Digital tools for a modern classroom: Lessons from Wyndham Tech School

Digital tools for a modern classroom: Lessons from Wyndham Tech School

In an ever-evolving digital world, it is vital for Victorian teachers to understand and implement new technologies to enhance the learning experience for their students. Recently, our Academy Master Teachers and Principals in Residence had the opportunity to explore a variety of digital tools at the Wyndham Tech School, a cutting-edge facility focused on industry-driven curriculum. This experience, shared by Master Teacher Ange Tutty, highlights how technology can unlock new possibilities in education.

The power of geospatial technology in education

Discover how digital tools are bringing maps and data to life for students. 

Technologies like ArcGIS and Digital Twin Victoria provide a fascinating, interactive way to view historical and live data on topics such as natural disasters, public health, and changing landscapes:

• ArcGIS: A powerful geographic information system (GIS) that allows students to access live data and tell stories using geospatial technology.
• Storymaps: A tool that helps learners weave together data, text, and images to create compelling, narrative-driven digital content.

This hands-on experience at Wyndham Tech School demonstrates how these tools can help students explore the world through a new lens, answering questions about history, place, and perspective.

Data storytelling for enhanced student learning

Wyndham Tech school's curriculum uses a project-based learning approach to teach real-world skills. 

Tools like Tableau transform raw data from sources like Excel into visually appealing, easy-to-read formats.

• Tableau: Empowers students to create visual data stories, a key skill in data journalism. It helps learners present complex information in a simple, compelling way, regardless of their ability level.
• Future skills: The curriculum exposes students to crucial skills for future employment, including critical thinking, data analysis, and curiosity.

This approach ensures that every student, regardless of their proficiency with traditional data formats, can creatively engage with and understand information.

Navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom

The rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT presents both opportunities and challenges for educators. As these technologies are here to stay, it's essential for teachers to understand their implications and guide students on their ethical use.

Ethical considerations

Teachers must help students critically examine AI's use, addressing issues of bias, data fairness, and content creation.

Future employment skills

Engaging with tools like ChatGPT offers a practical way to develop skills required for future careers, such as prompt engineering and critical analysis.

By approaching these tools with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn, educators can prepare students to responsibly and effectively use technology. As Ange Tutty says, "With imagination and technology, anything is possible!"