Smith Family trials digital delivery of educational programs to reach more students in need

Like many parents, Tammy (not her real name) is happy to see the back of remote learning experienced by families during the COVID lockdowns.

<https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7851512/trialling-digital-delivery-of-educational-programs-to-reach-more-students-in-need/>

Digital skills challenge sets kids up for tech careers

Over the last two years, the pandemic has seen technology thrust to the forefront of teaching and learning, not to mention the new Australian Curriculum, which will see a greater focus on improving young people’s digital literacy.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/digital-skills-challenge-sets-kids-up-for-tech-careers/280765>

Grok school program to hone digital skills [AAP]

A digital skills challenge will be free to schools across Australia to plug a critical gap in teaching, and attract thousands of students needed as future technology professionals.

<https://michaelwest.com.au/grok-school-program-to-hone-digital-skills/>

<https://www.cessnockadvertiser.com.au/story/7854742/grok-school-program-to-hone-digital-skills/>

<https://www.portnews.com.au/story/7854742/grok-school-program-to-hone-digital-skills/>

Making sense of the digital education landscape

The consortium for school network has released its driving K-12 innovation report, Education Services Australia CEO, Andrew Smith discusses.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/making-sense-of-the-digital-education-landscape/>

ESA News 

This edition of ESA News features engaging lesson plans from the Digital Technologies Hub, upcoming professional learning sessions and a 20-year milestone with myfuture. Read about where we'll be at EduTECH and find details for our live session on AI classroom lessons.

<http://edservaus.createsend.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/A6F113F3745BDE8B2540EF23F30FEDED/C67FD2F38AC4859C/>

Tech revolution essential to help stop technology-facilitated abuse

As new research reveals 1 in 2 Australians have experienced technology-facilitated abuse at some point in their lifetime, the eSafety Commissioner is calling for a radical shift in technology design and use to help end online abuse.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/tech-revolution-essential-help-stop-technology-facilitated-abuse>

Parents urged to watch out for signs of cyberbullying

As Term 3 gets underway, parents are urged to be alert to changes in their children’s behaviour that might suggest they are a target of cyberbullying.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/parents-urged-watch-out-for-signs-cyberbullying>

AFL and eSafety commit to #PlayitFairOnline

The AFL has signed a new agreement with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to help improve online safety for AFL players, fans and the broader community and raise awareness of the steps Australians can take to #PlayItFairOnline.

<https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/afl-and-esafety-commit-playitfaironline>

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare supports Spelling Bee competition

The new Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has thrown his weight behind a campaign to improve children’s spelling. He said the skill was critical for setting children up for their future. He said it was important to choose the right kind of book in an era where screens are the preferred choice of entertainment for kids today.

<https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-education-minister-jason-clare-supports-spelling-bee-competition/news-story/0c466fc4aa4a6de6c52fc3c3844f3ff4>

Powering the next generation of teaching and learning by ASUS

Educators, students and parents nowadays are confronting more barriers than ever to streamline education systems and enhance teaching communications.

<https://educationhq.com/news/powering-the-next-generation-of-teaching-and-learning-125716/>

Australia spends $5 billion a year on teaching assistants in schools but we don’t know what they do [not technology: DG]

This Friday, state and federal education ministers will meet for the first time since the federal election.

<https://theconversation.com/australia-spends-5-billion-a-year-on-teaching-assistants-in-schools-but-we-dont-know-what-they-do-187918>

EduTECH 2022: Moves to assess students' critical and creative thinking, resilience [subscription]

Is there a better way of assessing the vital skills and capabilities that students will need to thrive in their lives beyond school?

<https://educationhq.com/news/edutech-2022-moves-to-assess-students-critical-and-creative-thinking-resilience-126144/>

Train teachers to spot signs of radicalisation in classrooms: expert [subscription]

Teachers should receive training in semiotics to better detect signs of right-wing radicalisation in classrooms, a former FBI agent and cyber intelligence expert has said.

<https://educationhq.com/news/train-teachers-to-spot-signs-of-radicalisation-in-classrooms-expert-125832/>

Investing in a Testbed…for Schools and Institutions

There are unique benefits for education partners in a testbed trial program. These schools and institutions can be brought into the education innovation ecosystem, market themselves at the cutting edge of digital learning, and more.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2022/07/09/gveia-investing-in-a-testbed-for-schools-institutions/>

A Sydney high school banned mobile phones. It had dramatic results

A Sydney high school has seen a dramatic decrease in behavioural issues and a boost in physical activity and students talking to each other just two months after it tightened restrictions on mobile phone usage.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-sydney-high-school-banned-mobile-phones-it-had-dramatic-results-20220803-p5b6zf.html>

Wollongong cycling race road closures force students back to online learning

Thousands of Wollongong students face a week of online learning as roads close to cars for the UCI Road World Championships in September.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-10/wollongong-cycling-race-road-closures-students-online-learning/101318246>

Wollongong schools forced into remote learning during UCI bike race

Seven Wollongong public schools will be forced into remote learning for the last week of this term due to road closures for the UCI bike race.

<https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/7853852/wollongong-schools-forced-into-remote-learning-during-uci-bike-race/>

Google's 'Read Along' Learning Tool Now Available on the Web

Google is rolling out its Read Along learning tool for the web. The app, which is supposed to help children learn how to read, has been exclusive to Android since it was released in India in 2019. (It was called Bolo at the time; Google changed the name for its global launch in 2020.) Now it'll finally be available to kids without Android devices.

<https://au.pcmag.com/education-1/95548/googles-read-along-learning-tool-now-available-on-the-web>

Help kids learn to read with Read Along, now available on the web

Over the past three years, more than 30 million kids have read more than 120 million stories on Read Along. The app, which was first released as Bolo in India in 2019 and released globally as Read Along the following year, helps kids learn to read independently with the help of a reading assistant, Diya.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/read-along-web/>

What we are learning | What we are reading: Recommended reading for people who demand evidence in EdTech (1 of 6)

This is Part 1 of a six-part blog series inspired by discussions with partners working in the EdTech space who recognize they do not have the information they need to make informed decisions and recommendations. With that in mind, we put together a series summarising what we have learned so far in each of our focus areas: Data for Decisions, Digital Personalised Learning (DPL), Girls’ Education & Technology, Participation & Messaging, and Teacher Continuous Professional Development. In each blog, we provide some key lessons, an outline of our ongoing work, and additional resources (written by us and by our partners) for readers who want to delve deeper. This first blog focuses on the general EdTech Hub space.

<https://edtechhub.org/2022/07/29/what-we-are-learning-what-we-are-reading-recommended-reading-for-people-who-demand-evidence-in-edtech-1-of-6/>

What we are learning | What we are reading: Data for Decisions – Can technology be used to improve data collection, analysis, and planning to improve learning outcomes?

