Last week, more than 10,000 attendees converged at EduTECH, Australia’s largest conference and exhibition for educators and EdTech providers.
The event – held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13-14 August – welcomed more than 350 speakers, 250 exhibitors, 40 start-ups, and provided educators and leaders with more than 150 learning hours for their professional development.
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy – a non-profit organisation with a mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere – was the keynote speaker.
In his opening address at the event, Khan spoke about his groundbreaking impact on learning through AI technologies, the exploration of adaptive learning environments and how AI tailors learning experiences for students and educators. His also addressed the key challenges associated with AI integration in schools.
Another prominent speaker at the event was James Curran, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Grok Academy, who spoke on the topic of how AI it works and what it means for teachers, leaders, and students.
Dr Curran’s interactive talk helped attendees develop an intuitive understanding of the key ideas behind GenAI systems, such as ChatGPT, allowing educators and their students to navigate the rapidly changing opportunities for AI in education, work, and life.
Rita Nehme, the marketing director of Terrapinn Australia, which runs the annual event, said the event was the most successful EduTECH in some time, due to the number of attendees, speakers and exhibitors.
“This success has been a nice way to send off Melbourne with the move to Sydney next year,” Nehme told The Educator. “We’ve had very positive feedback from the attendees and sponsors and exhibitors who have already booked on for next year.”
Nehme said regardless of which city hosts EduTECH, its positive impact is felt by the vast community of teachers and leaders who attend.
“We’re about fostering a strong community for educators and leaders in this space and bringing them together under the one roof to learn about the people, programs, and tools at the cutting edge of education,” she said. “We call EduTECH ‘one giant festival for all of education’ because that is truly what we believe it is.”
Nehme said that at a time when Australian schools are facing many complex challenges, the event connects teachers and leaders with those who can provide critical support.
“Attendees have the opportunity to learn together with colleagues from their own school, or connect with peers from other schools who may be facing similar challenges but offer different solutions you haven't encountered yet,” she said.
“It's truly a learning space for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and available solutions.”
Nehme said the rapid proliferation and adoption of new digital tools, especially those that are AI-driven, makes it especially important for educators and leaders to learn about the ways in which these technologies are being used for impact in the classroom.
“Digital technology is the way of the future, so it’s best for educators and leaders to come to the event with questions so they can leave with solutions.”