"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/>

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>

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/>

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/>

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>

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/>

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>

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>

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/>

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>

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>