Ed Tech Show

In this episode of the Educations Technology Solutions Podcast, we speak with Peter West. Peter currently leads a Learning Technologies Team that explores new learning technologies for a leading VET organisation. Previously, he was Director of eLearning at Saint Stephen’s College on the Gold Coast, Australia. He has been leading learning organisations in all aspects of technology-enhanced learning for over twenty years. Peter looks at some of the important lessons educators need to take away from the experiences of the last few months in order to maximise the potential benefits that might be achieved from the sudden pivot to online education. How can we ensure that post COVID-19 education does not simply return to its pre COVID format, but instead transforms into the more productive, future focused format?

In this episode of the Education Technology Solutions Podcast, we speak with Queensland's 2019 Teacher of the year Chris Buswell. Chris was awarded a $45,000 fellowship by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, alongside Schools Plus, as one of 12 of the best teachers in Australia

Chris led the International Baccalaureate program at Mountain Creek State High School, students excelled both academically and holistically.

Then, as the school’s STEM co-ordinator, Chris collaborated with the University of the Sunshine Coast’s visualisation team to create an immersive 3D and virtual reality experience in which students learn complex chemistry concepts.

As a result of this and his ability to inspire academic excellence, his students are performing better and winning awards for STEM Excellence, and more school-leavers are studying locally, helping to halt a “brain drain” on the Sunshine Coast.

Chris’ experience now extends to leading his school’s critical thinking strategy as the Higher Order Thinking Coach. As part of his role, he established the Sunshine Coast Critical Thinking Hub to improve pedagogical knowledge and collaboration across the region.

In 2019, Chris was named Teacher of the Year at Queensland’s Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

He plans to modify the university’s on-campus immersive chemistry experience for the classroom, with the aim of improving chemistry outcomes for every Australian student.

Using his considerable leadership skills, Chris is also part of an Australia-Papua New Guinea STEM project to lift secondary school capabilities.

Why is it proving to be such a challenge to get girls involved in STEM subjects? We talk to Emma Russo of South Hampstead High School in London, and Dr Ken Silburn from Australia, at the 2019 Global Education and Skill Forum to find out what can and is being done to help change the perceptions of Girls around STEM.