This is Part 2 of a six-part blog series inspired by discussions with partners working in the EdTech space who recognize they do not have the information they need to make informed decisions and recommendations. So, we put together a series summarising what we have learned so far in each of our focus areas: Data for Decisions, Digital Personalised Learning (DPL), Girls’ Education & Technology, Participation & Messaging, and Teacher Continuous Professional Development. We provide some key lessons, an outline of our ongoing work, and some additional resources (written by us and by our partners) for readers who want to delve deeper. This blog focuses on Data for Decisions.

<https://edtechhub.org/2022/08/09/what-we-are-learning-what-we-are-reading-data-for-decisions-can-technology-be-used-to-improve-data-collection-analysis-and-planning-to-improve-learning-outcomes/>

Top Aussie kids picked to compete at world science and maths games

Thirty-one of Australia’s brightest high school scientists and mathematicians have won selection to represent Australia at the UNESCO-sanctioned International Science, Informatics and Mathematical Olympiads – the world’s toughest maths and science competitions for teenagers. They will compete against more than 2,000 of the world’s brightest students.

<https://www.asi.edu.au/media_releases/top-aussie-kids-picked-to-compete-at-world-science-and-maths-games/> 

Bridging the digital divide in Australia's schools

The advent of COVID-19 has forever changed modes of learning delivery with education and training providers now requiring students to have access to online learning environments.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-australias-schools/280727>

Why is tech giant Apple trying to teach our teachers?

Apple products are already a central part of our lives in so many ways. We use them to work, socialise, monitor our heart rates, pay for things and watch TV. But did you know they are also involved in teaching school teachers?

<https://theconversation.com/why-is-tech-giant-apple-trying-to-teach-our-teachers-186752>

Bridging the digital divide in Australia's schools

The advent of COVID-19 has forever changed modes of learning delivery with education and training providers now requiring students to have access to online learning environments.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-australias-schools/280727> 

Prolonged screen time leaving a generation of short-sighted kids at risk

Children are at increased risk of developing myopia due to increased screen time during the pandemic and delayed vision checks, optometrists say.

<https://educationhq.com/news/prolonged-screen-time-leaving-a-generation-of-short-sighted-kids-at-risk-125022/>

Challenging students beyond the curriculum in Mathematics, Reading and Science

ACER’s Global Academic Challenge was held for the first time this year and offers higher-performing students in Years 4, 6 and 8 the opportunity to attempt the kinds of questions sat by students in international schools around the world. ACER Senior Research Fellow Frances Eveleigh, who led the development of the challenge, shares some of the insights in this article.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/challenging-students-beyond-the-curriculum-in-mathematics-reading-and-science>

Growing skills and STEM careers this National Science Week

The Australian Government is celebrating the work of our scientists this National Science Week, working to close the gender gap and inspire the next generation to be part of the highly skilled STEM sector.

<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/media-releases/growing-skills-and-stem-careers-national-science-week> 

New scholarships to support women in STEM careers

A program to support women in STEM careers has opened, with up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available across the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields over the next six years.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/new-scholarships-to-support-women-in-stem-careers.html>

Embracing Indigenous Knowledges in STEM the focus of NAIDOC Week webinar

The Australian Academy of Science celebrated NAIDOC Week recently by hosting a virtual webinar on 7 July. In a Q&A format, four Indigenous STEM professionals shared their journeys in STEM and discussed their experience embracing Indigenous Knowledges in STEM and the ways in which they foster a more inclusive and diverse STEM sector.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/embracing-indigenous-knowledges-stem-focus-naidoc-week>

STEM Sisters that empowers women of colour wins 2022 TechDiversity Business Award

Non-profit organisation STEM Sisters has won the Business Award at TechDiversity Awards 2022.

<https://www.theaustraliatoday.com.au/stem-sisters-that-empowers-women-of-colour-wins-2022-techdiversity-business-award/>

No wonder no one wants to be a teacher: world-first study looks at 65,000 news articles about Australian teachers [not technology, but maybe of interest: DG]

Remember when former Morrison government minister Stuart Robert lashed out at “dud” teachers? In March, the then acting education minister said the “bottom 10%” of teachers “can’t read and write” and blamed them for declining academic results.

<https://theconversation.com/no-wonder-no-one-wants-to-be-a-teacher-world-first-study-looks-at-65-000-news-articles-about-australian-teachers-186210>

Why biomimicry is the perfect lens for STEM learning [subscription]

Could nature hold clues to solving complex problems and tick the box for engaging students in STEM?

<https://educationhq.com/news/why-biomimicry-is-the-perfect-lens-for-stem-learning-125173/>

Could more online learning help fix Australia’s teacher shortage?

... One option that could free up teacher time, and ensure students are getting the education they need, is “blended” learning, in which some learning is done online and some face-to-face. We know this can work in other settings – at the university level, I have three decades of expertise in remote and blended learning, with many thousands of students across several subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

<https://theconversation.com/could-more-online-learning-help-fix-australias-teacher-shortage-185877>

Exploring thinking about i-STEM education at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership

#theSTEMproblem project is funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant, and involves researchers from Monash University and the University of Queensland partnering with staff and teachers from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools to explore the connection and possibilities of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in STEM education.

<https://www.monash.edu/education/research/projects/exploring-problem-based-learning-in-schools/updates/exploring-thinking-about-i-stem-education-at-the-victorian-academy-of-teaching-and-leadership>

Inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers

The world has changed a lot over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that science plays to respond to some of our biggest challenges says Misha Schubert, CEO of Science & Technology Australia – the nations peak body for science and technology representing more than 90,000 members.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-female-scientists-and-engineers/>

International Conference on Change and Complexity in Learning

At the University of South Australia’s first International Conference on Change and Complexity in Learning, educators will learn how educational technologies (EdTech) can maximise outcomes for both students and teachers, paving the way for improved understanding and application of EdTech in class.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/embrace-technology-and-boost-education-outcomes/>

The new normal in classrooms as the 2022 academic year unfolds

January 2022 marked the time the time the National Cabinet agreed to a national framework to promote a statewide consistent approach to the ongoing delivery of high-quality education with a commitment to keeping schools open as the pandemic continued into its third year. Education Matters takes a look at what the new normal might look like across classrooms as the academic year unfolds.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-new-normal/>

Reinventing Learning in a Globally Connected World: Strategies for Success: Jul 21

Education is at a pivotal moment. Explore essential strategies for reinventing learning with dynamic district and organization thought leaders as they share ideas for implementing various learning formats, redefining teacher roles, revamping grading practices, and more.

<https://www.edweek.org/events/webinar/reinventing-learning-in-a-globally-connected-world-strategies-for-success>

Game on for collaborative learning

Holding a conversation, working in a group, giving constructive feedback and dealing with conflict are vital interpersonal skills that contribute to an empowered and connected life.

<https://educationhq.com/news/game-on-for-collaborative-learning-123332/>

Researching the potential of teaching digital writing in secondary school

With the rapid growth in digital technologies, digital writing skills are becoming more and more relevant for students. A new research project from Deakin University will look at the potential to complement traditional writing tasks in schools with contemporary forms of digital writing.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/researching-the-potential-of-teaching-digital-writing-in-secondary-school>

Schools prime targets for ransomware attacks – study

Schools are among the prime targets for ransomware attackers due to their lack of strong cybersecurity defences and the goldmine of personal data they hold, a new global survey has found.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/schools-prime-targets-for-ransomware-attacks--study/280594>

Microsoft School Transformation Program 2022 – Semester 2 registrations open now

Registrations are now open for the 2022 Microsoft School Transformation Program.

