Kia ora Readers,
Last week I attended the launch of Construction Tycoon, the third in a series of educational games from Kiwi EdTech company Joy Business Academy. Not only is Construction Tycoon a great example of the gamification of learning, but it also shows how you can bridge the gap between education and employment. It was fantastic to see so much support from a number of large corporates who have put a bit of skin in the game. It was also a timely reminder of a few things that are front of mind for EdTechNZ. The Minister of Social Development, the Honourable Carmel Sepuloni, spoke at the event and what she said reinforced to me that education is as much a social issue as anything else. Tools like Construction Tycoon start to build bridges towards social equity. I think that we all are mindful of the need for 21st century skills, and there is a strong body of research and evidence to support this. EdTechNZ is keen to showcase some of the great work that Kiwi EdTech companies are doing to address the skills gap and shortage, and this will be one of the core focuses of EdTechNZ’s newly-formed Skills Working Group.
In June, EdTechNZ and TechWomen will be on the road with a series of Connect Events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. These events will see diversity and gender equality in the tech sector discussed in a fun and dynamic format. Please join us – I’ll be at all three events so come and say hi.
This US article from EdTech magazine does a good job of highlighting areas where AI can augment pedagogy in K12, from personalised learning through to student safety. It also refers to a recent Gartner report that predicts one in five students is likely to have some form of AI as a co-worker by 2022. Predictions are challenging at best, but I’m confident that it is not a matter of ‘if’, rather one of ‘when’ AI will become ubiquitous at work, at home and in education.
Have a great week experiencing Techweek – it’s not too late to attend some events!
Haere rā
Shane Kerr
Chair
EVENTS AND NEWS
Every school in New Zealand needs a data scientist, says Microsoft.
Two South Auckland schools are part of an IBM global programme to prepare high school students to for technology-related careers.
The TechLeaders Executive have released a briefing paper which looks at how capability frameworks can prepare organisations for future challenges. It questions how education providers can better equip people for a changing, fast-paced workforce.
Check out #ISTE2019, 23-26 June in Philadelphia.
Applications for the Callaghan Innovation R&D Experience Grants are open until 31 August. The programme funds a 10 week internship for undergraduate or postgraduate students during the summer break.
Female computer programming pioneers to inspire tech-savvy girls.
Sign up before 31 May to receive the earlybird discount to the uLearn 19 Conference, this October in Rotorua. This year’s themes include Citizenship, Disruption and Innovation.
Entries open in July for the the Grow Waitaha Canterbury DigiAwards 2019, so now is the time to get your students started on their projects. The DigiAwards enables primary and intermediate students from throughout the South Island to design, develop and showcase their digital outcomes.
Check out the winners of the 2019 EdTech Awards.
Which learning technologies are trending in 2019? Read the latest research from Training Zone UK to find out.
Students are always on their phone, so mobile experiences should be incorporated into course curriculums. Here’s five benefits to mobile-enhanced student learning.
