Clever pickle: the YouTubing Sydney teacher in the running for $1.3m global prize

Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. Rebecca West still can’t bring herself to call hers by his first name, even though, 20 years on, she’s friends with Paul on Facebook. But she’ll never forget the example that her geography and legal studies teacher Mr Fields set her as a student, before teaching was even on her radar as a career. ... But West has also been recognised for her creative approach to teaching (for example, turning writing tasks into role-playing exercises based on the game Dungeons and Dragons), and her inexhaustible desire to support students and colleagues – and not just her own. In 2017, long before teachers were dragged in front of the camera during the pandemic, West started making instructional videos and posting them on YouTube, at first as a teaching aid for her own students.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/30/clever-pickle-the-youtubing-sydney-teacher-in-the-running-for-13m-global-prize>

Three-to-four-year-olds to learn about digital safety in Australian trial

QUT researchers are leading an Australian-first study to teach young children, including those aged three to four, about digital citizenship.

<https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=178928>

Minecraft: Education Edition Across the Australian Curriculum

We have published a series of videos for teachers to demonstrate how Minecraft: Education Edition can be used across all learning areas in the Australian Curriculum. Created by Steven Payne and Meg Pusey from Standout Education, these videos aim to inspire you to take and adapt these Minecraft ideas, lessons, and resources to use in your classroom. We have also included interviews with teachers from across Australia who are enthusiastically using Minecraft for learning and teaching.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2021/11/minecraft-education-edition-across-the-australian-curriculum/>

Science teachers recognised with Prime Ministers’ Prize

A primary teacher from Queensland and a secondary teacher from Sydney were last night recognised for their contribution to STEM and agricultural science education by being named winners of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching. Here, we share details of the work they’re doing in their schools.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/science-teachers-recognised-with-prime-ministers-prize>

Curriculum considerations for ADHD

... Science and technology: Students may remember and engage in lessons better if they can see it in real life. Consider excursions to see science in action.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/inclusive-practice-hub/all-resources/primary-resources/understanding-disability/adhd/curriculum-considerations>

Kindergarten orientation moves from zoom to reality

One fully vaccinated parent or carer per child will be allowed on school sites to support their pre-schooler as they start Kindergarten orientation, under new COVID-safe guidelines announced today.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/kindergarten-orientation-moves-from-zoom-to-reality>

Esports 101 - An introduction to the industry

It is different from standard video gaming in that esports is competitive (human-vs-human) and usually involves an interactive audience element, similar to traditional sports.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/esports-101-an-introduction-to-the-industry>

The 2 Platforms You Need to Transform Digital Learning and Assessments

The challenges for schools and universities have been exacerbated amidst the extended global pandemic to the point where even managing fundamental school operations like online classes and exams are difficult.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-2-platforms-you-need-to-transform-digital-learning-and-assessments/279040>

Parents, Educators, and Caregivers Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns for Remote Learning during COVID-19 [In Proceedings of the International Conference of the Greece ACM SIGCHI Chapter (CHIGreece 2021)]

Abstract: In 2020, there was a sudden and internationally widespread shift towards remote learning, primarily stemming from a need to facilitate learning while also maintaining the physical safety of students and community members. While there are benefits to remote learning, increased integration and use of Internet Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to create opportunities for cyber threats that exist within the digital environment. These threats can range from unauthorized use of webcam, an increased risk for phishing, to increased time spent online and risk of cyberbullying as well. To this aid, our goal is to seek to understand the users' privacy concerns and security risks related to the remote learning process. For this, we conducted a survey-based study with 520 participants. Through thematic analysis we obtained an understanding of the perceptions of parents, teachers, and caregivers of children attending online educational institutions. We found that most participants have experienced a cybersecurity or privacy-related incident pertaining to remote learning. We conclude by providing suggestions based on our findings to create a more secure and privacy-preserving online education experience for the users.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3947273>

Connect All Students: Understanding the K–12 Digital Divide

The gap between students with high-speed internet and adequate devices at home and those without is perpetuating educational and economic inequality. We explore the scale and scope of the digital divide in the United States, and suggest ways to close it for good.

<https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/connect-all-students-understanding-the-k-12-digital-divide>

International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying

4 November 2020 will mark the second edition of the new International Day against Violence and Bullying at School including Cyberbullying, under the theme “Tackling cyberbullying and other forms of online violence involving children and young people.”

<https://en.unesco.org/news/international-day-against-violence-and-bullying-school-including-cyberbullying>

Afghan girls learning to code 'underground' to bypass Taliban curbs on education

Cooped up at home in Herat, Afghanistan, Zainab Muhammadi reminisces about hanging out with her friends in the cafeteria after coding class.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-31/afghan-girls-learn-code-underground-to-bypass-taliban-curbs/100581408>

Sydney's new airport inspiring young minds to pursue a career in STEM

Western Sydney students are being inspired to take up exciting careers in STEM and work at Sydney’s new airport in the future thanks to a new partnership between Western Sydney Airport and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2021/Sydneys-new-airport-inspiring-young-minds-to-pursue-a-career-in-STEM>

Lessons from home learning

Many parents worry about how the lockdown experience will impact their children's education in the long run.

<https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7480967/worry-less-focus-on-positives-lessons-from-home-learning/>

Diary of a home schooling parent: What I’ve learned about remote learning this lockdown by Tiffany Wright, Director Education, Australia at Microsoft

When the first school closures were announced in early 2020, my two primary school kids had one clunky laptop, complete with sticky keys and a foggy screen, between them. With its slow loading times and poor-quality sound, the outdated machine made remote learning harder than it needed to be.

<https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/diary-home-schooling-parent-what-ive-learned-remote-learning-wright>

Women in STEM underpaid, underrepresented and unsupported: Professionals Australia survey

A nationwide survey from trade union Professionals Australia has found that women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and professional roles across Australia are underpaid, underrepresented and unsupported.

<https://www.crn.com.au/news/women-in-stem-underpaid-underrepresented-and-unsupported-professionals-australia-survey-571817>

Women staying in the STEM Workforce Report

Professionals Australia has urgently called for future, post-COVID STEM strategies to focus on improving the participation, retention and career advancement after a nationwide survey found that women in STEM are underpaid, underrepresented and unsupported.

<https://scientists.professionalsaustralia.org.au/Scientists/News/2021_women_in_stem_report.aspx>

Back-to-school: a time for celebration or concern?

This week, students in NSW and Victoria are finally returning to the classroom after extended lockdowns. ... Principal, Henry Grossek, says almost half of his school’s parents are refusing to send their kids back because of potential exposure. “While remote learning might not have been the best approach for some people, we at least had certainty and predictability. We knew what we were doing every day. We also knew that the risk was lower because kids were at home,” Grossek told The Educator.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/backtoschool-a-time-for-celebration-or-concern/279042>

Powerhouse Museum $30m boost aims to inspire kids from diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM careers [AAP]

The Powerhouse Museum's Parramatta chapter will receive a combined $30 million in donations to help kids from western Sydney and regional NSW learn about science and technology.

<https://www.sbs.com.au/news/powerhouse-museum-30m-boost-aims-to-inspire-kids-from-diverse-backgrounds-to-pursue-stem-careers/105534f9-c589-4394-a997-6c9d3cb88d34>

Historic $30 Million Commitment To Powerhouse Parramatta

The Powerhouse has today announced an extraordinary $30 million investment in the future of Powerhouse Parramatta by The Walker Family Foundation and Western Sydney University (WSU). In one of the largest donations ever to an Australian cultural institution, The Walker Family Foundation has committed $20 million to the Lang Walker Family Academy and associated programs, a commitment that will fund access to world-class immersive STEM education experiences at the museum for over 10,000 high school students from Western Sydney and regional NSW every year – including overnight stays at the museum for many of these students.

