Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August 2024
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre


Build your knowledge with 2 days of interactive Free Seminars held in the Knowledge Centre, for teachers delivered by experts in teaching and learning.

Attend as many of the free seminars in the Knowledge Centre as you like and collect valuable professional development hours as you go. Register to Visit the Free Expo and choose the Seminars you would like to attend. Get in early as places are limited.

Discover more free sessions in the Grok Stream: Building Digitally Capable Learners.


Program | Friday 2 August 2024

*Program subject to change


9:00 - 9:35am

Speaker: Professor Kate Ames, Director Learning Design and Innovation, CQUniversity

 

'I still remember the moment, as clear as day': The impact of school-based experiences on life and self-belief for adults with ADHD

This session presents findings of qualitative research into the way adults late diagnosed with ADHD reflect on their experiences at school, highlighting the impact of single moments that influenced life trajectories and self-belief. It highlights, through personal storytelling, the importance of awareness of ADHD by teachers and caregivers, and the influence it has on student engagement with feedback and interaction in the classroom.


9:45 - 10:15am

Knowledge Centre Sponsor


10:30 - 11:00am

Speaker: Jodie Pritchard, Deputy Principal and Jenny Rosser, Deputy Principal – Instructional Leader Wellbeing, Anson Street School

"Just Right Challenge" for diverse learners (not breakfast related)

Today’s educational climate is fast becoming an overwhelming and increasingly demanding space for all. For our diverse learners these challenges are magnified, particularly if they struggle with regulation, communication and skill acquisition. This session will showcase proven, practical solutions to maximise the success of our diverse learners. Our multi-modal approach provides students with the “just right challenges” they need to achieve and be their best self. Participants will take-away ready to implement strategies and resources which support regulation, communication and skill acquisition, fostering successful inclusion across all educational settings.


11:15 - 11:45am

Speaker: Dr Hind Hegazy, Principal Advisor, First Nations Strategies and Partnerships

 

Unleashing the power of Digital Learning: Fostering Curiosity & Innovation for STEM Education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

In an era rapidly evolving towards digital dominance, leveraging technology for education is no longer just an option—it's imperative. This session delves into the transformative potential of digital learning platforms, specifically tailored for STEM education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The session explores blending cultural contexts with innovative digital tools, with the goal of promoting enriched learning experiences to unleash students’ innate curiosity and innovation as learners towards academic excellence in STEM disciplines.


12:00 - 12:15pm

Speaker: Nicole Alder, Business Development Executive, Trailblazer Tours

 

Eco-Sustainability in the Ultimate Outdoor Classroom

In this Session we will cover the hot topic of Eco- Sustainability, a little bit of Accessibility and touching on Indigenous Places on Moreton Island as a School Camp provider. At our school Camps we fully immerge the student into their ultimate outdoor classroom.  In this session we will dive into Mulgumpin (Moreton) School Camps and how Trailblazer Tours delivers this operationally on the ground on the 3rd largest sand island in the world.  The Island is bursting with Marine Biodiversity and biologically diverse expanse of water not to mention incredible Geology and Geomorphology. We are all about delivering information in the most fun and adventurous way.


12:30 - 1:00pm

Speakers: Sian Hogan, Business Development Manager, ClickView

 

Unlocking the Power of ClickView: Engaging Students with Digital Learning Content

Join us for an interactive session where we will explore how ClickView can revolutionise your classroom by providing engaging, curated digital learning content. Learn how to incorporate multimedia resources to enhance student engagement and understanding and discover valuable tips and tricks for maximising the impact of ClickView in your teaching practice. Whether you are a seasoned ClickView user or just starting out, this session is guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and equipped to take your lessons to the next level.


1:15 - 1:30pm

Speaker: Jerry Leaupepe, Facilitator, Tautai O Le Moana

Navigating Inclusive Education with Cultural Ancestral Wisdom

Championing the success of every learner, Tautai O Le Moana employs indigenous concepts to bridge gaps in engagement and educational experiences prevalent among culturally diverse groups. By developing a framework that integrates Western methodologies with Pacific wisdom, our aim is to provide educational leaders with an alternative perspective to enhance their current leadership pedagogy. This session unveils how embracing Cultural Ancestral Intelligence can transform educational environments into spaces where every learner's identity and heritage are not just recognized but celebrated as valued platforms to strengthen their learning journey. Our innovative Fa’atufuga model integrates principles of emotional well-being, service-driven leadership, and the sanctity of relationships to foster a sense of continuity, fulfillment, and belonging among students. Discover firsthand accounts from schools that have woven these indigenous 'ways of knowing' into their fabric, engaging students and families in a shared journey towards enhanced educational outcomes.


1:40 - 2:10pm

Speaker: Meg Pidskalny, Assistant Principal Online Learning, FisherONE - Online Education

 

Redefining online learning for senior secondary students

Developing a signature pedagogy for the delivery of online learning. We will discuss the influence asynchronous learning has on synchronous live lessons. Supporting students' phases of development, quality assurance, authenticating student work and integrity, connections online - developing relationships, and well-being for an online school.


2:20 - 2:35pm

Speaker: Julian Ridden, AI Educator, Quizizz

 

The AI-augmented Gamified and Differentiation Classroom

So, everyone is talking AI, but how can it truly make a positive impact in the classroom of today? In this session. Julian will discuss how teachers can use freely available, built for purpose AI tools to create a powerful (and sometimes even fun) differentiated and digitally augmented classroom in a fraction of the time than it did before. If you are new to the AI discussion and looking to dip your toe in the water, or a seasoned pro looking for ways to be create engaging and more time-effective resources in a safe way, then this session is for you!


