Gamification levels up
Not long ago gamification was a bit left field, after all learning is learning and playing is playing and each should stay in their lane, no?
   A few years in and it’s looking like a definite no, gamified learning has shifted from something that was set as part of homework, sometimes, to front and centre in class where gamified tasks seem to be a natural fit; they’re collaborative, accommodative of varying ability levels and engaging. Read more

How education-specific 3D printers can enhance student safety, reduce costs, improve learning
Many schools have tried 3D printing in the form of do-it-yourself (DIY) 3D printer kits. However, when looking to expand use to a larger group of students, these types of printers can’t satisfy the need for safety, ease of use and accessibility, and security. 
    There are various aspects schools need to consider when adopting 3D printing in the classroom. Read more

New Podcast gets Australian teachers talking Maths
Built on 7000 hours of Teacher PD Experience - 3000 Teachers, 58,000 students - a new Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) podcast is proving a professional development game changer for mathematics educators.
   MATHSTALK is the brainchild of AMSI Schools, the team behind the national BHP funded Choose Maths project. Drawing on their collective decades of teaching experience and mathematics expertise, it features practical tips and advice for teachers on the big ideas in mathematics understanding. Read more

Making artificial intelligence ethical by design
The ‘Humanising Machine Intelligence’ project at The Australian National University (ANU) brings together philosophers, social scientists and computer science experts to design AI that represents and promotes “Australian values”.
    The project, which will receive over $1.5 million in ANU funding each year for at least the next three years, is led by philosopher Associate Professor Seth Lazar.
    Associate Professor Lazar noted AI now underpins all aspects of the economy, from smartphones and search to recruitment, credit scores, and high finance. Read more

Sphero and Littlebits join forces to make play-based learning giant
Sphero and littleBits, the company that invented the electronic building block, have joined forces becoming the largest player in the play based learning market.
   Sphero and littleBits have each created entirely new categories of hands-on learning tools that enable invention and STEAM education through play and technology. The two companies have reached over six million students and 65,000 teachers across 35,000 schools globally – and have sold more than $500 million in Sphero robots and littleBits kits. Read more