Engaging Minds in IT
Interested in integrating Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science into your curriculum? Discover endless learning possibilities of a Technology Professional Development course at the Engaging Minds in IT workshops!
This two day event will focus 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 AI and computing into their curriculum, with a particular focus on empowering female students and First Nations students.
Event: Engaging Minds in IT
Dates:
- Monday 15 December: Arrival for teachers coming from outside of Brisbane | 3pm onwards (AEST)
- Tuesday 16 December: All teachers | 9am-4.30pm (AEST) (optional dinner & keynote address 5pm - 9pm)
- Wednesday 17 December: All teachers | 9am-2pm (AEST)
Travelling to join us? Accommodation will be provided for teachers coming from outside of Brisbane at no cost to the participant (please specify that you will require on-campus accommodation in your registration. Breakfast included in accommodation)
What you will receive: You will receive a certificate of participation, access to all tools, websites and software used during the PD for teachers and students in the QLD Education, Catholic and independent school curriculums, a copy of teaching resources and ongoing educational support beyond the PD
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: Learn Through Play
- Dance Your Algorithm - Discover how algorithms work by turning them into dance moves. In this interactive icebreaker, participants will explore the basics of computational thinking by creating and following simple algorithms through movement. By embodying these logical steps, teachers gain a hands-on understanding of how algorithms function while connecting with each other in a fun and engaging way.
9:30 am: Interactive Presentation
- Demystifying AI - Explore how artificial intelligence and automation really works, moving beyond the idea of AI as a “calculator of facts” to show that it is a system of probabilities and predictions. Participants will examine the ethics of AI, how it is used in classrooms, and the importance of measuring, monitoring, and tailoring automation to different scenarios. Through an interactive activity, participants will gain a clearer understanding of machine learning, the creation of data sets, and the broader impacts of AI on students, society, the environment, and mental health. The session will conclude with an open discussion and Q&A, giving teachers the tools and confidence to spark important conversations with their students about the opportunities and challenges of AI, its impact on society, and what it means for the future.
10:30 am: Morning Tea
Enjoy morning tea in the atrium of the Advanced Engineering Building.
11:00 am: Hands-on Workshops
- Study Fresh - Discover how data can be transformed into powerful stories. Participants will build and program indoor air quality sensors, then use Flourish — a free online tool — to visualise their findings. By turning raw classroom data into engaging visuals, teachers will learn how to interpret information, uncover stories within datasets, and apply insights to support healthier learning environments.
1:00 pm: Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the atrium of the Advanced Engineering Building.
1:45 pm: Hands-on Workshops
Designing with AI: Practical Tools for Educators - This interactive workshop introduces teachers to generative AI and large language models through a mix of hands-on activities, discussions, and tool-building challenges. Participants will learn how to use AI to create classroom tools such as worksheet generators, pedagogical tutors, and subject builders, while exploring strategies for effective prompting and human-centred design. Using a sandbox platform, participants will take part in a “choose-your-own-adventure” challenge that encourages experimentation with prompts while addressing responsible use and data privacy. The session highlights both the opportunities and limitations of AI in schools, shifting the focus from simply consuming AI outputs to creating meaningful, ethical, and practical applications for the classroom.
5:00 pm: Keynote Address and Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Patina @ Alumni Court and hear from Queensland’s Chief Scientist, who will deliver a keynote on making STEM fun, engaging, and relatable. The evening will explore the role of STEM in education, the environment, and AI, offering insights into how we can inspire the next generation.
Schedule - Day 2
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
- Drone Challenge - This interactive workshop gives teachers a hands-on introduction to drone technology through an obstacle course challenge. Participants will first learn the basics of manual flight and how drones work, then divide into small teams to program and fly drones autonomously using an app. Teams will be timed as they navigate the course, competing to complete it the fastest. With safety glasses provided, this session offers a fun, practical way to experience drone technology, teamwork, and problem-solving in action.
10:00 am: Hands-on Workshops
- Humanised AI - Be introduced to human-centred approaches for working with generative AI. Through practical activities, participants will experiment with prompting strategies, learning how to structure prompts to solve real classroom challenges. The session emphasises ethical and practical use of AI, giving teachers the skills to design meaningful, responsible applications that support learning.
11:00 am: Morning Tea
Enjoy morning tea in the atrium of the Advanced Engineering Building.
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.
1:00 pm: Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the atrium of the Advanced Engineering Building.
Limited spots available. Book yours now!
About UQSchoolsNet Professional Development workshops
Discover the endless learning possibilities that only a UQSchoolsNet Professional Development workshop in technology can offer, in workshops led by world-class researchers at the University of Queensland.
