It was inspiring to connect with about 10,000 passionate educators, school leaders, technology specialists and industry partners at the EDUtech Conference hosted at the Sydney ICC this week (June 3 7 4) who are all working towards a common goal: preparing young people for a rapidly changing world.
Across the conference, one theme kept emerging – the need to move beyond simply adopting new technologies and instead focus on how they can be used to enhance learning, creativity, critical thinking and human connection. As generative AI continues to reshape education, the conversations around safe, ethical and meaningful implementation have never been more important.
I was very busy throughout this two day event chairing the Critical Thinking & Creativity steam sessions on day 1 and the Future Learning stream on day 2 as well as being on a panel at the EduGrowth Innovation Alley Theater and doing a book signing session.
The opening keynote was presented by Andy Hargreaves who is one of the world’s most influential educational thinkers, renowned for his research into teaching, educational change, leadership and professional collaboration. Best known for his book Changing Teachers, Changing Times, Andy presented the topic Teaching to Repair the World.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to chair the Critical Thinking & Creativity stream sessions on Day 1 and the Future Learning stream on Day 2.
It was a pleasure to hear from so many educators and professionals who are deeply committed to fostering critical and creative thinking, and to shaping the future of education. The passion, ideas, and conversations throughout the event were both inspiring and encouraging.
Australian psychologist Dr Andrew Fuller stated the day 1 sessions and Professor Danny Liu commenced the second day proceedings. Both attracted so many attendees our theater overflowed and we ran out of headphones.
Congratulations to the team at Terrapin who always do an amazing job putting this event together each year.
Stay tuned to coming episodes of The Kitchen Think Podcast/Vodcast to hear interviews from EDUtech.
Dr Tim Kitchen 