This event, held at Australian Christian College: Moreton, is open to people from member and non-member schools and is ideally suited to Principals & School Leaders; IT Managers; Directors of Teaching & Learning; Teachers & Educators.

At the event, Dr. Aaron Snoswell will deliver the keynote address, providing an overview of Generative AI as a social and technical phenomenon, including the history leading up to the current ‘cultural moment’, and an overview of key terms and concepts. Aaron will also share examples from his own research on bias and toxicity in Generative AI, and conclude with a discussion of the potential risks and opportunities of this technology as they pertain to both education, and society more generally.

During the program, participants will have opportunity to choose from a variety of workshops during the midday session. Following lunch, there will be small group discussions for sharing insights, capped by a panel discussion with our speakers and a Q&A session.

Registration for the event includes arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch and all conference materials.

To register for this event, simply click on the Register Now button and follow the prompts. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming your registration (please note this may also end up in your junk mailbox).

Registration cost for the event is outlined below and includes arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch and all conference materials.

• Registration for staff from CSA member school: $50 +GST
• Registration for staff from a non-member school: $65 +GST

At registration, you will be asked to outline any special dietary requirements, as well as providing the role you hold in your school. 

An outline of the program is provided below:

• 8:30am Arrival Tea/Coffee available
• 9:00am Welcome & Keynote 1 with Dr. Aaron Snoswell
• 10:30am Morning Tea
• 11:00am Workshops Sessions 1
• 12:05pm Workshops Session 2
• 1:00pm Lunch
• 1:45pm Small Group Discussion Activity
• 2:15pm Panel Discussion, Q&A
• 3:00pm Close of event

Please note this program is subject to change.

There will be 3 workshops offered in Session 1 and 4 workshops offered in Session 2 for participants to attend. Each workshop will be repeated in the following workshop session (with the exception of workshop 4, which will only be offered in Session 1). Repeating workshops in both sessions will allow participants the opportunity to attend 2 of the 4 workshops offered. Information on the workshops are below.

There is no need to pre-register for the workshops, your selections can be made on the day.

Workshop 1:  Strategically Leading AI, with Leigh Williams

This workshop aims to help participants apply AI strategically in their organisations, including the:

• ethical, social, and legal implications of AI, such as data privacy, bias, accountability, and regulation
• best practices and frameworks for developing and implementing an AI strategy, such as exploring, experimenting, and innovating with AI tools and solutions
• skills and competencies required to lead and manage AI-driven teams and organizations, such as communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Additionally, this workshop will help participants in developing and presenting an AI vision and roadmap for a specific educational challenge or opportunity.

Workshop 2: AI in the Classroom: A Practitioners Experience, with Kendal Slack

Hands-on workshop exploring practical AI tools for a range of learning areas and levels, whether creating subject-specific or assignment chatbots for your students, generating and manipulating images, effective lesson and unit plans, creating visuals of data, critically analysing academic articles, and much more. You will come away with a number of highly effective tools you can use immediately in your own classroom and school office.

Workshop 3:  Embracing Reality: Navigating the Truths, Myths, and Challenges of AI and Understanding its True Impact in the Coming Years

As AI advancements continue to transform industries and daily life, a significant gap persists between perception and reality, particularly within education. This workshop aims to bridge this gap by offering educators and leaders valuable insights into AI's true impact and scope.

Participants will:

• Explore the latest AI advancements, addressing common myths and misconceptions while examining the real changes underway in various sectors.
• Engage in thought-provoking discussions surrounding the psychological and social factors contributing to skepticism and resistance towards AI, and learn effective strategies for fostering acceptance and understanding within educational communities.
• Examine the implications of AI for educators and students, considering the rising incidence of AI-related academic integrity issues, and explore ways to adapt and uphold QCAA assessment guidelines in this evolving landscape.
• Develop strategies for promoting open, informed conversations about AI within schools and communities, fostering a culture of adaptability and readiness.
• Reflect on the role of Christian education in shaping ethical and thoughtful engagement with AI technologies, ensuring that advancements align with Christian values and contribute positively to society as a whole.

What sets this workshop apart is its focus on the cognitive and emotional dimensions of AI acceptance, exploring skepticism, disbelief, and other barriers to embracing these technologies. By emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and strategic engagement, particularly within Christian educational settings, participants will be empowered to drive meaningful discussions within their organizations and guide responsible AI integration that reflects the values of their communities.

Workshop 4:  Building Capacity in an AI World with Jo Butterworth of QCAA

Please note: this workshop is only offered in Workshop Session 2

With the rapid growth of digital technologies influencing our personal and professional lives it is triggering questions about the capabilities young people need for success both in school and life. So, what do we need to know and be able to do to be future ready learners in an increasingly complex world?

Our session will focus on how we move beyond AI-centred views of capability development to building the capacity of young people to be critical and creative thinkers who understand ethical and safe practices. This broader view of capability development recognises the value of the 21st century skills and the role of school policy to guide our young people.

