Back Stories event shines a light on New England’s innovative educators
‘Innovating Education & Educating for Innovation in NENW’ was the fourth Back Stories of Innovation event for 2023, and shone a light on some of this region’s innovators impacting education and training.
“The Back Stories of Innovation series recognises our region’s long history of innovation, and encourages us to keep perspective by looking behind at what has gone before, while contemplating possibilities ahead. This time we were foccused on education,” said UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Regional Connector in Armidale, Cherene Spendelove.
“Fair, equitable and inclusive access to education and training is fundamental to minimising disadvantage, and maximising opportunity for individuals, families and our whole community. I was excited to learn from some of the people researching, and utilising research to innovate and deliver in that space!”
John Atchison, Armidale and District Historical Society provided an historical backstory and overview of New England’s educational innovators and innovative educators, and introduced:
Dr Jo Bird, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Researcher, University of New England - shared her research, including coding with pre-schoolers (a group she suggested should not be under-estimated!)
Jane Weier & Dr Jim White (UNE Adjunct Professor, Education), Australian Leadership and Communication Training - explained that through their research and experience they identified that the mental health and wellbeing of young people is the current priority. They have innovated in their business to address this challenge, including (at its core) by treating young people respectfully as humans.
Graham East, EdAlive - shared the story of EdAlive, a publisher of quality educational technology for more than 30 years. The business has innovated and pivoted throughout that journey in response to changing tech and new challenges.
Brendan Mooney, People Tech Revolution and a UNE SRI founder - shared his work co-designing inclusive training modules utilising virtual reality. In partnership, Brendan also led UNE SRI’s Creative Digital Media Club pilot project at NOVA which brought together a group of aspiring creatives focused on digital creative industries.
Martin Levins, School of Education Lecturer and Researcher, University of New England - provided an overview of some of the research projects being delivered in schools through Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
Each of these innovative educators shared their stories and their work, and answered the questions:
What is the innovation and research angle on your business/organisation?
Why are you doing this in New England, why now?
What’s your prediction for the future of your business / New England?
“We are very grateful to the panellists for giving their time and telling their stories, and energised to learn of the great research-driven work that is being designed and delivered in our region - benefitting individuals, but also making broad social and economic impact.”
This event was proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and delivered in association with Armidale Regional Council.
