental-and-physical-health-1854320-2021-09-18>

Help students discover the world with new Flipgrid Live Events

At Flipgrid, we want to help educators everywhere provide unique learning experiences for their students. Flipgrid Live Events connect classrooms to subject matter experts and resources while providing students access to amazing locations across the globe. Whether visiting national parks, traveling underwater, or interacting with renowned authors, activists, and humanitarians, each 30-minute educational live event can broaden your learners’ horizons and enrich your curriculum.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/help-students-discover-the-world-with-new-flipgrid-live-events>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2021 Update 3

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:41:38 GMT

Students getting closer to the joys of remote learning

Clawing back me-time has been a plus for students during lockdown, but the downside is missing friends and the school environment of celebration and group activity.

<https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/students-getting-closer-to-the-joys-of-remote-learning-20210909-p58qas>

‘It’s so hard’: how the pandemic upended young people’s career paths

Morgan Vella and his friends used to hold high ambitions for what life would look like after graduating high school: leaving their regional Victorian town for university in the city, enjoying a world of busy dormitories, student bars and lecture theatres. But two years and seven lockdowns later, the Kyabram P-12 College year 12 student says a lot of his friends have simply “given up” and plan to complete their Victorian College of Education (VCE) certificate without an Atar.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/12/its-so-hard-how-the-pandemic-upended-young-peoples-career-paths>

Technology is key for refugees starting new lives in Australia, but not everyone has equal access

As evacuees and refugees from Afghanistan start their new lives in Australia, their ability to navigate the digital world will be crucial.

<https://www.startupdaily.net/2021/09/technology-is-key-for-refugees-starting-new-lives-in-australia-but-not-everyone-has-equal-access/>

Remote learning a game changer for vulnerable youth

As students across the country adapt to ‘lockdown learning’ once again, growing numbers of at-risk young people are successfully reconnecting with education.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/remote-learning-a-game-changer-for-vulnerable-youth/278712>

Ten key technology considerations in delivering the future of education by Microsoft

Events over the past 18 months have highlighted just how inherently valuable technology has become for educators. From the remote delivery of classes and classwork notes and facilitating communication and collaboration between isolating students, right through to the expanded resources available by being able to access education from anywhere, technology is delivering both resilience to the education sector, and generating better outcomes.

<https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/brand-post/content/691261/ten-key-technology-considerations-in-delivering-the-future-of-education/>

Use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of writing

Learning to write is an essential part of becoming literate. The challenge in the digital age for teachers and students is how to make the most effective use of all available digital tools to develop and craft quality texts.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/research-reports/use-of-ict-in-teaching-and-learning-of-writing>

Are writing scores from online writing tests for primary students comparable to those from paper tests?

The move to online testing for NAPLAN in 2019 brought many benefits to teachers, schools and education systems. However, prior to implementation, concerns were raised amongst stakeholders relating to the validity, comparability, equity and fairness of online testing. One key issue was the online assessment of writing, for Year 3 students in particular. The main concern was whether Year 3 students would have sufficient typing skills to produce online texts in timed conditions that were a valid reflection of their underlying writing proficiency. This report on the research conducted in 2016 was used to inform decision making concerning the move of NAPLAN writing tests from paper to online tests.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/research-reports/online-writing-tests-for-primary-students>

Slow internet forces North Star family to homeschool from the paddock

It's a classroom with a view. That's the best way to describe how the McMaster children are studying in isolation in their small rural town of North Star, near the New South Wales-Queensland border. Slow internet has forced mother of four and farmer Angela McMaster to move her children's homeschooling into the paddock to ensure they could still participate in online learning.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-14/north-star-home-schooling-in-the-paddock/100456426>

Goulburn High School staff and students adapt well to home learning [subscription]

Students in the region have been learning from home for about a month now, including those from Goulburn High School.

<https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/7423024/learning-from-the-past-goulburn-high-staff-and-students-deal-with-lockdown-well/>

Bridging the gap between policy and practice in education

Over a year ago, we were both on a global panel discussing lessons learned and ways forward in education to proceed this last school year immersed in COVID. We realised quite quickly that by partnering-up our different views, as education practitioner in New Brunswick, Canada, also in contact with many teachers internationally, and as international education policy analyst at the OECD we could answer a major issue in education: the gap between perspectives on education, particularly between policy and practice in schools and classrooms. This gap prevents progress in education due to lack of understanding of the reality of schools and classrooms and of how policy can really be defined and implemented to be effective. We wanted to raise awareness of this gap so that it can be narrowed, so we engaged in a conversation on the lessons learned during COVID through our own work. We present here some of our observations from the analysis and from our own experience in schools, classrooms and in exchange with policy makers.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/bridging-gap-between-policy-practice-education/>

Tapping Into The Future Of VR – Today

The current COVID19 pandemic has pushed schools into a massive learning curve. We witnessed the incredible resilience of the human spirit, the adaptability of our community and the great potential offered by technology in shaping teaching and learning. A positive outcome is when we witnessed the most non-tech savvy teacher talk about their favourite app that they use to drive students’ engagement in her virtual classroom.

<https://sisschools.org/blog/tapping-into-the-future-of-vr-today/>

Schools still closed for nearly 77 million students 18 months into pandemic – UNICEF

Eighteen months into the COVID-19 pandemic, schools for nearly 77 million students in six countries continue to be almost completely closed, according to an updated data analysis released today by UNICEF.

<https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/schools-still-closed-nearly-77-million-students-18-months-pandemic-unicef>

What Will Online Learning Look Like in 10 Years? Zoom Has Some Ideas

Last March, Zoom, the ubiquitous online conferencing platform, became a staple of daily life for many students and educators as learning shifted online. Millions downloaded it—and first learned of it—back in early 2020, when lockdowns forced billions of students online, and at least 100,000 schools onto Zoom.

<https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-09-15-what-will-online-learning-look-like-in-10-years-zoom-has-some-ideas>

Online Education: 10 Keys that will make you like Online Classes

Today the offer of virtual courses, online careers, and online master’s degrees has skyrocketed considerably. Is there more interest in learning? Like never before. And this thirst for knowledge has led us to remember the purpose of online education.

<https://www.analyticsinsight.net/online-education-10-keys-that-will-make-you-like-online-classes/>

‘Let’s Reimagine Education Together’: Lessons and Learnings From Zoom Academy 2021

Summer is almost over, and educators everywhere are preparing to make their return to the classroom. But what do those classrooms look like, and how can educators help students adapt to new and more flexible learning experiences?

<https://blog.zoom.us/lessons-and-learnings-from-zoom-academy-2021/>

How 5G can make a difference in education: Challenges and next steps

In my last post on the potential of 5G networks, we explored how this dramatically different wireless technology could redefine the present and future learning experience. 5G’s extremely low latency rate means the sending and receiving of information goes from 200 milliseconds for 4G down to 1 millisecond with 5G. That increase in speed will make five core elements of learning smoother and easier: interaction, immersion, personalization, flexibility, and access for all.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/how-5g-can-make-difference-education-challenges-and-next-steps>

To BYOD or not to BYOD, that is the question

BYOD is that phenomenon that emerged largely as a way to keep devices in the hands of students when funding ran out. It was the perfect solution to the problem – the school can’t pay, so let’s get the parents to pay. But does it deliver on the promise to improve learning?

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2021/08/to-byod-or-not-to-byod-that-is-the-question/>

New Council Recommendation on blended learning

“Blended learning” in formal education and training is the term used to describe when a school, educator or student takes more than one approach to the learning process.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/news/council-recommendation-blended.htm>

A.I. Can Now Write Its Own Computer Code. That’s Good News for Humans.

A new technology called Codex generates programs in 12 coding languages and even translates between them. But it is not a threat to professional programmers.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/09/technology/codex-artificial-intelligence-coding.html>

Bringing STEM to Students with Mobile Technology

K–12 classrooms are supplemented with lessons on science, technology, engineering and math thanks to mobile STEM labs.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/k12/k12/k12/article/2021/09/bringing-stem-students-mobile-technology>

SPIKE Prime Tutorials

Interns at the Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach have created a series of SPIKE Prime tutorial videos covering the basics of the LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics kit.

<https://education.lego.com/en-au/news/spike-prime-tutorials>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2021 Update 2

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 09:05:34 GMT

Remote learning is even harder when English isn’t students’ first language. Schools told us their priorities for supporting them

The COVID-19 pandemic has left large numbers of students, teachers and families grappling with the challenges of remote learning. Remote learning can be particularly challenging for students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D students).

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-is-even-harder-when-english-isnt-students-first-language-schools-told-us-their-priorities-for-supporting-them-166957>

Flexible learning is a game changer for at-risk students

For young people put in the ‘too hard’ basket by mainstream schools, the ability to combine remote learning with classroom time is helping them reconnect with education.

<https://youthoffthestreets.com.au/2021/08/31/flexible-learning-is-a-game-changer-for-at-risk-students/>

Early NAPLAN results show promise, but we don’t know the full impact of COVID school closures yet

The early NAPLAN results for 2021 released today suggest the average impact of COVID school closures on literacy and numeracy in 2020 has been relatively small.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/early-naplan-results-show-promise/>

We must improve remote learning to reduce school closure harm

Eighteen months into the pandemic, each shift to remote schooling still seems to take many of us by surprise. It shouldn’t. By now, it should be clear that stints of remote schooling are likely to occur well into 2022.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/we-must-improve-remote-learning-to-reduce-school-closure-harm/>

Students who are more adaptable do best in remote learning – research

A study of more than 1,500 students at nine Australian high schools during 2020 has found strong links between their level of adaptability and how they fared with online learning.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/students-who-are-more-adaptable-do-best-in-remote-learning--research/278641>

Curriculum must include a stronger emphasis on teaching data literacy – expert

In February, a report found that Australia requires 6.5 million additional digital workers by 2025 to keep pace with technological change – a massive 79% increase from today’s levels.

<http://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/curriculum-must-include-a-stronger-emphasis-on-teaching-data-literacy--expert/278642>

Families seek ways to overcome remote learning challenges during COVID lockdown

With COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne dragging on, many parents have felt anxious about the impact of remote learning on their children's education.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-03/solutions-homeschooling-during-covid-lockdown/100418866>

Stakeholder kit for schools

We invite you to help us bust some myths about girls in STEM and share The GiST’s resources with your school community.

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/schools/engage-the-stem-community/stakeholder-kit-for-schools/>

AI in the classroom: Teaching about artificial intelligence

Discover free professional learning opportunities for teachers introducing the fundamentals of AI, as well as lesson ideas and other resources to engage your students.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teachers/professional-learning/ai-professional-learning>

Dr Cathy Foley

The GiST team chats to Dr Cathy Foley about her vision for women in STEM and her life as Australia's Chief Scientist.

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/students/women-in-stem/qas/cathy-foley/>

Capital idea breaks online learning records

It’s a rite of passage parents will have experienced in their own school days – the Year 5 and 6 excursion to Canberra. But with COVID-19 lockdowns in place in the national capital and NSW, many students in their final year of primary school looked set to miss the important milestone.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/capital-idea-breaks-online-learning-records>

‘We’re lucky to have help’: It takes a village to remote-school a child

Working parents trying to supervise remote learning are recruiting outside help because they are concerned about their children’s academic progress.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/we-re-lucky-to-have-help-it-takes-a-village-to-remote-school-a-child-20210902-p58odl.html>

Why coders love the AI that could put them out of a job

"When you start coding, it makes you feel smart in itself, like you're in the Matrix [film]," says Janine Luk, a 26 year-old software engineer who works in London.

<https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57914432>

9 apps to help kids sharpen their coding skills

Coding is a skill that’s now part of just about every discipline — and what’s more, it’s fun for kids to learn, and easy for parents and teachers to add to lessons at home or school. As kids get ready to go back to school and Chromebooks are once again on desks at home and in the classroom, it’s a good time to boost students’ coding knowledge. At Google, we believe every student deserves the chance to explore, advance and succeed in computer science. Practical computer science skills can help students learn and create, and bring more relevance to nearly any subject, from history to literature to current events.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/learning-to-code/>

A Qualitative Analysis of Using Games Learning Programs to Improve Elementary Teachers’ Application of STEM Capabilities

Abstract: This study used CodeMonkey, an online learning platform through which elementary teachers can learn programming while playing games and experience how to integrate STEM into their courses. The study analyzed and examined their experiences using a qualitative research method. According to the research results, learning programming while playing games can encourage beginners to go all in. There are also complete guidelines on the teaching platform, so beginning learners can quickly become familiar with the interactive model, which stimulates their curiosity and changes the traditional learning method of teaching by teachers and received by students. On the whole, learning programming itself is a rigid subject.

<https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/A-Qualitative-Analysis-of-Using-Games-Learning-Programs-to-Improve-Elementary-Teachers’-Application-of-STEM-Capabilities>

A new model for inclusive computer science education

The lack of diversity in the computing education pipeline has been a remarkably persistent problem. Something that’s stalled progress in addressing disparities is that there’s largely been a focus on individuals, such as teachers and students, rather than on how equity plays out across multiple levels of the computer science (CS) education ecosystem. This is why our work at the University of Texas since 2014 focuses on understanding the root causes of inequities in the CS education pipeline and how every level of the system influences equity.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/diversity/new-model-inclusive-cs-education/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - September 2021

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 01:15:25 GMT

Learning from home presents unique challenges for Pasifika students. Here's how they're pulling through

Language barriers, internet access and distraction from siblings are among the unique challenges Pacific Island students are grappling with as they try to complete school during lockdowns across Australian cities.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/pacific-students-learning-from-home-during-covid-lockdown/13522574>

Gold Coast 9yo Allegra Clarke accepted to study physics at university

For nine-year-old physics genius Allegra Clarke, the sky's not the limit — she has her sights set on space. And after being accepted into a university physics course, the Gold Coast primary school student is one step closer to her dream of becoming an astronaut — or an engineer, or a scientist.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-02/9yo-child-genius-to-study-physics-at-university/100425002>

Industry, Schools and Governments Must Work Together to Foster STEM Career Pathways

Weld Australia is calling on industry, schools and governments to work together to develop and deliver STEM programs that engage, excite and attract students.

<https://weldaustralia.com.au/news-views/industry-schools-and-governments-must-work-together-to-foster-stem-career-pathways/>

More focus needed on STEM career pathways

Industry, schools and governments need to work together to develop and implement STEM programs, according to Weld Australia.

<https://www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/futureed/article/more-focus-needed-on-stem-career-pathways-874352265>

Food-themed scienceXart has fun remote learning activities for primary students

With many students learning remotely during stay-at-home restrictions, parents, carers and teachers are looking for new ways to keep children engaged in science while learning in the home environment. Looking for something for your primary aged students this month? scienceXart is for you!

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/food-themed-sciencexart-has-fun-remote-learning-activities>

Schools Cyber Security Challenges

The Schools Cyber Security Challenges are designed to provide high school teachers with resources to support the teaching of cyber security concepts, and to inform students of career opportunities in the field. The Challenges are classroom ready, and aligned with both the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and the ICT Capability.

<https://aca.edu.au/projects/cyber-challenges/>

Careers in Tech VR experience

InsideSherpa have created a FREE virtual learning program for students to see where a career in tech could lead them. Learn at your own pace and have fun with the activities, gain practical skills and experience that will help your career and discover new pathways for a career in technology.

<https://www.theforage.com/virtual-internships/prototype/wDrnFytuMsWh54F97/Girls-in-Technology!>

Scientists offer to help students pass their HSC exams

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology (ANSTO) has invited science teachers to register their students to connect with some of the nation’s leading physicists online to prepare for their upcoming final exams.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/scientists-offer-to-help-students-pass-their-hsc-exams/278576>

Surge in online learning boosts Keypath Education

Booming demand for courses in nursing and allied health and the “normalisation” of online learning during the pandemic have helped revenues for newly listed Keypath Education climb higher than predicted in its prospectus.

<https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/surge-in-online-learning-boosts-keypath-20210830-p58n1v>

Getting kids back into classrooms great in theory but a challenge in practice

According to one teacher, New South Wales education minister Sarah Mitchell did a good job at the daily Covid press conference on Friday. She was across her brief and, as my educator friend put it, “seemed to know what she was talking about”.

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/27/getting-kids-back-into-classrooms-great-in-theory-but-a-challenge-in-practice>

Are NAPLAN’s days numbered?

Census-based testing, which causes “harmful side effects”, should be scrapped and replaced with a new approach to assessment that supports student learning and provides better information to parents and government, according to the UNSW Gonski Institute of Education report, Putting Students First.

<https://www.aeufederal.org.au/news-media/news/2021/are-naplans-days-numbered>

Online schooling can be successful [subscription]

Experience has proven that online classes for schoolchildren can work well and there are many examples that prove it.