<https://www.maas.museum/media-story/historic-30-million-commitment-to-powerhouse-parramatta/>

Sydney students excel in world battle of the bots

St Johns Park and Bankstown Girls high schools are celebrating success at the 2021 Universal Robotics Challenge, writes Glenn Cullen.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/sydney-students-excel-in-world-battle-of-the-bots>

Enterprising effort rewarded with ministerial pitch

Vanessa Lahey meets a Rivers Secondary College team that has ‘solved’ a COVID-19 conundrum as part of a national ‘all-girl’ STEM challenge.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/enterprising-effort-rewarded-with-ministerial-pitch>

Students’ academic skills survive remote learning, study finds

Lara White will return to class in Sydney this week and her mum is happy with her daughter’s progress during remote learning.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/students-academic-skills-survive-remote-learning-study-finds-20211022-p592cz.html>

The truth about inquiry-based learning

As Victorian and NSW students return to the classroom, it is crucial that we make wise choices about how we teach.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/the-truth-about-inquiry-based-learning-20211012-p58z8v.html>

Building Skills For Life: How to expand and improve computer science education around the world

This report makes the case for expanding computer science education in primary and secondary schools around the world, and outlines the key challenges standing in the way. Through analysis of regional and national education systems at various stages of progress in implementing computer science education programs, the report offers transferable lessons learned across a wide range of settings with the aim that all students—regardless of income level, race, or sex—can one day build foundational skills necessary for thriving in the 21st century.

<https://www.brookings.edu/essay/building-skills-for-life-how-to-expand-and-improve-computer-science-education-around-the-world/>

The 2 Platforms You Need to Transform Digital Learning and Assessments

The challenges for schools and universities have been exacerbated amidst the extended global pandemic to the point where even managing fundamental school operations like online classes and exams are difficult.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-2-platforms-you-need-to-transform-digital-learning-and-assessments/279040>

Glenn Maxwell Teams Up With BYJU’S Future School To Encourage Aussie Kids To Get Into Maths And Coding

Aussie cricketer Glenn Maxwell is encouraging kids to upskill in maths and coding as part of a new campaign for BYJU.

<https://www.bandt.com.au/glenn-maxwell-teams-up-with-byjus-future-school-to-encourage-aussie-kids-to-get-into-maths-and-coding/>

Videogames or homework? Why not both, as ACMI has 75 game lessons for you to try

Despite the growth of technology in our daily lives, the integration of digital technologies into education has been slower than anticipated. There seem to be a number of factors at work here, including problems with access to technology and the time and support needed to use technology successfully in the classroom.

<https://theconversation.com/videogames-or-homework-why-not-both-as-acmi-has-75-game-lessons-for-you-to-try-169359>

Free online webinar helps students address mental health concerns

... This week, eSafety Commissioner announced free online resources for parents and carers to help young people aged 10-18 manage their mental health while they’re online.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/free-online-webinar-helps-students-address-mental-health-concerns/278995>

Integrating algorithm tasks into early years teaching

Algorithms are a key component of computational thinking, and the foundations for developing these skills starts in the early years. What are some of the day-to-day ‘unplugged activities’ that offer teachers easy opportunities for emphasising and building these skills?

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/integrating-algorithm-tasks-into-early-years-teaching>

Australian music teachers making a difference

Teachers from Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales have been recognised as nominees for the 2021 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award for their contributions to music education by fostering students’ self-esteem; keeping them engaged and inspired during periods of remote learning; and providing performance opportunities.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/australian-music-teachers-making-a-difference>

Students scale up their skills for STEM challenge

A blob trying to break into the Underworld, a scientist jumping through size-altering portals, and a man who wakes up dazed and confused in a scrapyard – these are some of the protagonists from winning games in this year’s Australian STEM Video Game Challenge.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/students-scale-up-their-skills-for-stem-challenge>

Meet and Greet: Introducing Google’s virtual space

Google Classroom is increasingly becoming a one-stop digital shop for remote education, the introduction of the ‘Meet’ function for students set to make learning life that much easier.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/meet-and-greet--introducing-google-s-virtual-space->

Engaging school communities to improve student outcomes

The Quality Teaching Practice unit has been successfully working with schools this year to engage their communities with the Learning Ecosystems for Improved Student Outcomes professional learning.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/engaging-school-communities-to-improve-student-outcomes>

‘I’m just busting to come back to school’: Sydney’s youngest students back in classrooms

At MLC School in Burwood, the heads of school were dressed in unicorn onesies to welcome kindergarten and year 1 back after more than three months of remote learning.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/i-m-just-busting-to-come-back-to-school-sydney-s-youngest-students-back-in-classrooms-20211018-p590w2.html>

NSW parents to get $250 vouchers as a homeschooling thank you

Parents of school-aged children will be given a $250 thank you gift from the NSW government.

<https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-parents-to-get-250-vouchers-as-a-homeschooling-thank-you-20211021-p591zy.html>

Uneven global education stimulus risks widening learning disparities

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNESCO has been monitoring government stimulus investments in education. In total, US$ 16 trillion was invested in fiscal stimulus worldwide. However, 97 per cent was concentrated in high-income countries, revealing the coverage gap between those countries with financial capacity and those without. The education and training sector represents only 2.9 per cent of this total global stimulus package amount. In light of these findings, UNESCO continues to advocate for prioritizing investments to education, not only as a human right, but also as a strategy for an efficient, effective, and sustainable economic recovery.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/uneven-global-education-stimulus-risks-widening-learning-disparities>

From Tiktok to bear mascots — 7 ways education is recruiting cyber talent

Higher education institutions and businesses are targeting students for cybersecurity careers by offering hands-on experience at high-tech cyber ranges, designing mascots to teach K-12 students about cracking ciphers and by posting videos on TikTok.

<https://edscoop.com/list/from-tiktok-to-bear-mascots-7-ways-education-is-recruiting-cyber-talent/>

Empower your educators and staff with new training resources

As we are entering the new school year in the Northern Hemisphere and approaching summer break in the Southern Hemisphere, Microsoft Education continues to see incredible transformation at so many schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, and education systems across the world. We are keenly aware of the important role that technology is playing in supporting this transformation.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/empower-your-educators-and-staff-with-new-training-resources>

Everything comes together in Teams

Learning can happen from anywhere with the right set of tools. Whether you’re a school leader looking to bring together learning resources or an educator looking to bring out the best in your students, Microsoft Teams puts your classroom tools into one powerful platform.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/everything-comes-together-in-teams>

How to support your students with personalized learning experiences

No two students are the same, and as they learn, communicate, and grow in different ways, educators understand that supporting individual needs can make all the difference. To make that easier, Education Insights in Microsoft Teams helps educators create personalized learning experiences for their students.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/10/how-to-support-your-students-with-personalized-learning-experiences>

round 63% students claim online learning platforms help reduce stress

Brainly, online learning platform, surveyed its Indian user base to determine the impact of the paradigm shift to study-from-home on the student’s mental health.

<https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/around-63-students-claim-online-learning-platforms-help-reduce-stress>

Today’s classrooms require flexible, scalable device management

Where learning takes place has changed. Educators and students now convene in person, remotely, and in blended environments. This means classroom device management must evolve as well.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/10/todays-classrooms-require-flexible-scalable-device-management>

Hour of Code 2021: Computer science everywhere!

Computer science has helped unlock mysteries in math and medicine. It’s been used to create art, including your favorite games, movies, and TV shows. It helps us eradicate diseases and enables us to explore the depths of outer space. It allows us to imagine ancient civilizations, as well as build the cities of the future. And obviously, computer science is responsible for the very device you’re reading this story on!

<https://codeorg.medium.com/hour-of-code-2021-computer-science-everywhere-540165a5f3e0>

McLaren Racing and Dell Technologies announce multi-year extension

McLaren Racing has today announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with Dell Technologies. Together they will continue to drive innovation and push the boundaries of human-machine performance on the track and beyond. Their work together does not stop at technology – they will collaborate on programmes to ensure their societal and environmental impact drives success across the industry and help achieve their 2030 goals, focusing on STEM education, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable practices.

<https://www.mclaren.com/racing/partners/dell-technologies/mclaren-racing-and-dell-technologies-announce-multi-year-extension/>

Project Lead The Way Prepares Texas Students for STEM Careers

Middle school students in Bastrop, Texas are getting hands-on experience with computer-aided design, 3-D printers and other tools involved in STEM careers through a curriculum from the nonprofit Project Lead The Way.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/project-lead-the-way-prepares-texas-students-for-stem-careers>

Has online learning given Stem subjects a boost?