2:45 - 3:05pm

Speaker: Russell White, Founder & CEO, Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF)

 

Road Safety Journey - Safety and Wellbeing

Road trauma is the biggest killer of Australian children aged 1-14 years. In 2023, 1,266 Australians lost their lives on the road - 98 were school aged. Hear about why road safety awareness and education are an essential part of lifelong continuing education for health and safety on and around our roads.


3:15 - 3:45pm

Speaker: Ash Curmi, Teacher and Digital Creator, Education Queensland

 

A blueprint for classroom management: Authentic classroom techniques you can implement immediately

Whether you're a seasoned educator or recently graduated, this session explores an authentic approach to classroom management from experienced educator Ash Curmi. Having taught various year levels in the classroom, PE and in mentoring roles, his philosophy is to foster a supportive and safe learning environment where students embrace mistakes with a resilient mindset. Expect valuable insights and actionable techniques to further enhance your teaching skills and empower your students for success in the classroom.


Program | Saturday 3 August 2024

*Program subject to change


9:00 - 9:35am

Speaker: Joanne Knight, Digital Resource Consultant, MTA

 

LEGO Education in a Real Classroom

In this session we will showcase how to use LEGO Spike in your classroom. Throughout the session you will see students in a real classroom using LEGO Spike at various year levels. Following this will be a Q and A with classroom teachers related to how they use LEGO Spike in their STEM classrooms.


9:45 - 10:15am

TBC


10:30 - 11:00am

Speaker: A representative from Australian Federal Police

ThinkUKnow

An introduction to the Australian Federal Police and online child sexual exploitation, suitable for members of the community. Topics included will be: What the ACCCE and ThinkUKnow program are, the sexual extortion trend and what the community needs to know, and how to report and get help.


11:10 - 11:40am

Speaker: Melissa O’Shea, Growth Manager, Toddle

 

Empowering Educators: Leveraging Innovations for Classroom Enhancement

Uncover the transformative potential of recent advancements in generative AI and technology, paving the way for highly personalised, inclusive and future-oriented educational experiences. Gain insights into how the implementation of an AI strategy can streamline educational processes, optimise resource allocation, and empower educators to have a profound and lasting impact on student success. See how Toddle AI 2.0 is tailored for school leaders to effectively leverage AI, liberating teachers from administrative burdens and allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on their core mission of teaching. Experience firsthand a state-of-the-art communication platform powered by artificial intelligence. Dive deep into the evolution of assessment methods seamlessly woven into everyday classroom routines.


11:50 - 12:20am

Speaker: Steven Rowe, Product Expert, Accessit Library

 

360 Degrees of Teaching and Learning

Learn how our customers are using Accessit Library as the heart of their school's learning resources. Encompassing teaching and learning from all angles; the library has the resources, the teacher creates the home for their subject for students to delve into, and the students can access and research this trusted curated content from school or at home.

Sharing trusted and safe information allows teachers and librarians to teach digital literacy and research skills while engaging students with different types of media - not just books - to ensure every student has a chance to learn at their level.


12:30 - 1:00pm

Speaker: Tim Hadwen, Director, Micromelon Robotics

 

Coding in Blocks and Python with Micromelon

In this hands-on workshop, using the Micromelon Rover, we will guide you through a series of engaging and real-world activities and challenges that you can immediately incorporate into your robotics lessons or after-school club.


1:10 - 1:40pm

Speaker: Gemma Goodyer Principal St Gabriels and Jarryd Bradford Director Traces of Learning

 

Why did we even do that?

We dreamt of a school for children’s voices, for educators to feel joy, for families to feel welcome and honoured. Our dream is realised through dialogue, trust, challenge, and innovation. And we made it. Where no bells are heard, and children do not line up. Why did we have lines? Children encounter hands on learning at all times, there is no whole class teaching.. How did we even do that?  We have ALL day projects and discovery - whilst small group learning occurs - meeting the needs of all children whilst truly increasing learner agency.


1:50 - 2:10pm

Speaker: Kate Green, Queensland Team Leader, Mad About Science

 

Making Mad Scientists with Mad About Science

Join us for an extraordinary showcase of show-stopping experiments as we plunge into the captivating world of Mad About Science! Delve into our workshop to acquire real-world STEM content and pedagogical expertise, where you will gain invaluable insights into what we offer for the future's scientists in YOUR school. Let’s ignite the STEM spark together!


2:20 - 2:35pm

Speaker: Michael Hawton, Director, Parentshop

 

Is Anxiety an Issue in Your School?

In the face of limited access to professional psychological help and the growing challenges in addressing child and teen mental health, providing teachers with training to combat student anxiety is crucial. Teachers play a vital role in recognizing and managing anxiety in students, allowing them to continue teaching while equipping students with essential coping skills. The Australian Productivity Commission's 2022 inquiry underscored the need for teacher training in identifying and handling student anxiety. While parents are primary influencers in anxiety regulation, teachers can serve as lay mental health coaches by setting high expectations, teaching stress management, and fostering effective conversations. Initiatives like The Anxiety Project and Resilience in Our Teens offer a holistic, evidence-based approach, addressing immediate needs and cultivating long-term resilience in students. Developed by psychologist and former teacher Michael Hawton, these programs integrate proven techniques, acknowledging teachers' time constraints for real-world impact in educational settings.


2:45 - 3:00pm

Speaker: Sam Tickner, Regional Sales Manager, Essential Assessment

 

Lightening the load for Educators to Support Diverse Learners

Essential Assessment's online platform provides robust student data that allows teachers to see what needs to be explicitly taught to the whole class, small target groups, and individual learners. Then, they design explicit teaching and learning cycles to reflect this information and, after a time of practice, use the EA formative assessment task of My Numeracy and My Literacy to measure the impact of teaching and learning.


Register FREE to attend the Knowledge Centre Program

All sessions over the two days are eligible for PD hours