About sessions

Grace Oakley, Vaille Dawson and Mark Pegrum  - Integrating extended reality (XR) technologies into the teaching of literacy in science 
Extended reality (XR) technologies using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have the potential to motivate and engage students, improve students’ understandings of abstract concepts and improve their literacy as a general capability. XR can involve multimodal overlays on reality (AR) or immersive multimodal simulations (VR), with the emphasis on visual elements at the current stage of technological development. In this presentation, we will talk about an exploratory study conducted in a Year 5 class in a Western Australian independent school. Using a co-design process, the classroom teacher and a researcher worked collaboratively to design a sequence of activities using 360 degree video, MergeCube and Metaverse Studio to teach chemistry concepts (states of matter) and word and sentence level literacy appropriate for the learning area. As a result of this exploratory study, the researchers constructed a set of preliminary design principles for using XR in the teaching of literacy as a general capability in the Science learning area, which will be outlined in this presentation. We will also demonstrate how to create AR quizzes using the Metaverse Studio platform.

Rachael Lehr- Technologies: Leading & Learning 
This session presented by Rachael Lehr will describe how to lead the implementation of the Technologies (digital technologies & design) across your school. This will include information on: Establishing a vision and strategic plan, Creating a contextual school curriculum, Supporting staff to confidently use technologies for student learning, Assisting students to use technologies meaningfully to display learning, Designing and implementing assessment tasks and much more.

Incorporating ICT and elements of the Digital Technologies curriculum into your Science Lessons  
A hands-on practical session designed to showcase how using ICT in your Science classroom can enhance the learning experience. Technology is an intrinsic part of the modern science lab, and what better way than to bring it into the classroom as early as possible. Through the wonder of Life Cycles, ICT will be used to record student understanding and experience. The use of Apps, online digital portfolios, pocket labs, and robotics will contribute to your understanding of how ICT can replace the paper and be interwoven into the fabric of the lessons.

David Donnelly/Petra Trinke- SCSA Updates
This session will focus on the Pre-primary to Year 10 review of the Technologies curriculum that is currently underway. Updates on planned implementation dates, school concerns/issues, new resources and the Authority website. This session will also give an overview of the newly developed Pre-primary to Year 10 moderation module designed for internal moderation in schools. A valuable tool for school leaders and administrators looking for comparability in their schools against the state standard. Time will also be allocated for Q and A.

Michelle Ellis/Elliot Rosignol   - Cyber Security Challenges   
Each month thousands of dollars are given away to cybercriminals. Join us as we share with you the cyber landscape, some sensible practices, and quick tips on ways to be cyber secure. We will also explore some of the educational programs out there that may prove useful in your classroom.

Michelle Chomiak- Teaching Object-Oriented Programming to Secondary Students - It is not just about pronouncing it correctly!
Object-oriented programming will be included for the first time in Year 12 ATAR Computer Science in 2024. Most teachers will not have studied this as part of their initial teacher education, therefore this session will incorporate many facets from current research and evidence-based teaching practices to give recommendations on how to teach this topic effectively.

Ann Backhaus- Teach data without putting your students to sleep
Are you trying to figure out how to teach “data” without teaching about data? Join us! We’ll take you on a sleep journey that (by the way) immerses you and your students in the world of data. Pawesy, in conjunction with the Australian Data Science Education Institute (ADSEI), teachers, and UWA sleep scientists have created a unit of work to help scaffold the teaching of Data Collection and Analysis with secondary students. This unit has been used and extended to create an engaging and immersive learning experience to teach the basic fundamentals of data science. You’ll walk away with practical tips on how to implement this in your classroom. The resources are free and ready-to-go.

Chris Betcher- How Google is thinking about the role of AI in Education
In this workshop we will explore some of the AI enhanced resources available to schools and discuss how we are reimagining the future of learning assisted by AI.

Kimberley Hall- Google's perspective on a digitally enabled learning ecosystems
In this workshop we will explore what it means to build a digitally enabled learning ecosystem that connects learners to quality learning opportunities that include and go beyond learning in school.

Zoe George- Cyber Security in a Collaborative Classroom: Teaching Cyber Incident Response
As technology continues to play a crucial role in industries across the world, it is imperative to address the growing need to develop Cyber Security skills within a Digital Technology classroom. This workshop presentation aims to shed light on the importance of incorporating cyber security education into the curriculum and specifically focuses on developing students ability to create effective cyber incident response strategies. This session will explore how cyber security education can be integrated into the Digital Technologies classroom through the use of collaborative teaching strategies as we empower our students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers on their journey to understanding a cyber secure world.

Alex Coulter- Mechatronics in Secondary Schools – Why should we teach it and how do we get started?
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate solutions to problems. In this session we will look at some of the various benefits of teaching Mechatronics as well as several practical activities that can be used to introduce Mechatronics in the classroom.

Christine Koopman- Gamify Coding
Gamify coding with Microsoft Makecode Arcade! Coding can be a daunting concept for many students and using coding as a mechanism to design and create an original computer arcade-style game is a fun way to support student success in this area. Makecode Arcade is a free, open source, coding platform that allows students to design and code their own retro video games. Hear how arcade.makecode.com has been a game-changer and explore this hands-on session that will equip teachers with information, ideas, and resources to take straight into the classroom.

Zina Cordery- Implementing Generative AI in Education 
Explore the world of AI in education in this focused session. Dive into Generative AI, including tools like ChatGPT, and engage in an interactive activity that demonstrates its classroom applications. Address key considerations such as issues and limitations, plagiarism detection, data privacy, and the development of responsible policies. This workshop offers a practical overview for educators seeking to integrate AI into their teaching practices, ending with insights into future trends..