In this podcast, experts explain how the use of technology in lessons is encouraging pupils to consider science careers

<https://www.tes.com/news/has-online-learning-given-stem-subjects-schools-boost-science-careers>

'Giving all kids a go' - Bridging the gap between the city and country in virtual learning

Students who are geographically remote or have other factors limiting their ability to attend face-to-face schooling will benefit from a new virtual online learning program developed by the Victorian Department of Education and Training and Monash University.

<https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/giving-all-kids-a-go-bridging-the-gap-between-the-city-and-country-in-virtual-learning>

Schools prioritise quality online safety education during the pandemic

Almost a third of all Australian schools are using quality online safety education providers endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner, the federal online safety regulator, as reports of cyberbullying continue to surge during the pandemic.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/schools-prioritise-quality-online-safety-education-during-pandemic>

Landmark framework sets foundation for effective online safety education in Australian schools

The eSafety Commissioner has today launched the first-ever national online safety education framework for Australian schools and teachers, helping educators equip young people with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/landmark-framework-sets-foundation-for-effective-online-safety-education-australian-schools>

Digital Practices During Remote Learning and Beyond

The Evidence Institute’s new report presents insightful findings from four diverse schools on the challenges and successes of navigating teaching and learning in a post-pandemic world.

<https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/newsroom?ArticleId=602ea014-4ec8-4244-b7c2-1e59c9eee791&_cldee=YnJpYW5ob3N0NzdAZ21haWwuY29t&recipientid=contact-c3356ded1145e0119109005056b82c7b-d3326f3a4c014c258afe6f4c564df152&esid=261d7cee-8f2c-ec11-a2f8-0050568d2360>

Join ACS' advisory panels: Do you want to help shape the face of ICT in Australia?

As the professional association for Australia’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector, ACS is passionate about the ICT profession being recognised as a driver of innovation and business.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2021/join-acs-advisory-panels.html>

What can we learn from remote learning – parent reflections

As Australia's vaccination rates continue to increase, lockdown home schooling is coming to an end for many families. However, the changes to education that have resulted from home schooling provide an opportunity to reflect upon what has happened and what we might decide to retain into the future

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/what-can-we-learn-from-remote-learning--parent-reflections/278941>

Parents, studies show most kids have done just fine in remote schooling. Here’s how to survive the home stretch

With nearly half of Australia’s population in lockdown, a lot of children and young people are still not attending face-to-face school.

<https://www.studyinternational.com/news/remote-learning-in-2020/>

Child Safety for Students in all Environments

Child Protection Week gives us a timely reminder to ensure students are kept safe both online, offline and during remote learning, writes MARIA COSTA.

<https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/newsroom?ArticleId=6f03e59c-46c1-41c6-80b4-81ec1819da0b>

Student Engagement in Online Learning

Creating a positive environment for online learning can be enhanced using these practical and effective classroom management strategies, by DR ELIZABETH MAHER.

<https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/newsroom?ArticleId=3cbe4944-602a-4cbf-b6c3-38252915009b>

Study shows high levels of public trust and value for Australian teachers

Ahead of World Teachers Day, new research from Monash University has found the role of teachers continues to be recognised as important and influential in developing students' social and emotional development - which became even more important during COVID-19 remote learning.

<https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/study-shows-high-levels-of-public-trust-and-value-for-australian-teachers>

Learning resources for parents and carers

Now schools are open for the staged return of all students, they are expected to be back at school unless they are unable to for medical reasons (with approved documentation) or due to a temporary school closure.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/learning-resources-for-parents-and-carers>

Transition to school during COVID-19: Information for early childhood education and care services

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) transition to school practices may need to be adapted this year as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). This webpage provides information and resources for early childhood professionals to support children transition to primary school in 2022.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/working-in-early-childhood-education/transition-to-school/covid-services>

Tackling the teacher shortage

A New South Wales Government plan to spend $13.5 million recruiting 500 specialist STEM teachers has been welcomed by the peak body for science and technology.

<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/tackling-the-teacher-shortage/>

Adapting, Adopting and Transforming: Enhancing teaching and learning through technology

World Teachers’ Day provides a good opportunity to reflect on the way in which teachers have rapidly upskilled and embraced new approaches to teaching and learning during the pandemic and ways in which to ensure that this can be embedded in future practice.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/adapting-adopting-and-transforming-enhancing-teaching-and-learning-through-technology>

Unleashing the Potential of Young Women and Girls Everywhere

The World Bank is committed to seeing every girl prosper in her life. Our projects support the education of hundreds of millions of girls and young women across the world.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/unleashing-potential-young-women-and-girls-everywhere>

The kids are not alright: Three ways EdTech can support student’s wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Most of us may remember our first day at school, making friends and sharing experiences inside and outside of the classroom. In the same way, we might remember our graduation day and sharing with our friends the closing of a stage in our lives and the start of a new chapter full of dreams.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/kids-are-not-alright-three-ways-edtech-can-support-students-wellbeing-during-covid-19>

Language learning for success in an interconnected world

In today’s global and connected world, proficiency in more than one language is a fundamental tool for communicating and interacting with others and a key asset for employability. Fifteen-year-old Leonard from Spain – one of several students who shared their thoughts on language learning with us – is aware of these benefits:

<https://oecdedutoday.com/language-learning-success-interconnected-world/>

Opportunities and dangers of digital technologies: the views of children and young people on their leisure time behaviour

The influence of digital everyday technologies on the lives of children and young people is an increasingly researched field. This applies to the resulting opportunities as well as to the associated risks and dangers. In this blog, Andreas Chmielowski discusses children’s views of the online benefits and risks, their varying degrees of skills and competence, and the e-safety strategies children use.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2021/09/22/children-and-leisure/>

What to be mindful of: children’s mental health and the digital environment

An estimated 13% of the global adolescent population aged 12-19 years – or 166 million children – live with some mental disorder, according to UNICEF’s new flagship report State of the World’s Children 2021 – On My Mind: Promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health. As lives became digital by default, our attention was drawn to the possible impacts of children’s internet use on their wellbeing. For parenting.digital, Mariya Stoilova explores the role of the digital environment in supporting children’s vulnerability or resilience looking at the factors that make a difference between wellbeing and harm. 

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2021/10/06/childrens-mental-health/>

Is it time for agile pedagogical digital competences?

Pedagogical digital competence is the ability to consistently plan, conduct and apply teaching supported by digital technology. It is not a fixed set of attitudes, knowledge and skills – we learnt that fast (maybe even hard) in the previous school year. So, how can teachers build resilience against future crises? Digital education expert Lidija Kralj shares her views.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/viewpoints/experts/agile-pedagogical-competence.htm>

When Girls Have Access to Technologies, A True Digital Revolution Will Be In Sight [IPS]

This year’s International Day of the Girl theme, Digital Generation, Our Generation, celebrates the potential of digital technologies while calling for the inclusion of all girls in accessing technology.

<http://www.ipsnews.net/2021/10/girls-access-technologies-true-digital-revolution-will-sight/>

Could do better: what students want from schools: An FT/World Bank competiton asked young people to share their sometimes startling views

Since 2019, the free FT for schools programme and the World Bank have run an annual blog writing competition for students aged 16-19, seeking their views on education. We publish edited extracts from the winning blogs and runners-up, plus fresh reflections.

<https://www.ft.com/content/bbc70b0c-bdc5-479e-a5b9-8f964a83cda6>

Apple unveils new resources for elementary schools

Apple is unveiling new resources for elementary school students and educators, including a new activity guide, Everyone Can Code Early Learners, that extends its coding curriculum resources from kindergarten to college.

