A look back to see how we got to here. What is here and why it matters and what could the future look like for education.

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By:
Steve Smith - NZ Program Manager, Google for Education
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Join Alliv Samson, CGO and Co-Founder of edtech app Kami, as she shares how a Kiwi startup grew from its humble beginnings in Aotearoa to empowering over 40 million users worldwide.

Alliv will delve into Kami’s journey of transforming education and her passion for driving innovation in edtech.

By:
Alliv Samson - CGO and Co-Founder of Kami

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The rise of Generative AI has made it essential for students to gain AI literacy skills, yet it can be challenging to assess whether they truly understand and know how to use Generative AI technologies in ethical and responsible ways. In this session, we will explore strategies for assessing AI literacy based on quizzes, surveys, and frameworks used by educators around the world.


By:
Dr. Kara Kennedy - Principal - AI Literacy Institute

With the technology curriculum refresh currently underway, in a world where AI tools are becoming ever more pervasive, we can expect that future views of digital literacy will involve a significant level of AI literacy. The Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) framework has been developed by a group of experts from Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas to provide a comprehensive guide to developing AI literacy through scaffolded levels of competency. This session will provide a brief overview of the framework before getting into the practicalities of how its knowledge, skills, and critical perspectives can be delivered to diverse learner groups in engaging and interactive ways using accessible digital tools.

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By:
1. Dr Kathryn MacCallum - Associate Professor of Digital Education Futures, University of Canterbury
2. Dr David Parsons - Research Director, academyEX
3. Dr Mahsa McCauley - Senior lecturer at AUT School of Engineering and Founder of She Sharp

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An overview and Q&A/kōrero of how curriculum content (NZC only-not TMoA) is approaching the wero of what our next generation need to know, what is essential learning with, in, and about technology?

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By:
Catherine Frost - Lead Writer  Technology, Ministry of Education

Join us for an empowering workshop focused on engaging girls in STEMM. This interactive session will explore innovative strategies and practical approaches to inspire and support female students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics through a Māturanga Māori lens.

Participants will gain insights into effective teaching methods, learn first hand about some of our successes , and develop tools to create a more inclusive and motivating STEMM environment. 

Equip yourself with the skills to help ignite a passion for STEMM in young girls and promote their continued success in these fields.

By:
1. Claire Wigley - Teacher at Spotswood College New Plymouth & TENZ Council Member
2. Munireh Rouget - Deputy Chair - TENZ Council and Poutakawaenga mō te Pūtake Whakawhanaungatanga - Facilitator for the Whakawhanaungatanga Principle

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Join us for a dynamic workshop designed to address the challenges and opportunities in supporting SEN students and promoting responsive education here in Aotearoa.

This interactive session will be a thoughtful exploration into the unique needs of diverse learners.

We’ll dive into insights from Kami’s research on SEN and demonstrate practical ways to use the app as a universal accommodation tool. Participants will be encouraged to identify pressing issues, and brainstorm innovative edtech solutions.

Get ready to be a part of ideating new products, crafting actionable strategies that can be brought to life in schools, driving real change in the SEN space.

Bring your laptops to make the most of this hands-on and truly rewarding experience!

By:
1. Jessica Brennan - Kami - Regional Customer Manager
2. Paul Savage - Kami - Senior Product Marketer

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In this workshop, we'll explore how AI can revolutionize teaching and learning through differentiated instruction. We'll delve into powerful tools like Diffit, Gemini, Magic School, and Questionwell, which offer personalised learning paths, targeted feedback, and adaptive assessments. By harnessing the power of AI, teachers can create more engaging, effective, and equitable classrooms where every student can thrive.

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By:
Bex Rose - Head of Impact, Growth Culture

The CodeRunner tool is used in dozens of Universities across NZ and internationally to assess programming ability in students. With the new NCEA standard coming in, this created a unique opportunity to take a big step forward in the assessment of NCEA programming. That was the goal of (soon to be Doctor) Henry Hickman who developed a way to leverage CodeRunner to work with NCEA as part of his PhD study. While there were challenges, the potential benefits are clear; to assist teacher to deliver a consistent assessment for all their kids and, hopefully, increase the opportunity for kids to learn to program. This workshop will give you hands on experience in the new and improved tool that will be released for the 2025 academic year. You’ll leave with a good understanding of the tool and its potential benefits for you, your students and the subject.


By:
1. Steven Rodkiss - Digital Technologies Teacher, Burnside High School & member of the DTTA committee
2. Henry Hickman - PhD student, University of Canterbury

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How do we empower our students to become creators of Artificial Intelligence rather than just users? This workshop will explore one way we can create our own AI from first principles while providing guidance on how to teach intermediate level python.

Genetic algorithms are an easy stepping stone on the way to understanding AI that draw lessons from nature and all living things around us. Here we will turn nature into technology by using genes, inheritance and natural selection to make our code overcome the survival of the fittest!



By:
Alex Ward - Senior Curriculum Leader, Rototuna Junior High School

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We will provide a comprehensive explanation of the Olympiads and delve into New Zealand's process for selecting students to represent the country. Additionally, we will discuss how teachers can offer these outstanding opportunities to their students.

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By:
Margot Phillipps

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to various aspects of life and work, it is crucial that educational systems prepare students to navigate this new landscape. This panel will explore what AI literacy entails for primary and secondary education and discuss actionable strategies to equip students with the necessary skills and understanding.

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Panelists:
Dr. Geri Harris
Benny Pan
Paula Gair