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September 25, 2014

Tech tactics for learning: Illawarra Educational Technology Conference

Inspiring students to use new technologies for learning is the focus of the Illawarra Educational Technology Conference (IETC), a free event at which local teachers and academics are invited to attend.

A savvy mix of hands-on workshops, theoretical talks and a student panel will feature at this joint initiative between TAFE Illawarra and the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ being held on Friday 3 October.

Now in its second year, the event will be at TAFE Illawarra’s ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Campus bricklaying building, a venue in line with the conference theme ‘Laying the Learning Foundations’.

TAFE Illawarra’s Manager of Teaching and Learning Initiatives, Vicki Marchant says: “With emphasis on inclusion and building relationships through new technologies, our keynote speakers are very strong. Wadi Wadi elder, teacher and writer, Aunty Barbara Nicholson will talk on experiences and observations of technology use across the education spectrum.”[ For her significant and ongoing service to UOW and her outstanding contribution to law and social justice in Australia, Aunty Barbara Nicholson received an Honorary  Doctor of Laws degree in July this year]. 

“Our other keynote speaker is Garry Hoban, an Associate Professor of Science Education and Teacher Education in the Faculty of Social Sciences, UOW, who has been teaching and researching student-created digital media for 10 years.”

Professor Hoban’s educational passion is students using their own technology for engaging with content in creative ways. He is internationally known as the creator of both "slowmation" and "blended media".

“The key ideas of the day are about social inclusion and technology and ways for students and educators to think about how new technology can enhance relationships. Story-telling is another major theme," he said.

Workshops will include topics such as multi-modal technology, building a website (WIX) and accessibility.

UOW Educational Designer Wendy Meyers said educators would learn from each other’s experiences with learning technologies in their teaching and there will be a significant emphasis on addressing this within the Early Years sector at the conference.

“Technology is being used in interesting ways in all sectors – for example, Skype is being used in pre-school for students to chat with children in other countries,” she said.

The Pre-service teachers and educators from early years, schools, universities, VET providers, NGOs and industry are invited to interact in a number of hands-on workshops that will explore ways to integrate technology in diverse classrooms.

There will also be a demonstration of 3D printing as well as displays by the conference sponsors.

Media are invited to attend throughout the day by appointment: Friday 3 October, 8.30am-5.30 (networking will take place from 4.30-5.30pm), at Bricklaying Building, J Block, TAFE Illawarra’s ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Campus, Lysaght Street, North ¾«¶«´«Ã½.

Media contact: Anne Howell, Media & PR Unit, TAFE Illawarra; +61 2 4222 2983, +61 432 119 278, anne.howell1@det.nsw.edu.au.