<http://appleshopaholic.com/apple-unveils-new-resources-for-elementary-schools/>

Lego to remove gender bias from its toys after findings of child survey

Lego has announced it will work to remove gender stereotypes from its toys after a global survey the company commissioned found attitudes to play and future careers remain unequal and restrictive. ... The study found that parents still encouraged sons to do sports or Stem activities, while daughters were offered dance and dressing up (girls were five times more likely to be encouraged in these activities than boys) or baking (three times more likely to be encouraged).

<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/11/lego-to-remove-gender-bias-after-survey-shows-impact-on-children-stereotypes>

Teachers continue to inspire, against all odds

During the pandemic and remote learning, teachers continue to work hard and inspire a new generation.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/teachers-continue-to-inspire-against-all-odds-20211007-p58y62.html>

One in six teachers working outside their area of expertise, documents reveal

An analysis of HSC results found students taught by specially qualified teachers did better than those who were not, particularly in science and technology subjects.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/one-in-six-teachers-working-outside-their-area-of-expertise-documents-reveal-20211007-p58y28.html>

Webinar: Anxious kids, remote learning and school refusal

There have been plenty things which can cause us to be anxious over the past 2 years. To which, children and young people have not been exempted. In this presentation, Clinical Psychologist ,Tom Lothian, will review the nature of anxiety, what can be done to help and what to avoid. There will be a specific focus on anxiety in young people and on school refusal as this is a widespread challenge in many households coming into the final school term of 2021.

<https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/anxious-kids-remote-learning-and-school-refusal-tickets-180631994157>

Student video game designers scale the challenges

Students entering the 2021 Australian STEM Video Game Challenge have been commended for persevering throughout an often challenging school year.

<https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/student-video-game-designers-scale-the-challenges>

Industry, schools and governments must work together to foster STEM career pathways

Weld Australia is calling on industry, schools and governments to work together to develop and deliver STEM programs that engage, excite and attract students. Australia needs a vibrant national STEM skills program that illuminates the opportunities available in careers like welding and manufacturing for kids and parents alike.

<https://weldaustralia.com.au/news-views/industry-schools-and-governments-must-work-together-to-foster-stem-career-pathways/>

Chief Scientist: We need more women in STEM

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley is urgently calling for cultural change to help encourage women in STEM fields to avoid being left out as the country undergoes a shift toward science and technology.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2021/chief-scientist--we-need-more-women-in-stem.html>

STEM Women Asia launched to the world

STEM Women Asia has been launched—providing an online directory of women in Asia and Oceania working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/stem-women-asia-launched>

Celebrating two years of impact with The GiST

In September, The Girls in STEM Toolkit (The GiST) is celebrating its second anniversary. Read about the achievements of The GiST during this time, from developing classroom principles to publishing inspiring stories of women paving the way in STEM.

<https://www.esa.edu.au/resources/news-articles/article-detail/celebrating-two-years-of-impact-with-the-gist>

Supporting teacher and principal wellbeing

How does educator wellbeing build a foundation for effective and rewarding teaching and learning? This self-paced online course from the Student Wellbeing Hub will help you develop tailored strategies to enhance your own wellbeing and professional fulfilment.

<https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/educators/professional-learning-courses/principal-and-teacher-wellbeing/>

Artificial Intelligence Explainers video: AI applications

The invention of the car more than 125 years ago transformed society at the time. Today, AI has the same transformative power. Share this video with your students to learn about innovative AI applications in Australia that will help to transform our modern lives. 

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/resourcedetail?id=1f3e4d98-09f9-6792-a599-ff0000f327dd>

Lesson plan on AI and image recognition

How does a computer see? This new lesson plan from the Digital Technologies Hub helps students explore how computer vision, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), is used in digital systems to recognise and classify an object in an image.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teachers/lesson-ideas/ai-lesson-plans/ai-and-image-recognition>

STEM students prove they are masters of the universe

Vanessa Lahey meets a team of budding astronauts from Newcastle that has won an international space race.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/stem-students-prove-they-are-masters-of-the-universe>

Public school teacher shortage raises fears they will ‘run out of teachers’

Confidential departmental documents show NSW government schools face an unprecedented lack of teachers and are likely to “run out in the next five years”.

<https://www.watoday.com.au/national/nsw/public-school-teacher-shortage-raises-fears-they-will-run-out-of-teachers-20211003-p58wtq.html>

Early childhood education in remote NSW moves online to help kids during lockdown

A preschool in western New South Wales is using online conferencing and toy deliveries to help ensure its young people are not being left behind during the pandemic.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-02/remote-early-childhood-education-bourke-nsw/100505420>

Towards a more equitable and empowering mathematics curriculum: What if we made progressive pedagogies more visible?

The Covid-19 pandemic has added to growing concerns about how misleading statistics and media reports can influence the beliefs and behaviour of millions of people. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Future of Education and Skills 2030 project (OECD, 2018) called for a review of the school curriculum with a view to cultivating the collective knowledge and critical understanding needed for today’s learners to address the environmental, economic and social challenges facing our society. We believe that mathematics education has a vital role to play in meeting these aims; however, current policy directions in England may prevent it from doing so.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/towards-a-more-equitable-and-empowering-mathematics-curriculum-what-if-we-made-progressive-pedagogies-more-visible>

Teaching with Google Arts & Culture

Since its creation in 2011, Google Arts & Culture has made a wide range of cultural stories and experiences available to everyone, thanks to our collaboration with cultural organisations around the world. From experiencing dinosaurs and iconic fashion garments in 360 to getting immersed into masterpieces guided by your favourite actor or musician, and even projecting Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit into your home in AR, the platform offers curious minds many opportunities to learn.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/arts-culture/teaching-google-arts-culture/>

Will technology solve education inequality?

As Harvard analyst, Deval Patrick, truthfully pointed out once: “When there’s inequity in learning, it’s usually baked into life.” The quality of education we receive as children and young adults directly impacts the quality of life we enjoy later. A good education allows us to work, develop and ultimately live a more secure and happier life. Receiving an inadequate education, on the other hand, can significantly hinder our personal development.

<https://www.techradar.com/au/news/will-technology-solve-education-inequality>

A celebration of strength and resilience this World Teachers’ Day

According to Google Trends, over the last 18 months, searches for “missing my students” increased 150%, and searches for “bulletin board ideas” dropped to an all-time low in April 2020. 

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/world-teachers-day/>

Apple launches new coding guide for elementary school students

Apple is rolling out several new resources for elementary school students, including a new "Everyone Can Code Early Learners" activity guide. The new guide extends Apple's curriculum resources from kindergarten to college. This latest rollout is part of the tech giant’s Everyone Can Code initiative, which aims to help educators and families introduce coding to students early on.

<https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/05/apple-launches-new-coding-guide-for-elementary-school-students/>

Panel: Demystifying computer science for Black parents of K-5 students

Code.org recently launched CS Journeys, a program designed for K-12 students to explore how computer science impacts their world and envision their own future possibilities. This initiative also engages parents to join this journey along with their children.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/panel-demystifying-computer-science-for-black-parents-of-k-5-students-517ca3913ceb>

Australia’s Digital Future—a nation of users or leaders?

Australia risks becoming a laggard among the world’s top technologically driven nations without a stronger investment in digital technology-based research, innovation and workers, according to a new summary for policymakers published today.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/australias-digital-future-nation-users-or-leaders>

Australia's chief scientist urges for diversity in STEM to help fill the country's skills shortage

Australia's chief scientist Cathy Foley has highlighted that an important part of solving the country's skills shortage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors is embracing a diverse workforce.

<https://www.zdnet.com/article/australias-chief-scientist-urges-for-diversity-in-stem-to-help-fill-the-countrys-skills-shortage/>

<https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/australias-chief-scientist-urges-for-diversity-in-stem-to-help-fill-the-countrys-skills-shortage/ar-AAOWiIb>

'Teach NSW' calling for the world’s best teachers

Overseas and interstate STEM teachers will be the target of a new campaign to boost teacher numbers in NSW public schools.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/teach-nsw-calling-for-the-world-s-best-teachers>

$13.5m plan to poach 500 overseas teachers to NSW [subscription]

The $13.5 million education plan is aimed at addressing an “urgent shortage” of teachers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/nsw-education-plans-to-bring-in-over-500-stem-teachers-from-across-the-globe/news-story/f8b66c8b4af2da9a2504306528c1ac19>

EDISON Alliance Members Commit to Improving 1 Billion Lives Through Affordable Digital Access to Healthcare, Finance and Education by 2025

The EDISON Alliance aims to improve the lives of 1 billion people through the 1 Billion Lives Challenge by increasing affordable digital access to healthcare, finance and education by 2025. Although 85% of the world’s population lives in areas covered by 4G, only half are online. Cost, not coverage, is the critical barrier to connectivity. In low-income countries, home to 650 million people, mobile broadband is 18 times more expensive than in developed countries, as a proportion of average income.

