Interested in learning practical AI tools and insights at UQ? Join us for an engaging full-day professional development event designed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to transform both classroom teaching and administrative tasks using AI.
This one day event will focus on empowering educators with practical AI knowledge and tools. It breaks down AI fundamentals, helping participants understand what AI is and how large language models (LLMs) work. Participants will engage in a hands-on session on using AI as a personal assistant for classroom planning and administrative tasks, as well as an interactive workshop on integrating AI into content-based learning and developing computational thinking skills.
Event: Future Ready with AI
Date: Thursday 24 July 2025
Travelling to join us? Why not look into our discounted accommodation partner: Essence Suites Taringa
- 15% discount valid for stays on 23rd, 24th and 25th July 2025.
- Use code: Future Ready for our special rate.
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 Education QLD Environment, a copy of teaching resources and ongoing educational support beyond the PD
Schedule
8:45 am: Welcome
We will meet at the University of Queensland in Theatre (03-206) at the Global Change Institute
9:00 am: Keynote Presentation
An inspiring session with Dr Luke Zaphir on making AI accessible for educators. Learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, discover how large language models work, and explore the ethical and practical considerations of using AI in education. Interactive polls and live demonstrations show how AI can enhance teaching by scaffolding learning and sparking creative ideas.
10 am: Morning Tea
Enjoy morning tea in the Atrium.
10:30 am: Hands-on Workshops
Unlocking Gen AI for Teachers: Your Personal AI Assistant
Dr Simone Smala, senior lecturer in teacher education, educational psychology and multilingualism in education, will explore how Gen AI can support and enhance various aspects of your teaching, from lesson planning, providing feedback, streamlining assessments, and managing the everyday demands of school life to enhance teaching practices.
In this session, you'll gain a clear understanding of how to use AI as a personal assistant and how effective prompt engineering can unlock real-world applications specifically tailored for educators. We'll also explore common concerns around AI, including digital safety, practicality, and its role as a supportive tool in education. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the tools to leverage AI to make their professional lives easier.
12:30 pm: Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the Atrium.
1:15 pm: Hands-on Workshops
Teaching with Text Generators
Dr Leah Henrickson, lecturer in Digital Media and Cultures who studies digital storytelling for critical self-reflection, will explore student engagement with AI.
In this session, you'll play with popular, free generative AI systems through a series of activities that you can adapt to your own classrooms. Activities will focus on developing students' communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Each activity will be followed by a set of questions to encourage students to think more deeply about generative AI and new technologies more generally. No prior experience with generative AI systems is needed for this session - just enthusiasm for exploring what the systems can do.
Registrations coming soon
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.
