There’s no doubt that education lays the foundation for a child’s future success, but as teaching technologies continue to inundate classrooms – especially amid COVID-19 – educators at all levels are grappling to keep up with the latest demands and expectations.
What is the purpose of the conference?
At the UniSA’s first International Conference on Change and Complexity in Learning, educators will learn how educational tech (EdTech) can maximise outcomes for both students and teachers, paving the way for improved understanding and application of EdTech in class.
Hosted by UniSA’s Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) – the top EdTech research centre in Australia – the two-day conference on July 19 and 20 will feature engaging panels and world-renowned keynote addresses on the challenges and opportunities facing the education system. EdTech expert and Director of C3L , Prof George Siemens, says the conference will deliver the vital insights and understandings of tech in learning environments.
“Education sits on the precipice of a new age of innovation, where tech is broadening access and growing opportunities for learning. But as these new tech explode, knowing how to maximise their benefits in schools and universities remains challenge,” Prof Siemens says.
“Throughout the pandemic, educational technologies have been instrumental for schools and universities. But it’s vital that educators develop a deeper understanding of how they affect learning and how they can help navigate our increasingly complex environment,” he said.
“Whether it’s a highly conceptual notion, or the most practical application for the classroom, this conference presents leading thinkers and world-class practitioners who will explore and decipher the most pressing issues in the education sector today,” Prof Siemens further said.
How is C3L reshaping the EdTech sector?
UniSA’s Prof Shane Dawson says the C3L team is at the cutting edge of educational tech research. “From real-time classroom analytics that can help educators make better informed decisions about students’ performance, to innovative approaches that can curb maths anxiety, our team is focused on delivering real solutions for the sector,” Prof Dawson says.
“We know teachers have a full plate. Amid curriculum requirements and expectations from a range of stakeholders, taking on tech as part of their regular schedule can be overwhelming. We’re trying to make it easier for our teachers at all levels. Our research is one way that we’re achieving this, but a broader understanding of the sector’s challenges is also vital.”
“At this conference, we’re hoping to deliver a nexus of both so that anyone within education sector has an opportunity to embrace technologies and thrive in this new EdTech world.”
