17 September 2024

In a significant development aimed at supporting teachers across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, the NSW Department of Education is set to roll out a generative AI app to all public school teachers by the beginning of Term 4 in October. This app, named NSWEduChat, follows a successful trial that began in early 2024 and expanded to 50 schools by Term 2. Feedback from participating teachers highlighted the tool’s potential to streamline workloads, allowing for greater focus on classroom teaching.

The trial initially kicked off in 16 schools and was broadened due to its promising results. The tool is specifically designed to ease the administrative burden on educators, offering tailored versions for both teachers and students. The teacher-focused version was purpose-built to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks such as producing resources, adjusting lesson materials, and managing communications.

Positive results from trial

During the trial, teachers reported significant time savings, particularly in creating resources that cater to different student abilities and interests. For some, the tool reduced the time spent on administrative tasks by more than an hour per week. The AI-powered platform also proved beneficial in organizing correspondence and preparing materials like newsletters, further streamlining teachers’ responsibilities.

The primary goal of introducing NSWEduChat is to explore how generative AI can enhance teaching and learning by minimizing the administrative workload. This aligns with the broader commitment by the Minns Labour Government to reduce teachers’ admin load by five hours per week—a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing teacher shortage in NSW.

AI tool to enhance classroom learning, not replace teachers

Prue Car, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, emphasised that the tool is not intended to replace the essential work of teachers but rather to support them. “Teachers who have been using this tool say it’s helping them spend less time on admin, enabling them to focus on teaching,” said Car. “NSWEduChat does not replace the valuable work of our teachers – it helps them to save time, tailor their resources, and focus on their critical work in the classroom.”

Ensuring secure and optional sse

NSWEduChat is hosted within the Department of Education’s secure cloud infrastructure, ensuring that all data remains protected. While the use of the tool is entirely optional, the department is providing teachers with access to professional development resources, including workshops and online guides, to help them integrate the AI tool effectively into their work routines.

With this systemwide rollout, the NSW Department of Education aims to further examine the impact of NSWEduChat on teachers’ time management and its contribution to improving the quality of student learning experiences.

The post NSW Department of Education expands AI tool for teachers across public schools first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Metacognition, understanding and being aware of how I, the individual, work, think, operate, feel, and interact with other people and my Exoself.

It’s not about the systems, nor should bound students to rules of engagement when it comes to technology. Dr John Collick sets the foundation for education and technology moving into the future. He shares more about the rise of the Exoself and the deeply personal nature of interacting with technology.

Speaker – Dr John Collick, Head of International Education Strategy, Promethean

The post Cyberstudents: Skills, identities and assessment for a new world first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

The merge of digital and physical worlds has triggered a shift in how and what we teach in the classroom, but in which direction? Hear how Intel is building out the AI playground with education partners, allowing students to learn about AI through play.

Speakers – Alexis Crowell Helzer, Vice President Sales Marketing & Communications Group General Manager, Asia Pacific Territory, Intel; Professor Maarten de Laat, Co-director of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning, University of South Australia       

The post Inspiring the innovators of tomorrow by reinventing the role of technology in learning first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

You might already be using AI in your classrooms but just not knowing it’s AI. Jason and Hugo chat about the various forms of AI already in practice, the ability to personalise learning experiences with a responsive system and the importance of using tech as a continuous feedback mechanism where it doesn’t just end with the student or the application.

Speakers – Jason Graham, Digital Literacy Coach, Jakarta Intercultural School; Hugo Indratno, Educational Technology Integrationist, Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta

The post AI in the classroom: Strategies for successful implementation first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Marking is a long and arduous task for educators. Can AI alleviate the time spent and also enhance feedback in marking? Understand how AI is being used in assessments and also the potential challenges of such a tool.

Speaker – Chen Wenli, Head, Learning Sciences and Assessments Academic Group

The post Automated AI marking first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

What are the different roles of technology in education? How can schools and institutions strategically use technology to prepare their students to enter the future workforce?

