For a digital technologies teacher in 2024, knowing the difference between an algorithm and an algorithmic bias is as important as an English teacher knowing the difference between metaphors and similes.
Fortunately, Australia’s schools are not only early adopters of cutting edge edtech, but the teachers in them are adept at using this technology for impact in the classroom.
Research from Atomi shows that 78% of teachers believe technology can support differentiation in the classroom, 73% think it aids neurodiverse students, and 70% feel it assists students who are falling behind.
The push to upskill Australia’s teaching workforce, and students, in digital technologies coincides with a bold initiative to fill the government’s target of 650,000 STEM jobs by 2030.
Where is the greatest demand?
Charlotte Richardson is the Community Lead at Amazon Australia, which aims to support the STEM education of over 15,000 students through student and teacher courses by the end of 2025.
“Teachers are telling us they want more professional development training in digital technologies, as well as STEM overall,” Richardson told The Educator.
According to Amazon Australia’s latest survey, teachers believe that in-person workshops (57%), online courses (45%), and 1:1 mentoring (36%) are the most effective ways to receive this training.
“Given the importance of these in-person experiences, our full day teacher training sessions are hosted at our fulfilment centres with Amazon volunteers who are computer science professionals,” Richardson said.
“[The workshops] help to contextualise theoretical elements in areas like digital technology, coding and design, and show how they can be applied to real-world challenges, as well as the classroom. Equally, we’re also hearing from teachers that they need additional resources to help encourage STEM amongst students.”
Richardson said Amazon Australia’s partnership with Code for Schools, which delivers the only program in Victoria accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching, is designed to help address this gap.
Connecting kids with inspiring role models
Richardson said while Amazon Australia is a technology company, it is also also “community first”.
“We know how important partnering with communities and schools is, especially for those in underserved and underrepresented areas, because every student should get the chance to explore a career in STEM,” she said.
“The diverse expertise of our people makes it possible for us to support teachers and students to achieve exactly that.”
Amazon Australia’s program also doesn’t just focus on coding, Richardson pointed out.
“It introduces students to professionals from across our business units, from Cloud Software Engineers at AWS, to Alexa’s personality designer, to the Reliability and Maintenance Engineers who keep our warehouse technologies running smoothly,” she said.
“By connecting students with these role models, we aim to inspire them to explore various STEM pathways and see how these skills translate into real-world careers. A career in STEM isn’t just for, ‘coding geniuses,’ it's for everyone who wants to have a go.”
Richardson said that by holding these sessions in its fulfilment centres and offices, Amazon Australia is able to give students an authentic view of STEM in action and show them how digital technologies are applied in a live setting.
“In 2024 alone, we’ve engaged directly with 100 Australian schools, enhancing digital learning experiences for thousands of students across the country.”
Richardson said Amazon Australia’s one key focus over the next year is to build upon its ongoing partnership with Code for Schools.
“Our ultimate goal is to also expand the STEM Education program beyond Sydney and Melbourne, to reach more Australian teachers. We want to make advanced technology training accessible to all teachers and students, regardless of location,” she said.
“Our goal is to empower them to deliver STEM education in a way that prepares students for a 21st-century workforce, and levels the playing field for those students in regional or remote areas.”