<https://edublog.microsoft.com/en-au/2022/06/microsoft-school-transformation-program-2022-semester-2-registrations-open-now/>

Education recovery after COVID-19: Better, stronger & collaborative

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, so do the risks we face. The Covid-19 pandemic has not stopped at national borders, and it has affected people regardless of nationality, gender or level of education or income. But that has not been true for its consequences, which have hit the most vulnerable hardest, whether that is individuals or countries. And, together with high inflation, disrupted supply chains, and military conflicts, the pandemic is dangerously diminishing governments’, families’ and donors’ capacity to support education.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/education-recovery-after-covid/>

Primary-age children’s screen time went up by 83 minutes a day during pandemic – study

Screen time during the Covid pandemic increased the most among primary schoolchildren, by an extra hour and 20 minutes a day on average, according to the first global review of research.

<https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/24/primary-age-children-screen-time-went-up-83-minutes-day-pandemic>

For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws [not education, but could be relevant]

Patrick Perdue, a radio enthusiast who is blind, regularly shopped for equipment through the website of Ham Radio Outlet. The website’s code allowed him to easily move through the sections of each page with his keyboard, his screen reader speaking the text.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/13/technology/ai-web-accessibility.html>

Lessons from Remote Learning, Part 1: Ed Tech’s Successes

In the first of a two-part series, career school technologist Kipp Bentley examines some important ways that ed tech helped schools navigate the move to remote learning. Part two will focus on new and ongoing challenges.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/lessons-from-remote-learning-part-1-ed-techs-successes>

Lessons from Remote Learning, Part 2: Post-Pandemic Challenges

In the second of a two-part series, career school technologist Kipp Bentley considers challenges that lie ahead for ed tech, including the need to manage screen time, make change equitable and teach media literacy.

<https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/lessons-from-remote-learning-part-2-post-pandemic-challenges>

How Parents Can Get Kids Exercising Again After 2 Years of Remote Learning

It took a great deal of collective effort to shut down everyday life for children when COVID-19 first struck in early 2020. And now, more than two years later, it may take just as much effort to return children to pre-pandemic levels of physical activity.

<https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-parents-can-get-kids-exercising-again-after-2-years-of-remote-learning>

Big Tech bosses call for computer science to be taught in all US schools

The CEOs of Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and more signed a letter urging for governors and education leaders to introduce computer science lessons to all K-12 students – those aged five to 18, typically – across the country. Children should be given the opportunity to learn how to code as early as elementary school and all the way through to high school, according to Code.org's CEO Hadi Partovi, who is leading the effort.

<https://www.theregister.com/2022/07/13/big_tech_leaders_sign_letter/>

A who’s who of CEOs is begging every school to teach computer science

More than 500 notable people in business, education, and the nonprofit sector are calling for governors and education leaders to update K-12 curriculums to allow “every student in every school to have the opportunity to learn computer science,” according to a new letter posted publicly at ceosforcs.com. The list of signatories includes many prominent figures in technology, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon founder and executive chair Jeff Bezos, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, and Meta founder, chairman, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

<https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/12/23205907/tech-leaders-ceos-for-cs-apple-amazon-meta-microsoft>

Embracing Indigenous knowledges in STEM the focus of NAIDOC Week webinar

The Australian Academy of Science celebrated NAIDOC Week recently by hosting a virtual webinar on 7 July. In a Q&A format, four Indigenous STEM professionals shared their journeys in STEM and discussed their experience embracing Indigenous knowledges in STEM and the ways in which they foster a more inclusive and diverse STEM sector.

<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/embracing-indigenous-knowledges-stem-focus-naidoc-week>

STEM Hub for girls receives funding boost

An innovative online hub that encourages girls to participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities has received $1.2m in funding from The Invergowrie Foundation.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/stem-hub-for-girls-receives-funding-boost/280640>

Inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers

The world has changed a lot over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that science plays to respond to some of our biggest challenges says Misha Schubert, CEO of Science & Technology Australia – the nations peak body for science and technology representing more than 90,000 members.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-female-scientists-and-engineers/>

Bush kinders supporting early years STEM learning

‘When you’re in a bush kinder, there are no gendered materials. Everything that’s there is for anybody to play with.’ Recent findings from a Deakin University study reveal that bush kinders can build children’s early confidence and skill development in STEM, especially for young girls.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/bush-kinders-supporting-early-years-stem-learning>

Effective use of virtual reality to improve student outcomes in Science

New research has shown that while the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) increases student enjoyment and presence in a task, when used on its own it does not improve procedural or declarative knowledge when compared to the more traditional learning activity of watching a video.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/effective-use-of-virtual-reality-to-improve-student-outcomes-in-science>

Girls’ schools buck decline in maths participation

Girls’ participation in maths – and indeed all STEM subjects – has long been a topic of global concern. In particular, schools, educators and parents have sought out strategies to keep girls engaged and participating in advanced maths and science in secondary school.

<https://www.smh.com.au/education/girls-schools-buck-decline-in-maths-participation-20220714-p5b1ll.html>

Problem gaming leading to aggression, school refusal and self-harm

Tens of thousands of Australian teenagers are gaming at pathological levels, which in extreme cases is leading to prolonged school refusal, threats of self-harm and aggression towards family members.

<https://www.theage.com.au/technology/video-games/problem-gaming-leading-to-aggression-school-refusal-and-self-harm-20220714-p5b1l2.html>

The new normal in classrooms as the 2022 academic year unfolds

January 2022 marked the time the time the National Cabinet agreed to a national framework to promote a statewide consistent approach to the ongoing delivery of high-quality education with a commitment to keeping schools open as the pandemic continued into its third year. Education Matters takes a look at what the new normal might look like across classrooms as the academic year unfolds. ... “My son who is now in Year 2 hasn’t really had school for two years. He hasn’t really experienced what school life is like. There is a curriculum, and we can deliver that but all the other amazing experiences of being involved with each other, with other year levels, is the one thing we really craved at the end of remote learning,” Korber says. Research published in January by The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute shows that child and adolescent mental health difficulties, and physical health problems have increased across the 2020-2021 lockdown period in Victoria and that the potential impacts on health and development are likely to be long lasting.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/the-new-normal/>

The influence of ed-tech in Australia’s schools, before and after the Covid-19 pandemic

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, schools everywhere have been forced to think outside the box with regards to how they use technology for the continuity of teaching and learning.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-influence-of-edtech-in-australias-schools-before-and-after-the-covid19-pandemic/280634>

7 ways to reduce the learning loss caused by the pandemic

School closures and the shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in learning loss in developed and developing countries. Learning loss is generally defined as any specific or general loss of knowledge and skills or reversals in academic progress when students are not in school.