<https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/experience-shows-that-online-learning-can-be-successful-in-schools/news-story/71d96023cfc7b58c7358941363411461>

STEM 2021: On Demand is Now Live!

STEM 2021 is a FREE, online event bringing together Australia’s and the world’s leading experts on innovation creativity and STEM.

<https://stem2021.com.au/>

Learning from home is all about the positives

Lidcombe Public P&C President, and father of eight children, Bill Soliola, shares his tips on managing learning from home: it’s all about the vibe.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/learning-from-home-is-all-about-the-positives>

Strathfield Girls High School

... Learning from home journey

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/case-studies/learning-from-home-snapshots/strathfield-girls-high-school>

What happens if classrooms get sent home again?

School is back in session. But for how long? The Delta variant has caused a significant rise in cases and has reversed the steady decline of Covid-19 infections since January. The variant is more contagious, causes more severe illnesses, and in some cases, has even infected people who have already been vaccinated.

<https://blog.avast.com/back-to-school-tips-for-a-surprise-quarantine-avast>

We stand with her: A call to action on girls’ online learning and digital skills

Global leaders from across the public, private and philanthropic sectors have signed a joint letter committing to girls’ education and in particular girls’ digital access, skills and participation in online learning.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/we-stand-her-call-action-girls-online-learning-and-digital-skills>

Online learning can be cool with online tools, says experts

Ms Shoba Chandran aims to sway those who perceive online learning or teaching as tedious compared to face-to-face classes.

<https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/online-learning-can-be-cool-with-online-tools-says-experts>

Distance learning & initial teacher education: Making connections in a virtual world

The peaks and troughs of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives, and initial teacher education (ITE) is by no means an exception. Reflecting on changes to our delivery of education gives us an opportunity to consider possibilities and limitations, while also focusing on what is important.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/distance-learning-initial-teacher-education-making-connections-in-a-virtual-world>

Remote learning helped parents and teachers relate to each other, study suggests

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major upheaval, sending students home to remote learning and leaving teachers and parents scrambling to adapt.

<https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2021/08/remote-learning-helped-parents-and-teachers-relate-to-each-other-study-suggests.html>

Students and Teachers Got Better at Online Learning. Now It’s Here to Stay.

Schools across San Diego will be reopening their campuses in person. But a lot of students never went back last spring, and many of them will have more options than ever.

<https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/education/students-and-teachers-got-better-at-online-learning-now-its-here-to-stay-2/>

Students becoming teachers: These sisters use Code.org to teach kids around the world

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures around the world, many students suddenly found themselves with a lot of time on their hands. But sisters Harita and Sharada Suresh of Jersey City, New Jersey, saw an opportunity.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/students-becoming-teachers-these-sisters-use-code-org-to-teach-kids-around-the-world-9607bb5eb9ce>

Coding Connections at the Interface of Algebra and Physical World Concepts

Abstract: This paper describes a 54-hour summer institute for grades 6-12 mathematics and science teachers (N = 19) with a comprehensive approach to preparing teachers to use computational thinking (CT) in their classrooms, including training in Python computer programming with Lego® Mindstorms® robotics, mathematics content sessions, and opportunities to solve real-world robotics challenges. Results of an assessment used to measure content knowledge and CT skills and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge survey both yielded statistically significant increases. Participant reflections revealed they developed an enhanced understanding of programming and the ability to integrate programming into the curriculum. The authors propose an innovative approach to teaching disciplinary CT within the context of programming robots capable of interacting with the outside world to address real-world challenges.

<https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216388/>

200 girls and women in ICT share their stories

Despite the growing demand for information and communication technology (ICT) professionals, women still trail their male counterparts in terms of pay, leadership roles, and representation in the digital sector.

<https://www.itu.int/en/myitu/News/2021/08/24/12/25/Girls-and-women-in-ICT-share-their-stories>

Theoretically Framing the Pedagogy of Learning to Teach Mathematics With Technology

Abstract: Frameworks can influence the work of mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) in many different ways. Frameworks can suggest a structure around which MTEs design instruction, provide a common language for communicating with prospective teachers, and support prospective teachers as they design their own instruction. This paper reports findings related to the frameworks that MTEs are currently using in their work of preparing secondary mathematics teachers to teach with technology. Findings include a list of 17 frameworks, which fall into four categories with respect to their framing: (a) how students use and learn with technology, (b) the design and evaluation of technology tools and tasks, (c) how teachers use technology, and (d) how teachers learn to use technology. The individual frameworks within each category are discussed and implications for mathematics teacher educators are presented. Implications include a critical discussion of what is missing among the frameworks and challenges for the field.

<https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216377/>

ACCE Education & Technology News - June 2021

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 10:44:43 GMT

New grants help Australian teachers build digital skills

In a world where technology is evolving rapidly, it’s vital that Australian teachers have the knowledge and access to the resources they need in order to equip students for the future.

<https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-asia/australia/new-grants-help-australian-teachers-build-digital-skills/>

The state of education – one year into the pandemic

Few groups are less vulnerable to the Coronavirus than school children, but few groups have been more affected by the policy responses to contain this virus.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/the-state-of-education-one-year-into-the-pandemic>

The Science of Blended Learning – a research-practice partnership

Like all areas of life, last year was a challenging one in education but it was also a year of important learning and growth – and not just for students!

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/the-science-of-blended-learning-a-research-practice-partnership>

Strategy to get more women in STEM jobs falls flat

A $100 million investment encouraging women to take up jobs in the science and technology sector has come to little, with a new government report showing the number of females in related occupations has barely budged over the past decade.

<https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/strategy-to-get-more-women-in-stem-jobs-falls-flat-20210504-p57oni>

Hitting the books: how we’re boosting diversity in STEM

We must do all we can to support more diverse young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). That’s why we’re funding new high-tech spaces, and awarding a number of scholarships to diverse University of Melbourne students. We spoke with our 2021 scholarship recipients to find out what it means to them to pursue a career in STEM.

<https://exchange.telstra.com.au/how-were-boosting-diversity-in-stem/>

Children own around 3 digital devices on average, and few can spend a day without them

More than nine out of ten parents think digital media and technologies are a negative distraction in their lives. And 83% think their children are also negatively distracted by digital devices.

<https://theconversation.com/children-own-around-3-digital-devices-on-average-and-few-can-spend-a-day-without-them-159546>

Greg O’Connor: How technology can help solve Australia’s declining maths results [subscription]

Poor numeracy and maths skills are some of the most significant barriers to employment, but one key thing can help Aussie students, writes Greg O’Connor.

<https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/opinion/greg-oconnor-how-technology-can-help-solve-australias-declining-maths-results/news-story/a9ee1d5467244b3e93dec147849176f4>

Tech takes show to homes from Bourke to Bomaderry

World-leading technology developed by an Australian start-up in collaboration with the Department of Education is bringing ARTEXPRESS works within reach of all NSW residents.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/tech-takes-show-to-homes-from-bourke-to-bomaderry>

Investigation of Emerging Trends in the E-Learning Field Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation

Abstract: E-learning studies are becoming very important today as they provide alternatives and support to all types of teaching and learning programs. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational systems has further increased the significance of e-learning. Accordingly, gaining a full understanding of the general topics and trends in e-learning studies is critical for a deeper comprehension of the field. There are many studies that provide such a picture of the e-learning field, but the limitation is that they do not examine the field as a whole. This study aimed to investigate the emerging trends in the e-learning field by implementing a topic modeling analysis based on latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) on 41,925 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2019. The analysis revealed 16 topics reflecting emerging trends and developments in the e-learning field. Among these, the topics “MOOC,” “learning assessment,” and “e-learning systems” were found to be key topics in the field, with a consistently high volume.

<http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/5358/5506>

OCEARCH + STEM

What is STEM? STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific areas — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — in an applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning model based on real-world applications.

<https://www.ocearch.org/ocearchstem/>

Sphero indi Brings Robotics to Pre-Kindergarten

Sphero has just announced a new educational robot called indi, a not-at-all-spherical little four-wheel car-thing with a cute face, what appears to be a spoiler of questionable aerodynamic value, and a color sensor underneath. The infuriatingly noncapitalized indi can be programmed using tiles of different colors that call different functions that the robot executes as it drives over them, making it super accessible to even pre-kindergarteners. It’s never too soon to get kids excited about robots, and it doesn’t get much sooner than this.

<https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/at-work/education/sphero-indi-brings-robotics-to-prekindergarten>

ACCE Education & Technology News - May 2021

Thu, 20 May 2021 22:54:20 GMT

Australia is a long way from gender equality in tech and other STEM fields

The Australian federal government has been collating data to report girls’ and women’s uptake in studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The yearly STEM Equity Monitor has shown very slow advancement and plenty of areas to improve before Australia can achieve gender equality in STEM careers.

<https://www.computerworld.com/article/3618572/australia-is-a-long-way-from-gender-equality-in-tech-and-other-stem-fields.html>

The online learning needs of students across different grades during the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study published in the British Journal of Educational Technology has identified the different needs of students across primary, middle, and high school related to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the study, investigators surveyed 1,170,769 Chinese students from the Guangdong Province of China.

<https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-05/w-tol050321.php>

Has Covid-19 sparked a new dawn for distance learning?

An estimated 1.5 billion students across 160 countries worldwide have been forced to study at home during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, participation in digital distance learning (DDL) has increased exponentially in many forms, including virtual classrooms, learning platforms, social media, online repositories, online assessment, webinars, and recorded video lessons.

<http://www.bbc.com/storyworks/the-learning-power-up/distance-learning>

Why Some Families Still Prefer Remote School

Jobs, language barriers and hard-won coronavirus pandemic routines are just some of the reasons that children aren’t going back to classrooms in districts that have reopened.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/12/us/remote-school-covid.html>

60% of School Apps Are Sharing Your Kids' Data With Third Parties

Over the past year, we’ve seen schools shift to digital services at an unprecedented rate as a way to educate kids safely during the covid-19 pandemic. We’ve also seen these digital tools slurp up these kid’s data at a similarly unprecedented rate, suffer massive breaches, and generally handle student’s personal information with a lot less care than they should.

<https://gizmodo.com/60-of-school-apps-are-sharing-your-kids-data-with-thir-1846819024>

Collaboration is the Key: An EdTech Journey

It is crazy to think, that just over a year ago, many schools had never used remote learning platforms such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams, whilst others had only dabbled in using them to provide home learning for their students. Our school was one of those who had not yet taken the leap into the quite scary domain of online learning platforms when the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year. This meant that, as a senior leadership team, we needed to be agile to equip our school and staff with the right tools to support our children and meet the new government requirements for remote learning.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/collaboration-is-the-key-an-edtech-journey>

ACCE Education & Technology News - Nov 2020

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 06:09:22 GMT

Outstanding ACT educator recognised by the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Congratulations to Bonython Primary School’s STEM Specialist Teacher (K-6), Mrs Sarah Fletcher, who has received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools, at the 2020 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

<https://www.education.act.gov.au/about-us/all-news-and-news-alerts/news-items/october-2020/outstanding-act-educator-recognised-by-the-prime-ministers-prizes-for-science>

Australian schools must build upon 2020's digital learning lessons

As school communities across Australia embark on the final term of the most disruptive year of their lives, it is worth reflecting on the lessons learned after all we have been through.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/australian-schools-must-build-upon-2020s-digital-learning-lessons/273862>

Children as content creators: ‘Learning by doing’ during the pandemic using technology

Instructional design in education – that is successfully designing what a student will learn and how they will learn it, both online and physical – is currently experiencing unprecedented attention and growth, which could prove to be one of the best things to come out of the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. All educators who are planning and preparing lessons for students to learn at home will be currently grappling with Instructional design.

<https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?p=5561>

Strategies for inclusive STEM learning environments

Teachers play an important role in STEM engagement, encouragement and as role models, with 24 per cent of teachers being cited by youth as the most influential people for STEM subject selection (Department of Industry, 2020).<https://esanews.createsend1.com/t/r-l-juwuddd-l-u/>

Great teachers, teaching great Digital Technologies lesson

Did you know many of the lesson ideas and examples on the Digital Technologies Hub are developed by passionate educators? The Digital Technologies Hub team thanks these educators for extending themselves and sharing their fantastic lessons with us.

<https://esanews.createsend1.com/t/r-l-juwuddd-l-z/>

Harvard Business School Professor Jeff Bussgang On The Future Of Education

As we continue to embark on the new normal, 2020 has brought us an entirely new way that students learn. From Kindergarten to MBAs, students are immersed in distance learning, and the one unifying factor is that technology connects the classroom. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella furthered this point in his quarterly earnings call, “We’ve seen two years’ worth of digital transformation in two months.”

<https://www.forbes.com/sites/katetalbot/2020/10/29/harvard-business-school-professor-jeff-bussgang-on-the-future-of-education/>

Many teachers don’t use technology in the classroom often: Here’s how to change that

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused one of the largest disruptions to education in history, with school and university closures in some 190 countries at the peak of the crisis affecting more than 1.6 billion students around the globe (about 94% of the world’s student population). As of 25 October, UNESCO was still reporting country-wide school closures in 31 countries, impacting nearly 580 million students worldwide.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/teachers-use-technology-classroom-change/>

Are students ready to thrive in an interconnected world? The first PISA assessment of global competence provides some answers

The backdrop to 21st century education is our endangered environment. Growing populations, resource depletion and climate change compel all of us to think about sustainability and the needs of future generations. At the same time, the interaction between technology and globalisation has created new challenges and new opportunities. Digitalisation is connecting people, cities, countries and continents in ways that vastly increase our individual and collective potential. But the same forces have also made the world volatile, complex and uncertain.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/students-ready-thrive-interconnected-world-first-pisa-assessment-global-competence/>

Educating healthy and happy children in the digital age

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was a forceful reminder that schools are not just places of academic learning. They are part of the social fabric of our lives, and a large body of evidence sets out the important role they play in ensuring well-being and community.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/educating-healthy-happy-children-digital-age/>

The Importance Of Technology In Education [registration]

Robert E. Kahn and Vint Cerf have changed the way people learn, work, and interact with each other through the invention of Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocols which were the main inventions that lead to the development of the internet. The internet has affected how we learn, how we communicate, how business works, and how our brain works. Before the internet, people always had to learn face to face or reading from a book. Classrooms were normally very hands-on, and if the teacher assigned a project, scheduling with a partner to work on it is impossible.

<https://www.bartleby.com/essay/The-Importance-Of-Technology-In-Education-FZRCXUN2GQR>

Best practice examples of the Digital School

The idea of 1:1 education is further developed in the USA, so I’ll take some examples from there.

<https://acceleratedlearning.com/learning/archives/924>

ACCE technology and schools news - Goldstein Report Schools and Classrooms

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:53:03 GMT

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SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOM

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Coronavirusspecial edition: Back to school

The COVID 19 pandemic has disrupted education around the world. As the first shock passes, planning is taking place on two timescales: the short-term challenges in the return to school, and the challenges over the next 18-24 months as systems work to build resilience and adaptability for the future.

<http://www.oecd.org/education/ceri/Spotlight-21-Coronavirus-special-edition-Back-to-school.pdf>

Disrupting the education paradigm

As we continue getting used to our kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms doubling as offices, virtual meeting rooms, and classrooms, many people are starting to ask, “What’s next?” And since more than 1.5 billion learners in 165 countries have been affected by COVID-19 school closures, parents, teachers, students, and decision-makers are asking the same question about education. Thankfully, some of the most prominent leaders in the field are gathering to develop answers that deliver on the promise of quality learning and inclusivity.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/disrupting-the-education-paradigm>

How can youth navigate the sea of disinformation to become good digital citizens?

