Why Australia’s Teachers Need To Get Ahead Of AI And Sustainability
Press Release March 2024
Building an education system that develops young students into adults who will thrive in the world of tomorrow, requires adaption from schools.
“It’s not only the technological advances, such as the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), that children need to be prepared for, but also the challenges imposed by climate change. Careers in AI, STEM and sustainability are going to become more prevalent in the next few years,” shares Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Expo Group – the organisers of the National Education Summit, taking place in Melbourne from 14 to 15 June 2024.
“Australian schools need to ensure that they are delivering the learning materials and opportunities needed to develop tomorrow’s problem solvers and leaders,” she adds.
AI is already here... Now what?
According to Deloitte, almost 10% of Australia’s large firms (having 200 or more staff) are officially using AI. “Schools need to incorporate AI into both their operations and their learning programs, to harness the benefits of AI for more personalised education, enhancing student engagement and comprehension, as well as to drive more efficient school operations,” notes Marie.
The Australian Government Department of Education’s inaugural Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in School, implemented at the start of this year provides schools and teachers with a framework for the introduction of AI education. “Importantly, the framework provides for the prevention of plagiarism and the protection of privacy and data rights – areas of major concern following the rise of AI,” notes Marie. “Understanding how to embrace AI education within this framework is key and will be discussed and unpacked at the upcoming National Education Summit.”
Empowering students to create a more sustainable world
In addition to tech know-how, sustainability education is a vital component of the Australian school curriculum. Schools have increasingly been looking at how they can equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to address the complex challenges of our world.
“The Australian education system incorporates sustainability principles across various subjects and levels. But we need to do more to develop holistic, multidisciplinary education that integrates the social, environmental and economic pillars of sustainability and enables learners to contribute to more sustainable societies,” says Marie.
Giving teachers a head start
“’AI in the Classroom’ and “Sustainability in Schools’ are two key pillars at the National Education Summit this year, and we have secured an exciting lineup of experts to explore both topics,” adds Marie.
AI in the Classroom
In the AI in the Classroom sessions, visitors will hear from Dr Raul V. Rodqriguez (Vice President of Woxsen University in Kamkole, India), whose area of expertise lies at the intersection of cognitive psychology with machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotic process automation, and quantum AI.
Rounding out the schedule is Chris Bush (Head of Student Voice and Leadership at University High School), who will demonstrate how AI can be used for curriculum planning, differentiation, marking and feedback. In addition, David Howard (Head of Digital Learning and Practice at Wesley College), will explain ‘how to build a custom AI tutor for your school’.
Sustainability in the Classroom
Opening the Sustainability in the Classroom session in Melbourne is Katie Pahlow (Director of Regions and Community Action at Sustainability Victoria), who will explore the award-winning sustainable schools program, her organisation has spearheaded since 2008. The program has helped schools save more than $45 million in resource costs and avoid over 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
The session on Sustainability in Schools will also include a workshop that will unpack the learnings from a 2023 Google-funded partnership project between Design and Technology Teachers Association (DATTA) and Victoria and Environment Education Victoria (EEV). Peter Murphy (Program Manager at Banyule Nillumbik Tech School on behalf of DATTA Victoria), and Marika Wong, Education and Curriculum Support Officer at EEV, will guide the workshop.
Ms Jo Connor (Executive Officer at EEV), and Ms Maud Cassaignau, (Architect and Urban Designer), will present a session on exploring climate adaptation strategies for school grounds.
“The National Education Summit supports educators at all levels of K-12 education. With five conferences to choose from, the Summit presents teachers with a platform to engage in new concepts, share ideas, and hear about new developments around what classrooms might look like in 1 to 5 years from now. Attendees can also claim PD hours for their attendance,” concludes Marie.
Taking place from 14 to 15 June, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre the Show brings together Australia’s leading education experts for two days of conferences, workshops and seminars, as well as free sessions and an exhibition. More information and registration details are available at https://www.nationaleducationsummit.com.au/melbourne
Ends
FOR EDITORS
About the National Education Summit 2024
The National Education Summit has continued to be an important key professional development event for Australian educators since it first took place in 2016. The Summit incorporates five individual events, each specialising in key areas of interest within teaching and learning. In addition, the Summit offers guests free seminars, including The Knowledge Centre and a free trade expo - The Education Show - boasting over 100 exhibitors, showcasing the latest educational resources, technologies and products.
The Summit is supported by the involvement of key educational organisations involved including GROK Academy, Australian Education Union, Modern Teaching Aids, Be Challenged, and the MacKillop Institute and many more.
When and where:
Melbourne: Friday 14 and Saturday 15 June 2024, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane: Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August 2024, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
About the International Expo Group (PTY) Ltd
The International Expo Group (PTY) Ltd is a privately owned Australian company of key personnel with combined exhibition industry experience of over 70 years.
Enquiries about the event: Margo Metcalf IEC Group. media@iecgroup.com.au or 03 95969205
For editorial enquiries please contact Rene Rose
rene@positivltd.com
M +61 474 476 344