<https://theconversation.com/7-ways-to-reduce-the-learning-loss-caused-by-the-pandemic-180591>

Bridging education’s digital divide

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a learning moment for the global education system like no other. Now, as we return to something akin to a pre-pandemic world, we need to ask what lessons have we really learned?

<https://www.themandarin.com.au/193209-bridging-educations-digital-divide/>

Why we must take the pulse of education research in Australia now

Australian education research is at a key turning point in a pandemic world where the dramatic effects of climate change demand our urgent attention. This blog piece explores the current challenges facing Australian Education research and the contemporary opportunities to create a future radical agenda for inclusive and compassionate education research. This piece has been adapted from the Community of Associate Deans of Education Research (cADRE) address* that I presented on 29 June at the recent AARE/cADRE Education Research Leaders’ Summit hosted by Professor Anna Sullivan on Kaurna Land at the University of South Australia.

<https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?p=13652>

Internet now lightning fast for regional schools

Thousands of students are now benefitting from faster, more reliable internet thanks to a $328 million investment by the NSW Government to connect every public school in regional NSW to fibre internet.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/internet-now-lightning-fast-for-regional-schools>

Remote public schools get internet upgrade [subscription]

Remote public schools struggling with slow satellite internet have had an upgrade under the final round of a state government scheme.

<https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/remote-public-schools-with-slow-satellite-net-have-had-an-upgrade-under-state-government-scheme/news-story/0011bbd86a712db949926234506a7eed>

Women in science: 15-year-old's quest to change the world

Cadence Taylor may only be 15 years old — but the young Queenslander already has her mind set on changing the world with science. Tackling climate change and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef is a driving passion for the Bundaberg high school student, as is making sure the under-representation of women's voices in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is addressed.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-17/women-in-science-mentoring-program/101236984>

Aboriginal teen uses drone technology to preserve heritage [tertiary, but maybe of interest: DG]

An Aboriginal teenager from Far North Queensland is using the power of drone technology to preserve the history of the Wallara clan of the Koko-Muluridji people.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/aboriginal-teen-uses-drone-technology-to-preserve-heritage/280618>

Large Melbourne school cancels classes, warns remote learning may be needed

A teacher shortage, exacerbated by illness and a flood of resignations, has forced the principal of one of Melbourne’s biggest schools to cancel or merge senior students’ classes and consider a return to remote learning.

>https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/large-melbourne-school-cancels-classes-warns-remote-learning-may-be-needed-20220714-p5b1q9.html>

Mobile phones can enable learning during school disruptions. Here’s how

The COVID-19 pandemic placed enormous pressure on education systems worldwide. At the peak of the crisis, school closures forced over 1.6 billion learners out of classrooms. This exacerbated a learning crisis that existed before the pandemic, with many children in school but learning very little.

<https://theconversation.com/mobile-phones-can-enable-learning-during-school-disruptions-heres-how-186006>

Accelerating learning for students with limited internet access

Millions of students have limited access to the internet at home, leaving them struggling to access interactive online lessons and forcing them to find offline workarounds on devices lacking storage for video and other resources.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/07/accelerating-learning-for-students-with-limited-internet-access>

ISTE 2022: Partners empowering our communities and educators

With the world changing faster than ever, the connections between students, educators, and other learning communities that support them have never been more essential.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/06/iste-2022-partners-empowering-our-communities-and-educators>

Explore Teams updates to enhance teaching strategies

Every day, we work to adapt our tools so that each student has the support and resources needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond it, too. One big part of this is Microsoft Teams, the education platform where we’re always innovating to support students and teachers alike.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/07/explore-teams-updates-to-enhance-teaching-strategies>

Grow Professionally with the Microsoft Learn Educator Center

Investing in teachers’ growth to help them be more effective is key to improving student learning. The reason: teacher quality has more impact on students than any school education program or policy does, and in fact, teacher effectiveness is the largest factor influencing student outcomes, outside of family background.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/06/grow-professionally-with-the-microsoft-learn-educator-center>

Edtech is treating students like products. Here’s how we can protect children’s digital rights

Schools’ use of educational technologies (edtech) grew exponentially at the height of COVID lockdowns. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has exposed children’s rights violations by providers of edtech endorsed by governments in Australia and overseas.

<https://theconversation.com/edtech-is-treating-students-like-products-heres-how-we-can-protect-childrens-digital-rights-184312>

Remote learning was even tougher for migrant parents. Here’s what they want schools to know in case lockdowns return

When COVID forced school closures, many parents found themselves more involved than ever with their children’s learning. For some parents, it was hard work but broadly achievable. Many migrant parents, however, found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-was-even-tougher-for-migrant-parents-heres-what-they-want-schools-to-know-in-case-lockdowns-return-183039>

Remote learning reshapes education tech development

WHEN THE COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced people to adapt to working and learning remotely in their homes, extra creativity was required to ensure students still had access to education. Not only did Sydney-based maths teacher Holly Millican find new ways to teach and keep her students engaged, but she learned lots of new tricks that she continues to use in her classroom today.

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-exclusivefeature-remotelearningreshapeseducationtechdevelopment/p/1>

Swinburne alum’s gaming app transforms education and training across the globe

Swinburne business alum, educator, entrepreneur and CEO of Quitch, Dr Gráinne Oates, is revolutionising education and training through a multi-award-winning gamified app called Quitch. Since its development in 2015, Quitch has become a global success across the education sector via high schools and universities alongside the corporate sector with users spanning various industries.

<https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/06/swinburne-alum-gaming-app-transforms-education-and-training/>

Edtech is treating students like products. Here’s how we can protect children’s digital rights

Schools’ use of educational technologies (edtech) grew exponentially at the height of COVID lockdowns. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has exposed children’s rights violations by providers of edtech endorsed by governments in Australia and overseas.

<https://theconversation.com/edtech-is-treating-students-like-products-heres-how-we-can-protect-childrens-digital-rights-184312>

Remote learning was even tougher for migrant parents. Here’s what they want schools to know in case lockdowns return

When COVID forced school closures, many parents found themselves more involved than ever with their children’s learning. For some parents, it was hard work but broadly achievable. Many migrant parents, however, found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-was-even-tougher-for-migrant-parents-heres-what-they-want-schools-to-know-in-case-lockdowns-return-183039>

Remote learning reshapes education tech development

WHEN THE COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced people to adapt to working and learning remotely in their homes, extra creativity was required to ensure students still had access to education. Not only did Sydney-based maths teacher Holly Millican find new ways to teach and keep her students engaged, but she learned lots of new tricks that she continues to use in her classroom today.

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-exclusivefeature-remotelearningreshapeseducationtechdevelopment/p/1>

Swinburne alum’s gaming app transforms education and training across the globe

Swinburne business alum, educator, entrepreneur and CEO of Quitch, Dr Gráinne Oates, is revolutionising education and training through a multi-award-winning gamified app called Quitch. Since its development in 2015, Quitch has become a global success across the education sector via high schools and universities alongside the corporate sector with users spanning various industries.