<https://www.weforum.org/press/2021/09/edison-alliance-members-commit-to-improving-1-billion-lives-through-affordable-digital-access-to-healthcare-finance-and-education-by-2025>

Spotlight on social emotional skills: Results of OECD’s global survey

The past year and a half has highlighted that disruptive events affect communities very differently. Students in lower income areas and those who are traditionally underserved face challenges that those in higher income areas don’t, such as heightened anxiety about graduating, increased loneliness, and difficulty feeling connected to peers. Education experts are already seeing an increase in mental health issues as a direct result of COVID-19 and advise placing focus on students’ social and emotional skills. This may minimize the severity of psychological damage and help students feel calmer, more confident, and most importantly, provide a sense of control in a world which can feel largely out of control.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/spotlight-on-social-emotional-skills-results-of-oecds-global-survey>

Unlimited learning. From anywhere.

Imagine a future in which everyone, everywhere, has access to the world ’s best education. Imagine no limits, no exclusions: old, young, rich, poor, from the mega-cities to remote hillside villages - fully connected schools to fully connected students learning from anywhere. A future of connectivity bringing complete equity and inclusivity to universal learning. It sounds like a dream, but in a world where digital innovation will complement and evolve classroom learning, it ’s possible.

<https://www.ericsson.com/en/about-us/new-world-of-possibilities/unlimited-learning-from-anywhere>

Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon

The UNESCO annual Global Media and Information Literacy Week is a major occasion for stakeholders to review and celebrate the progress achieved towards “Media and Information Literacy for All” and a UN international Day.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/global-media-and-information-literacy-youth-hackathon>

EdTech is at a crossroads: Why evidence is needed, standards must be set, and regulation should be implemented

As a result the many pandemic-related lockdowns around the world, many children have been spending more time online than ever before, and schools have been forced to teach online using various digital platforms and tools. But are there risks inherent in this shift towards digital education? In this post, LSE Visiting Fellow Ioanna Noula argues that start-ups focusing on education technology, or EdTech, need more regulation and must provide more evidence of their impact.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2021/09/22/edtech-is-at-a-crossroads-why-evidence-is-needed-standards-must-be-set-and-regulation-should-be-implemented/>

Is Remote Learning the Future of Education?

The world has been moving toward remote learning models since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Especially when it comes to educational institutes, educators are finding new ways to leverage and execute educational programs efficiently and effectively.

<https://news.elearninginside.com/is-remote-learning-the-future-of-education/>

We’ve seen how remote learning works. Now, let’s get ready for hybrid learning

It’s fair to say that many more people have experience of the benefits and challenges of online education today than did two years ago.

<https://www.theregister.com/2021/09/29/remote_learning_lenovo/>

Why lockdown learning loss shouldn't cloud the gains

An over-emphasis on 'lost learning' does a disservice to teachers' work during Covid, say these researchers

<https://www.tes.com/news/why-lockdown-learning-loss-shouldnt-cloud-gains>

Distance learning & initial teacher education: Making connections in a virtual world

The peaks and troughs of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives, and initial teacher education (ITE) is by no means an exception. Reflecting on changes to our delivery of education gives us an opportunity to consider possibilities and limitations, while also focusing on what is important.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/distance-learning-initial-teacher-education-making-connections-in-a-virtual-world>

Giving time for students to think – using learning logs to guide student reflection

In high school, the curriculum often feels overcrowded and rushed. There are just too many things to cover and not enough time. However, it is important to give students the time to stop and think about what they are learning and how they are learning, which are important for becoming self-regulated learners. Students need to be supported to set goals, monitor their progress towards their goals, identify areas for improvement and evaluate the usefulness of different learning strategies.

<https://aliceleung.net/2021/09/27/giving-time-for-students-to-think/>

New Research Warns of Risks to K-12 Students Due to Monitoring Software

Today, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) released a pair of research reports detailing the concerning use of online monitoring software that can track student activity on devices like laptops or tablets—even outside of school hours. With 81% of teachers reporting the use of such software in their schools, the reports cite community concerns regarding disciplinary actions, potential outing of LGBTQ+ students, and chilling effects on students’ expression as some of the privacy and equity issues surrounding their use.

<https://cdt.org/press/new-research-warns-of-risks-to-k-12-students-due-to-monitoring-software/>

Report – Online and Observed: Student Privacy Implications of School-Issued Devices and Student Activity Monitoring Software

Many school districts across the nation expanded efforts to provide devices like laptops and tablets to students during the global pandemic in an effort to close the homework gap and address inequities in technology access. Part of this shift included the introduction of student activity monitoring software and other digital tools aimed in part at facilitating remote classroom management and driving student engagement.

<https://cdt.org/insights/report-online-and-observed-student-privacy-implications-of-school-issued-devices-and-student-activity-monitoring-software/>

Student Activity Monitoring Software: Research Insights and Recommendations

The past few years have seen widespread adoption of software that monitors students in K-12 schools across the country. These tools provide teachers and schools with the ability to filter web content, monitor students’ search engine queries and browsing history, view students’ email, messaging, and social media content, view the contents of their screens in real time, and other monitoring functionality.

<https://cdt.org/insights/student-activity-monitoring-software-research-insights-and-recommendations/>

CDT Original Research Examines Privacy Implications of School-Issued Devices and Student Activity Monitoring Software

During the global pandemic, at a time when remote learning was the only educational option available, K-12 schools across the nation moved quickly to provide devices like laptops and tablets to students to address inequities in technology access.

<https://cdt.org/insights/cdt-original-research-examines-privacy-implications-of-school-issued-devices-and-student-activity-monitoring-software/>

Emerging Safety Technologies in Schools: Addressing Privacy and Equity Concerns to Ensure a Safe In-Person School

Schools that have resumed in-person classes are trying to ensure a safe environment for students and school staff, a challenge that’s been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. In addition to protecting against threats such as weapons and unauthorized visitors, there is currently a need to enforce health guidelines, like requiring students to wear a face covering. Some schools are employing emerging AI-driven systems with the goal of enforcing school safety protocols and protecting those attending schools in-person.

<https://cdt.org/insights/emerging-safety-technologies-in-schools-addressing-privacy-and-equity-concerns-to-ensure-a-safe-in-person-school/>

What coding can teach you!

In the digital age, coding is basic literacy. We’re only at the beginning of a technological revolution, with the world as we know it evolving at an unprecedented pace. As we step into a future more digitally connected than ever, we must be able to understand and communicate with the technology around us.

<https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/what-coding-can-teach-you-316920>

Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards

The Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards honor and recognize 10 all-star teachers working diligently to help students in underserved and underrepresented communities pursue futures in computer science and robotics.

<https://www.amazonfutureengineer.com/teacheroftheyear>

Amazon launches computer science education program Future Engineer in India

Amazon is extending its computer science program, Future Engineer, to India, making the world’s second-largest internet market the fifth market where the firm offers the childhood-to-career community program.

<https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/27/amazon-launches-computer-science-education-program-future-engineer-in-india/>

Remote learning is even harder when English isn’t students’ first language. Schools told us their priorities for supporting them

The COVID-19 pandemic has left large numbers of students, teachers and families grappling with the challenges of remote learning. Remote learning can be particularly challenging for students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D students).