“Trust in governments, politicians and in all major institutions including schools, doctors and hospitals, is in question. And in that context social media only serves to exacerbate the problem. There are huge challenges for all of us over what to believe and the pandemic has highlighted the fact that even the experts often aren't sure. In this context, it is vital that we support young people to engage as thoughtful and active participants in democracy,” says Joseph Kahne, Co-director of the Civic Engagement Research Group (CERG) at the University of California.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/how-can-youth-navigate-sea-disinformation-become-good-digital-citizens>

Global Education Coalition facilitates free internet access for distance education in several countries

Major mobile telephone operators that are part of UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition have stepped up efforts to improve connectivity by providing free access to online educational content for students in all regions of the world affected by Covid-19 induced school closures.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/global-education-coalition-facilitates-free-internet-access-distance-education-several>

Online Reading Comprehension: Expanding Students Understanding on the Internet [American Based Research Journal]

Abstract: This paper aims to analyze mainstream technology and Internet-based learning and attempts to explore the possibilities of incorporating digital text into the curriculum. Where this paper came to answer two important questions namely how can technology increase reading comprehension skills and make readers more efficient in their L2? What is the position of teachers and students of English as a foreign language about the Internet application in the classroom?. This paper found that the reader can connect with the ideas and incorporate them into previously gained information; also, improving reading comprehension skills primarily requires motivation, mental frameworks for holding ideas, concentration and good study techniques. Moreover, Realizing and understanding the text is much more complex and practical than vocabulary familiarity.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3585707>

A is for accessibility: How to make remote learning work for everyone

When it comes to equity and access in education, nothing is more important than making sure our digital tools are accessible to all learners—especially now as distance learning becomes the norm. I’m a proud member of the disability community, and I come from a family of special education teachers and paraprofessionals. So I’ve seen firsthand how creative educators and digital tools can elevate the learning experience for students with disabilities. It’s been amazing to see how tools like select-to-speak help students improve reading comprehension as they listen while reading along or assist students who have low vision. And tools like voice typing in Docs can greatly benefit students who have physical disabilities that limit their ability to use a keyboard.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/global-accessibility-awareness-day-2020/>

Teachers Supporting Teachers

We all know a teacher. A dedicated, loving, do-anything-for-their-kids teacher. And with schools closed around the world, keeping their students engaged — and learning — just got a little harder. So one educator in Thailand created a community where her colleagues can share ideas and support each other professionally — and personally — during these unprecedented times.

<https://about.fb.com/news/2020/05/teachers-supporting-teachers/>

The Role and Impact of ICT in Improving the Quality of Education

Abstract: ICTs are making dynamic changes in society. They are influencing all aspects of life. Similarly, there is no doubt that ICT brings a massive change in the field of education also. It makes teaching- learning process effective and interesting. To know the impact of ICT in education we need to know two basic things- ICT and education.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3585228>

What's the harm in Zoom schooling or contact tracing?

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated digitalization at schools, in health care and other social interaction. Some say the rapid change was unimaginable just a few years ago. Is it a threat to our online privacy?

<https://www.dw.com/en/whats-the-harm-in-zoom-schooling-or-contact-tracing/a-53568876>

in: Understanding Education in the age of Digital Divide

Derived from a Latin word “ Educatum” it means the act of teaching or training. The training to nourish the good qualities in human beings and to bring out the best in every individual. Education seeks to develop the innate capacities of man. To educate individual is to give him some desirable knowledge, understanding skills, interests, attitudes and critical thinking. It is education which enables individual to differentiate between good and evil.

<https://countercurrents.org/2020/06/understanding-education-in-the-age-of-digital-divide/>

id: Editorial: Stick to remote learning

After months staying at home, Indonesian students have been either learning remotely or not at all since the government closed schools in March. Outside students in cities who have good internet access and personal computers, students in rural or remote areas are denied the possibility of remote classes on Zoom or Google Meet. Some teachers have been braving rough terrain to reach students’ houses to provide one-on-one lessons. But they can only do so much, depending on the number of students in their class.

<https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/06/03/stick-to-remote-learning.html>

np: Preparing schools for a changing digital landscape

In the last two decades, the world has witnessed a dramatic shift in both its educational and technical landscapes. Nepal has attempted to follow suit.

<https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/preparing-schools-for-a-changing-digital-landscape/>

eu: Tackling inequalities in online and distance learning

The shift to online and distance learning in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on all of us – but especially on vulnerable social groups, who are facing different challenges due to school closures.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/news/tackling-inequalities.htm>

us: How Technology, Coronavirus Will Change Teaching by 2025

In 2015, Elliot Soloway and Cathie Norris made some predictions about what education technology would look like in 2020. Soloway and Norris have long worked as a team to research ed tech and help districts put it into practice. In early March, Education Week caught up with them by phone when they were in Paris to speak at an ed-tech conference. We asked them how their 2015 predictions had fared. Then, we talked again in late April, when the coronavirus had suddenly transformed K-12 education into a massive remote learning system.

<https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/06/03/how-technology-coronavirus-will-change-teaching-by.html>

ACCE technology and schools news - Goldstein Report International

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:52:21 GMT

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INTERNATIONAL

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What happened on the first fully virtual Girls in ICT Day?

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, Girls in ICT Day 2020 went fully virtual. ITU News spoke to Akanksha Bisoyi, a participant and part of the organizing team, to learn more about the event.

<https://news.itu.int/what-happened-on-the-first-fully-virtual-girls-in-ict-day/>

The future of jobs for today’s students

With the current situation leaving many uncertain of their future, ACS International School Doha, took a step further by analyzing today’s economic trends to predict the demand of tomorrow’s jobs.

<https://www.relocatemagazine.com/articles/education-acs-the-future-of-jobs-for-todays-students>

Best Practice for Long Distance Reading Instruction

One of the main challenges of teaching over the internet is continuing to provide systematic, and individualized, reading instruction. As personal interaction with students is curtailed, it is critical that educators enact strategies that compensate for the interactivity of the classroom. Adapting best practices from Scholastic’s Guided Reading programme could help you to enhance every assignment.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/best-practice-for-long-distance-reading-instruction>

uk: What do we want education to look like in the future?

The Edge Foundation asks key figures from colleges, schools and beyond what we've learned about education in the crisis

<https://www.tes.com/news/Coronavirus-what-has-it-taught-us-about-education>

ACCE technology and schools news - Goldstein Report NSW

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:50:33 GMT

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NSW

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STEM conference finds online success

An education technology gathering in regional NSW is using the pandemic restrictions to offer more opportunities to educators in Australia and overseas.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/stem-conference-finds-online-success>

Regional EdTech event expands and moves online

STEM 2020 On Demand: Strategies for a Rapidly Changing World, is an innovative online and on demand event demonstrating the power of technology during these challenging times. It is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education through its Learning and Teaching Directorate.

<https://www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/futureed/news/regional-edtech-event-expands-and-moves-online-357712642>

STEM 2020 On Demand

STEM 2020 On Demand: Strategies for a Rapidly Changing World, is an innovative online and on demand event demonstrating the power of technology during these challenging times. It is an initiative of the NSW Department of Education through its Learning and Teaching Directorate.

<https://stem2020.com.au/about/>

Digital classes for creative arts

Students across NSW now have access to innovative creative arts digital learning resources that bring stimulating workshops, performances, interviews and masterclasses into the classroom or the lounge room.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/digital-classes-for-creative-arts>

School P&Cs in limbo after decades-old rules fail to recognise online meetings

Decisions can only occur when members are physically present, according to the Parents and Citizens Federation constitution, which has left school groups in limbo during the pandemic.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/school-p-and-cs-in-limbo-after-decades-old-rules-fail-to-recognise-online-meetings-20200520-p54uob.html>

ACCE technology and schools news - Goldstein Report Australian

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:40:54 GMT

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AUSTRALIAN

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Coronavirus has revealed an education failure forcing Queensland families to take desperate measures

Jamie-lee Cullen knows her three children are not getting the same education as those from wealthier families. She has done all she can to help them — but it's not enough."Everything is online these days and unfortunately I'm stuck in the dark ages," she said.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-28/queensland-coronavirus-education-technology-failure-internet/12177438>

Eight big issues for vulnerable students highlighted by coronavirus crisis, charity says

She's only six years old, but Sylvana's education has already served up challenges most kids won't even need to think about during their entire school life. When the COVID-19 crisis closed her school, Sylvana was forced to switch to online learning in a home that didn't even have a computer.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-25/coronavirus-students-back-to-school-education-digital-divide/12273772>

Principal says her school was 'forgotten' during the coronavirus lockdown

A principal says her school was "forgotten about" during the coronavirus pandemic, with none of her students able to take part in online learning. When Cabbage Tree Island Public School went into homeschooling mode in March, only one family had a laptop.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-27/cabbage-tree-island-school-overlooked-with-homeschooling-tech/12288446>

ICT educators online development

The ICT Educators Virtual Development Series from ACS is designed to support teachers and educators drive high-quality computing education and to deliver better technology outcomes that promote collaboration and shared ideas.

<https://www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/futureed/news/ict-educators-online-development-887296737>

Future-focused schools that take an innovative approach to learning

These days, it’s not enough for international schools to fill lessons with current subject trends and one-way teaching methods. ... International schools, with the funds and foresight to be ahead of the curve, will be the ones setting the standard. Historically, international schools have implemented some of the most innovative education technology and pedagogy in recent years. Their students show some of the most collaborative acumen, best academic results and highest digital literacy skills.

<https://www.studyinternational.com/news/future-focused-schools-that-take-an-innovative-approach-to-learning/>

Pandemic risks wiping out hard-won gains by women in STEM

Hard-won gains for women’s advancement in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce are now at risk of a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/pandemic-risks-wiping-out-hard-won-gains-women-stem>

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/pandemic-risks-wiping-out-hard-won-gains-by-women-in-stem/>

Discover resources and opportunities for women in STEM

The Academy’s STEM Women directory is now host to a growing collection of resources and opportunities aimed at increasing the attraction, retention and progression of girls and women in STEM.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/discover-resources-and-opportunities-women-stem>

Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador Program names PHD as media agency

The federal government’s Women in STEM Ambassador Program has appointed PHD to its media account, involving a remit of media planning, buying, content development, and PR.

<https://mumbrella.com.au/governments-women-in-stem-ambassador-program-names-phd-as-media-agency-630218>

Regional Development Australia is committed to working with industry to improve STEM skills

The past few months have seen a dramatic pivot in many of our RDA projects. For me, the most dramatic shift has been in our STEM Industry School Partnership (SISP) Program, a program that connects local STEM industry with local students to better engage students in Science Technology Engineering and Maths.

<https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/6773075/students-connect-with-stem/>

Selling success: Australia’s 2020 maths modelling challenge winners

Teams from Caulfield Grammar School in Victoria and North Sydney Boys High School in New South Wales will represent Australia in this year’s International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM2C), which requires students to determine how a ‘bricks and mortar’ store should arrange its goods during a flash sale to minimise the risk of damage.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/selling-success-australias-2020-maths-modelling-challenge-winners>

Recognising everyday science in the early years

A set of free resources published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) aims to improve young children’s scientific understanding by encouraging educators to recognise science not just as subject but as an approach to learning that is present in everyday activities.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/recognising-everyday-science-in-the-early-years>

Digital Content Officer - Women in STEM

The Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador, Prof. Lisa Harvey-Smith, is responsible for increasing the participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers across Australia. The Women in STEM Ambassador’s team works to address gender equity issues across all STEM disciplines in the education and training, research, academic and industry sectors.

<https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/1875493520/>

Teaching and learning activities: Everyday science in the early years

A new research-based series encourages early years educators to take advantage of everyday teaching and learning opportunities to improve young children’s scientific understanding, and shares four step-by-step activities for the classroom or learning at home.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/teaching-and-learning-activities-everyday-science-in-the-early-years>

It's the right time for less time in class

Don't worry too much about the impact of remote learning on students. The real issue is how we might repair, rather than resume, our education system.

<https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/it-s-the-right-time-for-less-time-in-class-20200430-p54oj8.html>

Perth school rethinks report cards, using coronavirus pause to focus on child personal development

Primary school principal Clark Wight doesn't mince his words about what he thinks of semester report cards that use A–E grades to assess student performance in each subject. ... While ACER didn't recommend the abolition of A–E grades, it concluded that most reports gave little indication of a student's learning growth and were increasingly superseded by newer communication technologies that allowed for continuous reporting.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-27/perth-school-rethinks-report-cards-in-move-away-from-grades/12285020>

Global Science TV launches 1st episode—Can the world tackle climate change with COVID-19 urgency?

The coronavirus pandemic has proven the world is capable of a global response to address a crisis. But why haven’t we seen the same type of swift action on climate change? And can we expect our leaders to pay as much attention to scientific advice for other challenges as we emerge from the pandemic?

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/global-science-tv-1st-episode-can-world-tackle-climate-change>

As we mark National Reconciliation Week, what role can science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) play in bringing about change?

As Australia recognises National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June, with events around the country – this year’s theme of ‘In This Together’ is an opportunity to explore the role that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) plays in bringing about change. Here, five Indigenous science academics and researchers write about the role STEM can play in reconciliation and self-determination.

<https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/science-technology-engineering-mathematics-and-reconciliation>

Kip McGrath Education Centres’ online education booms due to pandemic

Kip McGrath Education Centres has seen a rise in online education due to the current pandemic.

<https://themarketherald.com.au/kip-mcgrath-education-centres-asxkme-online-education-booms-due-to-pandemic-2020-05-29/>

Planning an Action Research Project to implement Digital Technologies Workshop

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:55:10 GMT

By Russell Cairns (new member)

The June 3rd workshop at the School of Computer Science, University of Sydney, was the perfect opportunity for teachers to shape an a proposal within a school context to engage other staff in an action research project to effectively implement the Digital Technologies Curriculum.

Handy templates, illustrations of practice and more information can be found in the members area.

The ACARA DTiF Project has eight Curriculum Officers supporting 160 disadvantaged schools nationally to ask the right guiding questions, explore and identify a school focus and then plan and pitch a project question and proposal.

Upcoming free school July holiday workshops at ACARA Sydney Office to explore the dimensions of STEM practices - ways of knowing, thinking and doing can be found here.

NEWS Integrated Computing to replace IST

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 01:34:22 GMT

We've been waiting to see what NESA would come up with for an update for Information Software Technology for a while now - ever since we saw the NSW draft of the Technology Mandatory syllabus and wondered what was next for Stage 5. Well now we know! The replacement course is called Integrated Computing and it really has been updated to align better with out changing world.

It's very important that all teachers of Computing have their say so attend a consultation near you or at least read the draft syllabus and complete the feedback survey. We're also keen to hear from you at president@ictensw.org.au to add to our own written response we're preparing for NESA.

We live in exciting times! So many changes - so much potential for student learning!

REVIEW: Boson Starter Kit for micro:bit

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:51:09 GMT

We are often asked to recommend products that assist with the implementation of the new Mandatory Technology syllabus for Digital Technologies. We want to go on record to say that it is definitely possible to teach the Digital Technologies Curriculum without any purchases, however, the micro:bit is an excellent tool for engagement and bridging the gap between digital technologies and engineering. The BOSON Starter Kit for micro:bit has some really positive features for extending the micro:bit for built projects.

Content of Boson Starter Kit for micro:bit by DFRobot

Benefits:

Easy to use. The grove connectors to break out the pins from the micro:bit make sensors and actuators available for easy connection.
Easy to build. The components in the kit have both Lego and screw connector attachments to make the components accessible to a large variety of projects.
Variety. There are a good number of components, colour coded for easy identification for extending projects.
Tutorials. There are mini-project cards that come int he kit to train students in the use of the kit.

Drawbacks:

Board manipulation. Despite the ease of use once the micro:bit is inserted into the mount, it is not easy to push the micro:bit into the breakout and nor is it easy to remove it once inserted.
Cost. The kit is not cheap. It's listed for different prices around Australia and overseas but the kit costs approximately 5 times the cost of the micro:bit itself.

In summary, this is a great little kit that helps to make controlling electronic components with the micro:bit easier for students. It is an investment so scope out the projects that it can be used for and ensure it's worth the money.

ICTENSW brings the programming retreat back in 2018

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:11:59 GMT

This year, instead of a state conference in March as would normally be the case, ICTENSW hosted a planning and programming retreat at Winbourne the Edmund Rice Conference Centre in Mulgoa. It was even more popular than we anticipated and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive with 100% of respondents suggesting they would recommend to others.

The retreat began on Friday evening with arrivals and checking and then a sharing session after dinner where all attendees could voice their concerns with the implementation of the new NSW syllabus and set goals for the weekend.

Saturday kicked off with a session run by the wonderful Chris Woldhuis and Kelly Bauer outlining a Persona driven, Project-Based Learning focused Unit planning paradigm to guide the attendees in their objective for the day. Then we broke into groups along stage lines - with groups for both IPT and SDD and started to put together units of work around the outcomes. Stage 3 and 4 focused on the new curriculum and unpacking what was actually required.

Saturday night we relaxed with board and card games and got to know each other a bit better outside the context of the work we were doing.

Sunday was a short day where each of the groups shared their outcomes of the weekend and the committee is tidying up and categorising resources to share back to the membership.

I was very impressed with the dedication of the teachers who gave up their weekend to help others get their heads around difficult content and plan interesting units. We hope to run more retreats like it in the future.

Change the shape of the senior syllabuses

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:38:11 GMT

NESA have launched their request for feedback for changes to the IPT (including life skills) and SDD syllabuses. Please offer your feedback to help make these subjects as good as possible.

Link to the feedback surveys here

ICTENSW will be putting together an official position for these syllabuses and will post these to the website and discuss it at our next meeting - the AGM and HSC Solutions workshop on March 17th 2018.

Unfortunately the deadline for responses is March 18th 2018 so if you won't be attending the HSC solution day you'll need to get your response in earlier.