<https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/06/swinburne-alum-gaming-app-transforms-education-and-training/>

Considerations For and Against Online Education

With the pandemic shifting social expectations of conducting business and learning at home, various educational institutions have begun providing online-only learning options even as in class classes have slowly returned during 2021 and 2022.

<https://technofaq.org/posts/2022/06/considerations-for-and-against-online-education/>

Girls Just Wanna Have STEM!

McLaren Automotive has teamed with children’s rights charity Plan International to commission a survey of school girls regarding their interest in science, technology, engineering, and math-based careers and the overwhelming majority said they want to pursue science professionally.

<https://www.designnews.com/automotive-engineering/girls-just-wanna-have-stem>

New $1 million fund to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education across Asia

A new STEM Fund has been launched, by the Micron Foundation and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) which will fund innovative solutions that are increasing gender diversity and equity in schools in India, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia. So far the fund has pooled $1 million in its first round, from Lenovo Foundation, XTX Markets and BHP. The STEM Fund will support solutions that are improving the STEM learning outcomes of girls below 18 years old.

<https://www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/new-1-million-fund-to-close-the-gender-gap-in-science-technology-engineering-and-math-education-across-asia/>

Edtech is treating students like products. Here’s how we can protect children’s digital rights

Schools’ use of educational technologies (edtech) grew exponentially at the height of COVID lockdowns. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has exposed children’s rights violations by providers of edtech endorsed by governments in Australia and overseas.

<https://theconversation.com/edtech-is-treating-students-like-products-heres-how-we-can-protect-childrens-digital-rights-184312>

Research aims to refine digital learning to help children stay on track

Small children with new technology have always fascinated Kim Maslin. That sets the WA educator apart from many parents and teachers who view iPads and smartphones in the hands of primary schoolers with a pang of anxiety.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-13/digital-learning-refined-to-help-children-stay-on-track/101145160>

Remote learning reshapes education tech development

While the pandemic created chaos as schools scrambled to keep students learning remotely through lockdowns, two years later some of the innovative solutions to this challenge are bringing new benefits to classroom teaching

<https://premium.theeducatoronline.com/k12-au-exclusivefeature-remotelearningreshapeseducationtechdevelopment/p/1>

Aussie edtech company launches ambitious hybrid teaching and learning build

The average Australian student spends over 11,000 hours in the classroom by the time they complete their school journey, but for those who find their learning content cluttered and confusing, this journey can be a tiresome and often disheartening one.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/aussie-edtech-company-launches-ambitious-hybrid-teaching-and-learning-build/280404>

How schools can make technology safer for kids to use

For today’s younger generation of teachers, educational apps are about as commonplace and familiar as textbooks. However, for many teachers who began their placement before the advent of the Internet, the mass proliferation of digital technologies was a surreal, confronting experience.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-schools-can-make-technology-safer-for-kids-to-use/280402>

Deadly Science founder Corey Tutt receives Queen's Birthday Honour for service to Indigenous STEM

The founder of the charity Deadly Science has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous STEM — science, technology, engineering, and maths education.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-13/deadly-science-founder-corey-tutt-queens-birthday-honour/101142408>

Podcast special: Deadly Science with Corey Tutt

In this podcast special, we’re joined by Corey Tutt OAM, founder and CEO of Deadly Science – an organisation that provides science resources to remote schools in Australia, to inspire and celebrate the next generation of Indigenous people in STEM.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/podcast-special-deadly-science-with-corey-tutt>

Researching education: Five further readings on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

With the growing use of STEM across various industries in Australia, how can we ensure equitable opportunities and pathways for all students? How can schools build successful partnerships with industry specialists to rethink STEM education? In this article, we outline five further readings which explore STEM education in Australia.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/researching-education-five-further-readings-on-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem>

Get crypto-cool for school: Talking about investment risks and rewards in the classroom

With plenty of ‘get rich quick’ hype circulating around social media, and well-marketed trading apps luring people in to investing, it’s important to understand cryptocurrency. In this context, schools and teachers have an important role to play. Here, Dr Carly Sawatzki, Dr Jill Brown and Peter Saffin explore how teachers can understand students’ learning needs in this area.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/get-crypto-cool-for-school-talking-about-investment-risks-and-rewards-in-the-classroom>

Sydney students take lead to boost mental health, address online challenges

About 300 student leaders from 40 schools across Sydney last week gathered to learn how they could boost young people’s wellbeing during a student-led and designed conference.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-students-take-lead-to-boost-mental-health-address-online-challenges-20220613-p5at9c.html>

New exhibitions take Byte of vital STEM subjects

New Questacon exhibitions on display at four sites across Lake Macquarie aim to give kids a hands-on introduction to computer programming, algorithms and other STEM concepts.

<https://www.lakemac.com.au/News-articles/New-exhibitions-take-Byte-of-vital-STEM-subjects>

Bathurst High students among the first to participate in STEM program [subscription]

<https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/7772327/high-school-students-improving-their-stem-skills/>

Innovating in children’s best interests for a ‘fair’ digital world

The Digital Futures Commission aims to make children’s best interests a primary consideration in the design of the digital environment. We keep a lookout for good practices and guidelines to help digital innovators embed children’s best interests in their products and services. The Age Appropriate Design Code (the Code) is the first statutory Code of Practice for children’s data protection. Matching the Code’s child rights focus are UNICEF’s Manifesto on Good Data Governance for Children and Policy Guidance on AI for children. Common to all three is the concept of ‘fairness.’ In this blog, Ayça Atabey discusses what is meant by fairness in today’s digital world and why it matters.

<https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2022/06/08/innovating/>

Our changing nature: Education in a hybrid world

“We’ll be able to feel present – like we’re right there with people no matter how far apart we actually are”. With these words, Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the company rebranding as Meta, sketching his futuristic plan to build the “metaverse”, a place where physical and virtual worlds collide through the power of extended reality.

<https://oecdedutoday.com/hybrid-world-education/>

Blended learning for inclusion

Blended learning is a mix of different learning environments and tools that can open up a world of possibility for learners, regardless of their background and abilities. In this article, we will look at how digital technology can encourage inclusion and see some case studies and practices that show inclusive education in action.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/news/blended-learning-for-inclusion.htm>

Incorporating blended learning in the classroom

Blended learning is an approach to education that combines a range of learning environments and digital and non-digital learning tools. The following resources and practices show a number of ways that blended learning can be incorporated into any education plan.

<<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/latest/practices/incorporating-blended-learning.htm>

Blended learning in Steiner Waldorf schools

Blended learning in schools today usually means the use of digital technology to supplement traditional methods of teaching and learning. Martyn Rawson explains that Steiner Waldorf education understands blended learning in a broader sense – one that starts from direct, bodily experience and progresses to the use of digital media.