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-is-even-harder-when-english-isnt-students-first-language-schools-told-us-their-priorities-for-supporting-them-166957>

Developing literacy skills in a digital world

‘The change over the last 20 years in what and how students read has emphasised the importance not only of assessing students’ capacity to read, but also what they have learned about the credibility of what they read.’ In her latest Teacher column, Dr Sue Thomson delves into international PISA 2018 data on reading literacy and digital literacy skills.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/developing-literacy-skills-in-a-digital-world>

Expert resources help support remote learning

When NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on 25 June that the state would go into lockdown, few expected that it would drag on for three months. And the state still has another month to go before the lockdown ends in earnest.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/expert-resources-help-support-remote-learning/278749>

Supporting critical numeracy and maths skills in teaching and learning

In today’s article, Dave Tout, Justine Sakurai and Carly Sawatzki discuss numeracy and its relationship with mathematics, and the importance of real-world contexts. They’ll also share a problem-solving cycle to help students develop their skills, and a classroom example of health numeracy, using trampolining as a focus for mathematical investigation.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/supporting-critical-numeracy-and-maths-skills-in-teaching-and-learning>

Students at home, but school life continues

Two schools for students with special learning and support needs have created outstanding programs to connect with their community.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/students-at-home--but-school-life-continues>

Quality Time for teaching

Teachers and school staff are being called on to provide feedback on the NSW Government’s Quality Time Action Plan which sets an ambitious agenda for reducing duplicative, repetitive, and low-value administrative tasks in schools. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said leveraging technology and digital tools to streamline teaching tasks is at the centre of the plan.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/quality-time-for-teaching->

Teachers to spend less time on reports, forms and playground duty

A plan to reduce the time teachers spend on menial tasks could save them up to 40 hours a year.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/teachers-to-spend-less-time-on-reports-forms-and-playground-duty-20210916-p58s65.html>

<https://www.watoday.com.au/national/nsw/teachers-to-spend-less-time-on-reports-forms-and-playground-duty-20210916-p58s65.html>

We stand with her: A call to action on girls’ online learning and digital skills

Global leaders from across the public, private and philanthropic sectors have signed a joint letter committing to girls’ education and in particular girls’ digital access, skills and participation in online learning.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/we-stand-her-call-action-girls-online-learning-and-digital-skills>

The spy tech that followed kids home for remote learning—and won’t leave

Gaggle’s software monitors students’ use of school-issued accounts. But educators may not be prepared to respond to what they learn.

<https://www.fastcompany.com/90677509/the-spy-tech-that-followed-kids-home-for-remote-learning-and-wont-leave>

Effects of online education on mental and physical health

Covid-19 has caused destruction and devastation worldwide in ways nobody could anticipate. The world in one way or another came to a standstill. Life as we knew it changed. And this change became the new constant.

<https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/effects-of-online-education-on-mental-and-physical-health-1854320-2021-09-18>

Help students discover the world with new Flipgrid Live Events

At Flipgrid, we want to help educators everywhere provide unique learning experiences for their students. Flipgrid Live Events connect classrooms to subject matter experts and resources while providing students access to amazing locations across the globe. Whether visiting national parks, traveling underwater, or interacting with renowned authors, activists, and humanitarians, each 30-minute educational live event can broaden your learners’ horizons and enrich your curriculum.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2021/09/help-students-discover-the-world-with-new-flipgrid-live-events>

Students getting closer to the joys of remote learning

Clawing back me-time has been a plus for students during lockdown, but the downside is missing friends and the school environment of celebration and group activity.

<https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/students-getting-closer-to-the-joys-of-remote-learning-20210909-p58qas>

‘It’s so hard’: how the pandemic upended young people’s career paths

Morgan Vella and his friends used to hold high ambitions for what life would look like after graduating high school: leaving their regional Victorian town for university in the city, enjoying a world of busy dormitories, student bars and lecture theatres. But two years and seven lockdowns later, the Kyabram P-12 College year 12 student says a lot of his friends have simply “given up” and plan to complete their Victorian College of Education (VCE) certificate without an Atar.

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/12/its-so-hard-how-the-pandemic-upended-young-peoples-career-paths>

Technology is key for refugees starting new lives in Australia, but not everyone has equal access

As evacuees and refugees from Afghanistan start their new lives in Australia, their ability to navigate the digital world will be crucial.

<https://www.startupdaily.net/2021/09/technology-is-key-for-refugees-starting-new-lives-in-australia-but-not-everyone-has-equal-access/>

Remote learning a game changer for vulnerable youth

As students across the country adapt to ‘lockdown learning’ once again, growing numbers of at-risk young people are successfully reconnecting with education.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/remote-learning-a-game-changer-for-vulnerable-youth/278712>

Ten key technology considerations in delivering the future of education by Microsoft

Events over the past 18 months have highlighted just how inherently valuable technology has become for educators. From the remote delivery of classes and classwork notes and facilitating communication and collaboration between isolating students, right through to the expanded resources available by being able to access education from anywhere, technology is delivering both resilience to the education sector, and generating better outcomes.

<https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/brand-post/content/691261/ten-key-technology-considerations-in-delivering-the-future-of-education/>

Use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of writing

Learning to write is an essential part of becoming literate. The challenge in the digital age for teachers and students is how to make the most effective use of all available digital tools to develop and craft quality texts.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/research-reports/use-of-ict-in-teaching-and-learning-of-writing>

Are writing scores from online writing tests for primary students comparable to those from paper tests?

The move to online testing for NAPLAN in 2019 brought many benefits to teachers, schools and education systems. However, prior to implementation, concerns were raised amongst stakeholders relating to the validity, comparability, equity and fairness of online testing. One key issue was the online assessment of writing, for Year 3 students in particular. The main concern was whether Year 3 students would have sufficient typing skills to produce online texts in timed conditions that were a valid reflection of their underlying writing proficiency. This report on the research conducted in 2016 was used to inform decision making concerning the move of NAPLAN writing tests from paper to online tests.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/research-reports/online-writing-tests-for-primary-students>

Slow internet forces North Star family to homeschool from the paddock

It's a classroom with a view. That's the best way to describe how the McMaster children are studying in isolation in their small rural town of North Star, near the New South Wales-Queensland border. Slow internet has forced mother of four and farmer Angela McMaster to move her children's homeschooling into the paddock to ensure they could still participate in online learning.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-14/north-star-home-schooling-in-the-paddock/100456426>

Goulburn High School staff and students adapt well to home learning [subscription]

Students in the region have been learning from home for about a month now, including those from Goulburn High School.

<https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/7423024/learning-from-the-past-goulburn-high-staff-and-students-deal-with-lockdown-well/>

Bridging the gap between policy and practice in education

Over a year ago, we were both on a global panel discussing lessons learned and ways forward in education to proceed this last school year immersed in COVID. We realised quite quickly that by partnering-up our different views, as education practitioner in New Brunswick, Canada, also in contact with many teachers internationally, and as international education policy analyst at the OECD we could answer a major issue in education: the gap between perspectives on education, particularly between policy and practice in schools and classrooms. This gap prevents progress in education due to lack of understanding of the reality of schools and classrooms and of how policy can really be defined and implemented to be effective. We wanted to raise awareness of this gap so that it can be narrowed, so we engaged in a conversation on the lessons learned during COVID through our own work. We present here some of our observations from the analysis and from our own experience in schools, classrooms and in exchange with policy makers.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/bridging-gap-between-policy-practice-education/>

Tapping Into The Future Of VR – Today

The current COVID19 pandemic has pushed schools into a massive learning curve. We witnessed the incredible resilience of the human spirit, the adaptability of our community and the great potential offered by technology in shaping teaching and learning. A positive outcome is when we witnessed the most non-tech savvy teacher talk about their favourite app that they use to drive students’ engagement in her virtual classroom.

<https://sisschools.org/blog/tapping-into-the-future-of-vr-today/>

Schools still closed for nearly 77 million students 18 months into pandemic – UNICEF

Eighteen months into the COVID-19 pandemic, schools for nearly 77 million students in six countries continue to be almost completely closed, according to an updated data analysis released today by UNICEF.

