Educators
Inspire next-gen talent
New insights, fresh thinking and one-of-a-kind support to improve how tech is taught.
Welcome to Techtopia.
8:15am - 9:00am
Registration and Networking at Wrest Point
Meet our exhibitors and kick off your day with complimentary arrival tea and coffee!
Location: Exhibition Foyer
9:00am - 9:35am
Opening Session
Official Welcome
Acknowledgement of Country
Minister's Address
ACS CEO Welcome
Digital Pulse, ACS Strategy
Location: Plenary Hall
9:35am - 10:30am
Opening Keynote and Q&A with Adam Spencer
The last two years - or as Adam Spencer calls it, The GPT Revolution - have seen an explosion in Generative AI, with claims ranging from large-scale workforce disruption to the creation of a superintelligence surpassing all human capacity. Adam has been charting the course of Gen AI since before ChatGPT.
Australia’s favourite maths nerd will break it all down, from the fundamental definition of a Large Language Model to the latest applications that have emerged in just the past few days. Most importantly, he will ask: What skills will humans need in an age of potentially superhuman technology?
Laugh while you learn with one of the world’s most entertaining and insightful tech speakers.
Location: Plenary Hall
10:00am - 10:30am
Morning Tea Break and Networking
Location: Exhibition Foyer
11.00am - 11.45am
Group 1: Modelling emerging technologies using hands-on STEM practice
Modelling emerging technologies using hands-on STEM practice Using a low-tech approach, we look at how you can start modelling STEM practice, focusing on AI as an emerging technology and its links into the curriculum, and based on Questacon’s Engineering is Elementary professional learning workshops. You’ll use a simple sorting project to teach principles of machine learning and data sets. A machine learning algorithm is a process or set of rules used by a computer to find and apply patterns in data. In this activity, you’ll model a simple data project that can be adapted to Primary or early High School learning and use interactive processes to map to curriculum using hexagon curriculum mapping tools.
Location: Tasman C
11.00am - 11.45am
Group 2: Teaching coding with AI: helpful or harmful?
The early evidence is very clear that use of generative AI can have very negative impacts on students’ acquisition of coding skills. We could respond defensively by using techniques such a small hand written coding exams. This session will explore ways to use Ai to solidify student understanding and allow them earlier access to more advanced concepts.
Location: Tasman C
11:45am - 12:30pm
Group 1: Mission to Innovate: A Design Thinking Journey
Embark on an exciting journey where design thinking meets creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving! Through a space-themed adventure, participants will explore each stage of design thinking while working collaboratively to solve a space-inspired challenge. This hands-on workshop will equip participants with practical tools and strategies to bring innovation to your classroom!
Location: Tasman C
11:45am - 12:30pm
Microbit’s in Action: Engaging STEM Learning
Inspire your students’ creativity by exploring how Micro:bit’s can enhance a range of STEM projects in the classroom. Discover how students can use micro: bits to collect and measure real-world data from their local environment. Learn how to manage students’ coding projects by integrating ‘Micro:bit Classroom’ into your lessons.
Location: Tasman C
12:30pm - 13:30pm
Lunch Break
Location: Exhibition Foyer
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Interactive Storytelling in the Classroom: Using Yarn Spinner to Engage Students
Discover how Yarn Spinner—a free, open source narrative tool that powers hit video games, like Night in the Woods, Dredge, and tens of thousands more—can transform your teaching practice. Learn how this accessible, low-code platform enables students to create interactive stories while developing critical thinking, writing skills, and computational concepts across English, Media, Computing, and Drama curricula.
We'll quickly explore:
- The educational benefits of interactive narrative
- Yarn Spinner's intuitive interface and simple syntax
- Practical implementation strategies for Years 7-12
- Project ideas and assessment approaches
Leave with the confidence to bring interactive storytelling into your classroom, combining English with Computer Science!
Location: Tasman C
2:15pm - 3:15pm
Chat GPT and Mathematics Session for Educators
Session details to come
3:00pm - 3:40pm
Afternoon Tea Break and Networking
Location: Exhibition Foyer
3:40pm - 5:00pm
Closing Session
Location: Plenary Hall
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Networking Drinks
Location: Exhibition Foyer