<https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/viewpoints/experts/blended-steiner-waldorf.htm>

OECD webinar: Re-thinking education from the classroom up: What teachers think about the future of schooling

Despite the impact of better technology and a constantly shifting socio-political landscape, the way we educate our younger generation has remained largely unchanged in most countries for a number of decades. And yet, these same technological developments and societal upheavals – including but not limited to the pandemic – are fundamentally altering the way we live our lives on a global scale, meaning that traditional education models are looking more and more outdated and no longer fit for purpose. If education wants to keep up with the times, we may have to completely re-think the role of schools. But what does that actually mean for teaching and learning?

<https://meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zp3lK10rRlq_dJYW0luNtg>

The Anywhere School 2022

Each year, my team and I speak with thousands of educators around the world to better understand how students and teachers are using technology in the classroom. We do this to help educators amplify their efforts and, most importantly, help students pursue their personal potential. Today, we’re sharing new updates to Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Google Meet to set up teachers and students for success ahead of the next school year.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-overview/>

Adapting products to meet teachers’ changing needs

As we build our products, it’s essential to listen to user feedback. That’s how we help make them useful for the people using them — and more inclusive, too. Our Google for Education team has a long history of directly involving schools in user research studies to better understand what they need. This connection to educators and students has made it easier to adapt our products as schools’ unique needs change over time. Here’s how we’ve done just that.

<https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-uxr/>

Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S) Briefing

Safer Technology 4 Schools (ST4S) is a national privacy and security initiative for digital products in K-12 education. The initiative is a framework to provide a standardised approach to evaluating digital products and services for use in schools across Australia.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2022/06/07/safer-technologies-4-schools-st4s-briefing/>

Inspiring the next generation of female scientists and engineers

The world has changed a lot over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that science plays to respond to some of our biggest challenges says Misha Schubert, CEO of Science & Technology Australia – the nations peak body for science and technology representing more than 90,000 members.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-female-scientists-and-engineers/>

Building digital intelligence in the middle years with Digital Licence+

A ground-breaking educational program for Australian students to build digital skills and competencies has been launched by national children’s not-for-profit, The Alannah & Madeline Foundation, in partnership with international digital intelligence think tank, The DQ Institute, and supported by global technology leader, Accenture Australia.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/building-digital-intelligence-in-the-middle-years-with-digital-licence/>

220,000 students benefit from $365.8 million Rural Access Gap program

More than 220,000 students in regional and remote areas of NSW are benefiting from the NSW Government’s $365.8 million Rural Access Gap (RAG) program, supplying digital devices to break the digital barrier and lead a tech revolution.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/220000-students-benefit-from-365-8-million-rural-access-gap-program/>

Teachers speak out about 'atrocious' staff shortages crippling many NSW public schools

The school bell rings and the halls fill with yelling and scuffling as a mass movement of teenagers makes its way along a corridor. ... By the end of 2020, Simon feared his school wouldn't be able to fill its staff. Then, in 2021, the NSW government inadvertently made the stress on schools worse. To tackle kids slipping behind through lockdowns and remote learning, the Department of Education introduced the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program, or COVID ILSP. It relied partly on casual teachers as tutors.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-04/teacher-shortages-nsw-public-schools-covid-department-education/101121632>

EduTECH 2022 – Digitisation • Creativity • Diversity

EduTECH 2022 is set to take place in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 10 & 11 August. With two years of pent-up demand and an eagerness to upskill and reconnect in-person, the education sector is extremely excited to be returning to a face-to-face event format.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/edutech-2022-digitisation-creativity-diversity/>

Investing in a Testbed…for EdTech Companies

There are key benefits for all stakeholders involved in a testbed trial. For EdTech companies, direct consumer feedback and quick adoption by a new partner, are just a couple of the exciting prospects of joining a program of this model.

<https://edugrowth.org.au/2022/06/08/investing-in-testbed-edtech/>

Networking and Cybersecurity workshop

For teachers delivering the first ACTBSSS unit of Networking and CyberSecurity Lake Tuggeranong College is hosting a workshop.

<https://inteact.act.edu.au/2022/06/01/networking-and-cybersecurity-workshop/>

As COVID and influenza cases increase, some students have been forced back to remote learning

In a cruel reminder of the past two years, Albury High School had to go back to remote learning this week. After an outbreak of COVID among students and teachers, coupled with rising influenza cases, the school was advised to move years 8, 9 and 10 to remote learning for a three-day circuit breaker.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-04/albury-high-students-remote-learning-teachers-covid-flu/101124930>

Remote learning was even tougher for migrant parents. Here’s what they want schools to know in case lockdowns return

When COVID forced school closures, many parents found themselves more involved than ever with their children’s learning. For some parents, it was hard work but broadly achievable. Many migrant parents, however, found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

<https://theconversation.com/remote-learning-was-even-tougher-for-migrant-parents-heres-what-they-want-schools-to-know-in-case-lockdowns-return-183039>

Google Classroom: Making your favorite educational tools work better together

For educators, there are always a few top of mind questions: how can they optimize their time and find ways to help each student learn effectively? With Classroom, we’re working to help solve these problems so educators can focus more on teaching and students can experience new approaches to make learning more personal.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-classroom/>

Adapting products to meet teachers’ changing needs

As we build our products, it’s essential to listen to user feedback. That’s how we help make them useful for the people using them — and more inclusive, too. Our Google for Education team has a long history of directly involving schools in user research studies to better understand what they need. This connection to educators and students has made it easier to adapt our products as schools’ unique needs change over time. Here’s how we’ve done just that.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-uxr/> 

The Anywhere School 2022

Each year, my team and I speak with thousands of educators around the world to better understand how students and teachers are using technology in the classroom. We do this to help educators amplify their efforts and, most importantly, help students pursue their personal potential. Today, we’re sharing new updates to Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Google Meet to set up teachers and students for success ahead of the next school year.

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-overview/>

Helping every student learn how they learn best

I often think about what Laura Allen, a Googler who leads our accessibility and disability inclusion work and is low vision, shared with me about her experience growing up using assistive technology in school. She said: “Technology should help children learn the way they need to learn, it shouldn’t be a thing that makes them feel different in the classroom.”

<https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/global-accessibility-awareness-day--2022/>

Time to listen to teachers on digital future

Few primary school teachers have the high-level proficiency needed to implement Australia’s digital curriculum in their classrooms, but not for a lack of effort.

<https://www.usq.edu.au/news/2022/06/teachers-digital-future>

ACS releases major computer education report

ACS has released a comprehensive new report on the state of Digital Technologies education in Australia, urging for more ICT-qualified teachers in the classroom.

<https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2022/acs-releases-major-computer-education-report.html>

World-first tool to increase digital literacy in young people and help bridge digital divide [Alannah & Madeline Foundation news release]

A world-first educational tool to help students grow their digital literacy skills and bridge the digital divide in regions with low levels of digital inclusion is being launched.

<https://www.miragenews.com/world-first-tool-to-increase-digital-literacy-793271/>

Are primary teachers confident in teaching technology?

