Engaging Minds to Inspire Diversity in IT

Interested in integrating IT and Computer Science into your curriculum? Discover endless learning possibilities of a Technology Professional Development course at the Engaging Minds to Inspire Diversity in IT workshops!

The focus of each day is on hands-on, activity-based learning and problem-solving activities that foster discussions and networking opportunities, enabling teachers to enrich their classes with engaging content for their students. This Professional Development is specifically tailored to cater to the needs and interests of teachers seeking to incorporate IT and computing into their curriculum, with a particular focus on empowering female students and First Nations students.

Schedule - Day 1

8:45 am: Welcome

We will meet at the University of Queensland in Collaborative Room (49-301) at the Advanced Engineering Building.

9:00 am: Hands-on Workshops

• Binary Coding - Computer languages are often referred to as Python, C#, Cobol and more, the computer’s original language is very basic and binary, 1’s and 0’s. In this workshop teachers will learn the basic of binary coding and how to create their own code. From there, they will design their own personalised wristband using the code.

9:30 am: Hands-on Workshops

• Break the Code - Cryptography - This workshop will introduce teachers to the fun world of cryptography where they will learn how to leverage skills in maths to create and solve different coded messages. You will work in groups using cipher methods and with the help of a key; decipher secret messages performing an inverse substitution process to extract the original message, teachers will be able to “crack the code” and hopefully send some decrypted responses back!

10:30 am: Morning Tea

Enjoy morning tea in the atrium of the Advanced Engineering Building.

11:00 am: Hands-on Workshops

• Capture the Flag - This workshop will cover identifying patterns, recognizing anomalies, and connecting cyber security concepts to computer programming and curriculum development. By the end, participants will be equipped to introduce and facilitate cyber security competitions in schools, helping students develop critical skills in this vital field.

12 pm: Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Lakeside Cafe near the UQ Lakes. 

12:45 pm: Hands-on Workshops

• Cyber Security Fundamentals - Gain fundamental cybersecurity knowledge, i.e. obtain ‘cyber savviness’ you can apply in professional and personal settings to be safer online.

3:30 pm: Hands-on Workshops

• Design Thinking and Wicked Problems - Unlock your creativity and be introduced to the concepts of Design Thinking and explore innovative ideation techniques using generative artificial intelligence to spark creativity and generate new ideas. Then put this new knowledge to the test by designing your own wearable technology.

5:00 pm: Keynote Address and Dinner

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Patina @ Alumni Court and hear from an industry expert on STEM technologies in education.

Schedule - Day 2

8 am: Welcome

We will meet at the University of Queensland in Collaborative Room (20-273) at the Global Change Institute.

8:00 am: Hands-on Workshops

• Teachable Machine - Work in pairs to train machines to recognise movements and sounds, such as body or hand gestures. Explore how to train AI to identify actions like ball-passing techniques, dance movements, sign language and piano scales.

9:00 am: Hands-on Workshops

• Language and Artificial Intelligence - This workshop explores the role of AI in English language education, with a special focus on multilingual classrooms. Participants will gain insights into how AI can scaffold content and curriculum, support multilingual learners, and enhance overall teaching practices.

10:30 am: Morning Tea

Enjoy morning tea in the atrium of the Global Change Institute.

11:00 am: Presentation

Learn about the latest trends surrounding AI and its impact on teachers in Queensland schools. Explore how AI and low-code platforms, such as Microsoft or Google code, can enhance student wellbeing, streamline administrative tasks, and improve classroom learning. By using AI tools holistically across the entire school, rather than just in individual classrooms, schools can better support students and reduce teacher workload.

11:30 am: Panel Discussion

Discuss the impact generative artificial intelligence has on education in Queensland as well as strategies for implementing AI based learning in the classroom.

1 pm: Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the atrium of the Global Change Institute.

Limited spots available. Book yours now!