Teachers are helpless to stop AI cheating

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

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

Is banning AI in state schools dudding students?

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

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

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

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

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

University of Canberra seeks primary schools for STEM program

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

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

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

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

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

ELSA: STEM in Schools – media release

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

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

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

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

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

Practical infographics for your classroom

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

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

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

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

How to improve school education

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

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

ChatGPT: Schools put new policies in place [video]

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

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

Tes launches Learning Pathways to give teachers back time to teach

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

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

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

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

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

Govt under pressure over nuclear submarine STEM challenge [subscription]

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

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

STEM stars headline Hunter conference

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

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

New updates to ensure safer learning at school and at home

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

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

KinderLab Robotics Debuts AI Curriculum for Young Learners

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

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

How to Use STEM Teaching Tools in Your Classroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Girls take up the STEM challenge in ACER game design competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ideas and innovation at STEM showcase

Illawarra and Shoalhaven schools took part in a STEM showcase to promote their Young ICT Explorer projects.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/ideas-and-innovation-at-stem-showcase>

School Improvement Episode 47: Karonga School’s immersive classroom

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

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

UNESCO: Governments must quickly regulate Generative AI in schools

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

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

The AI Potential for Education

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

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

Time for teachers to get moving on ChatGPT

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

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

6 Things Teachers Do That AI Just Can't

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

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

Back to school in a changing world

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

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

Fueling student futures with the power of literacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Empowering school leaders to tackle cyberbullying and violence

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

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

Teacher planning – building student vocabulary in STEM

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

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

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

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

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

Can education technology really improve learning in Australia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How one tech school is building STEM skills for the future

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

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

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

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

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

Kids Are Going Back to School. So Is ChatGPT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Chalkboards to Smartboards: How Generations Adapt to Technological Advancements in Education

The landscape of education has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. From the chalk-dusted classrooms of the past to the digital learning environments of today, each generation has had to adapt to the technological advancements of their time. Let’s go on a journey through time, exploring how different generations have adapted to the evolving technology in education.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/generations-adapt-to-technological/>

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

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

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

What Are The Characteristics of a STEM Classroom

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

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

How Does STEM Education Fit With Science Education

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

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

How STEM Education Improves Student Learning

Why should a child learn STEM? Perhaps they aren’t particularly interested in timetables or the periodic table (I know I wasn’t when I was a kid!), and you don’t want to force it on them.

<https://stemeducationguide.com/how-stem-education-improves-student-learning/>

How Robots Are Helping Better K–12 Schools

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

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

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

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

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

Riverside Girls High STEAM team win Metro challenge

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

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

Australian high school science failing to mention women in STEM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AI as School Librarian: Creating Bannable Book Lists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exciting Ways to Introduce STEM Education to Preschoolers

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

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

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

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

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

How Can STEM Education Shape the Future

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

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

Australian high school science failing to mention women in STEM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The small-town scientist shaping the future of STEM

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

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

Much more to be done to improve diversity in STEM

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

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

Eight ways to better engage girls in digital technologies education

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

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

Expert Q&A: Tricky science concepts for primary students

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

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

Teacher planning – manipulatives and representations in STEM

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

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

Factors facilitating greater engagement of young women in digital technologies education

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

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

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

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

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

Aussie teachers optimistic about the benefits of AI in the classroom

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

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

Record-breaking EduTECH congress and expo largest since COVID

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

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

Australia’s newest International Science Olympiad competitors revealed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AI and the next digital divide in education

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

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

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

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

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

UNESCO report on technology in education highlights lack of appropriate governance

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

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

Education in the age of AI and smart technology

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

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

Research Finds AI More Popular Among Teachers Than Students

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

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

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

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

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

The Importance of STEM in Childhood Education

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

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

CS Connections has SEVEN new modules, plus professional learning

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

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

New program brings Indigenous scientific knowledge to the classroom

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

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

living STEM brings first nations knowledge to the classroom

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

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

Draft schools AI framework open for consultation

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

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

Schools AI framework to grant students access to ChatGPT

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

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

Ethical AI in the classroom: National taskforce releases draft framework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Science program to boost Indigenous girls in tech [subscription]

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

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

Immersive technology and teacher capacity

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

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

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

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

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

Immersive technology in education – our Augmented Reality journey

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

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

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

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

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

A virtual Achilles? Teaching ancient worlds through VR

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

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

UNESCO concerns on regulation of education tech

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

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

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

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

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

Points taken from this working group

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

Business Mindset

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

Other points covered were:

• The applications of decision support systems and expert systems

• The hardware used in intelligent systems

• The disruptive effects of intelligent systems

• The social and ethical issues of intelligent systems

• The current and emerging technologies associated with intelligent systems

• The role of intelligent systems in surveillance

• The creation of intelligent systems

Units that were being developed
Year 11

Unit 1 - Interactive media and the user experience

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

Unit 2 - Networking systems and social computing

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

Unit 3 - Principles of cybersecurity

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

Year 12

Unit 1 - Data science

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

Unit 2 - Data visualisation

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

Unit 3 - Intelligent systems

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

Unit 4 - Enterprise project

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

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

The following was discussed:

• • Algorithms in machine learning

  • Distinguishing between artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)

  • Exploring models of training ML

  • Supervised learning

  • Unsupervised learning

  • Semi-supervised learning

  • Reinforcement learning

• The document provides a variety of resources for teaching these topics, including videos, articles, and online learning platforms.

• The document also suggests ways to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.

Here are some of the key takeaways

• Machine learning is a powerful tool that can be used to automate tasks.

• There are different types of machine learning, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

• It is important to understand the different types of machine learning in order to choose the right one for a particular task.

• There are a variety of resources available to help teachers teach machine learning.

Other thoughts

• The HSC Software Engineering unit should include a section on software automation, with a focus on machine learning (ML).

• This section should start by defining AI and ML, and then discuss how ML can be used to automate tasks through DevOps, robotic process automation (RPA), and business process automation (BPA).

• The section should also cover the different models of training ML, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

• There are a number of resources that can be used to teach this section, including videos, online learning systems, and interactive quizzes.

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

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

Here are some specific resources that the working group recommends:

• The online booklet "Drones, Droids, and Robots" from the Australian Science Week website.

• The Boston Dynamics YouTube channel, which has videos of their Atlas and Spot robots.

• The video "Control Systems with Sensors-Controller-Actuators" from the YouTube channel Control Systems Engineering.