Digital technology

In the latest PISA test cycle, one of the topics explored in the questionnaire was the disciplinary climate of classrooms. In today’s article we take a look at one of the drivers of Australia’s less than favourable index score – digital distractions.

The winners of the 2024 STEM Video Game Challenge have been announced today. They were chosen from over 500 entries from over 1,400 students in years 3-12. Find out more about the annual challenge and take a look at the winning entries in this article.

Teachers at Queensland’s Balmoral State High School have been working with academics to carry out action research into student use of AI tools and their motivation for doing so. In today’s reader submission, Georgia Wignall and Emma Hart share findings from a literature review and student survey.

In this series, we take a look at some further readings available on a particular topic, including open access research papers from various online databases, and Teacher archive content you might not have come across yet. This month, we’re looking at cyberbullying and online safety.

Steven Kolber is an experienced teacher and has been reflecting on his own practice in relation to the widespread usage of AI. In this reader submission, he explores the importance of human knowledge in the face of generative AI and shares some reflection techniques and tools he has to be found useful not only in this area, but also throughout his 12-year teaching career more broadly.

A new study from the Australian National University Tech Policy Design Centre and the Australian Computer Society has found more than two-thirds of teachers are struggling to effectively teach Digital Technologies. Today’s article explores some of the issues and how schools can better support teachers.

‘While AI holds the promise of personalised learning and improved educational outcomes, it also risks exacerbating existing inequities if not carefully managed.’ In a new column for Teacher, OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher uses the latest PISA data to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by integrating Artificial Intelligence into education.

In this episode, Editor Jo Earp sits down with Acting CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Edmund Misson to talk about education technology, including the evidence on effective use, the critical role of professional learning, and possible challenges facing teachers and leaders now and in the future.

Jacaranda’s resource development team has been working to deliver an effective way for schools to branch into GenAI, all while keeping inside the established bounds of the curriculum. This exciting project has produced JacTutor – a new tool set to provide students and teachers with a safe, interactive, and responsive tutor integrated directly into their classroom resource.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University have recently highlighted the ongoing importance of explicitly teaching both handwriting and keyboarding skills to students, starting in the primary years. Dr Anabela Malpique joins Teacher editor Jo Earp to discuss findings of the meta-analysis and follow-up study, and tips for helping students become hybrid writers.