Presenters

Nasrin Moradmand
Dr Nasrin Moradmand has a background in both software engineering and education. She worked and taught in the Information Technology environment for the past twenty years in both industry and in academic environments. Nasrin has diverse experience in design and development of variety of digital learning and learning/teaching resource and was a 2012 Google Anita Borg award finalist. Nasrin currently is a Learning and Development Advisor/Technology Instructional Designer at Sonic HealthPlus. In past, Nasrin was a researcher in the School of Computer Science & Software Engineering, the University of Western Australia. The aim of her research project was to investigate how teachers and students can use appropriate computer-based educational applications in the classroom to enhance mathematical achievement.

Amitava Datta
Professor Amitava Datta did his MTech and PhD in computer science from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He has worked at the Max Planck Institute for Computer Science, University of Freiburg (both in Germany), University of New England and University of Western Australia (both in Australia). He has taught a broad range of subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests are in parallel and distributed computing, bioinformatics, computer-assisted education, mobile and wireless computing, social networks and data mining. He has supervised 27 PhD and masters by research students, published over one hundred and seventy articles in reputed international journals and conference proceedings and served in the editorial boards and programme committees of several international journals and conferences.

Grace Oakley
Grace Oakley is an Associate Professor in literacy education at the Graduate School of Education, the University of Western Australia. She is the co-author of the highly successful book, Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education (OUP) as well as editor of Mobile Technologies in Children’s Language and Literacy: Innovative Pedagogy in Preschool and Primary Education (Emerald). Grace has been involved over many years in the research of literacy education, particularly where literacy and technology intersect.

Mark MᶜDonald
Google Enginner - Mark is an engineer in Google’s Developer Relations team, where he works to help others build software using Google's tools & services. He has worked on products ranging from AI tools and Google Play Music's recommender, Search, Google Maps and (his favourite) Google Santa Tracker.

Kim Maslin
Kim is a Digital Technologies Educator and Author, who has taught students from Pre-Primary to Year 12. She is passionate about teaching children how to use technology in safe, happy and healthy ways. Kim is the author of The Tweeting Galah children’s cyber safety book series, which has been used by teachers worldwide to engage children in important conversations about staying safe online.

David Donnelly
David Donnelly is currently the Principal Consultant Curriculum and Assessment for Technologies at the School Curriculum and Standards (SCSA). David’s portfolio includes Computer Science, Applied Information Technology and Digital Technologies from Primary through to Year 10. David is an avid life-long learner who believes that a good curriculum is paramount to student success and he strives for fairness and validity across the state. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and helping others in areas of need. David has been involved in public education for 15 years and uses this knowledge in his role today.

Petra Trinke
Petra Trinke is a multitalented, future-focused educator and leader with considerable experience in program development, management, people leadership and continuous improvement. She is currently employed as principal consultant for Technologies in the International division at The School Curriculum and Standards Authority. Her career spans over many years teaching Digital Technologies, Applied Information Technology and Computer Science, with involvement in the STEM disciplines. Petra’s passion for providing students and teachers with relevant, authentic teaching and learning experiences whist driving innovation has led to her involvement with industry partners such as Microsoft Innovative Education Expert (MIEE) program, Adobe’s education leadership (AEL) and professional associations. Petra currently holds the position of Vice President of the Educational Computing Association of WA. Is a committee member of WiTWA -Women in Technology WA’s Techtrails program, and the Game Changer Awards.

Franca Dillon
Franca Dillon one of the Associate Principal’s at Bunbury Primary School. As a DigiTech school, one of Franca’s roles has been leading and managing professional learning in digital technologies at BPS. Franca has been working on developing a team of lead teachers in digital technologies to support teachers within and across the state. Franca is passionate about education, supporting teachers and school leaders as well as providing opportunities for students to develop and apply 21st Century skills to their learning.

Jacob French
Jacob is currently a Year 3 teacher at Bunbury PS (a Department of Education DigiTech School) who has worked with students in across our school in digital technologies. Jacob has also delivered professional learning to face to face and via Webex across the state. Jacob will be sharing practical ideas. Jacob extensive expertise in 3D printing.

Renae Guelfi and Neeshia Delaporte
Renae and Neeshia are currently Year 4 teachers at Bunbury PS. Both teachers have expertise in digital technologies and they have both been leading the implementations of Lego We Do at Bubury PS, including participation in First Lego League Competitions and supporting other staff across both in school and within the state. Neeshia is a trained lead teacher in the Teachers Can Code program. Both teachers have experience in delivery professional learning in using digital technologies.

Andrea Doherty
Andrea is currently a Year 1/2 teacher at Bunbury leading the use of OnEntry Data, Review of English and Maths scope and sequences and is a member of the school ICT team. Andrea supports teachers in the ECE with curriculum delivery and use of programs such as Letters and Sounds and Brightpath. Andrea has also been involved in leading and/or supporting key school projects including digital technologies. She will be sharing lesson and unit ideas on how to integrate the device BeeBots across the early years curriculum.

Veronica Marley
Veronica is a Level 3 lead teacher currently teaching a Year 5 class. Veronica was involved in the Teacher Can Code program and plays a role in leading digital technology and English across the school. Veronica has delivered professional learning via face to face and via Webex across the state.

