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AUSTRALIAN

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

Stories of STEM leaders with disabilities inspiring the next generation

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

The ‘AI revolution’ has reached an inflection point

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

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

 

Internationally recognised early childhood and digital literacy scholar joins Monash

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

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

 

Australian Kids Are Making Friends Across Continents Through Gaming

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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STATE

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Parents To Save Money On Students’ Digital Devices

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

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