Schools around Australia will be implementing the Australian Curriculum version 9 over the next couple of years. This presentation will summarise the key changes in Digital Technologies v9 in terms of the core concepts, including new content on cyber security and privacy, from the perspective of one of the curriculum authors. We will also look at a range of free resources to help your school deliver the new content effectively.

Knowing what to teach is only part of being an effective teacher – the way we teach our students is what determines how successful they are as learners. Find out what the research has to say about effective strategies for teaching Digital Technologies and leave this session with ideas on how to incorporate them into your classroom practice.

Object-oriented programming is a logical progression of programming skills in high school. In this session, we explore cutting-edge pedagogical approaches that bridge the gap between theory and practice when it comes to OOP and senior students. Together, we'll debunk common misconceptions and share research-proven strategies to make object-oriented programming more accessible to all learners. Gain a solid understanding of how to approach OOP with your students as you nurture and empower their problem-solving and programming skills.

‘Which robot platform should I get for my school?’ Examining this common question, Grok will highlight that this choice is secondary to the broader goal of using robots as tools to teach various concepts. By focusing on teaching through robots rather than teaching the robots themselves, students develop higher-order problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a broader understanding of technology. Grok will address the importance of considering factors such as price, availability, age-appropriate programming language, curriculum resources, teacher support, professional development opportunities, and reliability when selecting a platform that suits the school's needs. You will leave the session having an understanding that the best robotics platform is the one that teachers feel most comfortable using, as their comfort directly influences effective integration into teaching practices.

A thought-provoking panel discussion delving into the present and future role of games in education including game design, literacy, eSports, and collaboration and critical thinking skills. The panel will offer valuable insights into current research and highlight the role games can play in motivating students and enhancing their learning.
Sally is joined on the panel with Laura Bain, Head of Emerging Tech and Innovation, Matthew Flinders Anglican College.