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.

9:00 - 9:35am

Speaker: Professor Kate Ames, Pro Vice-Chancellor - Engagement and Access at Torrens University Australia

'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

Speaker: Julie Murkins, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)

Evidence-informed Approaches to Wellbeing & Mental Health

ACER will provide visibility on a range of approaches to improved wellbeing and mental health in schools. Our work includes supporting staff in the identification of evidence-informed and contextualised strategies and methods. Participants will gain exposure to some of the research underpinning ACER's work in this field, and to services and tools available to all Australian schools.

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)

Journi – Road Safety and Wellbeing

Road trauma is the leading cause of death for Australian children aged 1-14years and the second leading cause of death for 15-24 years. In 2023, sadly 1,269 Australians lost their lives on the road. Hear why road safety education is essential and should form part of a lifelong learning journey on and around our roads.  Russell will preview an update on the development of Journi – the free, interactive, online learning experience for Years 5 and 6 students available exclusively for Queensland schools in 2025. Journi is an initiative of the Queensland Government.

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.

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

Speaker: MAJ Michelle Picton, Education Officer, Australian Defence Force

Not your typical Educator

Ever wondered how a Techer in the Defence force differs to a teacher at a high School?
Michelle was once a high School teacher who was looking for something a little different in the education sector.  She started her Career within Defence as a Training Systems Officer and never looked back. Michelle will be discussing the differences between both jobs and the perks of each.

10:30 - 11:00am

Speaker: Kristy Thomson, Team Leader Online Child Safety Team, 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 - 12:20pm

Speaker: Clinton Mohoupt, Director, FocusCS

A solution to work smarter, not harder

Managing student data and case notes is a complex and time consuming role for school counsellors. FocusCS was borne in response to the growing need for a software solution which provides comprehensive note management whilst also taking into account the compliance, reporting and security requirements of a working school environment. Let us showcase how schools are embedding this technology into their programs with great results.

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: 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.

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.