Google Educator Conference

Brought to you by SheSharp & Google

Thursday, 21 November 2024
Google Wynyard Central — GridAKL / Futures Lab, Auckland
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Google Educator Conference landing image 2024

About This Event

The Google Educator Conference is designed for digital technology teachers—training them in STEM subjects and creative ways to present these in New Zealand classrooms.

The purpose of the conference is to upskill all our valuable educators such as primary, intermediate, high school by presenting ideas to engage students with new technologies so they can be better equipped for the needs of twenty-first century learning.

Teachers will be equipped with the ability to tap into the creativity and enthusiasm that many students have for technology. And they’ll be exposed to exciting ways of presenting these technologies and master new skills that can directly shape the future of computer science in their classrooms.

Previously known as CS4HS, the Google Educator Conference is back for 2024!

Event Recap

This event has ended

122 attended

Time & location

Thursday, 21 November 2024
8am - 6pm NZDT

Google Wynyard Central — GridAKL / Futures Lab

12 Madden Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland CBD

Auckland

Who should attend

All teachers and educators, including pre-service teachers.

Sessions

What to expect on the day

Keynotes

Keynote 1: AI, What it was, What it is and What it could be

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.

By: Steve Smith - NZ Program Manager, Google for Education

Steve Smith

Keynote 2: Transforming Education: The Kami Story with Alliv Samson

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

Alliv Samson

Demos

Demo 1: Global Strategies for Assessing AI Literacy

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

Dr. Kara Kennedy

Demo 2: Embed AI literacy into your classes using the SAIL framework

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.

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

Dr. Kathryn MacCallum, Dr. David Parsons, Dr. Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh)

Demo 3: How can curriculum content evolve to ensure tamariki/rangatahi are 'futures-ready'?

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?

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

Catherine Frost

Demo 4: STEMM Power: Fueling Girls' Futures through Māturanga Māori

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

Claire Wigley, Munireh Rouget

Workshops

Workshop 1: Bridging the Gap: Inclusive Education and EdTech Solutions for SEN in NZ

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

Jessica Brennan, Paul Savage

Workshop 2: AI: The Personal Touch

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.

By: Bex Rose - Head of Impact, Growth Culture

Bex Rose

Workshop 3: Automated Assessment of Programming for NCEA

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

Steven Rodkiss, Henry Hickman

Workshop 4: Evolve! Build your own artificial intelligence with Python

How do we empower students to become creators of Artificial Intelligence rather than just users? This workshop explores building our own AI from first principles while providing guidance on how to teach intermediate-level Python. Genetic algorithms are an easy stepping stone to understanding AI — turning nature into technology by using genes, inheritance and natural selection to make our code overcome the survival of the fittest!

Alex Ward

Panels

Panel Discussion: Equipping Young Minds - Building AI Literacy for the Future

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.

Panelists: Dr. Geri Harris Benny Pan Paula Gair

Dr. Geri Harris, Benny Pan, Paula Gair

Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker Session: International Olympiads in AI and Informatics

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.

By: Margot Phillipps

Margot Phillipps

Schedule

Agenda

Thursday 21 November 2024

Conference schedule banner

7.45 - 8.20am

Registration and coffee

Generator Bldg (12 Madden Street)

8.20 - 8.30am

Welcome — Dr. Mahsa McCauley (She Sharp)

Generator Bldg (12 Madden Street)

8.30 - 9.30am

Keynote Address: AI, What it was, What it is and What it could be — Steve Smith (NZ Program Manager, Google for Education)

Generator Bldg (12 Madden Street)

Keynote Address: Transforming Education: The Kami Story — Alliv Samson (CGO and Co-Founder of Kami)

Keynote Q & A

9.30 - 9.45am

Group Photo

Generator Bldg (12 Madden Street)

9.45 - 10.15am

Morning Tea, Expo and Networking

Generator Bldg (12 Madden Street)

10.15 - 11.45am

Demo 1: Global Strategies for Assessing AI Literacy

Moa, Google Office

Demo 2: Embed AI literacy into your classes using the SAIL framework

Futures Lab

Demo 3: How can curriculum content evolve to ensure tamariki/rangatahi are 'futures-ready'?