Tegan Marley
Tegan is currently a Year 2 teacher at Bunbury PS (a Department of Education DigiTech School). Tegan was involved in the Teachers Can Code program delivering professional learning to teachers across the state in Digital Technologies. Tegan has been leading and supporting teachers with the implementation of the Digital Technologies curriculum across the school including professional learning via Webex and Face to Face.

Sarah Hill
Sarah is a K - 10 teacher, Sarah has taught in primary and District High Schools before moving to leadership positions at school and system level. Sarah has worked with the Western Australian Department of Education for more than a decade as a teacher, school leader, curriculum consultant for implementing and integrating the Technologies Curriculum across the state and Principal advisor for Online Testing. Sarah founded Lumos Learning to assist education institutions connect their core beliefs, key priorities and curriculum requirements. Sarah uses her experience to assist schools to implement and integrate; effective evidence based pedagogy, technology with their school priorities and curriculum requirements. Sarah draws on world wide best practice and research to guide schools through implementing changes in pedagogy across all learning area’s. Sarah is able to tailor each experience to meet your unique requirements to support your existing programs. Sarah now works as an independent education consultant supporting education services with adult learning to support curriculum delivery and engagement, strategic planning, resource development, onsite learning, in-class mentoring and offsite events. She is a ISTE certified educator and Apple Distinguished Educator.

Lou Cimetta
Lou originally training as an early childhood teacher, Lou Cimetta taught across the early years and primary years before moving to leadership positions at school and system level. Lou worked for ten years at the Catholic Education Office in Western Australia, focusing on teaching and learning initiatives. She has been an instructional coach supporting schools to draw on research and evidence to improve literacy and numeracy results. Lou also developed digital learning strategies, led the digital learning team and represented the National Catholic Education Commission on cross-sectoral digital learning working parties during her time at Catholic Education. Lou most recently worked as a development executive at Apple supporting local, national and international educational institutions in utilising technology to maximise learning opportunities. As part of this role she opened up new markets, developed education content and designed powerful learning experiences for leaders and educators. Lou now works as an independent consultant supporting the education sector with strategic planning, adult learning design, onsite learning, offsite events and educator resource development. She is an an ISTE Certified Educator.

Michelle Pestel
Michelle has seven years’ experience as the Primary ePedagogy and Innovation Co-ordinator at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, responsible for leading the purposeful integration of technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Michelle builds the confidence and competency of staff skills through impact coaching and co-teaching towards the successful implementation of highly engaging ICT and Digital Technologies programmes. She has well-versed strategic planning and problem solving skills, having co-ordinated school-wide rollouts of LMS’s, devices and many emerging technology tools. With a background in Psychology and dual role in school counselling, Michelle ensures technology utilisation facilitates opportunities for students to practise their communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills. With 20 years’ experience as an teacher in a diverse range of schools with various pedagogical approaches, Michelle believes resilience and a growth mindset towards life-long learning are essential to educator success. Michelle was awarded the ECAWA Educator of the Year in 2018, has presented at many professional forums and recently completed a Masters in Educational Leadership.

Christine Koopman
Christine is currently Head of Technologies at Presbyterian Ladies’ College (Perth). She has taught in Department and Private schools in and around Perth, and in London. Christine has over 20 years’ experience in the Computing/Digital Technologies classroom and enjoys developing new and engaging lessons to deliver content.

Michelle Ellis
Dr Michelle Ellis is the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at ECU for Computing and Security. She has been primarily tasked with promoting Computer Science, Cyber Security, Counter-Terrorism, and Intelligence in WA high schools. Michelle has been part of the Perth movement in breaking down barriers, dispelling myths, and exposing girls (both high school and university students) to the various fields within the tech sector. Events such as Girls Programming Network, International Women's Day, Tech Fields, and networking events are helping to increase female aspirations for computing and security. We all have a part to play in increasing the number of women in STEM-qualified occupations.

Soumita Kale
Soumita Kale – Cyber Security student at Edith Cowan University. Passionate about tech and has built and developed websites, applications and games for personal use. Is currently working at Ever Nimble IT support company and volunteers for Girls Programming Network. Knowing about and understanding the dangers associated with poor cyber security practices, has enabled Soumita to help her peers and family to manage cyber-attacks. She sees herself in the future as a Digital Forensics Analyst – Ask her what that means!

Alex Coulter
Alex Coulter is a Design and Technology teacher at Christ Church Grammar School in Claremont. He teaches the Engineering Studies ATAR course and specialises in mechatronics engineering. He received the Design and Technologies teacher of the year award in 2020 from DATTA WA. He also runs the school’s Robotics Club and has had experience coaching robotics teams for state, national, and international level competitions.  

Zachary Matthews
Zac is passionate about STEM, Digital Technologies, ICT, and Rural Education. His work has taken him from Kununurra and Karratha in Northern WA to Albany in the South. Most recently Zac has been guiding pre-service teachers into Digitech through the Digital Technologies Horizons course. In addition to teaching, he wears several other hats including ICT Coordinator and Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Albany SHS. In his spare time, Zac is developing LearnSTEM, an online learning platform to help teachers and students engage with STEM and ICT.