For further details contact:

Anthony Rotondo
Senior Curriculum Officer, Technologies
NSW Education Standards Authority
anthony.rotondo@nesa.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8881

ACCE 2018 - Call for Proposals now open!

Debra Bourne — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:42:32 GMT

View this in your browser

The Australian Council for Computers in Education and the Organising Committee invite proposals for papers and presentations from F-12, preservice and tertiary educators, researchers and research students.

Authors are encouraged to address the conference theme, ImpaCT.
Proposals are invited that address the conference theme through one of the strands listed below.

All proposals must be submitted via the online Speakers' Portal adhering to the submission guidelines and official paper template.

Further information regarding the submission process can be accessed through the conference website.

Partnership and exhibition opportunities are selling fast! The point of difference in partnering with ACCE 2018 is that we focus on professional teacher’s associations with long established networks. We are connected to education with a trusted voice—this is your opportunity to connect with our members Australia wide.

View our packages and contact us today to find out how you can be involved.

ICE Australia
183 Albion Street
Surry Hills , NSW 2010
Australia

TAS Subject Survey from NESA

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 01:18:30 GMT

NESA has just released a survey on Years 7-10 Electives courses in TAS. Feedback from the survey will be considered as amendments are made to each syllabus.

You are strongly encouraged to provide feedback in this process. In the survey, you will have the opportunity to comment on as many or few of the subjects as you choose.

Thanks to Dan Rytmeister for the information.

MITIE Conference

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 10:00:26 GMT

Bookings are now open for the NSW term 3 joint MITIE ACCE/ICTENSW conference to be held at Rosebank College Five Dock on Wednesday 27th Septemeber. Thanks to Saif Samaan and College Principal, Tom Galea, for hosting the day. If you can’t make this event, it will be live streamed by Clickview, and a recording made available at a later time.

What’s MITIE?

The Managers of Information Technology in Education (MITIE) serves those responsible for the infrastructure, procurement and governance of IT in schools. It arose from a group of largely Independent education IT managers who needed to share information, solutions and ideas.

There appears to be a natural fit between MITIE and the state groups that make up ACCE, so this meeting is to explore opportunities in partnering, but also to listen to some great presentations and to provide some wonderful networking opportunities.

Our Sponsors

We are proud to have the following companies as our sponsors - there should be something for everyone in this select group:

Gold Sponsor: StudentNet

Silver Sponsors: AC3, CompNow, CyberHound, JB HiFi and ViVi.

Live streaming sponsor: ClickView

Program

This term conference will be a joint event with ACCE/ICTENSW recognising the importance of good working relationships between those teaching ICT related subjects and those charged with managing technology. The program is here.

Book your tickets

Book for the event through Trybooking here. There is a modest charge of $55.30 that covers the cost of your refreshments on the day.

A big thank you!

I’d especially like to acknowledge the work done by Saif Samaan and Ken Lin from Rosebank and Martin Levins from ACCE in putting this event together.

Ian Ralph

MITIE President

Computing TAS Teachers Workshop at Macquarie Uni

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 06:40:10 GMT

2017 Department of Computing Professional Development for Computing/TAS Teachers 28th to 29th September 2017

This is a two-day course, providing 10 hours of NESA approved professional development, for high school TAS/Computing teachers that covers the syllabus topics of Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development and Digital Media. It is ideal for teachers of the 7 – 10 Information and Software Technology course as these make up four of the optional topics in this course. It is also highly relevant to the Stage 6 courses: Software Design and Development, Information Processes and Technology and Industrial Technology - Multimedia. Teachers learn practical skills in these areas and ideas on how to incorporate them in their classrooms. In addition, they learn about current research in each of these ICT areas. Materials created for this course were funded by the Google CS4HS 2017 Award.

Click here for more details.

University of Sydney to support Australia's first Digital Technologies curriculum

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 06:00:00 GMT

Wednesday 26 July 2017

The University of Sydney is excited to announce today its leading role in supporting schools to implement Australia’s Digital Technologies curriculum.

At a launch event at Artarmon Public School today, Australian Government Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, commended The University of Sydney’s Australian Computing Academy (ACA) for its role in delivering the Australian Digital Technologies Challenges for Years 5 and 7 project.

The ACA, which is based in the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, has been awarded $10 million over the next four years to provide Australian teachers with educational resources and professional development necessary to deliver the new Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and enable students to excel in the digital economy.

The ACA will deliver the Australian Digital Technologies Challenges for Years 5 and 7 on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training until December 2020, with support from Grok Learning and Monash University.

The Challenges are a series of free, self-paced, online classroom activities linked to the Digital Technologies curriculum for all Australian Year 5 and 7 students. These activities include:

interactive course notes, videos and unplugged activities;
engaging, real-world coding problems with intelligent automated feedback;
lesson plans and other resources for teachers.

In addition, the Academy will provide email, phone and online support for schools participating in the Challenges to deliver the new curriculum.

Speaking at the launch event, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence said the ACA’s important role supporting the new curriculum demonstrated the University’s leadership in the digital space.

“By leading the ACA, the University builds upon its long-term commitment to computing education in schools through our annual National Computer Science School and innovative online computing activities,” he said.

ACA Academic Director Associate Professor James Curran, one of three authors of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and a co-founder of Grok Learning, said the Australian Digital Technologies Challenges represented a significant investment in Australia’s digital future.

“The introduction of Digital Technologies is an important addition to the Australian Curriculum. We are delighted to work with the Australian Government in providing resources and support for teachers as they learn and teach the Digital Technologies curriculum,” he said.

“Through the new curriculum, every Australian child has the opportunity to develop the coding, data analysis and collaboration skills that will enable them to be the master of their digital future.”

The project is funded under the Inspiring All Australians in Digital Literacy and STEM element of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Congratulations Stephanie Schwarz

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 22:57:10 GMT

Congratulations to Stephanie Schwarz, who has recently received the Order of Australia medal for her work within ICT Technologies over the past years.

Those of you who know Stephanie would know her as an exceptional teacher of IPT and SDD who has consistently given her time and expertise in mentoring teachers within the computing studies field from the beginning of the subject within Australia. Stephanie has been a member and great support of the ICTENSW Association, and previously, the Computing Studies Teachers Association (CSTA) since its inception, and was given life membership of the CSTA (now ICTENSW) in 2004. In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. It is safe to say that our profession as ICT teachers within NSW would not be the same without Stephanie’s contributions to this field.

More details on her work with ICTENSW can be viewed here. The testimonials below also go a small way to demonstrating her work to support technology educators.

Stephanie Swartz is a SDD goddess #ICTENSW
— Nicole Nakwaski (@nicoledecourcy) March 11, 2017

She is a treasure. SDD teachers not on that room are missing out #ICTENSW https://t.co/qoV99Tka6F
— Debra Bourne (@dbourne) March 11, 2017

No computer will ever be capable of processing information (and wit) faster than Stephanie Schwarz #ozcschat #ICTENSW #sdd
— Gemma Rainger (@g3moStone) March 12, 2016

#ictensw Stephanie Schwarz always does an enlightening HSC SDD solutions sessions #greatPD pic.twitter.com/6noXAi7Rta
— Malyn Mawby (@malynmawby) March 14, 2015

Response to the Draft Curriculum

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 23:32:50 GMT

The Mission of ICT Educators NSW (ICTENSW) is:

'to promote the interests of all educators who use technologies in learning by providing a voice at local, state and national levels. It advocates on matters of curriculum and equity, promotes best practice and provides resources, professional development and a network of collegial support.'

In keeping with this mission, the ICTENSW Board submitted the following response to the BOSTES Curriculum Draft Directions Document for Technology (Mandatory) Years 7 & 8. After meeting with Mark Tyler, Inspector, Technology Education, BOSTES, at our Term 3 workshop evening, attending a number of the BOSTES consultation sessions, and further discussion with our members, the Board crafted the following statement. Please read through the document and we welcome your comments. This is an example of the behind the scenes work the ICTENSW Board do on the members' behalf, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board members who spent considerable time shaping this statement.

Leanne Cameron, President, ICT Educators NSW

ICTENSW Response to the BOSTES Curriculum Draft Directions for Technology (Mandatory) Years 7 & 8

OVERVIEW

While ICT Educators NSW (ICTENSW) acknowledges the complexity associated with introducing a new subject we recommend the following amendments:

the Syllabus Aim and Rationale to clearly link to the areas / contexts / strands of technology content
the inclusion of specific aspirational aims relating to Digital Technologies such as those already established by the Australian Curriculum.
the Technology (Mandatory) curriculum mandate 50% of the recommended hours be used to cover the Digital Technologies outcomes in the requisite depth (as per the Australian Technologies Curriculum)

ICT Educators NSW (ICTENSW) is the professional association that represents teachers in all sectors of education who are interested in, or directly teach, computing or ICT integration in NSW schools. Our membership has shown great excitement about the cohesiveness and logical developmental structure of the Australian Digital Technologies Curriculum and are very keen to take on a similar thrust to that in NSW.

ICTENSW is concerned that the rationale underplays the importance of Digital Technologies to contemporary society and the economy. The intent of the Australian Curriculum is that both subjects have equal significance. The opening sentence of the Australian Technologies Curriculum calls them “two distinct but related subjects”.

Our concern focuses on the BOSTES position relating to the separation of the Digital Technologies from Design and Technologies. The rationale for this position was made clear in the NSW response to the Draft Australian Technologies Curriculum. We are happy to accept that the two subjects can be treated as two parts of the same subject but are of the view that to give the Digital Technologies the credence it deserves for our students and our future, requires a mandatory minimum percentage of the allocated hours. As it currently stands, one Context only, Digital Systems, explicitly teaches the Digital Technology content of the Australian Technology Curriculum. While we can see some attempt has been made to also integrate some of the content into the other Contexts, this is done in a very ad hoc manner that would not encourage the teacher of that Context (unlikely to be a Digital Technology specialist) to provide the depth required for meaningful Digital Technology understanding.

In summary, ICTENSW can’t see how in its current form the Draft Directions document addresses the basic requirements of a Digital Technologies Curriculum as eloquently expressed in the Australian Technologies Curriculum Rationale:

“Digital Technologies provides students with authentic learning challenges that foster curiosity, confidence, persistence, innovation, creativity, respect and cooperation. These are all necessary when using and developing information systems to make sense of complex ideas and relationships in all areas of learning. Digital Technologies helps students to be regional and global citizens capable of actively and ethically communicating and collaborating”.

Quite specifically, ICTENSW is concerned that the key concepts represented in the Draft Directions document does not include the key concepts of the Australian Technologies Curriculum. There is no mention of impact (ACTDIP031), specification (ACTDIP027) and algorithms with branching, iteration and functions (ACTDIP030).

In order for these skills to be imparted in a way that has enough depth to form a literacy, we agree with the implication of the Australian Technologies Curriculum that Digital Technologies form 50% of the whole Technologies syllabus.

ICTENSW recognises the significant implementation issues associated with the introduction of a new subject and even the introduction of new mandated content in a curriculum, however, lack of qualified staff and resources should not shape our students’ futures. Conversely, the new syllabus should drive professional development program and resource allocation.

However, any new syllabus is required to come packaged with support for the staff affected by it. ICTENSW hope to work in partnership with BOSTES, to support the computing and technologies teachers in both urban and regional areas. We believe that with our cross-sectoral membership and our proven track-record supplying teachers with high-quality practical professional learning opportunities, that we can help deliver the support to the technology teachers of our state.

A continuum of knowledge and outcomes related to digital technologies has been established at the national level. This is important to ensure that students can clearly identify pathways of learning in digital technologies subjects.The rapid decline of students selecting specialist Digital Technologies subjects in NSW Stage 5 and Stage 6 is alarming and suggests that the current pathway to upper level digital technologies specialist subjects requires clarification and distinction. Furthermore, the rapid increase in schools introducing their own programs of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM programs/subjects), the popularity in co-curricular ‘code clubs” suggests that schools and the community generally see a gap in the mandated curriculum related to digital technologies.

In the Introduction to the Technology (Mandatory) Years 7–8 Draft Directions for Syllabus

Development document, information is provided about the background to Syllabus development in NSW that is guided by the overarching K-10 Curriculum Framework. While we recognise this framework provides a foundation on which to develop syllabus documents and identifies essential learning for all NSW students, it was released in 2002. ICTENSW’s concern is that it undervalues the immense changes to the Digital Technology landscape in the 14 years since its release and the importance of digital technologies for contemporary learning and working beyond school.

We all agree that the world is increasingly driven by computing and computation. Fundamental to this changing world is the fact that - as the Australian Technologies Curriculum states ”[I]t is critical to the wellbeing and sustainability of the economy, the environment and society, that the benefits of information systems are exploited ethically.”

In order to exploit these capabilities, the students of NSW need an education rich, not just the use of digital tools, but the creation of Digital Technology products. The students of this state deserve at least the opportunities provided to the students of the other Australian states and territories and, the students in other areas of the western world, where the ability to be literate in the language of computing, the building blocks of so much that drives our world, form a fundamental part of their education.

We also understand that there is nothing in the current Syllabus Draft Directions document to preclude schools from implementing a syllabus giving 50% of time to the Digital Technologies curriculum but despite this, the choice would be in the hands of the individual school and, even the individual heads of faculty, whereas we believe that Digital Technologies literacies such as computational thinking are too important to implement in a piecemeal way with individual students at the mercy of the choices of individual schools. It is imperative that NSW not allow our students to fall behind the other states and territories who are delivering the whole Digital Technologies curriculum in depth.

There is an industry agreement that in order to drive the innovation of our nation we need more students to be STEM trained and STEM literate (see the evidence in the graph below).

List of Issues

----------------------------

The Australian Curriculum is clearly meant to be an even split between Digital Technologies and Design Technologies.
There is no indication of the mandatory hours required for Digital Technologies and this could result in it receiving a cursory implementation in some schools
Implementation in other states is much closer to the Australian Curriculum Technologies Curriculum of 50:50 between Digital Technologies and Design Technologies.
- This will be difficult to staff initially (as has been recognised by other states) but a syllabus update should not be based on the current staffing but rather building systems and resources to bring along the staff we have and train them appropriately to deliver a future looking and future proof syllabus
There is no impetus to change so that the thrust of the Australian Curriculum is realised - The new Draft Directions document proposed by BOSTES could be "implemented" with only tweaking of current programs and no requirement that the subjects be re-thought
The Australian Curriculum has the 5 contexts as outlined in the NSW documentation but 4 contexts are under Design Technology and 1 is a separate subject. To make them all have the same value is not reflective of the purpose of the Australian Technologies Curriculum.
The Australian Curriculum has the Years 7 and 8 level using sequencing, selection, iteration and subprograms in a "General Purpose Language" whereas the NSW document says that students should be able to sequence and use algorithms in an "appropriate language." These are by no means equivalent, and change of language may lead to dilution of rigour.
Prescribing that an individual school "can" implement more Digital Technology if they so wish takes the responsibility of meeting the requirements of the Australian Curriculum out of the hands of the Board and back to individual Heads of Department which could potentially lead to very little change, and in so doing allow NSW to fall behind our Australian counterparts who are making this more prescriptive.
The NSW Curriculum Draft Directions Document allows that digital technology could be implemented across the other technologies rather than as a stand alone unit, this focus on integration could encourage implementation in a very superficial way, merely as a support for the other units, much in the way that ICT Capabilities are currently most commonly taught.
The document doesn’t explicitly and very clearly articulate the distinction between ICT General Capability and Digital Technologies, the subject which will lead to a lack of understanding by all teachers as to what is required by each.

The current proposed direction means NSW students are shortchanged of opportunities to engage more with computational thinking, systems thinking and problem-solving and the possibilities this affords them in our digital-rich world.

The BOSTES Draft Directions document also lacks the well-considered language of the Australian Technologies curriculum. Apparent in absence are terms such as computational thinking, (empowering) preferred futures, information systems (distinct from digital systems).

The Board of ICT Educators NSW on behalf of the membership

Leanne Cameron,

President, ICTENSW

CSER MOOC

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 23:57:38 GMT

Over the past two months, the CSER team have been busy working away on updating our online courses. We are now pleased to announce that our courses will shortly be available again, and are ready for you to register to enrol now!

We will initially be starting with our F-6 Digital Technologies: Foundations course, open from the 22nd August. This course is a free, open professional learning course, designed for primary teachers who would like to understand more about what Digital Technologies is, and what it would look like in their classroom.

We will be following shortly with our Years 7 & 8 Digital Technologies: Next Steps MOOC, and our latest MOOC, the F-6 Digital Technologies: Extended MOOC for those primary teachers wanting to explore a little further. These will be open for registrations shortly, and will open on the 1st September.

We are also delighted to announce that our Project Officers, based around Australia, are joining us very soon for our expanded face-to-face support program. We will be introducing your Project Officers on our blog over the next couple of weeks.

