From the President: Teaching – where the future begins
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128, 8 November 2023, page no.7
The theme for this year’s Queensland World Teachers’ Day was “Teaching – where the future begins”, which is quite apt given the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and increased discussion of the digital future of education.
The Commonwealth, states and territories and representatives of the non-government school sector are collaborating on the development of a principles-based framework to support schools and education systems in the use of AI. The Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools has been developed with feedback from the profession, parents, and unions in the state and non-state schooling sectors. This framework is built around six principles:
- privacy, security, and safety
- human and social wellbeing
- teaching and learning
- transparency
- fairness
- accountability.
As AI develops, and schools adapt to its use, teachers and school leaders are uniquely positioned to determine what works and doesn’t work in their classrooms and schools. They know the factors that affect whether AI will work in their context.
The QTU currently sits on an advisory body made up of numerous stakeholders, including the department and QCAA.
An AI tool called Cerego (a revision/question-based AI program) is being trialled by ten Queensland state schools as part of ongoing QLearn platform capability building, and it is consistent with the six principles of the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools.
In 2024, the results of the trial will inform the development of resources, providing information and guidance for all state schools about the use of AI in schools. It will also support the national body’s work producing a framework of requirements for those developing AI products for use in schools.
In the dynamic landscape of education, 2023 has presented an evolving set of challenges and demands for teachers and school leaders.
The implementation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9 has emphasised the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, and adaptability. It is essential that teachers and school leaders have access to conducive working environments and ongoing professional development opportunities. These conditions not only benefit teachers but also play a crucial role in providing students with the best possible learning experience.
TAFE Queensland and Central Queensland University (CQU) have a flexible range of delivery modes designed to cater for 21st century learners. The success of TAFE EB11 and the CQU EB was instrumental in shaping conditions by addressing issues such as workload, professional development, and support services, thus allowing teachers to meet the ever-changing needs of students.
Feedback from our members has highlighted the importance of the Comprehensive Review of School Resources (CRoSR) as an investment in the future of education. It aims to examine the current resourcing model and processes and make them responsive to change, to ensure they adequately meet the demands of 21st Century educational environments and the diversity of school contexts.
Century context, we as a Union continue to advocate for training and support for our teachers and school leaders, additional resourcing for students to ensure equitable access to a quality education, and the continued representation of a teacher voice on advisory and peak decision-making bodies.
Cresta Richardson
President