Over the last two years, the pandemic has seen technology thrust to the forefront of teaching and learning, not to mention the new Australian Curriculum, which will see a greater focus on improving young people’s digital literacy.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/are-primary-teachers-confident-in-teaching-technology/280289>

Fallout of COVID-19 on Children's Education Not Over Yet

A national survey of more than 1,100 parents and carers whose children are supported by The Smith Family, has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to deeply impact children’s education, due to ongoing disruptions to 'normal' schooling, the after-effects of home learning and other urgent issues faced by families in need.

<https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/about-us/media/2022/fallout-of-covid-19-on-childrens-education-not-over-yet>

How culture and identity can enrich the school learning journey through technology [Sept 2021]

In June 2021, One Education Foundation supported our first Cultural Exchange event involving Cairns West State School (Queensland), Hilltop Road Public School and Richmond North Public School (New South Wales).

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjSBiweaoFU>

New report lays out vision for future of Australian schools

With a new Federal Government in place, now is the time “to act boldly” for the benefit of all young people, urges a new report by The Mitchell Institute.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/new-report-lays-out-vision-for-future-of-australian-schools/280330>

How one Sydney school got students reading in the social media age

Like many of her friends, year 10 student Penny Jin used to love reading when she was in primary school. But a busy schedule and change in priorities meant her love of books slowly waned.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/how-one-sydney-school-got-students-reading-in-the-social-media-age-20220517-p5am3e.html>

Goulburn High School Robotics Team places in top 18 per cent of world at Dallas World Championships [subscription]

<https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/7764382/goulburn-robotics-team-places-in-top-18-per-cent-of-world/>

Plagiarism Checker Alternatives to Turnitin (for K-12)

It was never a mystery that teachers get so many papers to check before a specific deadline that they’re often ready to drop everything and fall asleep at the end of the day. Irritation and stress from such tasks are like poison that makes instructors lose energy and harms their nerves.

<https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/05/plagiarism-checker-alternatives-to.html>

Want to expand computer science education? Educate more teachers

When advocates push for computer science education, usually they’re talking about boosting the number of schools offering computer science classes – with the intent to reach more students. But from our perspective as scholars of computer science education, a key factor is how many teachers are qualified to teach the subject.

<https://theconversation.com/want-to-expand-computer-science-education-educate-more-teachers-181697>

Investigation reveals tracking by EdTech of millions of Australian school students during COVID lockdowns

More than 4 million Australian school students were at risk of unprecedented tracking and surveillance during remote learning as corporations exploited their access to children.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-25/investigation-reveals-educational-tech-tracking-children-data/101091808>

Millions of Australian school students tracked by education technology companies during lockdown

Tonight 7:30 can reveal the results of an exclusive investigation revealing how education technology companies treated the data of millions of Australian school children.

<https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/millions-of-australian-school-students-tracked-by/13899246>

Governments Harm Children’s Rights in Online Learning

Governments of 49 of the world’s most populous countries harmed children’s rights by endorsing online learning products during Covid-19 school closures without adequately protecting children’s privacy, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The report was released simultaneously with publications by media organizations around the world that had early access to the Human Rights Watch findings and engaged in an independent collaborative investigation.

<https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/25/governments-harm-childrens-rights-online-learning>

Students, Not Products

We think our kids are safe in school online. But many of them are being surveilled, and parents have often been kept in the dark. Kids are priceless, not products.

<https://www.hrw.org/StudentsNotProducts>

‘Dystopian’: Govt-endorsed education apps surveilling Australian children

A number of education apps and websites endorsed by Australian governments and used throughout the pandemic have been surveilling and tracking children and sending their data to advertisers, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.

<https://www.innovationaus.com/dystopian-govt-endorsed-education-apps-surveilling-australian-children/>

Census provides snapshot of how Australia’s youngest learners fared during COVID-19

The latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) that shows Australian children have been remarkably resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/census-provides-snapshot-of-how-australias-youngest-learners-fared-during-covid-19/>

Kids in remote areas lag in learning development – new research

New data analysis released by The Front Project has found the percentage of children experiencing developmental vulnerability before they start school is significantly higher in remote and outer regional areas than in cities.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/kids-in-remote-areas-lag-in-learning-development--new-research/280267>

Infographic: Student reading in a digital age

An OECD report 21st-Century Readers: Developing Literacy Skills in a Digital World analyses data from the 2018 PISA test and student survey to report on the reading habits of 15-year-olds in OECD countries. Find out more about how reading in digital and paper formats affects students’ reading performance and enjoyment in today's infographic.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/infographic-student-reading-in-a-digital-age>

School Improvement Episode 39: Focusing on the priorities

How have things changed for schools over the last two years of the pandemic, and what are the improvement priorities now for teachers, principals and communities on the ground? Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy joins us for the latest episode in our School Improvement podcast series.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/school-improvement-episode-39-focusing-on-the-priorities>

Game-based program helps autistic kids learn social skills

A successful game-based program that teaches social skills to neurodiverse children and teenagers has been secured the University of Melbourne’s backing to drive its expansion.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/gamebased-program-helps-autistic-kids-learn-social-skills/280271>

How to supercharge your school’s video learning in 2022

In 2018, a report by Cisco predicted that 82% of all created content would be video. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted learning from face-to-face to online over the course of 2020, where ClickView saw a staggering 138% increase in video demand.

<https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/how-to-supercharge-your-schools-video-learning-in-2022/280173>

Education Ministers agree a new curriculum

Australian schools will have a new curriculum to teach in schools from 2023 after Education Ministers endorsed the revised Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/education-ministers-agree-a-new-australian-curriculum/>

Almost 60% of teachers say they want out. What is Labor going to do for an exhausted school sector?

During the 2022 federal election campaign, schools barely rated a mention. While the Labor government’s cabinet will not be finalised until next week, we expect Tanya Plibersek to become education minister. She will have plenty to do.

<https://theconversation.com/almost-60-of-teachers-say-they-want-out-what-is-labor-going-to-do-for-an-exhausted-school-sector-183452>

Lockdowns caused 'high psychological distress' in 70pc of high school students, study finds

A national survey of young people taken during 2021's pandemic and lockdowns has found more than 70 per cent of students whose studies were disrupted faced high psychological distress.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-25/lockdown-mental-health-effects-students-research/101094088>

AIIA urge Labor to appoint dedicated Digital Minister following election victory [AIIA news release]

Australia's peak body for innovation technology, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), congratulates the incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team following its victory at the federal election.

<https://35hddx2cwawgt701l2sq0v5c-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AIIA-Response-to-Federal-Election.pdf>

Wagga Wagga students crowned national STEM champions

Four senior students from Wagga Wagga Christian College recently travelled to Melbourne to compete in the National Finals for the SUBS in Schools Technology Challenge, where they were able to show off 18 months of work. The team known as 'The Kraken' built and controlled an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) which they describe as an 'submarine of sorts'.