Finally, we have also been busy setting up our National Lending Library program. As part of this, as it is really your library, we are trying to understand more about what digital technologies equipment you would prefer to have in the classroom, and how you best use it. We would greatly appreciate if you could complete our survey of lending library suggestions.

We look forward to working with you in the future! You can register for one or more of our courses by following the link below.

Katrina Falkner, on behalf of the CSER Team

Vale Seymore Papert

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 23:56:51 GMT

Education loses a guiding light

3 August, 2016

Members of the Educational technology community have been saddened by the death of Seymour Papert, one of their favourite sons.

Papert, previously emeritus professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and author of the seminal text “Mindstorms: children, computers and powerful ideas”, died in his home in Maine on Sunday.

He was revered for his take on learning and how educational technology can enhance the learning process; a move from instructionism where the teacher delivered content, to constructionism, where the learner built their view of the world by guided, hands-on exploration.

He subverted the view that computers in education were to be used only for drill and practice and built his theses on the idea that the emphasis should be on the child’s learning by programming, building familiarity with some of the deepest ideas of Mathematics and Science rather than learning to program for its own sake.

His philosophy rose from the foundations built by the Swiss educational philosopher Piaget, with whom he worked after gaining his second PhD in Mathematics from Cambridge University.

With others, he developed the programming language “Logo” to explore mathematics and logic. Logo has since morphed from its text based roots into a variety of visual languages such as Scratch, SNAP, StarLogo and Tickle, to name a few.

After a traffic accident in 2006 in Hanoi, where he was attending a Mathematics education conference, he suffered extensive injuries, including to the brain.

It is particularly appropriate that his successful rehabilitation after this accident used the same principles of hands-on, experiential learning that he worked with in his research—principles that have engaged, delighted, and enthused learners for many years.

ACCE offers its condolences to his family, and shares with many educators a great sadness.

Martin Levins, President, ACCE.

__________

About ACCE

The ACCE (the Australian Council for Computers in Education) is the peak body for Australia’s state Computer Education Groups: Australian Capital Territory: INTEACT; New South Wales: ICTENSW; Queensland: QSITE; South Australia: EdTechSA; Tasmania: TASite; Victoria: DLTV; Western Australia: ECAWA.

Revision of the NSW Technology Curriculum K-10

Debra Bourne — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 01:57:07 GMT

We would like to call all ICTENSW members’ attention to the fact that BOSTES has announced a revision of Technology Education K-10 and documented suggested directions in the Draft Directions for Syllabus Development documents. We urge members to take some time to read through these documents to ensure we all get the curriculum we need to ensure Technology’s relevance in the years to come. We need your input, and those of your colleagues.

What can you do?

Do you teach Tech (Mandatory) or IST? If so, go to this document and report on the state of the CURRENT syllabus documents AND/OR
Attend one of the BOSTES face-to-face consultation sessions (dates and locations here) AND/OR
Complete the BOSTES survey to be found in the Consultation documents.

How long do we have to do all this?

Consultations will conclude on August 31 2016 so there is not a lot of time. Get your colleagues together and send BOSTES your thoughts – highlight both the good and bad.

The original BOSTES news article announcing the revision can be found here:http://news.bostes.nsw.edu.au/blog/2016/7/14/consultation-begins-on-k-10-draft-directions-for-syllabus-development

There are two separate documents that are likely to be of interest to the Technology Education community:

The Draft Directions for Syllabus Development is the detailed blueprint for the development of a draft syllabus and is structured according to the elements of a K–10 syllabus. Each subsection of the Draft Directions for Syllabus Development addresses a syllabus component and includes an explanation of the component’s purpose. Content subsections include proposed instructions to the writers in the writing of the draft syllabus. In developing the draft Directions for Syllabus Development in Science and Technology K–6 and Technology (Mandatory) Years 7-8, the Australian curriculum rationales, aims, content and achievement standards have been considered for a NSW context.

Consultation on these document will be open for 6 weeks. Consultations will conclude on August 31 2016. Face to face consultations will be taking place in rural and metropolitan locations across the state. More information and registration to attend these events can be found on the BOSTES website:http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabuses/curriculum-development/K-10.html

Regards, Leanne Cameron,
President, ICT Educators NSW

Guest Blog

Sat, 28 May 2016 01:41:26 GMT

Another guest post, this time from Lee Hewes, an innovative primary school teacher from Merrylands East Public School. He writes here about how Minecraft can be integrated across all areas of the curriculum. Originally published on: https://leehewes.wordpress.com/

A few weeks ago I presented at a teachmeet at the the Sydney Powerhouse Museum, AKA the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. The topic was STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) + X (STEM+X). The idea was to share some of the things you have done and/or are doing in your classroom or workplace around integrating STEM with other KLAs, for example, a STEM and PE project would be STEM + PE.

When I was asked to present, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share how I’ve been using Minecraft in my classroom over the last few years and how it really can be used across all subject areas. Just like the ‘play’ within the game itself, what you do with it in the classroom is only limited by your own creativity and that of your students. Below I will share some of the cool things that my students and i have done and how they link to KLAs across the curriculum.

Science

Above are some screenshots of some science projects that I have run with my students. Last year, my students completed a project with the driving question, “How can K/1L show their learning in Minecraft?” One of the groups made a representation of a silkworm life cycle by building the different stages and then sharing a screencast and overlaid audio to demonstrate what they’d learned.

Now, not only does this video demonstrate sound knowledge of stage 1 science outcomes, it also demonstrates how my students have achieved outcomes in the English syllabus by creating multimodal texts and reflecting on their own and others’ learning.

The other screenshots are of the seven buildings my year 1 class made during a science project in which they had to build a city in Minecraft. The driving question was, “Can mini MEPS people design a dream city?” Again, this crosses outcomes across both the science and English syllabuses. There was even a bit of stage 1 mathematics in there as we discussed the different areas and volumes of the buildings and had to count and measure distances between windows and doors with pinpoint accuracy. Plus it was loads of fun. My class still love visiting Lionfish City!

Technology and Engineering

Above are some screenshots of some work done in a Minecraft mod called Computer Craft. With this mod you program a little computerised turtle to build and dig for you. I made mine build a house for me and at the moment I have students from year 1 through to year 4 working regularly on Thursday mornings and within my year 1 class on a Friday to challenge themselves to do the same. Some of them are up to the point where they can get it to build four walls, and I will be teaching them how to write a ‘for’ loop in Lua so they can get the turtle to change inventory slots when it runs out of blocks.

It’s a really cool mod, because unlike more basic programming tools like Scratch, you can actually switch between a visual, block style editor and a programming editor which allows the keener kids to get a sense of what’s going on with the actual language itself. If kids can understand that, then they are taken a decent step towards a proper understanding of programming.

Now, computer programming isn’t in the NSW primary curriculum yet but there is strong talk to suggest that it soon will be, and kids who are doing this kind of stuff in Minecraft are already ahead of the curve.

Mathematics

I have been using Minecraft a lot this year for extension in mathematics. For example, if a kid in my class totally nails what we are working on during our first lesson, there is no need for them to be sitting with the rest of the class who need further practise or additional (pardon the pun) help from me. In many cases I set them a Minecraft challenge, such as building a clock to show me a certain time to the half hour (as above) or showing me the difference between two numbers by building a series of towers and writing the number sentence on a sign (as above).

As with the videos shown above in the science section, last year my K/1 class made some maths themed Minecraft videos in order to demonstrate their learning. One group madehouses out of 3D objects such as rectangular and triangular prisms, another shared knowledge of equal groups (multiplication), while another made a truly impressive and remarkable maths game in which are presented with a series of addition problems which increase in difficulty as the game progresses. Watch the video to see how it works. Again, these videos cross outcomes across several KLAs.

So, that’s the STEM stuff covered with Minecraft, how about the + ‘X’? Well, my friends, read on to find out!

English

I’ve already mentioned how making videos in Minecraft is great way to work with the English syllabus. There’s a lot of teaching and planning that goes into each video as kids storyboard and write scripts to plan for what they will be saying over each video. Of course, as they speak over each video, they have to make sure what tey are saying is clear and audible – hence, talking and listening!

Above are some screenshots of videos about Minecraft castles and dragons made by the K/1 Koalas last year. We read a bunch of stuff about castles and dragons and watched a whole bunch of videos to make sure we knew enough about each topic to speak over our videos. Again, it was loads of fun. Who wouldn’t want to learn about castles and dragons!?

My students also do a lot of writing about what they do in Minecraft. You see screenshots of a Minecraft story written by one of my students very early in the year using Storybird, as well as some great writing by another of my students using Kidblog. It’s a cute little Minecraft love story which she wrote at home and then brought in to school so she could type it up on her blog and search for digital images to add to it.

I also teach my kids to search for images that are ‘labelled for reuse’ so that they are aware that it’s inappropriate and illegal behaviour to go around breaking copyright laws. All this at age 6!

Visual arts

Now, there are any number of ways you can link art with Minecraft. You could get kids to do cool Minecraft paintings and artworks, or you could get them to make some interesting visual art themed builds based on their favourite artists. The limit is only placed by how creative you are in your thinking.

With my class, I decided to make an epically large, life sized gigantic creeper out of cardboard boxes and papier mâché. It took weeks and we had heaps of fun and made A LOT of mess. I still need to finish off the ‘pixels’ on top of his head and make it waterproof with some outdoor acrylic varnish. The kindy kids at school want to use it to post sight words on and do a weekly creeper hunt to find him located in random spots around the school. See, there’s that cross-curricular Minecraft stuff in action again – sight words!

PDHPE

Above you can see screenshots of a video I made for a year 3 class a few years ago, all about sun safety. It’s all about a zombie who sets off to go fishing with his friend, Ralph. He is a very sun smart zombie and before he leaves the house he makes sure to put on his sunscreen and a hat. When he meets Ralph, he discovers that he is not so sun smart and has forgotten to protect himself. He subsequently bursts into flames!

I made this as a lesson intro but you could quite easily get students to make similar videos about a range of health related issues, such as healthy eating and hygiene. Again, the only limit is your creativity.

Music

More videos made by me. One is of a cute little Japanese song called ‘The Frog Song‘ which I learned with the same year 3 class for whom I made the sun smart zombie video. I made the song by tuning note blocks in Minecraft and linking them to pressure plates to walk across. I then took a screencast of me walking across them to play the song. The other video is one I made of note blocks being linked to red stone circuits in order to play the intro Black Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man’, I got the timing a bit wrong, but hey, it was my first attempt and red stone circuitry is tricky!

I am yet to do this with a class, but when I do, I would love to teach them the frog song and get them to go and build it Minecraft using red stone circuitry, maybe when I get a stage 2 class. It will be loads of fun.

21st Century Skills

By now you would have heard a lot of talking about the need for kids to be equipped ’21st Century Skills’ such as communication, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, digital citizenship and ICT capability. How do we teach these skills? The ICT capability component is quite obvious with Minecraft, kids need to be able to navigate their way around a 3 dimensional computer world, using computer controls, while learning basic coding skills and knowledge of things like ip addresses in order to log on to your class server. However, what about some of those other skills?

There is a lot of ‘incidental learning’ which takes place on a Minecraft server. For example, in the screenshots above you can see a wither (a three headed Minecraft monster which flies around shooting flaming skulls at anything that moves). Now, obviously you don’t really want one of these flying around your server shooting at everyone and destroying all of your builds. Last year, however, one of my students purposely spawned one of these creatures in our class world, and it set about causing destruction. This prompted a server shut down and a lengthy class discussion around what it means to be a good digital citizen. How your online actions affect the online experience of those who share the same space. My students agreed that the wither spawning had not been a good idea and the student involved went on to write an apologetic blog post about what he had done and why it had been a bad idea. A blog post by a year one student regarding digital citizenship!

I also run a school Minecraft club on Wednesdays and Fridays in which I set club challenges using a Minecraft challenge generator. The amount of collaboration, communication and problem solving which goes on in these short meetings as students work together to meet these set challenges is amazing. Sometimes I jump in the world to help them solve these problems, but mostly I’m just there in the background watching as they work through the challenges together, all the while creatively mining and building away.

So there you have it, these are just some of the ways I have used Minecraft ‘gaming’ in my classroom and I’m sure I’ll find more awesome ways in future. You can see my presentation below if you’re interested, but I’ve basically just written you through it. Thanks for reading!

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tFqVc9A-ezVC73hkkkFA8rInyMLQTAi0_gcmbaMvVIU/edit?usp=sharing

Measure: Inspiring all Australians in digital literacy and STEM

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 17:25:11 GMT

We have received the following Ministerial Fact Sheet about the National Innovation and Science Agenda from the Federal Department of Education and Training which may be of interest to members.

Measure: Inspiring all Australians in digital literacy and STEM

This initiative will increase the participation of all students and the community in ICT and improve their digital literacy. There will be a focus on tackling the digital divide by ensuring that students most at risk of falling behind in the digital age are given opportunities to participate and engage.

About the initiatives

School education ($50.6 million)
Upskilling our teachers The Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies provides teachers with a world class curriculum which prepares students for the challenges of the digital economy. The Government will roll out a nationally available, free online course – with dedicated support and some start up equipment for primary and early secondary teachers to help develop fundamental teaching skills and knowledge relating to the new digital technologies curriculum.Additional support, according to state priorities, will be provided to schools in disadvantaged areas through access to specialist ICT teachers who can provide extra in-classroom support to such schools for up to a term.

Upskilling our students
The Government is funding national computing challenges for all Year 5 and 7 students as well as a national competition “Cracking the Code” which will set various types of computing/coding challenges for Year 4 – 12 students. A computer science summer school for up to 60 Year 9 and 10 students will be held annually, focusing on students who are underrepresented in STEM subjects such as those living in disadvantaged areas.

Facilitating partnerships with industry
The Australian Government will provide support for at least 2000 flexible partnerships between STEM professionals and schools, helping students and teachers understand how STEM is applied in the real world. They will be introduced to emerging STEM innovations and potential career paths, student mentoring opportunities, and a better understanding of industry expectations. There will be a focus on brokering partnerships with women currently working in STEM.

Enhancing digital literacy through a whole-of-school approach
Principals and ICT school champions will be identifed to promote best practice and change management across all Australian Curriculum learning areas. $4 million in grants over two years will be available for 100 plus projects which partner successful school ICT leaders with other, less ICT capable local schools and which propose innovative methods of driving enhanced digital literacy across the curriculum.

Engaging in the early years ($14 million over four years)
As a part of a suite of initiatives (to be implemented with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science), the Australian Government will invest in the foundation of the STEM skills to promote positive science and maths experiences for children aged three to five. This will include developing online resource for teachers, parents and studentsand a series of apps to engage curiosity and learning.

The amount of funding for the measure and the timeframe
Total funding for Inspiring all Australians in digital literacy and STEM is $112.2 million. The Department of Education and Training’s initiatives total $64.6 million. These will be provided over four years. The initiatives commence from July 2016.

Why it is important
Ensuring the next generations of young Australians have the skills to equip them for the workforce of the 21st century is critical in maximising our economic and social wellbeing in an increasingly global and digital age.

Given the impact of emerging technologies will be felt disproportionately by those in low skilled occupations, it is more important than ever to increase digital literacy among the most disadvantaged students – such as those in low SES areas, Indigenous students and those living in regional and remote areas. The initiatives will also engage and retain girls in STEM studies, and address systemic barriers to STEM careers for women.

How it supports the Government’s agenda
The Foundation for Young Australians claims that up to 70 per cent of young people are preparing for jobs that, due to the impact of automation, will no longer exist in the future – especially in entry level occupations for schools leavers. The range of initiatives under the Inspiring all Australians in digital literacy and STEM measure will ensure future generations are STEM skilled and digitally literate. By supporting the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and closing the digital divide for Australia’s most disadvantaged and underrepresented students, the next generations of Australian students will have the skills to equip them for the 21st century workforce.

For more information visit www.innovation.gov.au

Leanne Cameron, President, ICTENSW

Guest Post Joachim Cohen, Intel

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:23:14 GMT

This guest blog post is from Joachim Cohen, Education Outreach Program Manager for Intel Australia and Contractor, Creative Activation. It forms the first of a three part series on STEM Education.

A passionate educator, excited by the potential the 21st century connected landscape presents to grow, harness and develop the skills of learners as creators. As an Australia wide Educational Technology evangelist with Intel I am passionate about professional development for teachers with a focus on STEM and educational innovation to ensure the best outcomes for schools, students and teachers.