Speakers – Dr. Daraya Yegorina, Global Education Influencer and TEDEd Speaker, CEO, Cleverbooks; Lee Daley, Co-Founder, Chairman & CSO, Hello Genius / G3NiU7 Inc

The post Empowering future growth mindset in a digital era with cutting edge technology first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Thinking about designing customised enrolment campaigns for prospective parents? Hear how these schools have leveraged automation and virtual tools to deliver engaging enrolment journeys, personalised to specific parent behaviours even during pandemic restrictions.

Moderator – Matthew Hall, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Australian International School, Singapore
Panellists – Katie Rigney-Zimmermann, Admissions, Marketing & Communication Director, Saigon South International School; Jason Hoppner, Director of Admissions and Marketing, Dulwich College Singapore; Ayush Kalani, Associate Director – Student Acquisition, Global Schools Foundation; T.K. Ostrom, Director of Enrolment Management & Marketing, United Nations International School Hanoi

The post Boosting enrolment through streamlining first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Our future workforce is one that possesses digital skills and know-how. STEAM programs have never been so important and it is the perfect medium to introduce emerging technologies and teach students how they should engage and work with such tools.

Moderator – Nyla Khan, Co-Founder, Mirai Partners
Panellists – Michelle Remington, The KAUST School; Dan Adkins, Group CEO, Transnational Academic Group; Sandra Zaher, Principal, International Community School Branch 2 Al Falah Campus; Kevin Fullbrook, Deputy Director, Al-Bayan Bilingual School

The post How and why EdTech is the critical element in future-focused STEAM programs first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

From reflecting on assessment targets to tracking student performance, the wealth of opportunities student data provides is plenty. However, for easy access and understanding, a user-friendly, real-time, and accessible system is very much needed. Hear how this school built an advanced system to inform teacher, student, and parent dashboards.

Speakers – Evo Hannan, Head of Design and Innovation, Dwight School Dubai; Nelly Gamil, Director of IT, Jumeriah English Speaking School

The post Building a complete picture of each student’s journey with big data and advanced analytics first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

STEAM is not just about acquiring knowledge, but it hones soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. There is a wealth of STEAM resources online and as our students get used to increased technology in learning, it is also time to rope in digital tools into STEAM classes. These educators share how they have gathered the necessary tools and how to weave them seamlessly into the curriculum.

Moderator – Karen Taylor-Brown, CEO/Publisher, Refraction Media Australia
Panellists – Linah Anyango, Ict Integration Coach, Regis School Runda, Kenya; Karen Walstra, Owner, KWC.EvolveSchool, South Africa; Felix Malombe, Executive Director STEAMLabs, Africa

The post Full steam ahead! Designing and implementing STEAM programs in the classroom with digital tools first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

The use of artificial intelligence in teaching can be daunting. How can we empower our educators with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions on its use? This panel discusses the tangible examples of AI in education, from learning analytics to providing feedback.

Moderator – AI Kingsley, Forbes Technology Council, Chair of two MATs & CEO, NetSupport
Panellist – Rose Luckin, Professor for Learner Centered Design & Co-Founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Education, University College London; Justin Aglio, Senior Director Readiness Institute, Pennsylvania State University; Sharon Bruton, CEO, The Quest Schools Trust

The post What AI can do now and what the future holds first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

In today’s learning environment, young learners are encouraged to self-manage and develop interests out of the classroom. Every child learns differently. How can smart technologies like AI-powered personal robots, guide and provide a personalised learning environment?

Speakers – Andrew Strachan, Digital Education Director, Emmanuel Schools Foundation; Elnaz Sarraf, Founder & CEO, Roybi Robot

The post The world’s first AI-powered toy for teaching STEM and language first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

For Jesse Lubinsky, VR is essentially taking any type of environment and digitising it. It does not necessarily require sophisticated devices and headsets to execute.

