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2017 (23) 31 July 2017


ET News Digest
Your Weekly Education Newsletter
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Is technology our servant?

Dennis Sleigh embraces (almost all) new technology

I like watching ‘cold case’ crime stories on television, and I stand in awe at the way these modern crime fighters are able to solve homicides that baffled their predecessors 10 or 20 years earlier. I particularly enjoy those episodes where the original crimes were actually investigated by some of the people who are now on the cold case team – seeing them uncover additional clues that were previously not obtainable. The searchers might be the same people but the processes they use make the difference – and this is a tribute to modern technology.

 

I think I have always appreciated the values, qualities and skills of our police officers, and if their task is easier today because of technological advances, this is surely to our benefit. There are other professions where the same story applies. Read More

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Start for NAPLAN online trials

During August and September, schools around the country will be able to assess their readiness to move to NAPLAN Online in 2018.

ACARA aims to ensure each school is prepared and has sufficient bandwidth and wireless connectivity. It is hoped the test will provide feedback about the extent of school readiness to undertake NAPLAN Online. 
Read More

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New skills needed for 2030 workers

A new report from the Foundation of Young Australians has revealed that in the future no job will be immune to automation.

 

The New Work Smarts report analysed over 20 billion hours of work completed by 12 million Australian workers across 400 occupations each year to predict the skills and capabilities that will matter most in 2030. The report shows that automation is going to change what we do in every job, in every occupation. Read More

Majority of young Australians find it difficult to secure their dream career

Over three quarters (79%) of young Australians believe their schools or universities failed to prepare them for the world of work, according to the latest research from youth career coaching firm, TwoPointZero.

 

With youth unemployment sitting at double the national average (13.1%), the study suggests more needs to be done to bridge the gap between the classroom and the boardroom.

 

Despite Federal Government introducing training and internship schemes, Steve Shepherd, CEO at TwoPointZero, believes while they might treat some of the symptoms, they fail to address the root cause. Read More

NSW Year 11 students completing NESA critical thinking test

The 2017 trial of the NESA online Critical Thinking test started with around 1000 students sitting the test on the first day.

 

The test assesses skills in Logical Reasoning, Qualitative Analytical Reasoning and Quantitative Analytical Reasoning. 

 

More than 7000 students are expected to sit the test before the trial concludes on 11 August. Read More

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Inaugural $50,000 Matific Games

Forget finals footy, look out for The Matific Games for your fix of competitive action. Students will battle it out to show their maths proficiency on Matific’s suite of online maths games for K–6 over a two-week period.

 

The Matific Games is free to enter and there’s $50,000 in cash and prizes available including a swag load of goodies from Matific’s sponsors – think drones and other STEAM-type products. Read More

AITSL case studies, self assessment and feedback resources now online

AITSL has developed a body of evidence-based products, including video case studies, self-assessment tools and feedback resources, that teachers and school leaders can access through the new AITSL website and apps.

 

Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham, said the new website provided a ‘one-stop-shop’ for teachers to access evidence-based resources to improve their practice across every career stage. Read More

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AITSL case studies, self assessment and feedback resources now online

AITSL has developed a body of evidence-based products, including video case studies, self-assessment tools and feedback resources, that teachers and school leaders can access through the new AITSL website and apps.

 

Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham, said the new website provided a ‘one-stop-shop’ for teachers to access evidence-based resources to improve their practice across every career stage. Read More

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Qld Education Minister re-states no change in RI policy

As Christian groups ­demand the withdrawal of an ­un­official policy that could see ­primary school students disciplined for talking about Jesus in the schoolyard, the Education ­Department has called for a meeting with the religious instruction advisory group.

 

Education Minister Kate Jones has insisted there has been no change to the religious instruction policy - despite the recent release of a departmental document that warns schools to take "appropriate action" against students caught "evangelising" outside class. Read More

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ACA wins $10m for Digital Technologies curriculum support

The Australian Computing Academy (ACA), based in the University of Sydney, has received $10 million to provide teachers with educational resources and professional development necessary to deliver the new Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies.

 

The ACA will deliver the Australian Digital Technologies Challenges for Years 5 and 7 until December 2020. Read More