<https://www.abc.net.au/radio/riverina/programs/breakfast/wagga-christian-school-stem-champions/13896068>

Introducing the New Microsoft Learn Educator Center

In support of assisting educators, school leaders, and training partners in the changing education landscape, we are excited to invite the education community to try the Microsoft Learn Educator Center. It is Microsoft’s centralized training and professional development platform where you can explore resources for educators and learn about programs, professional development offerings, and Microsoft technologies that advance teaching and learning practices. The Microsoft Learn Educator Center has replaced the Microsoft Educator Center (MEC) as our new home for the education community.

<https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2022/05/introducing-the-new-microsoft-learn-educator-center>

From the 'deserts of Western Australia to everywhere in between', Red Dirt Robotics is shaping the next generation of engineers

Trial and error: it's a simple but frustrating strategy. If you ask Jameson Harvey, however, it's all part of the process. "There's always lots of lots of problem-solving that you have to do when you're working on robots," he laughs.

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-08/red-dirt-robotics-regional-remote-engineers-stem/100964122>

CSIRO and Microsoft Australia launch Microsoft FarmBeats to encourage digital agriculture among students

CSIRO and Microsoft Australia have collaborated to launch a STEM education initiative that will see students witness the future of farming, exposing them to concepts like cloud computing and data and artificial intelligence.

<https://itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/csiro-and-microsoft-australia-launch-microsoft-farmbeats-to-encourage-digital-agriculture-among-students.html>

All Australian schools to sit NAPLAN online for the first time

More than 1 million students will sit NAPLAN tests this week – and for the first time, all except one must be completed online.

<https://www.smh.com.au/national/all-australian-schools-to-sit-naplan-online-for-the-first-time-20220506-p5aj3i.html>

Digital Technologies Hub

Find resources to help teachers, students and families learn about Digital Technologies.

<https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/> 

Industry Insights: lesson plan

This resource is designed to help subject teachers build their students' career development awareness and is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and relates to an Australian Curriculum learning area. To be used in conjunction with the Industry Insight webinar recording in a classroom setting, this suggested activity will help teachers and career practitioners generate classroom discussion and activity and help maximise class time using the most relevant parts of the webinar video. Designed to introduce students to one of the 19 industries (derived from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC). Students can hear from professionals currently working in the industry who are at various stages of their career.

<https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/industry-insights-lesson-plans>

Future schooling – education in the metaverse

‘The metaverse is upon us. Soon it will be as omnipresent as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (now Meta).’ So reads the first line of a new Policy Brief exploring the potential of the metaverse to enhance teaching and learning in the future, and why we need to start planning for it now.

<https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/future-schooling-education-in-the-metaverse>

Federal Election 2022: How do we fix Australia’s education system? Join our online roundtable debate

Australia’s global education rankings are sliding, teachers have been accused of not being capable and there are concerns over the lack of funding for public students. A new curriculum has been unveiled to a mixed response, while the row over equity and quality in the sector is still ongoing 10 years after the Gonski report, which was meant to solve the issues, was released.

<https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/federal-election-2022-how-do-we-fix-australias-education-system-join-our-online-roundtable-debate/news-story/7d92aab5a297f3c1ea9a6f6897150734>

Student participation in higher maths drops below 10%

New research from the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers shows the percentage of students who take higher maths has fallen below 10% for the first time, with only one-third of those students being female.

<https://www.educationmattersmag.com.au/student-participation-in-higher-maths-drops-below-10/>

Teacher and school leader curriculum survey

Grattan Institute is running a survey on high-quality curriculum resources and teachers’ workloads.

<https://grattan.edu.au/news/teacher-and-school-leader-curriculum-survey/>

State’s best teachers to help shape education plans

Some of the best teachers in NSW have met at Parliament House to share ideas on improving learning outcomes for students, cutting red tape and increasing the time and resources teachers have to deliver the best education for students.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/state-s-best-teachers-to-help-shape-education-plans>

Trailblazing principals to help drive excellence

Principals from 10 leading NSW public schools met for the first time yesterday as part of a ground-breaking advisory group to help drive school excellence and improvement across the state.

<https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/trailblazing-principals-to-help-drive-excellence>

NSW premier, teachers meet to share ideas

More administrative school staff, less paper work for teachers and sharing resources between public and private schools have been discussed by a group of teachers advising the NSW government.

<https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/7735309/nsw-premier-teachers-meet-to-share-ideas/>

Bridging Technology and Education with Campus UNESCO

Campus UNESCO is an ongoing program that gives young people aged 14 to 18 the chance to share views with experts from UNESCO and civil society. The topics discussed in each 90-minute session are linked to major UNESCO themes such as education, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, gender equality, and citizenship.

<https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all/stories/bridging-technology-education-campus-unesco>

Developing Children's Digital Literacy by Storybooks

Abstract: Growing tendency of children in using digital technologies, as well as Coronavirus crisis has forced families to live in new condition and may threaten their children’s health and development. So, there is essential need to investigate different methods of children’s digital literacy training. This paper has used qualitative content analysis to study some Persian and English storybooks based on socio-cultural approach. The process of analysis has been done according to inductive procedure and around different aspects of dealing with digital technologies: (1) the child’s behavior, (2) the child’s personal network, and (3) behaviors of child’s peripheral actors. Findings show that stories describe various behaviors of children in face of technologies: passion and trust in using digital technologies; secret use and vulnerability of them; regret and embarrassment; being tired of technology and tendency to alternatives; thinking, challenge and discussion about online information; collaborating with real and online individuals in using technologies; trust in books versus Internet; and learning digital literacy. Also, the peripheral individuals such as parents, siblings, relatives, peers, educational system, and social actors show different behaviors in relation with children and learning digital technologies.

<https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4098527>

Bett Asia 2022 Roadshow

Bangkok, Wednesday 27 April 2022: Bett, the global community for education technology, held the Bett Asia Roadshow at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. After three years, Bett is proud to present the in-person return of Bett Asia. Following the tremendous success of the 2019 show, Bett Asia is now looking forward to its 2022 edition – moving from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok for Bett Asia’s first event in Thailand.

<https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/bett-asia-2022-roadshow>

The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021

March 2022 marks two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're starting to see a fuller picture of how the last two years have affected everything from the economy and health care to education and mental health. For parents, caregivers, educators, and even policymakers across the country, kids' media use has been a central issue in this conversation.

<https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens-2021>

Game-Based Learning Prepares K–12 Students for a Digital Future

Through culturally relevant themes and virtual interactions, students learn to explore the world, their social relationships and how games work.

<https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/05/game-based-learning-prepares-k-12-students-digital-future>

Pacific Science Center Receives $1 Million Amazon Future Engineer Grant to Deliver Science and Technology Education to Students from Underserved Communities

Pacific Science Center (PacSci) and Amazon Future Engineer today announced a new collaboration, fueled by a $1 million grant from Amazon, to spark curiosity in tens of thousands of students from underserved and historically underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields through free interactive science education programs. The effort builds on continued initiatives by each organization to reach more students from Title I schools – those with 40% or more of the student population classified as low-income – and provides a critical next step in PacSci’s ultimate vision: providing every K-8 student in the state with supplemental STEM curriculum at no cost.

<https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/blog/news/pacsci-receives-amazon-future-engineer-grant/>