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/>

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>

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>

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/>

"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>