Paua, Google Office

Demo 4: STEMM Power: Fueling Girls' Futures through Māturanga Māori

Ninth Expedition, Google Office

11.45 - 12.00pm

Google office tour

Google Office

12.00 - 12.45pm

Lunch

Google Office

12.45 - 3.00pm

Workshop 1: Bridging the Gap: Inclusive Education and EdTech Solutions for SEN in NZ

Moa, Google Office

Workshop 2: AI: The Personal Touch

Futures Lab

Workshop 3: Automated Assessment of Programming for NCEA

Campfire, Google Office

Workshop 4: Evolve! Build your own artificial intelligence with Python

Paua, Google Office

3.00 - 3.30pm

Afternoon tea

Moa, Google Office

3.30 - 4.45pm

Panel discussion

Futures Lab

4.45 - 5.00pm

International Olympiads in AI and Informatics

Campfire, Google Office

5.00pm

Closing Remarks

Paua, Google Office

Meet the Keynote Speakers

Alliv Samson, CGO and Co-Founder of Kami

Alliv Samson

CGO and Co-Founder of Kami

Steve Smith, Google for Education, NZ Program Manager

Steve Smith

Google for Education, NZ Program Manager

Meet the Demo Facilitators

Catherine Frost, Lead Writer Technology, Ministry of Education

Catherine Frost

Lead Writer Technology, Ministry of Education

Claire Wigley, Teacher at Spotswood College New Plymouth

Claire Wigley

Teacher at Spotswood College New Plymouth

Dr. David Parsons, Research Director, academyEX

Dr. David Parsons

Research Director, academyEX

Dr. Kara Kennedy, Principal - AI Literacy Institute

Dr. Kara Kennedy

Principal - AI Literacy Institute

Dr. Kathryn MacCallum, Associate Professor, University of Canterbury

Dr. Kathryn MacCallum

Associate Professor, University of Canterbury

Dr. Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh), Associate Professor at AUT and Chair AI Forum

Dr. Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh)

Associate Professor at AUT and Chair AI Forum

Munireh Rouget, Deputy Chair - TENZ Council

Munireh Rouget

Deputy Chair - TENZ Council

Meet the Workshop Facilitators

Alex Ward, Senior Curriculum Leader, Rototuna Junior High School

Alex Ward

Senior Curriculum Leader, Rototuna Junior High School

Bex Rose, Head of Impact, Growth Culture

Bex Rose

Head of Impact, Growth Culture

Henry Hickman, PhD student at the University of Canterbury

Henry Hickman

PhD student at the University of Canterbury

Jessica Brennan, Kami - Regional Customer Manager

Jessica Brennan

Kami - Regional Customer Manager

Paul Savage, Kami - Senior Product Marketer

Paul Savage

Kami - Senior Product Marketer

Steven Rodkiss, Digital Technologies Teacher, Burnside High School

Steven Rodkiss

Digital Technologies Teacher, Burnside High School

Meet the Panelists

Benny Pan, Science teacher, Rototuna Senior High

Benny Pan

Science teacher, Rototuna Senior High

Chris Pearce, Software Engineer, Google Research

Chris Pearce

Software Engineer, Google Research

Dr. Geri Harris, Senior Lecturer, AUT Business School

Dr. Geri Harris

Senior Lecturer, AUT Business School

Paula Gair, Consultant, Educator, Advisor

Paula Gair

Consultant, Educator, Advisor

Meet the Guest Speaker

Margot Phillipps, Executive Director, Informatics Olympiad

Margot Phillipps

Executive Director, Informatics Olympiad

Google Educator Conference featured photo
Google Educator Conference featured photo

Event Sponsors

Powered by our partners

Gold

Google

Google supports all Kiwis towards a digital future. Google New Zealand started with just one person in 2007 and has grown to around 50 people now based in Auckland and Wellington. The team works to help Kiwis find new ways to collaborate, reach audiences and get things done. Google is committed to helping all Kiwis with the digital knowledge and capabilities they need now and in the future.