In this landscape of technology enablement, there is no better time to introduce emerging technologies into teaching and learning. Understand how VR can be a very accessible tool that makes distance learning interactive and engaging. Hear how it fits into existing learning methodologies and enhance learning opportunities for all students.

Speakers – Amanda Fox, Creative Director and Founder, STEAMPunksEdu; Jesse Lubinsky, Chief Learning Officer, Ready Learner One

The post Distance learning re-imagined through Virtual Reality first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Emerging technologies are slowly making inroads into the way we teach and learn today. This disruption has been further accelerated with the pandemic and the need for digital tools to facilitate remote learning. Disruption can also give rise to innovation. Understand how you can prepare your school, staff and students and build innovative capacities to meet such disruptions.

Speaker – Afzal Shariff, Director of ICT Services, A. B. Paterson College

The post Futureproofing schools in the age of digital disruption first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Discover how this school, reinvented classrooms and integrated the use of blockchain and other emerging technologies into various school activities. Instead of classrooms, learning communities and spaces were created to give students a more realistic experience with the topic they are engaging in. These spaces have taken learning to the next level.

Speaker – Kieran Nolan, Educational Technologist, Wooranna Park Primary School

The post A school on the blockchain first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Learning spaces play an active role in facilitating effective teacher-student interaction. Wilj Dekkers shares how St. Andrews College has applied innovation when designing learning spaces, not just in the physical realm but also online and the importance of connectivity to promote the idea of learning anytime anywhere. He also shows how robotics lessons act as a medium to impart computational knowledge and the benefits the school has seen in students.

Speaker – Wilj Dekkers, Head of Innovation, St. Andrews College

The post Innovative learning spaces and robotics in a connected classroom with IOT first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing what we teach and learn. To produce graduates ready to take on jobs in a world enabled by AI, we need to think about AI literacy in students. At the same time, AI is making its way into the classroom. AI can drive personalised education through adaptive learning and assessment. However, this path down greater digital transformation is not without its challenges.

Speakers – Chee Kit Looi, Professor, National Institute of Education, Singapore; Chen Wenli, Associate Professor, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University Singapore

The post AI for digital transformation in education: Promises and challenges first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Robotics is a rich area with a wealth of learning and teaching opportunities. However, accessibility could be an issue with the high cost involved. With Virtual Robotics, students can learn instantaneously and with easy access. Discover the multiple options out there and how you can get started with virtual robotics in your classrooms today.

Moderator – Michelle Dennis, Head of Digital Learning and Innovation, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School

Panellists – Russell Cairns, STEAM Coach & Digital Technologies Teacher K-8, NSWICTE Leader of the Year; Rolly Maiquez, Technology Director, VERSO International School, Bangkok; Karen Binns, IT Integrator & IT Teacher, St George Christian School; Claire Seldon, Former Learning Designer, NSW Department of Education/Modern Teaching Aids

The post Virtual Robotics – A game changer in hybrid classroom tech first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

The advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive technology-enabled education further than before. The potentials and opportunities are endless, from speech recognition to multimedia perception. Computer tutors can converse and engage better with students than ever before, offering the prospect of 1-to-1 personalised learning at a large scale.

Speaker – Tom M. Mitchell, Chief AI Scientist, Squirrel AI Learning

The post Artificial intelligence and personalised education at scale first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

STEAM vs STEM. The inclusion of arts and humanities may come as a surprise to some academic planners, how can educators integrate humanities into a STEM model? Hayden Brown shares how he has put humanities at the heart of his STEAM programme. By building around it, a coherent narrative is produced to connect all areas of teaching and learning. This allows students to have an increased level of value and understanding for all their school learning areas.

Speaker – Hayden Brown, Humanities and STEAM teacher, Halls head College (DOE WA) Attack Ratio Digital

The post Interdisciplinary approach in STEAM education first appeared on EDUtech_talks.