<https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/schools-still-closed-nearly-77-million-students-18-months-pandemic-unicef>

What Will Online Learning Look Like in 10 Years? Zoom Has Some Ideas

Last March, Zoom, the ubiquitous online conferencing platform, became a staple of daily life for many students and educators as learning shifted online. Millions downloaded it—and first learned of it—back in early 2020, when lockdowns forced billions of students online, and at least 100,000 schools onto Zoom.

<https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-09-15-what-will-online-learning-look-like-in-10-years-zoom-has-some-ideas>

Online Education: 10 Keys that will make you like Online Classes

Today the offer of virtual courses, online careers, and online master’s degrees has skyrocketed considerably. Is there more interest in learning? Like never before. And this thirst for knowledge has led us to remember the purpose of online education.

<https://www.analyticsinsight.net/online-education-10-keys-that-will-make-you-like-online-classes/>

‘Let’s Reimagine Education Together’: Lessons and Learnings From Zoom Academy 2021

Summer is almost over, and educators everywhere are preparing to make their return to the classroom. But what do those classrooms look like, and how can educators help students adapt to new and more flexible learning experiences?

<https://blog.zoom.us/lessons-and-learnings-from-zoom-academy-2021/>

How 5G can make a difference in education: Challenges and next steps

In my last post on the potential of 5G networks, we explored how this dramatically different wireless technology could redefine the present and future learning experience. 5G’s extremely low latency rate means the sending and receiving of information goes from 200 milliseconds for 4G down to 1 millisecond with 5G. That increase in speed will make five core elements of learning smoother and easier: interaction, immersion, personalization, flexibility, and access for all.

<https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/how-5g-can-make-difference-education-challenges-and-next-steps>

To BYOD or not to BYOD, that is the question

BYOD is that phenomenon that emerged largely as a way to keep devices in the hands of students when funding ran out. It was the perfect solution to the problem – the school can’t pay, so let’s get the parents to pay. But does it deliver on the promise to improve learning?

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2021/08/to-byod-or-not-to-byod-that-is-the-question/>

New Council Recommendation on blended learning

“Blended learning” in formal education and training is the term used to describe when a school, educator or student takes more than one approach to the learning process.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/news/council-recommendation-blended.htm>

A.I. Can Now Write Its Own Computer Code. That’s Good News for Humans.

A new technology called Codex generates programs in 12 coding languages and even translates between them. But it is not a threat to professional programmers.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/09/technology/codex-artificial-intelligence-coding.html>

Bringing STEM to Students with Mobile Technology 

K–12 classrooms are supplemented with lessons on science, technology, engineering and math thanks to mobile STEM labs.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/k12/k12/k12/article/2021/09/bringing-stem-students-mobile-technology>

SPIKE Prime Tutorials

Interns at the Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach have created a series of SPIKE Prime tutorial videos covering the basics of the LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics kit.

<https://education.lego.com/en-au/news/spike-prime-tutorials>

Remote learning is even harder when English isn’t students’ first language. Schools told us their priorities for supporting them

The COVID-19 pandemic has left large numbers of students, teachers and families grappling with the challenges of remote learning. Remote learning can be particularly challenging for students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D students).

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-is-even-harder-when-english-isnt-students-first-language-schools-told-us-their-priorities-for-supporting-them-166957>

Flexible learning is a game changer for at-risk students

For young people put in the ‘too hard’ basket by mainstream schools, the ability to combine remote learning with classroom time is helping them reconnect with education.

<https://youthoffthestreets.com.au/2021/08/31/flexible-learning-is-a-game-changer-for-at-risk-students/>

Early NAPLAN results show promise, but we don’t know the full impact of COVID school closures yet

The early NAPLAN results for 2021 released today suggest the average impact of COVID school closures on literacy and numeracy in 2020 has been relatively small.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/early-naplan-results-show-promise/>

We must improve remote learning to reduce school closure harm

Eighteen months into the pandemic, each shift to remote schooling still seems to take many of us by surprise. It shouldn’t. By now, it should be clear that stints of remote schooling are likely to occur well into 2022.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/we-must-improve-remote-learning-to-reduce-school-closure-harm/>

Students who are more adaptable do best in remote learning – research

A study of more than 1,500 students at nine Australian high schools during 2020 has found strong links between their level of adaptability and how they fared with online learning.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/students-who-are-more-adaptable-do-best-in-remote-learning--research/278641>

Curriculum must include a stronger emphasis on teaching data literacy – expert

In February, a report found that Australia requires 6.5 million additional digital workers by 2025 to keep pace with technological change – a massive 79% increase from today’s levels.

<http://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/curriculum-must-include-a-stronger-emphasis-on-teaching-data-literacy--expert/278642>

Families seek ways to overcome remote learning challenges during COVID lockdown

With COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne dragging on, many parents have felt anxious about the impact of remote learning on their children's education.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-03/solutions-homeschooling-during-covid-lockdown/100418866>

Stakeholder kit for schools

We invite you to help us bust some myths about girls in STEM and share The GiST’s resources with your school community.

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/schools/engage-the-stem-community/stakeholder-kit-for-schools/>

AI in the classroom: Teaching about artificial intelligence

Discover free professional learning opportunities for teachers introducing the fundamentals of AI, as well as lesson ideas and other resources to engage your students.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teachers/professional-learning/ai-professional-learning>

Dr Cathy Foley

The GiST team chats to Dr Cathy Foley about her vision for women in STEM and her life as Australia's Chief Scientist.

<https://www.thegist.edu.au/students/women-in-stem/qas/cathy-foley/>

Capital idea breaks online learning records

It’s a rite of passage parents will have experienced in their own school days – the Year 5 and 6 excursion to Canberra. But with COVID-19 lockdowns in place in the national capital and NSW, many students in their final year of primary school looked set to miss the important milestone.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/capital-idea-breaks-online-learning-records>

‘We’re lucky to have help’: It takes a village to remote-school a child

Working parents trying to supervise remote learning are recruiting outside help because they are concerned about their children’s academic progress.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/we-re-lucky-to-have-help-it-takes-a-village-to-remote-school-a-child-20210902-p58odl.html>

Why coders love the AI that could put them out of a job

"When you start coding, it makes you feel smart in itself, like you're in the Matrix [film]," says Janine Luk, a 26 year-old software engineer who works in London.

<https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57914432>

9 apps to help kids sharpen their coding skills

Coding is a skill that’s now part of just about every discipline — and what’s more, it’s fun for kids to learn, and easy for parents and teachers to add to lessons at home or school. As kids get ready to go back to school and Chromebooks are once again on desks at home and in the classroom, it’s a good time to boost students’ coding knowledge. At Google, we believe every student deserves the chance to explore, advance and succeed in computer science. Practical computer science skills can help students learn and create, and bring more relevance to nearly any subject, from history to literature to current events.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/learning-to-code/>

A Qualitative Analysis of Using Games Learning Programs to Improve Elementary Teachers’ Application of STEM Capabilities

Abstract: This study used CodeMonkey, an online learning platform through which elementary teachers can learn programming while playing games and experience how to integrate STEM into their courses. The study analyzed and examined their experiences using a qualitative research method. According to the research results, learning programming while playing games can encourage beginners to go all in. There are also complete guidelines on the teaching platform, so beginning learners can quickly become familiar with the interactive model, which stimulates their curiosity and changes the traditional learning method of teaching by teachers and received by students. On the whole, learning programming itself is a rigid subject.

<https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/A-Qualitative-Analysis-of-Using-Games-Learning-Programs-to-Improve-Elementary-Teachers’-Application-of-STEM-Capabilities>

A new model for inclusive computer science education

The lack of diversity in the computing education pipeline has been a remarkably persistent problem. Something that’s stalled progress in addressing disparities is that there’s largely been a focus on individuals, such as teachers and students, rather than on how equity plays out across multiple levels of the computer science (CS) education ecosystem. This is why our work at the University of Texas since 2014 focuses on understanding the root causes of inequities in the CS education pipeline and how every level of the system influences equity.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/diversity/new-model-inclusive-cs-education/>

Learning from home presents unique challenges for Pasifika students. Here's how they're pulling through

Language barriers, internet access and distraction from siblings are among the unique challenges Pacific Island students are grappling with as they try to complete school during lockdowns across Australian cities.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/pacific-students-learning-from-home-during-covid-lockdown/13522574>

Gold Coast 9yo Allegra Clarke accepted to study physics at university

For nine-year-old physics genius Allegra Clarke, the sky's not the limit — she has her sights set on space. And after being accepted into a university physics course, the Gold Coast primary school student is one step closer to her dream of becoming an astronaut — or an engineer, or a scientist.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-02/9yo-child-genius-to-study-physics-at-university/100425002>

Industry, Schools and Governments Must Work Together to Foster STEM Career Pathways

Weld Australia is calling on industry, schools and governments to work together to develop and deliver STEM programs that engage, excite and attract students.