Google

AUT

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's leading modern university and one of the largest universities in the country. Renowned for its innovative teaching and strong emphasis on real-world learning, AUT offers a diverse range of programs across fields like business, engineering, health sciences, and creative technologies. Located in Auckland, the university is a hub for cutting-edge research, with a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and sports science. AUT is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive community that prepares students for global careers, making it a key player in New Zealand's educational landscape.

AUT

Kami

Kami is an instructional platform that integrates with popular LMS to offer accessible annotation, streamlined instruction and assessment, and greater insights. Kami aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, supporting student-centered learning. Time-saving features enhance instruction, while AI-powered questions speed up online test prep and assessments. Key performance metrics allow teachers to edit classwork and assessments instantly. Everything you need for every student to succeed.

Kami

Silver

TENZ

Technology Education New Zealand (TENZ) is a non profit professional, collaborative association, promoting and supporting all levels of technology education in Aotearoa New Zealand. TENZ is organised by teachers for teachers and our aim is to enhance the learning and teaching of technology by creating a well informed, well connected, supportive, and sustainable professional community that has a strong voice and provides effective advocacy for technology education.

TENZ

Exhibition

academyEX

academyEX empowers diverse learners who are change makers, leaders and innovators. Our students range from educators, business owners, ambitious career-changers, community leaders and lifelong learners, ready to reshape their futures and do the best work of their lives. From micro-credentials to Masters programmes, we’re not your typical education provider. We’re a community of industry experts, and visionary thinkers who believe in learning that creates positive change in a fast paced world. Our unique approach blends practical skills with forward-thinking strategies, preparing you for the challenges of today and the possibilities of tomorrow. Come and meet the students who are ready to change the world alongside you. Find your EXfactor at academyEX.

academyEX

Anew

Anew® is a problem-solving company and single-use bottles are a problem. At Anew we’re bending the linear lifecycle of single-use water bottles into a circular one, encouraging reuse, before they’re recycled, and made anew.Anew’s goal is to keep materials in circulation for as long as possible and enable other businesses to be more sustainable. Anew provides packaging consultancy, design, manufacturing, bottle collection, washing and recycling. The Anew® packaging system is a convenient bolt-on, circular ecosystem designed to integrate with current infrastructure to enable mass adoption.

Anew

Venue

Auckland Unlimited

Auckland Unlimited boosts Auckland’s appeal for living, working, visiting, investing, and doing business. As an Auckland Council-controlled organization, it enhances cultural, social, and economic benefits for residents and visitors. Auckland Unlimited drives investment and innovation, supports local businesses, and enriches the city’s cultural vibrancy. It builds on its founding organizations' legacy to lead in growth industries and attract transformative investments, guided by the principle of kotahitanga, or shared purpose.

Auckland Unlimited

Thanks for the support

A taste of the Event

Google Educator Conference photo 2
Google Educator Conference photo 3
Google Educator Conference photo 4

Session resources

We would like to share some resources from the event on behalf of our amazing speakers, demo and workshop facilitators.

Getting to the event

AUT City Campus is in the heart of Auckland and is surrounded by bus stops and is also close to motorway entry/exits. You can easily commute to AUT through Auckland Public Transport.

Because of the high demand for parking in the central city, AUT can’t provide on-site parking for city-based students or event attendees during the day. It’s a good idea to consider other transport options, like public transport or carpooling. You can park off street (pay and display) or at the nearest Wilson Parking.

About the venue

The 2024 conference was hosted at Google Wynyard Central — GridAKL / Futures Lab, Generator, 12 Madden Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland. GridAKL is Auckland's innovation hub, bringing together technology and creative companies in a vibrant waterfront precinct.

Key contact

Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh) — for all workshop-related queries please contact the workshop organiser.

Dr. Mahsa McCauley

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