Education students attend EduTECH

School of Education PhD students Yali Chen and Yuran Wang attended EduTECH Australia 2024, supported by a ticket from Google for Education, where they learned about the future of education and educational technologies, and networked with industry experts.

As one of the largest and most influential education festivals, EduTECH is Australia’s leading educational technology conference, bringing together the entire education ecosystem to discuss, evaluate, and shape the future of education. This event includes a trade show, workshops, and seminars covering a wide range of topics, from K-12 to higher education and vocational training. More than just speeches and presentations, EduTECH serves as a collaboration hub where insights and experiences are shared.

School of Education students Yali Chen and Yuran Wang participated in EduTECH Australia 2024, supported by a ticket from Google for Education.

As PhD students passionate about the future of education and educational technologies, Yali and Yuran strongly believe that technology can empower both teachers and students across various levels of education and have been closely following these rapid advancements. Yali, focusing on blended learning, and Yuran, specialising in AI in education, recognise the transformative potential of technology in redefining the education landscape.

This year, the conference had a strong focus on AI. For Yali, a former university teacher, her primary concerns include the ethical use of GenAI in education and ways to improve students' outcomes and engagement. The seminars presented by pioneers from both industry and academia showcased cutting-edge technologies and strategies to prevent the harmful use of AI. Specifically, the seminar delivered by Google for Education provided significant inspiration for integrating her interests in blended learning and digital technologies with AI.

For Yuran, EduTECH 2024 offered not just a front-row seat but an immersive journey into the forefront of AI innovation. The dynamic and fast-paced AI developments since 2023 have made this platform invaluable, providing her with insights into emerging trends and future applications across leading AI companies and institutions. This experience solidified her resolve to delve deeper into AI research.

At the conference, they gained extensive insights into how these technologies are being implemented in real-world educational solutions and how they can shape the future—not just in their research areas but also in popular educational technologies like robotics, VR, AR, drones, and 3D printing.

Moreover, the event offered invaluable opportunities for networking and interaction, allowing Yali and Yuran to connect with academics and industry leaders. These interactions not only provided in-depth insights but also opened doors for future collaborations, making the experience a significant step forward in their academic and career journeys.

"We’re looking forward to EduTECH 2025!", Yali and Yuran say.