<https://weldaustralia.com.au/news-views/industry-schools-and-governments-must-work-together-to-foster-stem-career-pathways/>

More focus needed on STEM career pathways

Industry, schools and governments need to work together to develop and implement STEM programs, according to Weld Australia.

<https://www.technologydecisions.com.au/content/futureed/article/more-focus-needed-on-stem-career-pathways-874352265>

Food-themed scienceXart has fun remote learning activities for primary students

With many students learning remotely during stay-at-home restrictions, parents, carers and teachers are looking for new ways to keep children engaged in science while learning in the home environment. Looking for something for your primary aged students this month? scienceXart is for you!

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/food-themed-sciencexart-has-fun-remote-learning-activities>

Schools Cyber Security Challenges

The Schools Cyber Security Challenges are designed to provide high school teachers with resources to support the teaching of cyber security concepts, and to inform students of career opportunities in the field. The Challenges are classroom ready, and aligned with both the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and the ICT Capability.

<https://aca.edu.au/projects/cyber-challenges/>

Careers in Tech VR experience

InsideSherpa have created a FREE virtual learning program for students to see where a career in tech could lead them. Learn at your own pace and have fun with the activities, gain practical skills and experience that will help your career and discover new pathways for a career in technology.

<https://www.theforage.com/virtual-internships/prototype/wDrnFytuMsWh54F97/Girls-in-Technology!>

Scientists offer to help students pass their HSC exams

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology (ANSTO) has invited science teachers to register their students to connect with some of the nation’s leading physicists online to prepare for their upcoming final exams.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/scientists-offer-to-help-students-pass-their-hsc-exams/278576>

Surge in online learning boosts Keypath Education

Booming demand for courses in nursing and allied health and the “normalisation” of online learning during the pandemic have helped revenues for newly listed Keypath Education climb higher than predicted in its prospectus.

<https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/surge-in-online-learning-boosts-keypath-20210830-p58n1v>

Getting kids back into classrooms great in theory but a challenge in practice

According to one teacher, New South Wales education minister Sarah Mitchell did a good job at the daily Covid press conference on Friday. She was across her brief and, as my educator friend put it, “seemed to know what she was talking about”.

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/27/getting-kids-back-into-classrooms-great-in-theory-but-a-challenge-in-practice>

Are NAPLAN’s days numbered?

Census-based testing, which causes “harmful side effects”, should be scrapped and replaced with a new approach to assessment that supports student learning and provides better information to parents and government, according to the UNSW Gonski Institute of Education report, Putting Students First.

<https://www.aeufederal.org.au/news-media/news/2021/are-naplans-days-numbered>

Online schooling can be successful [subscription]

Experience has proven that online classes for schoolchildren can work well and there are many examples that prove it.

<https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/experience-shows-that-online-learning-can-be-successful-in-schools/news-story/71d96023cfc7b58c7358941363411461>

STEM 2021: On Demand is Now Live!

STEM 2021 is a FREE, online event bringing together Australia’s and the world’s leading experts on innovation creativity and STEM.

<https://stem2021.com.au/>

Learning from home is all about the positives

Lidcombe Public P&C President, and father of eight children, Bill Soliola, shares his tips on managing learning from home: it’s all about the vibe.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/learning-from-home-is-all-about-the-positives>

Strathfield Girls High School

... Learning from home journey

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/case-studies/learning-from-home-snapshots/strathfield-girls-high-school>

What happens if classrooms get sent home again?

School is back in session. But for how long? The Delta variant has caused a significant rise in cases and has reversed the steady decline of Covid-19 infections since January. The variant is more contagious, causes more severe illnesses, and in some cases, has even infected people who have already been vaccinated.

<https://blog.avast.com/back-to-school-tips-for-a-surprise-quarantine-avast>

We stand with her: A call to action on girls’ online learning and digital skills

Global leaders from across the public, private and philanthropic sectors have signed a joint letter committing to girls’ education and in particular girls’ digital access, skills and participation in online learning.

<https://en.unesco.org/news/we-stand-her-call-action-girls-online-learning-and-digital-skills>

Online learning can be cool with online tools, says experts

Ms Shoba Chandran aims to sway those who perceive online learning or teaching as tedious compared to face-to-face classes.

<https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/online-learning-can-be-cool-with-online-tools-says-experts>

Distance learning & initial teacher education: Making connections in a virtual world

The peaks and troughs of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives, and initial teacher education (ITE) is by no means an exception. Reflecting on changes to our delivery of education gives us an opportunity to consider possibilities and limitations, while also focusing on what is important.

<https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/distance-learning-initial-teacher-education-making-connections-in-a-virtual-world>

Remote learning helped parents and teachers relate to each other, study suggests

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major upheaval, sending students home to remote learning and leaving teachers and parents scrambling to adapt.

<https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2021/08/remote-learning-helped-parents-and-teachers-relate-to-each-other-study-suggests.html>

Students and Teachers Got Better at Online Learning. Now It’s Here to Stay.

Schools across San Diego will be reopening their campuses in person. But a lot of students never went back last spring, and many of them will have more options than ever.

<https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/education/students-and-teachers-got-better-at-online-learning-now-its-here-to-stay-2/>

Students becoming teachers: These sisters use Code.org to teach kids around the world

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures around the world, many students suddenly found themselves with a lot of time on their hands. But sisters Harita and Sharada Suresh of Jersey City, New Jersey, saw an opportunity.

<https://codeorg.medium.com/students-becoming-teachers-these-sisters-use-code-org-to-teach-kids-around-the-world-9607bb5eb9ce>

Coding Connections at the Interface of Algebra and Physical World Concepts

Abstract: This paper describes a 54-hour summer institute for grades 6-12 mathematics and science teachers (N = 19) with a comprehensive approach to preparing teachers to use computational thinking (CT) in their classrooms, including training in Python computer programming with Lego® Mindstorms® robotics, mathematics content sessions, and opportunities to solve real-world robotics challenges. Results of an assessment used to measure content knowledge and CT skills and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge survey both yielded statistically significant increases. Participant reflections revealed they developed an enhanced understanding of programming and the ability to integrate programming into the curriculum. The authors propose an innovative approach to teaching disciplinary CT within the context of programming robots capable of interacting with the outside world to address real-world challenges.

<https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216388/>

200 girls and women in ICT share their stories

Despite the growing demand for information and communication technology (ICT) professionals, women still trail their male counterparts in terms of pay, leadership roles, and representation in the digital sector.

<https://www.itu.int/en/myitu/News/2021/08/24/12/25/Girls-and-women-in-ICT-share-their-stories>

Theoretically Framing the Pedagogy of Learning to Teach Mathematics With Technology

Abstract: Frameworks can influence the work of mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) in many different ways. Frameworks can suggest a structure around which MTEs design instruction, provide a common language for communicating with prospective teachers, and support prospective teachers as they design their own instruction. This paper reports findings related to the frameworks that MTEs are currently using in their work of preparing secondary mathematics teachers to teach with technology. Findings include a list of 17 frameworks, which fall into four categories with respect to their framing: (a) how students use and learn with technology, (b) the design and evaluation of technology tools and tasks, (c) how teachers use technology, and (d) how teachers learn to use technology. The individual frameworks within each category are discussed and implications for mathematics teacher educators are presented. Implications include a critical discussion of what is missing among the frameworks and challenges for the field.

<https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216377/>