It’s time to #STEAM up the curriculum to invigorate student’s interest in #STEM

I thought I would start this journey with a statistic from an Infographic Intel has recently created

65% of students in primary school are being prepared for jobs that don’t exist yet

And then
75% of the fastest growing jobs require STEM skills 70% of Australian employers regard their STEM staff as their most innovative

Maker / STEM Infographic with Statistic and Quotation Links:http://bit.ly/STEMInfographic15

There is a clear imperative to grow STEM, that is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics competencies in our students, yet only a small percentage of our students take them up when given a choice. Sitting writing this article in Sydney’s Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Formerly the Powerhouse) I am struck by the buzz of students exploring the physicality of STEM. Jumping through spaceships and steam engines, laughing in wonder at the size of computers that physically define Moore’s Law and driving the Mars Rover. So, the conundrum is how do we recreate this excitement in our classroom to drive and keep students engaged? With the Digital Technologies Curriculum now ready for introduction in some states and to follow with a similar emphasis in others, the time might be right to start an integrated STEM conversation with maker technologies the inspiration for a project that can span the curriculum, incorporate digital technologies and ignite student’s imagination.

How can we ignite interest in STEM?

Bunsen burners, measurement wheels, scones and toolboxes are always on the agenda at any high school open day, exciting students about the potential of STEM subjects and driving their eager path to high school. Yet as the real year 7 begins in many schools this is replaced with text based scenarios and minimal real world connections. Adopting a project based approach to learning can provide a platform to combine all these skills in a real world situation. Students can be presented with or develop a driving question and then use a process such as design thinking to investigate, evaluate, deconstruct and propose, develop and execute a digital solution. The model below is an exploration of the components:

Further Information and Conext: http://innovationtoolbox.intel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/A-Teachers-Guide-to-the-Intel-Galileo-Final.pdf

The challenge then as a primary teacher or a cross-curricular secondary team is to ensure this project or challenge has the potential to jump outside the text and get physical keeping students motivated and engaging their natural drive to design and engineer. Providing students with access to maker technologies can provide the key and the inspiration they need and the tools to help engineer solutions.

Maker Technologies:

Jumping on to a website such as LittleBird or Sparkfun or delving in to Gary Stager’s Guide to Creating and Inventing with Technology in the classroom you will find a plethora of maker tools available. In the majority they are simple and easy to use but importantly provide students with the ability to create and engineer digital solutions as well as providing a tactile connection for online technology, computational and mathematical tasks such as coding and programming. Effectively bridging the divide between the digital and physical worlds and providing the means to integrate technology, design, mathematics and science.

Arduino microcontrollers, sensing and doing computers:

As the Education Outreach Programs Manager for Intel in Australia, I am fortunate enough to have access to some really cool technology, but it is something with a little less bling yet so much opportunity that is catching students’ and teachers’ attention across Australia.

An Intel Galileo Board in action

The Intel Galileo (pictured above) is one example of an Arduino compatible Microcontroller Computer….in non tekkie terms a computer that senses and responds according to how it is programmed. Using computer code (technology and mathematical skills) connected through electrical circuits (science) students can design (engineering) solutions to real world or simulated problems that take the curriculum out of the textbook and in to a students reality across the curriculum.

So what are some STEM projects you can do with a Microcontroller?

How about a Mars Rover?: A smart robot requires computational coding skills to program its functions, scientific circuit knowledge to connect all components, traditional wood and metal technology engineering skills to create an effective design.

Pimp that pillow or soft toy: Add lights, a buzzer and movement or touch sensors to STEM up a favourite textiles technology task. Students will need to code their pillow, develop circuits and engineer safety through design.

An Automated Model Home: With the assistance of sensors and internet connectivity a microcontroller can provide the basis for home automation, and with a little extra work create data sets for use in science and mathematics. Construction, programming and design of the connected home taps in to technology and engineering skills. A real, tangible project with a connection to a student’s reality helping science and mathematics come to life with the infusion of the STEM skillset.

A Mars Rover, a Landmine detector….whatever you can invent

These are just some of the projects students across Australia have created that solve multidisciplinary problems with maker technologies, and at the same time giving students a reason to need and get excited about STEM.

Are you sitting there reading, wondering where the A went from the title? Some of you may have already been converted from STEM to STEAM, A being officially ‘Art’ but I like to think ‘Anything’ agriculture, architecture, automotive, because I challenge you to name an area of study in which design, technology and engineering cannot play a part. STEAM plays a vital role in playing down the ‘geek’ and adding in the ‘glamour’ to drive momentum towards STEM.

Putting it all together:

Design Thinking especially when combined with maker technologies in projects like those we have explored, provides the means to ensure the development of learners and individuals with the well rounded skill set demanded in the General Capabilities section of the Australian Curriculum. Take a look at the diagram below for a summary of the skills a maker inspired Design Thinking approach can promote. This is of course, in addition to the cross curricular links inherit in project design:

But I can’t, I am not technical?

An enthused teacher, lighting up the harbour bridge in one of our training sessions

If I can you can! I am a teacher-librarian who has always shied away from code, but I am now inspiring teachers and students with the Intel Galileo. I can make lights blink, sensors react, buzzers sound. I have come to realise it is not about the code but about the thinking behind it. It is all about using the code to solve a problem and developing and tinkering with code and design is problem solving and computational thinking in itself. Actually as a language teacher I have come to see code as really just another language.

Next Steps:

Are you inspired to begin your #makered #STEM #STEAM journey and want to know what the next step is? Why not take a look at all the resources available on our resource site the Innovation Toolbox. As part of our efforts to assist schools get excited about STEM we have created this community driven website, here you will find all the resources to learn and be inspired, including a highlight video that showcases physical computing is possible in both Primary and Secondary settings:

Galileo Teachers Guide: http://bit.ly/GalileoEducatorsGuide

Galileo Introduction Slide Deck: http://bit.ly/GalileoIntro

Sample Projects: http://bit.ly/STEAMProjects

Innovation Stories: http://bit.ly/InnovationStories

Innovation Playlist: http://bit.ly/InnovationVideos

Physical Computing Continuum: http://bit.ly/GalileoContinuum

MacICT Course: Introduction to the Intel Galileo: http://www.macict.edu.au/professional-learning/introduction-to-the-intel-galileo/

The Teachers Guide, a sneak peek at one awesome Curriculum linked resource

Where can you begin?

Many teachers and school communities are reticent to dive straight in to the integrated STEM/STEAM space. Visiting schools across Australia, many have begun with the introduction of a MakerSpace or FabLab, a place to show teachers and students what is possible with STEAM tools like physical computers before taking it in to the mainstream. Add an Microcontroller like the Galileo to a suite of maker tools such as a 3D printer, Laser Cutter, and basic maker technologies, and you will inspire a generation…in the words of Gary Stager ‘Making is the best thing schools can do to prepare students to solve problems.’ Source: http://innovationtoolbox.intel.com.au/intel-blog/learning-in-the-making-how-the-maker-movement-powers-stem-and-student-curiosity-an-infographic/

In the meantime combine a MakerSpace with the introduction of a Project Based pedagogical approach using Intel’s Online Teach Elements professional learning program and you are in prime position to adopt a Maker / STEAM mindset that fosters critical thinking and prepares students for those 65% of jobs that have yet to be invented.

Educators, it’s time to inspire a generation!

Further Links:

Intel Teach Elements Courses: http://bit.ly/intelteach

Gary Stager’s Guide to Creating and Inventing with Technology in the classroom :http://bit.ly/MakerSpaceGuide

Maker / STEM Infographic with Statistic and Quotation Links:http://bit.ly/STEMInfographic15

Australian Curriculum: Technologies & Computational Thinking – Implications for NSW

Sat, 31 Oct 2015 17:24:06 GMT

ICT Educators NSW held their Term 4 meet on Monday 26 October 2015 at TARA Anglican School for Girls. The focus for the evening was implications for NSW educators following theendorsement of the Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum: Technologies by the Education Council in September.

BOSTES (http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/) Inspector (Technology Education), Peter Thompson (@TechEdBOSTES), presented the first keynote. Peter has had a long association with ICT Educators NSW. As well as a source of information about teaching and learning in our area, he is an enthusiastic advocate for our organisation, and importantly, for the role for digital technologies in NSW education.

Peter spoke about the process in NSW that follows endorsement. It does not mean that NSW teachers begin teaching the Technologies curriculum next year. The Australian Curriculum: Technologies is not a syllabus and its implementation is different across jurisdictions in Australia. The 23 independent people who make up the NSW Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) members now begin the process that drives syllabus development and educators across the years are encouraged to join the conversation informing syllabus development through contributing through the consultation processes.

Syllabus development in NSW is not a quick process. However, Peter reminded us that outcomes relating to digital technologies are already an important part of the existing mandated curriculum implemented in NSW schools. Teachers don’t need to wait for the new syllabus to design authentic learning activities promoting the type of problem solving that is inherent in computational thinking processes.

One teacher who is already doing this is Abi Woldhuis (@abiwoldhuis), primary school teacher and Innovation Specialist at Roseville College. Abi gave an overview that explained key concepts of computational thinking and presented many examples of how that can operationalised currently in NSW classrooms. Computational Thinking, according to Abi, is a ‘problem solving process that includes a number of characteristics and dispositions’ – so it is a way of thinking about problems and using digital technologies to help solve them. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the (U.S. based Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has put together a one-page flyer that helps to define the concept.

Abi went on to explain how she operationalises these Computational Thinking dispositions and attitudes in her teaching. She taps into excellent programs such as the Young ICT Explorers and a number of resources by organisations such as Made with Code. Abi has generously curated a range of resources for educators across the years to tap into.

Below are the keynotes and resources provided by our speakers on Monday night. ICT Educator’s NSW thanks Amanda Hogan (@hogesonline) and TARA Anglican School for Girlsfor providing our venue and catering for our meeting on Monday evening. A special thank you to our presenters, Peter Thompson and Abi Waldhius for their time in preparing the presentations, allowing us to record their presentations and for making their resources available to our members and associates.

Resources from Monday evening keynotes

Peter Thompson Technologies – Digital Technology; Design and Technology: Implications, Opportunities, Hypotheticals

Peter Thompson presentation pptx format – ThompsonICTENSW20151026
Peter Thompson Presentation in PDF format – ThompsonICTENSW20151026

Presentation – Vodcast (audio superimposed with slides)

Peter Thompson Presentation – Audio Only (mp3)

Peter spoke about the following resources during his presentation:

A unit of work integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – the iSTEM course http://www.meprogram.com.au/2013/11/istem-course-ready-to-go/
Australian Curriculum: Technologies (ACARA)
CEDA – Committee for Economic Development of Australia – Australia’s Future Workforce. On 16 June 2015, CEDA released a major report focused on the future of Australia’s workforce. The report is available for download on CEDA’s website.
Office of the Chief Scientist – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the National Interest: A Strategic Approach. The report can be downloaded from their website.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia’s Future (September 2014):
Progressing STEM Skills in Australia (March 2015)
The Warren Centre’s 2015 Innovation Lecture with Salah Sukkariech Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems UoSyd; Nov 17.

At the end of Peter’s presentation, Leanne Cameron showed us a clip created by TASITEand ACCE called Demystifying Digital Technologies:

Abi Woldhuis – What is Computational Thinking and how does it fit with Coding?

Abi Woldhuis presentation pdf format – AbiWoldhuis20151026

Presentation – Vodcast (audio superimposed with slides)

Abi Woldhuis presentation Audio only mp3

Abi spoke about the following in her presentation

Made with Code by Google – https://www.madewithcode.com/
Promotional Video clip showed by Abi – https://youtu.be/aFF8PYDU0D8
Google’s Computational Thinking Guide Computational Thinking for Educators, an online course where you will learn what CT is and how it can be integrated into a variety of subject areas https://computationalthinkingcourse.withgoogle.com/preview

Promotional Video clip showed by Abi

Debra Bourne, Vice President, ICTENSW

Guest Post: IT Design Camp

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:22:21 GMT

This guest blog post is from Chris Woldhuis, Head of Professional Development and Student Opportunities at Northern Beaches Christian School. Chris is an innovative and experienced IT Educator, who has now progressed to developing special programs within the school, presents regularly at conferences, and coaches staff.

This is Chris’ report on a different way to structure the Northern Beaches Outdoor Education Program.

Northern Beaches Christian School Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning

Creativity is an important aspect of IT and Design. When considering the current camping or Outdoor Education program, Northern Beaches Christian School, decided to reinvent the program and create options for staff to choose the types of programs on offer and for students to be able to choose the program they participate in. Essentially, a passion based co-curricular program.

IT & Design is one of the programs that has experienced significant student interest and has generated a number of projects that continued to develop after the initial program.

In 2015, around 80 students chose the IT & Design program. They were given a wide variety of ideas to spark their imagination. Their task was to generate an idea and shape it into a proposal. Most students utilised the current resources available at school to create their projects.

Students then proposed their ideas to the IT & Design team leaders, made up of staff and external experts. The team worked through the proposals with students changing some of their ideas, refining them or keeping them as is.

As students arrived at the Design and Production Suites at NBCS for the program, they were given a quick welcome and introduction to the team and they were welcomed to start their work. Some examples of the projects are below:

A series of cages to transport fowl to shows (eg Easter Show) that stack on each other in Lego style to reduce movement during travel and time spent tying cages down.
Build a Laser cutter using the parts from 3 unused CD-ROM drives and some new components.
Create a highly accurate 3D digital model of our new building fmor 2D plans.
Create a “Dance, Dance Revolution” platform from wood and acrylic but without using complex (purchased) circuitry – that is, they made their own switches using spring and pieces of aluminium.
Create an interactive propeller hat – one that can communicate with another propeller hat.
Repair broken remote controlled nitro buggies.
Create a World War 2 diorama with accurate landforms and authentic characters and vehicles.
Create a wifi controlled robot made from arduino and simple components – motors, switches etc (all other components are made)
Surfboard rack that is strong, light and collapsible (to fit into a car).
Create a remotely operated pod, that can be launched/dropped from a drone, to deliver parcels to remote areas, the pod should be able to be dropped from a significant height to maximise drone flying distance.
Create a remote controlled flying wing from modelling foam.
Create remote controlled Lego robots for a Robot Wars Competition
Convert a manual camera slider into a motorised camera slider.
Create a video tour of our school utilising a hand held gimble and GoPro camera and incorporating green screen elements
Repair and service a small 50cc petrol Motorcycle.

A number of students arrived at camp not knowing what they were going to do, they started exploring the equipment and resources available and sometimes joined other groups who needed more people.

The projects were interesting and varied, but what made the program fantastic was the engagement of the students. Full engagement. So engrossed in their projects that they needed to be stopped for break times. They turned up early and wanted to stay late.

Problem solving was happening consistently. As a number of the students were aiming to create something they were unsure was actually possible, normal techniques sometimes didn’t give the desired result. New ways of working had to be engineered.

The management of skills within teams was also evident. Comments like: “You’re good at building, so you take this complex model and I’ll help you program it once it’s built” or “This model has a higher difficulty rating, so you focus on that otherwise we won’t have time to complete the model”.

A good example of the nature of the problem solving, was the WWII model creators who completed numerous tests and experiments. They wanted to get the correct texture of the ground to make it authentic but had to consider the drying time fo the glue to fit into the schedule.

Steve Jobs once said that:

Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.

Did this program improve creativity? Absolutely yes. The students were challenged by the tasks they chose. Challenged to express, produce, invent and innovate. Some even edged into the space of imaginative creativity. How did the program create this? By encouraging and allowing connections to be made, between students, staff, experts, resources and time.

Where is the program headed? What is in store for 2016? It’s not clear yet, students will have the final say.

Australian Curriculum Endorsed

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 18:20:37 GMT

Hi everyone

It is with great excitement I write that on Friday, 18th September, 2015, the Education Council endorsed the Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum: Technologies, “where students can learn important skills in problem solving and technical skills such as coding, right from their early years” (see full report here).

For those who have yet to familiarise themselves with the new Technologies Curriculum, you can find the Rationale and further details here. From this page you will see that the Australian Curriculum: Technologies includes two distinct but related subjects:

Design and Technologies, in which students use design thinking and technologies to generate and produce designed solutions for authentic needs and opportunities, and
Digital Technologies, in which students use computational thinking and information systems to define, design and implement digital solutions.

I recommend you look at the comprehensive Scope and Sequence for each subject that can be found in the navigation bar on the left of the respective pages. These outline a cohesive progression of study that should prepare our students well for their future. Those who have had the opportunity to examine the new curriculum agree it will ensure that all Australian students have the opportunity to explore the full Technology experience throughout their schooling. That is, in addition to learning to simply use ICT (as required by the General Capability already embedded in the Australian Curriculum), they will be creating and producing with technology.

So what does this mean for the average classroom teacher? Well, it depends on the state in which you teach (curriculum is ultimately a state-based decision). Victoria made their intention clear to move ahead with this new Technologies Curriculum last week by launching a new webpage. Similarly, other States and Territories have also begun implementation plans. However, for those teaching in NSW, the path is less clear. As I noted in an earlier piece (NSW and the Australian Curriculum: What is all the fuss about?) we may have to work with the current subjects for a while yet. If NSW doesn’t want to to be left behind, NSW teachers, parents and students need to make our concerns known. Write to BOSTES about your desire to have NSW adopt the new Technologies Curriculum, especially in the Secondary School where a review of technology-related subjects has not been undertaken for quite some time.

