And just like that, EduTECH 2024, Australia’s largest conference and exhibition for educators and EdTech providers, has come to an end. Offering a unique glimpse into the current state and future of education, this year’s EduTECH brought together over 10,000 attendees, including educators, tech innovators, and government representatives, all eager to explore the future of education.
As we reflect on the event, several key takeaways stand out that will undoubtedly shape the direction of educational practices in the coming years.
Let’s dive in!
Key takeaways
- AI: Use it wisely
AI has incredible potential, but it’s no magic bullet – let’s use it to support, not replace, the human elements of education. - Cybersecurity: No shortcuts
Protecting student data is crucial – strong cybersecurity must be a top priority, with no room for cutting corners. - Innovation: Keep it real
The best tech solutions are the ones that work now – focus on practical, effective tools that deliver real benefits today. - Collaboration: We’re in this together
True progress in education requires teamwork – educators, tech experts, and policymakers must collaborate to create meaningful change. - Discovering new skills: Help students find their passion
Technology should make learning more personalised – helping students discover their passions and build confidence from an early stage.
A hub of innovation and collaboration
EduTECH Australia’s final year in Melbourne brought with it an atmosphere of optimism and excitement, with attendees engaged in lively discussions about the possibilities that new technologies could bring to education. The event featured over 350 speakers and more than 400 exhibitors, including Compass, all contributing to a rich environment of learning and exchange. Whether exploring the latest in AI-driven tools or debating the best practices for cybersecurity, the conversations were focused on finding practical, actionable solutions to the challenges facing educators today.
Amongst the buzz of the main exhibition floor, visitors were offered hands-on experiences with some of the most cutting-edge tools in education technology. From immersive classrooms and next-gen AI to innovative sports tech and vocational training tools, the diversity of offerings reflected the event’s commitment to showcasing solutions that cater to all aspects of the educational experience.
Let’s talk: Speakers and discussions
Alongside the exciting and interactive atmosphere of the exhibits, vital discussions were also a key part of the two-day event. Being held in both the main exhibition hall and convention centre, keynote speakers and panel discussions provided valuable insights into the current state and future direction of education technology.
Key themes at EduTECH 2024
AI in education
Speakers – including Khan Academy Founder, Sal Khan and Google’s Bryan Lee – highlighted both the potential and the challenges of integrating AI into classrooms. There was a consensus that while AI can offer personalised learning experiences, it requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that it supports, rather than replaces, the human elements of teaching and learning. And while the negative sides of this new technology were also high on the agenda, all panellists and speakers agreed – if we can truly harness the power of artificial intelligence in education, there’s no telling how far we can take human intelligence.
Keeping our schools cyber-safe
The importance of strong cybersecurity measures was underscored throughout the day. Stuart Wakefield, Chief Digital Officer at the Ministry of Education, emphasised that as schools become increasingly reliant on digital tools, the need to protect student data is paramount. Of course, the rise of AI in schools has also now added another layer of complexity to cybersecurity, making it crucial for educational institutions to not only implement robust security measures but also ensure that staff are adequately trained to handle these new challenges and respond accordingly.
Tradition meets innovation
A recurring theme throughout EduTECH 2024 was the need to rethink and reshape educational practices to better prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. Paul Watson, Principal at Emmanuel Catholic College WA, shared insights into how his school is leading this charge with longer, flexible learning sessions that allow students to spend more time ‘in flow,’ resulting in less disruption and greater engagement. By giving students more agency over their learning, including where they learn, when they learn and what technology or tools best suit the task at hand, educators can help them develop critical skills for the real world, beyond just knowledge retention. This forward-thinking approach, supported by the right tools and technologies, is key to creating learning experiences that not only meet the needs of today’s students but also equip them for the future.
Moving forward with purpose
As EduTECH Australia 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that the future of education is full of promise.
The event highlighted the innovations and collaborations essential for tackling the challenges ahead. From AI’s potential in classrooms to the critical need for cybersecurity and the push for student-centred learning, EduTECH 2024 has well and truly laid the groundwork for sustained meaningful change.
But this is just the start!
Stay tuned for our upcoming articles, where we’ll dive further into the key topics discussed at EduTECH 2024, including AI in education, cybersecurity, and the future of leadership in schools. Each article will explore the specific events and discussions from the conference, offering a comprehensive look at how these trends will shape education in Australia and beyond.