Keynote Speaker: Dr Aaron Snoswell

Dr Aaron Snoswell is a computer scientist and senior research fellow in AI accountability at the newly-founded Generative AI Lab at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Aaron’s research looks at the cultural and social impacts of Generative AI. This includes the development of socio-technical interventions for measuring and reducing toxicity in Large Language Models like ChatGPT, and working to co-design appropriate industry and policy responses to Generative AI’s rapid integration across society, including in the education sector. Since 2023, Aaron has served as an expert advisor to the QCAA’s AI working group, and he has contributed to several government reports and position statements on Generative AI. Prior to academia, Aaron worked in industry as a cross-disciplinary mechatronic engineer in medical device research and development, pilot and astronaut training, robotics, and software engineering.

Workshop Presenter & Panellist: Leigh Williams

Leigh is an experienced executive leader, currently CIO at Brisbane Catholic Education, overseeing all digital, information and IT infrastructure for 146 schools and 9 offices. Leigh’s career started as a IT teacher, and since held positions in both public and private organisations as CEO, Executive Director, Director, Assistant Director and COO. As a passionate, published researcher and advocator in digital technologies and education, Leigh has led keynotes and workshops around the world on digital transformation. She holds multiple post-graduate qualifications in Education, IT, Leadership, Management, Business and has completed study with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Workshop Presenter & Panel Facilitator: Kendal Slack

Kendal has been teaching for over 15 years, serving in roles including Head of Department, Head of Secondary and Deputy Principal. He has extensive experience in technology across strategy, implementation, and teacher training, becoming an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2015. Kendal serves as a Director on two school boards. He is currently the On Campus Deputy Principal at Australian Christian College - Moreton and in a Training Principal role. Kendal is passionate about the effective and authentic use of AI in and across the education fields.

Workshop Presenter & Panellist: Jo Butterworth

With over 20 years of experience across three schooling sectors, Jo Butterworth brings a wealth of knowledge to the role of Executive Director, Curriculum Services at the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). Being part of a dynamic organisation that is leading the development of future-focused curriculum and assessment is one of Jo’s core passions. In a previous role, she played an integral, leading part in the redevelopment of the new QCE syllabuses and quality assurance processes. Using this experience, Jo made a profound impact at two secondary schools whilst on their educational leadership teams through sharing her expertise and building curriculum and assessment literacy. As Executive Director at the QCAA, Jo has led the response to Artificial Intelligence and chaired the Artificial Intelligence Working Group to provide national guidance on using AI safely and ethically to support implementation of the QCE. Each experience has provided Jo with a deeper understanding of how the decisions we make about curriculum and assessment influence our young people and prepare them for pathways beyond school.

Workshop Presenter: Rob Steffler

Rob Steffler is an innovative educator deeply involved in curriculum development and AI technologies. As the Dean of Studies at Glasshouse Christian College on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, he spearheaded the DeLorean Project, a pioneering educational initiative launched in 2016. This program empowers Year 10 students to use school resources and a day of curriculum time each week to pursue their own learning projects, integrating entrepreneurial methodologies like Lean Startup, Design Thinking, and rapid prototyping. With a career spanning over 18 years in the Queensland independent school system, Rob’s commitment to education focuses on equipping students with critical enterprise skills alongside content knowledge, ensuring their preparedness for a complex and evolving global workforce. His interest in AI not only shapes his educational approach but also explores its acceptance and future impact, positioning him at the forefront of educational innovation.

Panellist: Terry Young, MP

Terry currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training, which is currently leading an Inquiry into the use of generative artificial intelligence in the Australian education system. Elected to the House of Representatives for Longman, Qld in 2019 and re-elected in 2022, it was his love for the local community that motivated Terry Young to run for the seat of Longman. As a small business owner who was raised in Kallangur, he realised that the people of Longman needed a strong and unwavering voice to represent them in Parliament House and to ensure that the people of Longman receive their fair share of federal funds to improve the lives of every citizen of this great community. An average, every day Australian who had never set foot in politics before being elected as the Federal Member for Longman, Terry has made it his vision and mission to make Longman the best place in Australia to live and he has set out to deliver and achieve this. Terry first realised how hard it can be in a small business after opening his Chandler’s store in 1992 and then as the owner of The Good Guys at Morayfield.

This event is hosted by Andrew Taylor, Executive Officer, QLD.

At the conclusion of this event, a certificate of professional learning, for self-accreditation, will be made available to participants, via your member dashboard. The event will address the following AITSL standards and Christian Distinctive Focus areas: 

AITSL Professional Teacher and Leadership Standards:
»  2.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
»  3.3 Use teaching strategies
»  3.4 Select and use resources
»  4.5 Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically
»  6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning
»  7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Christian Distinctive Focus Areas:
»  2B Understand the philosophical framework(s) influencing the ways in which content is framed and the ways in which a Christian perspective may be taught to students
»  3A Integration of a Christian perspective throughout content, programs and teaching strategies
»  5A Application of Christian ethos to assessment practices
»  6A Engage in professional learning which aids the development of a philosophy of Christian Education based in Biblical principles

Want to learn more about the CSA Christian Distinctive Focus areas? Click here.

All cancellations must be made in writing to the Event Organiser. Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued after 7 days out from the event and a cancellation fee of $20 will apply. Any cancellations made after this date will be charged the full registration fee. 'No Shows' to the event will be charged the full registration fee. 

Please note that registration fees do not include insurance to cover loss of any fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the event or through cancellation of the event itself. A full refund will be issued if the event is cancelled by the organiser (CSA) due to any reasons out of the organisers control.

The event program is subject to change and we may not be able to provide prior notice.