Watch this space and hopefully we will be able to bring your more good news in the near future.

Leanne Cameron

President, NSW Educators NSW

Carrie Anne Philbin in Sydney!

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:18:49 GMT

Carrie Anne Philbin of Geek Girl Diaries blog fame, and a global leader in STEM education, kindly agreed to do a brief presentation at our Term 3 meeting on Monday 3rd August. Additionally, ICTENSW helped spread the word that the Powerhouse Museum provided a unique opportunity for Science, Technology and Maths teachers and curriculum leaders to engage with Carrie Anne and Sydney’s own Nicky Ringland. Details were:

When: Wednesday 5 August

FREE Lunchtime Keynote with Carrie Anne Philbin and Nicky Ringland
12midday – 1pm, Powerhouse Museum Theatrette

FREE Evening Workshop with Carrie Anne Philbin
4.30pm – 6.30pm, Powerhouse Museum Thinkspace

Carrie Anne Philbin produces the Geek Girl Diaries, tweets a lot, wrote the popular book ‘Adventures in Raspberry Pi’ and is the principal educational evangelist at the Raspberry PiFoundation. Carrie Anne is also responsible for Picademy, the Foundation’s free professional development experience for primary and secondary teachers, open to individuals around the world.

Nicky Ringland is one of the founders of Grok Learning, an educational startup teaching the world to code. A serial volunteer, Nicky is also an Outreach Officer for the National
Computer Science School, an initiative of the University of Sydney, and runs outreach activities (workshops, camps and competitions) to inspire and educate high school students
and teachers in computer science.

For an account of the events, please check out the twitter streams sent on those days with the hashtags #ICTENSW, #Picademyau and #MissPhilbin. Did you fail to secure your place? Don’t miss out again. Sign up to receive our regular posts, or better still, join ICT Educators NSW and receive a discount when you attend these events.

Multimedia: A perfectionist's nightmare

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 18:19:44 GMT

This blog post is from a very special guest. Jonah Maranan sat the HSC in Industrial Technology Multimedia in 2014, and was selected to appear in the exhibition of major works. He worked extremely hard in the HSC and achieved a top mark in Industrial Technology. This is his perspective of the subject.

Think 2013: the year when Edward Snowden leaked information that refuelled the spark of global privacy concerns over the Internet, and the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who was released in cinemas with David Tennant in it. You know, important stuff. But probablyone of the most important events that occurred was the beginning of my HSC year in December and in turn, the beginning of a HSC Major Work.

My Multimedia teacher, who was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of having (she totally did not tell me to write that, but seriously I’m being sincere), told her Multimedia class the same thing she told her previous classes:

“I’m always right.”

No wait, hang on. That’s not it. It was:

“Listen to my advice.”

Best piece of advice I was ever given during the HSC.

And I think students looking back would agree with me when I say that 90% of the time, the teachers were surprisingly right. For once. Just kidding (a little bit). Fixing essays, tweaking projects, following formulas in a structured way, and for once, fix your illegible writing.

Anyway, my teacher told us to start planning our projects immediately. Do something over the holidays, do some solid research before coming in next lesson, and make sure you have the capacity to do it, instead of watching an 18-minute YouTube video figuring out what the hell masking is on After Effects before October. I want to say I did all that, but it was the holidays, so I did a little: come up with an idea.

I loved comic books and film-making. I loved old-timey science-fiction in the 50s and 80s, where almost everything was props, costumes, cheap lighting and cheesy plots. And I also love the Fallout games (Fallout 4 and Doom, everyone!). So, why not make a major work out of it? My original plan was to create a science-fiction short film that takes homage to the 1980s and 1950s (arguably, the greatest decades of science-fiction films) and a small 12-page comic book that exists in the universe of the short film I was creating. In other words, a short film of 5 minutes and a prop replica that exists in the short film. That was my original idea. Probably one of the most important things I ever learnt during my Multimedia Major Work is that you can not be too complacent with the original idea you have. You must adapt to the changing circumstances as the year progresses. You must learn how to kill your (metaphorical) baby.

I became overly concerned with creating a proper plot for my short film and comic book.

What is the story I can tell? Who are the characters? Why are they important? And then I realised:

‘What have I actually done? How’s my folio doing?’

And like the hero my teacher was, she said that the HSC major work was about showing enough skill; impress them with your mastery in post-production effects and graphic design, not how well you can write a screenplay. That’s English Extension. Teachers marking the major works will have 20 minutes to mark your work. They want to see your progression throughout the year, your evaluations, the folio essentially, and probably, the last thing they will watch is the final product. It was the reality check I needed.

That’s when I changed my project. I decided to switch priorities of dedicating my time to creating a comic book that homages to 1950s comics and the Fallout universe, and an accompanying science-fiction short film trailer that can be watched in a good-old 1950s drive-in. Good move, me. Finding the time to work on my folio, an integral part to the assignment, learning how to create something with the Adobe suite and simultaneously creating that thing.

I’m not going to lie. It wasn’t easy. As the title may suggest, I am a perfectionist. Every little detail counts. I would spend the entire day and most of my night until 1am fixing small details on one page of a 24-page comic book. A lot of late nights, a lot of stressing, and then there is the rest of the HSC to worry about.

I used a variety of techniques to create my comic book. I utilised Wacom graphics tablet to draw my assets from scratch, place them into Adobe Illustrator and colour them using Adobe Photoshop, and then organise them in Adobe InDesign. I also sketched my assets on A3 pages using pencils and ink brushes, scanning them, scaling them down in Adobe Photoshop to the recommended size and refining outlines when digitised in Adobe Illustrator. It was important, of course, to take into moderation and always keep learning on how to be more efficient: in my folio work and my major work.

Since I was initially creating a short film, I spent the entire holidays filming and making sure it was all right, until I changed it. After changing my Statement of Intent slightly, I had all these video assets to create something spectacular. From meteor showers and image compositing to 3D backgrounds and laser beam effects, it took a long time learning at home and applying it at school to create all these assets and compile them in Adobe Premiere. I’m not sure if you noticed, but our school LOVED the Adobe Creative Suite. For better or for worse.

There’s nothing more satisfying and also odd at the same time when you realise you’re done. Am I really done? Is that it? Is it finally over? Wow, that went by so quickly. It wasn’t then until I realised that a lot of my time spent creating this Multimedia Major Work was all about planning and evaluating, rather than actual doing. Organising an efficient time plan, finding efficient processes to create something yet shows enough skill, researching media in the 1950s and 1980s for inspiration, and killing almost every idea that were critically evaluated from your peers, teachers and most of all, you in the Development of Ideas. It was important to keep track of what I was doing so I kept a blog to track my development over the Major Work year. I constantly updated my teacher with my progress as a way of validation mostly for the sake of me keeping a less-stressed mind (if that were even possible, during the HSC). But I will tell you, once your folio is finished, your video is uploaded and your other media is printed, you can’t but help put your fist in the air on the footy field. Or go on a float during a city parade and sing ‘Twist & Shout’. I may have been watching a lot of John Hughes’ movies before writing this.

I loved my HSC Multimedia class, when we talked about the right pronunciation of cache or when our principal tried the Oculus Rift for the very first time, and I’m proud of the work I created even if it stressed the hell out of me. And I guess hard work pays off, because I was invited to showcase at the Annual InTech Exhibition for getting 97% on my Major Work. And I also received the coveted Band 6, that every student wants in their HSC year for their ATAR.

So what can you do as a teacher as December arrives or what you can do now to say to your students? Tell them to be optimistic and a little stressed as well (because stress genuinely helps). Tell them to always be evaluating every idea they have, run it by you or their peers. Tell them to research on a daily basis and gathering inspiration. Tell them to update their folio every time they make progress because they will forget what they did that Friday afternoon. But most of all, make sure you give them advice and that they adhere to it because it’s YOU who has the most experience with the HSC, and it’s their first time.

Or, during December, you can tell them, “Welcome to Hell”, put your feet up on the desk and watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens as you sit there laughing at the misery of your students. Okay, maybe not that last bit, but seriously:

One of the most important things you can do right now is to listen to the teacher’s advice (especially during the HSC year) and watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens this December. You know, important stuff.

Links:

Short-Film Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEIw9HbMO7c

Evidence of Progression – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaLO0nRNoCo

In-Tech Exhibition Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgLM24otDJY

Coding in Australia: The small Debate

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 18:14:53 GMT

This blog post is the second of a new ICTENSW initiative to include guest bloggers who are examples of innovative educators, and their thoughts on technology. This blog post is from Dan Bowen, who is an innovative educator, and ICTENSW member, who tweets @dan_bowen

The reason I have put pen to blog on this subject is not as an educational advisor or tech person but as a Dad of three young kids under eight. Coding and computing seems to be polarising and confusing people in Australia even at the top.

Take this recent news item as an example. Bill Shorten suggests that “Coding is the literacy of the 21st Century, and every young Australian should be able to read and write the global language of the digital age”.

Tony Abbot in response suggests that “He [Bill Shorten] said that he wants primary school kids to be taught coding so they can get the jobs of the future. Does he want to send them all out to work at the age of 11? Is that what he wants to do? Seriously?”
So what going on? The lack of knowledge in the media and the need for quick sound ‘bytes’ have meant that this entire discussion moves the public eyes to that of coding. Just as a quick introduction, there is more to computing than coding. Similarly do we believe that teaching music should always be about one genre or teaching art is all about painting in watercolour. The Australian curriculum for digital technologies is an excellent curriculum and has had in depth review. As we are all aware it has been implemented in many states locally but NOT ALL and has been subject to several debates of late including this one from ICTENSW. However underpinning this curriculum area is a plethora of creative, problem solving and broader concepts that are skills that every employer deems critical in the current and future workplace.
As someone who has spent time looking at curricula in different countries around Europe and now Australia, it’s clear that for a country to maintain its competitive edge it is not about the code – it is about the application of the code, the process of development, the problem solving and creativity to build solutions that matter (and work).
Being able to program is one of the major skill sets you may need but to move the economy forward we need to develop digital entrepreneurs and more effective software developers in Australia and globally. Countries cannot ‘app’ or ‘program’ themselves out of a recession. And I think this might even prove to be a false economy. I have worked on several projects over the years where the creative talent has been sought away from our shores. The Photoshop developer from Singapore, the web developer from his basement in the UK, the moodle technical support from a China and the digital music developer (who is also a full time student) from the US, I could go on.
‘Coding entrepreneurs are needed – a workforce that innovates’
Coding entrepreneurs are needed. We need a workforce that innovates and has ideas. We need to develop the creative and innovative – NOT the robotic. For example: when we think of the creation of worldwide products three concepts spring to mind:
The fruit syndrome – innovation driven in the US, for example the Apple iPhone, but mass produced in China and Asia. Programming and hardware can be a cheap commodity in many cases. We will never compete with the millions of coders coming out of the emerging markets so the ideas are where it is at.
The Italian Job – A quick quiz. Pizza and Espresso were invented in Italy, by whom? I bet you don’t know. But you would know they are now known and developed by Starbucks and Pizza Hut. We need to be thinking as a developer making the products more scalable and possibly more targeted to customers’ needs. Making things better and for a better world.
Flappy bird syndrome – Two years ago a low graphics game was removed from several ‘App stores’ even though the creator claimed it was making him $50,000 a day on advertising. Quick wins are few and far between. This is the same mentality as telling our kids they will be a soccer player when they grow up (even though there is more likelihood that they will play for an EPL team than create a one-off app that will make them millions).
So where does this leave us? Ideas matter, original thinkers matter, BUT everyone coding well doesn’t matter. Having an appreciation of code and the processes of abstraction and decomposition of problems, I would argue, are even more important.
What shortage of programmers?
The UK and Australia do not have a shortage of computer programmers. They do have shortage of good software developers. This is something we need to work on in the curriculum. And for development there’s much more to it than just programming. It can take years to develop the skills and knowledge needed to build reliable, maintainable, secure and scalable software.
It is not the ability to write clean new software, but the ability of the software developers to adapt existing software which can keep pace with and even lead the competition – that is the key to success in industry. Generating a lot of mediocre programmers will result in the need for more developers to correct legacy code that was written poorly. Finally, in industry, to keep up the pace, most development teams are overstaffed, and we know that a majority of software projects fail to deliver any real value when developed like this.
Bubbles and sound bites, such as the Year of Code, although very good could flood the market with average or below-average programmers. When the market is flooded with non-competent programmers then it is very difficult and time consuming, as well as risky, to identify really good developers and maintain the advantage.
So how can we develop entrepreneurship and software developers? Here are some ideas:
Implement the digital technologies curriculum properly and if that can’t be done every state to take it on board and do it consistently;
Teach ALL kids to appreciate code – and not be afraid of it;
Teach MOST kids the basics of coding, process and project management. This group includes the students who will have the entrepreneurial ideas and will deliver innovation;
Teach SOME kids to develop code efficiently and in detail so they become effective developers who can code for scalability, re-use and maintenance;
Upskill the media commentators and government officials to understand the breadth of software development and design and highlight that it is not all about coding!
And here are three final thoughts:

There have been many mathematicians with far greater mathematical knowledge than Einstein. However, his application of the knowledge allowed him to innovate and see things differently. His elegance in developing solutions and theorems provided a springboard to future generations of mathematicians to develop them further, for example with quantum and string theory.
The OECD school rankings do not (as yet) measure creativity and innovation and will certainly not help any economies innovate themselves out of a recession.
Most people reading this will be very pro-technology but we need the majority to start thinking about the Australia and the economy that we want to build for our kids. It’s all very well living in a beautiful country but we need jobs that create products, excite people, innovate and actually motivate for people to lead the world rather than be led.

Resource Focus: Multiple Choice Marking

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 18:15:43 GMT

Stage: Any	KLA: Any
Summary: Using technology to mark and analyse multiple choice responses.	Use in the Classroom: Pre-testing Assessment for Learning Exams Practice Addressing common misconceptions
Author: Kelly Bauer, @shortcomp	shortcomp.edublogs.org

Last year my school invested in Remark OMR Software (Optical Mark Recognition) in order to improve students multiple choice responses. Some HSC subjects take 20% of their mark from multiple choice, so although it is important to have students write well for the short answers, and for extended responses, it is also important to give students practice in all types of questions that they will get in their examinations. Remark also includes a feature to generate reports which give an item analysis which allows teachers to address common misunderstandings of content. For example, the question 5 graph at the right of this paragraph shows a section of the report generated from Remark. This allows me as a teacher to go back and look at distractor A and explain to students why that was not a correct answer. In the case of this question, more students actually got the question incorrect. Since my exam only has 10 multiple choice questions, I used to do this same thing with a pen and paper tally sheet, and graphs in keynote. However, the software helps to save time in the generation of reports. This is where the power of this software really comes in. It not only saves time, but adds value to the feedback to students.

ZipGrade Cloud is an IOS and Android app that allows you to print off answer sheets, and then use your phone to scan students responses. The beauty of this is that every teacher in the school can have access to it, and do it in class so that students get instant feedback. Unlike other digital versions such as Flubaroo, or Socrative, teachers don’t have to pre-prepare anything, they can use already existing exams (such as past HSC exams), and keep copies of answer sheets in your drawer. The answer sheets, unlike Remark, don’t have to be specific to the exam that you are running. The workflow is basically, students sit the exam, then you set up a new exam on your phone, scan the sheets, and generate the results. This doesn’t create the pretty graphs that Remark does, but you can export to CSV and then create the graphs yourself in Excel. The cost difference between this and the Remark system is substantial. The ZipGrade app is free for 100 scans to try out, then they have a variable pricing structure, where you can purchase for either 2 months ($2) or a year ($7). If the school was considering a Volume purchase, they can purchase the app for $10 with no recurring charges.

Aside from answering paper based multiple choice responses, there are also a number of web based tools and apps available that are student response clickers. Socrative, Kahoot, Poll Everywhere, GoSoapbox and E-Clicker are all systems that allow students with individual devices to respond to a question with then immediate feedback to the teachers. Each of these use different devices and systems. For example, PollEverywhere uses SMS technology, whereas Socrative and E-Clicker are apps. I particularly like E-Clicker, as there is also a computer version for the teacher, so that you can create quizzes on your computer (so much easier to type than ipad). These are all reasonably priced (under $10), or free for teachers, and all are free for students.

