Future Ready with AI

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 lead the future of learning using Artificial Intelligence.

This one day event empowers educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to integrate AI into their teaching and assessment practices. Participants will explore the fundamentals of AI, develop effective prompting strategies, and engage in practical classroom applications across both primary and secondary schools. With a focus on active learning, educators will experiment with AI tools, collaborate with peers, and discover how AI can enhance teaching while supporting students' problem-solving and responsible use. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your practice, the day is designed to be engaging, accessible, and immediately applicable, equipping teachers with practical strategies and resources to use AI effectively while maintaining academic integrity and supporting meaningful learning outcomes.

Event: Future Ready with AI
Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
Travelling to join us? Why not look into our discounted accommodation partner: Essence Suites Taringa

• 15% discount valid for stays on 15th, 16th and 17th July 2026.
• Use code: FutureReady for our special rate.

Essence Suites website

What you will receive: You will receive a certificate of participation, access to all tools, websites and software used during the PD, a copy of teaching resources and ongoing educational support beyond the PD

Learning Objectives

• Build confidence using AI in your classroom
• Explore practical tools and strategies
• Understand ethical and responsible AI use
• Design ready-to-use classroom activities (Primary & Secondary schools)
• Integrate AI into content-based learning to develop critical thinking skills

Schedule

8:45 am: Welcome

We will meet at the University of Queensland in Collaborative Room (11A-110) at the ModWest Building.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Combined Session (All Attendees)

9:00 am: Interactive Presentation

• Humanised AI for the Classroom - Start the day with a fun and engaging introduction to AI in education, designed to build your AI literacy. No prior knowledge of AI, machine learning, or statistics is required, making it ideal for educators at all levels. Through interactive activities, you'll explore what AI can do, how it works, and where it fits in the classroom. You'll develop a clear understanding of its implications for teaching, learning, and assessment, helping you confidently navigate AI in your classroom. The session also introduces practical skills, including how to write and refine effective prompts, evaluate AI-generated outputs, and support students to think critically when working with AI tools.

10:00 am: Morning Tea

Enjoy morning tea in the Atrium.

10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Combined Session (All Attendees)

10:30 am: Hands-on Workshops

• Practical AI: Choose your Adventure - This interactive workshop introduces teachers to practical and age-appropriate ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning across both primary and secondary classrooms. Through a “choose-your-own-adventure” approach, you'll explore a range of AI tools and activities tailored to your subject areas, student needs, and teaching styles. Through guided exploration, you'll design AI-powered classroom resources—such as worksheets, digital tutors, and learning supports—while experimenting with effective prompting strategies. The session emphasises creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application, giving you dedicated time to explore, test, and refine ideas you can take directly into your classrooms. A strong focus is placed on responsible and ethical AI use, including student-safe practices, data privacy, and helping learners understand how and when to use AI effectively. By the end of the session, you'll have developed practical, AI-supported activities suited to your context, along with the confidence to introduce and use AI meaningfully with your students. No prior AI experience is needed—just a willingness to experiment and explore.

12:00 pm: Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the Atrium.

12:45 pm - 2:15 pm: Concurrent Streams

Stream 1: Primary School Focus

12:45 pm: Hands-on Workshops

• Playful AI for Young Learners - Discover engaging and age-appropriate ways to introduce AI in the primary classroom. This hands-on session focuses on creativity, storytelling, and inquiry-based learning, using both unplugged and digital activities to build foundational understanding. You’ll explore how to design simple AI-supported tasks that encourage curiosity and critical thinking, while reinforcing safe and responsible use. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use ideas that make AI accessible and meaningful for younger students.

Stream 2: Secondary School Focus

12:45 pm: Hands-on Workshops

• Critical and Responsible AI Use - Explore how AI can support learning in secondary classrooms while maintaining academic integrity and critical thinking. Through real-world examples and practical activities, you’ll examine how students use AI and how to guide them in using it effectively and responsibly. This session focuses on designing AI-informed assessments, evaluating AI-generated content, and helping students understand ethical use, bias, and limitations. Gain strategies to confidently integrate AI into your teaching while supporting deeper learning outcomes.

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm: Combined Session (All Attendees)

2:15 pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A

Close the day with a thought-provoking panel exploring what’s next for AI in schools. Hear from experts as they discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, and what they mean for teaching and learning. The session begins with a short provocation to spark thinking, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Leave with fresh insights, practical perspectives, and ideas to guide your next steps with AI.

Limited spots available. Book yours now!

Register now