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.

9:45 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

• Programming with Robots - This workshop introduces teachers to the exciting world of programming robots. From blocks to Python and beyond, learn how to program and integrate micromelon robotic techniques into the classroom. The workshop aims to improve the analytical and problem solving skills of students, and complements the technology curriculum by providing a project-based learning activity.

12:15 pm: Lunch

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

1:00 pm: Careers and Pathways

This workshop will introduce teachers to different career paths in IT and computer science through LifeJourney's AI-Powered Skills and Competency Toolkit which covers skills and capabilities for the field and recommended tertiary pathways for your students. 

2:00 pm: Hands-on Workshops

• Cybersecurity 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 expect on STEM technologies in education.

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

• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Virtual Reality and Micromelons - Gain hands-on experience in using and applying Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality to your own teaching contexts to encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among your students.

10:30 am: Morning Tea

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

11:00 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.

1:15 pm: Lunch

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

Limited spots available. Book yours now!