Finally, if you are a Google Fan, you can create a form in Google forms, which is easy to do, but does require some preparation. I created this one, by looking back through old exams that I had constructed, and copying and pasting across. The good thing is, if you have a list of bullet points, it will allow you to paste into the google form with every point then becoming another option. Once you have answered the form yourself, then you can run an add on for Google Docs,Flubaroo, in order to get it to automatically mark your responses, and then email students their feedback, straight away. It also generates you a spreadsheet, which highlights questions that are worthwhile going over with with students. (see right)

The power with all of these systems are the analytics provided. This gives you the opportunity as a teacher to determine where are the gaps in your student knowledge, and then to design differentiated learning activities in order to address those gaps. There is also the added benefit of giving teachers feedback on construction of multiple choice questions, including appropriate development of distractors.

Going to iSTE?

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:17:40 GMT

Travelling to iSTE for the first time?

I have attended iSTE since 2010 and the best advice I have for newbies is: pack your sense of humour and keep an open mind. iSTE is a different country and remember it is big. Sooo big there is a chance you won’t get into ANYTHING without forward planning and queuing – and that includes the keynotes. Its actually really obvious when you think about it. iSTE can be 10-15,000 people. No single conference room holds that many people. The queue to get in the door for the keynotes last year started hours before the doors opened.

So take care to look at the program way before the event (that would be now, if you haven’t already), book in to whatever you can, but don’t plan lots of back-to-back sessions (especially in the first couple of days) because if the presenter is any good, the odds are the queue for that session will have started before the previous session has finished.

Having said that, I keep going back. Its the journey, not the destination. You can see the keynotes streamed from lots of places around the venue. You might prefer to park yourself in the blogger’s cafe rather than standing in a queue for ages? If you can’t get into any sessions at a particular time, go up and look at the posters. They change frequently and the people there have the time to talk to you (just remember to talk slowly because although we can understand most of what they say without difficulty, many have trouble with the Australian accent). Or there are numerous playgrounds to visit and there is always the Exhibition Hall. Some of the exhibitors, eg. Google, Microsoft, Adobe, etc. put on workshops and demonstrations that are not always crowded (but sometimes they are really busy too).

Talk to anyone you come across. You will learn lots while queuing. Although there are actually many Australians at iSTE, most people you come across will not have met an Australian before and they will be really interested to talk to you. If you don’t feel confident walking up to random people and starting a conversation – do it with purpose – become a Volunteer. When you are a Volunteer, people come to you – with the most amazing questions. The Volunteer Captains are really professional and give you training, they supply you with the most common answers and what to do when you don’t know an answer. I was asked last year how to book baseball tickets (apparently the local team was playing that night), where the nearest WalMart was and how to find the local Governor’s house so they could complain about a decision in person. Fortunately the majority of the questions I was asked were exactly what we were told they would be: toilets, venue locations, lost and found and food outlets. Oh, don’t use the word ‘toilet’. ‘Bathroom’ or ‘restroom’ is preferred but Canadians seem to like ‘washroom’ I think, or is it the other way round?

As a Volunteer it is REALLY important to talk clearly and a bit slower than usual. And although if asked, we would all say we speak English, communication can be at times a little tricky. If people look shocked when you say something – rephrase. For some reason, there is a problem with how we say numbers – a linguist once told me it was to do with our vowels. If you get a blank look, write the number down.

There are also things you can do that will make understanding what is going on in sessions a little easier for you. Take the time to look over the iSTE Standards – they are usually talked about a lot. Google what a ‘Charter School’ is. Some of you will have watched enough American television to work most things out but make sure you know what the age groups in an Elementary School, Middle School and High School are so you attend appropriate sessions. Like Australia, American school organizations are different state to state but their District also has an important Administrative function and that frequently comes up.

And remember American educators are often used to dealing in huge numbers. Last time I checked, the largest Sydney high school was just pushing 1,500 students. 1,200 is considered pretty big. These are small compared to some American High Schools. This has implications to how things get done.

There are probably plenty of people who can add to this list, and others who recognise the gross generalisations I have made. But forewarned is forearmed. Hopefully we can up somewhere at iSTE and compare the hilarious mis-communication stories.

For another viewpoint, try The Nerdy Teacher.

PS One of the most difficult words for the Americans to understand when I said it was ‘queue’. And it comes up a lot. Americans ‘stand in line’.

Regards, Leanne Cameron (@leannecameron)

(This piece originally appeared on May 24 in the iSTE Connects Forum. If you have already registered to attend iSTE2015 and would like to read more from Australians travelling to iSTE, go to the ‘Calling all Aussies at ISTE2015’ thread.)

Reconciling Tensions and Radical Openness

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:16:55 GMT

This blog post starts a new ICTENSW initiative to include guest bloggers who are examples of innovative educators, and their thoughts on technology. This blog post is from Cameron Paterson, who teaches History at Shore Grammer School, and blogs regularly at http://learningshore.edublogs.org/

A few years ago I returned to fulltime study for a year in the US. My favourite classes were with Tina Blythe and Eleanor Duckworth. Both banned technology from their classes, preferring face to face interactions, and I experienced my most powerful learning experiences in their classes.

I also took a class with Chris Dede, who was fresh from having written theNational Education Technology Plan for President Obama. His class was a dizzying array of top US educational technology experts and we were encouraged to use our devices in class. While I sat spell-bound, some of my peers would surf Facebook and this made me question the benefits of technology in relation to learning. I now oscillate between believing that the deepest learning experiences I can design in my classes are face to face conversations, and simultaneously arguing that technology should be invisible and ubiquitous. One of the ways I am reconciling this tension is by explicitly teaching students mindfulness in order to cope with continuous partial attention and our always-on lifestyle.

I have often argued that pedagogy should be the driver, and technology should merely act in support. Project-Based Learning is a pedagogy that works well with technology. My students produce audio e-books for young children, makefilms, and design social media campaignsfor rights and freedoms. We also take part in global learning projects and conduct Skype learning calls.

I know that I need to improve the documentation of the learning in my classes. While I’m a fan of post-it notes and speech bubbles, we also have a class Twitter handle which tweets out photos of our learning, and, when students work in teams, one of them sometimes has my Go-Pro on a headband for real-time KidCam.

Next year I am planning to explore Sugata Mitra’s Self-Organised Learning Environments, I want to get my students blogging, and I’m thinking of using Snapchat to run a short project for students to share photos of local war memorials and commemoration activities. We have a student voice team who attend our Heads of Department meetings and I am curious about what would happen if we adopted the radical transparency of broadcasting these meetings via Periscope. Also, I am in awe of the work being produced by students at theRoyal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and I want to learn how to do this myself.

Finally, George Couros now has me wondering whether pedagogy really should always be the driver? This video of Lachlan getting his hearing aid shows how technology can be transformational. Maybe learning and technology are increasingly linked? Could transformational learning become the norm, rather than the exception?

There is a fragile tension here because, despite the wonderful affordances, in most of my classes computers and tablets are off and we still talk to each other in face to face conversations.

Twitter: @cpaterso

http://learningshore.edublogs.org/

Really Minister?

Fri, 22 May 2015 18:13:24 GMT

Last December I wrote a piece (“NSW and the Australian Curriculum: What is all the fuss about?”) urging NSW education decision-makers to review our aging Technology subject curriculums, especially in light of the decision the other Australian states and territories have made. That is, to work toward adopting the new Australian Technologies curriculum. So I was very heartened to hear the Independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, was prepared to further the cause by putting the following ‘question without notice’ to the NSW Education Minister, Adrian Piccoli. The question posed was:

“Given that Australian tech companies and start-ups are reporting a chronic lack of local skilled graduates, and other States are progressing with a new digital technologies curriculum, when will New South Wales schools move beyond the general ICT General Capabilities focus and implement this new curriculum?”

I was pretty impressed with this question. It told everyone NSW is behind the other states. It highlighted the Minister for Sydney wasn’t talking about students word processing their assignments or doing powerpoint presentations: he was concerned that NSW students should be being taught to use design, system and computational thinking to solve real world problems – like all other Australian kids will now be. We keep being told creativity and innovation are skills the workers of tomorrow will need and this is exactly what this type of thinking encourages.

I also thought the question would strike a chord with those concerned about local jobs going off-shore, not to mention that talking about tech companies and start-ups is really trendy at the moment. It seemed to have all the ingredients for a question worthy of a well-considered reply.

Alex Greenwich asked us (ICTENSW) to provide him with evidence of the need for this revision – which we glady supplied. What’s more – he read it, collated it and then sent it off as background so the Minister could make a fully informed response.

The question was put to the Minister last week (14 May, 2015). To see his response in its entirety, click here. You will have to wade through the usual rhetoric some politicians seem to think is necessary in these responses. My personal favourites are:

“I have, in the four years that I have been Minister, supported by our Government, never taken a backward step in protecting the integrity of the New South Wales curriculum, and our syllabus documents that support for that curriculum.”

“The kindergarten to year 12 curriculum is highly regarded across Australia for its quality and rigour, and for the learning opportunities it provides for all students. This includes preparing students to work and live in increasingly technologically focused careers and societies.”

However, my hackles rose when the Minister confused the ICT General Capabilities and the new Australian Technologies Curriculum. The clue was in the question! Honestly, I would really mark my own students down if they handed me an essay that included this in response that question:

“In New South Wales schools, the term “digital technology” is used to cover the full range of ICT use from using digital tools to prepare English essays, through to the agile coding methods used in the development of programs in year 12 Software Design and Development.”

“A study of digital technology is mandatory in the New South Wales K to 12 curriculum, and the specific use and application of digital technology is a part of each New South Wales syllabus. For example, the new K to 10 English syllabus has more than four times the number of references to digital tools than the syllabus it has replaced.”

As we know, there is just a bit of a difference between requiring students to use tools and studying Digital Technology as a subject. However, in the end, the Minister made it clear he really doesn’t know what the new Australian Technologies Curriculum is. It is SO much more than coding. He went onto say:

“During 2014 several countries, including England, Finland, France and Singapore, as well as some jurisdictions in the United States, have made coding mandatory for students from year 3. Such opportunities are already available to students in the New South Wales curriculum.”

Of course when reading the paragraph above, the word MANDATORY leaps out at the reader. ICT Educators of NSW want to ensure that ALL NSW students receive the opportunity to study the various aspects of the Technologies curriculum – not just the lucky few whose teachers are probably members of this Association and understand its importance to the future of our students.

The Minister finished his answer with, “I look forward to the final version of the Australian curriculum in technologies being released soon.” One can only wonder why, as it is simply a revision of what other states and territories are already able to teach.

The new Australian Technologies Curriculum is a cohesive, comprehensive program that could readily be incorporated into current NSW curriculum structures. I urge all of you to continue to inform parents, industry contacts and parliamentarians of the inadequacies of the current subjects we are forced to work with, and to encourage them to expedite revisions. In the meantime, NSW technology education will increasingly slip behind what can be taught elsewhere in Australia.

Leanne Cameron

President, ICT Educators NSW

Future Schools introduction speech

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:09:48 GMT

This is the presentation I did to introduce the Teaching Kids to Code stream at the Future Schools Conference 2015.

Hello World! I’m Amanda Hogan. I’m a second-career teacher who has come from IT to teaching a little later in life. I teach at a girls’ school and am doing my darndest in a small way to break down some of the barriers to and get girls excited about tech. I like to think I’m a life-long learner and I’m a bit of a maker. My colleagues think that I might be building an army of nerds from my own two primary aged kids. I get to be your chair for today in the best stream of the first Future Schools conference.

I want to talk about the opposing views about kids and coding. These debates have been in play since Papert first wrote Mindstorms in 1980. One high profile detractor is Larry Cuban – an education academic and sometimes edtech commentator. He wrote the book “Oversold and Underused” about the period of time when the investment in technology in education far outstripped the use of it. He spoke of the US but much of what he said was relevant here. There was a period where schools had lots of computer labs and even maybe the early 1 to 1 programs where the amount of technology increased but not much else changed.

He’s since agreed that this is no longer the case but for a time he seemed to be one of the few people questioning the value of all this technology. I enjoy reading his work as it helps me to question what I do at my school and ensure I’m acting in the best educational interest of our students. It’s important that as we teach our students to think critically about their studies we also think critically about our teaching.

Cuban has recently weighed in on the Teaching kids to code movement with an article titled “All students should learn to code. Right? Not so fast.” In the article Cuban calls those who believe that all students should learn how to code “True Believers”. Unfortunately it’s not a compliment. He means that we believe uncritically that kids should learn how to code. That we only “believe” without scrutiny or proof. He harks back to the 70s when logo was first being introduced to schools and claims that the efforts were a failure because they didn’t deliver the promise of transformed education. Since it didn’t work then, is his reasoning, there is no reason why it should work now.

I think he’s wrong. I think that programming is an essential literacy <pause> that our purpose for being here today is to show our evidence for why this is important, to talk about the wins and challenges and to weigh the possibilities with a critical mind. I also get to be a little fan-girl giggly about introducing Gary Stager to the stage in a minute.

I much prefer Dougals Rushkov’s take on things. He is a media theorist who believes (and wrote a book about it) that if we, as a society, are not literate in how hardware and software work fundamentally then we are at the mercy of those of us who do. I’ve heard this argument reversed also… We don’t need to know how to code because it’s the software engineers’ job to make software that’s so intuitive that I don’t have to understand what’s going on to use it. This kind of thinking worries me. If we are dictated to by the companies who make the software then in some small way they dictate the way we engage with the world.

Rushkov’s book is also along these lines. It’s called “Program or be Programmed: Ten Commandments for a digital age” and is really worth a read to understand his ideas that there is always a lag in communications between those who control the media and those who use it; from the creation of text, to printing, blogging and now coding. There was a time after humans invented text when there were only an elite few who could read, then the printing press was invented and many could read but only a few could be published, then the interactive internet was invented and many could publish (though it is a little unsure at times how many are reading our publishings) but few understood and controlled the platforms on which we publish.

It’s interesting to think about the possibility that if we receive our information pre-filtered and vetted by whichever search engine or aggregator we are using, does that mean we’re getting the whole story? If we don’t understand the filtration process does that in some way undermine our ability to form valid opinion and exercise our democracy?

Despite my geeky snippet of Python in a previous image I don’t actually think it’s important that all kids can code fluently. I’d rather use the word “program” than “code” to mean can solve problems algorithmically as opposed to can type correct syntax in one or other language.

Algorithmic thinking is a form of problem solving that breaks problems into their smallest components to find ways to proceduralise their solution. Employers have said this is a more and more valuable skill for workers in the knowledge and information industries. I also believe it helps my students to analyse and form arguments in other subjects. Maybe it even helps them to think.

Donald Knuth (Ka-nooth) (no really I looked at his website and it’s in the FAQ under How do you pronounce your name) put it far more eloquently than I ever could when he wrote “Computer programming is an art, because it applies accumulated knowledge to the world, because it requires skill and ingenuity, and especially because it produces objects of beauty. A programmer who subconsciously views himself as an artist will enjoy what he does and will do it better.” My only critique is that we need to add “she” in there somewhere.

Time and Effort to Connect

Sat, 07 Mar 2015 17:10:37 GMT

One of the challenges of being a computing teacher is that we often work alone in our schools. By alone I mean being the only computing teacher there. This is certainly my case and I have to make the effort to avoid isolation.

Here are some of my strategies:

Join ICTENSW and attend as many meetings as possible
Join #ozcschat on Twitter – a monthly chat with one on Tuesday (10 March) just before the conference. Questions are posted on the chat site. Use the tag to learn and share new resources as well as joining asynchronous conversations
Attend or even host a TeachMeet – find the upcoming events here
Attend various CS4HS events – I’ve been to the ones hosted by University of Sydney, UNSW, Mac ICT and Google
Blog – it’s a nice repository as well as portfolio of resources. Plus, it provides a platform for extended conversations and even crowd-sourcing ideas

In short, I make the time and effort to connect. I find that most people are really happy to chat and share their experiences, stories and resources. That’s really awesome….and thus I feel less isolated, even just for a little bit.

Malyn Mawby

NSW Innovation iAwards

Sat, 28 Feb 2015 17:11:23 GMT

We would like to bring to your attention to the opportunity for recognition of NSW High School students and their teachers for their excellence in innovation and technology and through their nomination for the 2015 iAwards. As a retired TAFE NSW Institute Director, Kevin Harris has seen the calibre of many graduating NSW high school students in the ICT and related fields, and he believes that the excellence of NSW students and teachers in all things digital and computing should be celebrated. Kevin thinks one of the best ways for that to happen is for them to be recognised on the national stage in the industry’s premier event, the annual iAwards.

Last year, a group of students from Coffs Harbour supported by their teacher nominated for the awards and were recognised at the NSW State and national level receiving the Highly Commended award. NSW students and teachers can win the national iAwards but only if they nominate. The following links provide an overview with links for nomination.

For more information, see:

iAwards Secondary Students video

iAwards Undergrads and Postgrads video

Hills YIA video

Regards, Leanne Cameron