Creative thinking and leadership - Education Matters Magazine
Professional Development

Creative thinking and leadership

Internationally renowned authority in education innovation, Sir Ken Robinson, and 2019 Australian of the year, Dr Richard Harris, will lead the bill of creative thinkers and expert speakers when EduTECH returns to Sydney in June 2019.

In recent times, technology has had a major impact on the way educators teach and students learn. It is rapidly evolving and constantly changing.
Bringing together the latest in technology and education, EduTECH aims to help schools keep up with what’s new and discover how it can be used in schools. It is the only event in Australia that combines the entire lifecycle of education under one roof.

EduTECH is the largest education event in the southern hemisphere and Asia Pacific region, bringing together over 11,000 visitors from across the globe. A true festival of education, it will include five congresses, eight masterclasses, over 300 exhibitors and 220 speakers.

“EduTECH has grown from year to year. People from all around Australia, New Zealand and the region come for professional development, networking and to find and compare new products and services from over 300 suppliers and exhibitors,” adds Craig Macfarlane, CEO of EduTECH.

Visitors can test out new technology, understand how to use and adapt this technology in the classroom and network with peers. It will also provide the opportunity to explore emerging technologies such as robotics, drones, 3D printing and virtual reality in depth.

Held annually, EduTECH brings together the entire education and training sector to learn, debate, exchange ideas and be inspired by the latest in education thought leadership.

Each year, EduTECH puts together an impressive list of speakers from around the world, including world-leading education and training experts. They will deliver talks on thought leadership and speak about practical case studies.

Celebrated educator, best-selling author and advisor to education departments all over the world, Sir Ken Robinson, returns to EduTECH in 2019 and will also be speaking for the first time at co-located event EduBUILD, which takes place across the same dates.

EduBUILD is Australia’s largest education buildings and infrastructure conference and trade show for education leaders and decision-makers involved in design, construction, renovation, maintenance, operation and management of buildings for schools, colleges and universities.

A second co-located event – the Australian Workplace Learning Conference – will also be held, incorporating the AITD National Conference and bringing together leaders in Australian and International learning and development.

A globally recognised authority in creativity and innovation in education and business, Sir Ken Robinson is a revered speaker, who has a long list of achievements throughout his long and illustrious career. He also received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth in 2003 for his services to the arts.

Educator, best-selling author and advisor to education departments all over the world, Sir Robinson works with governments in Europe, Asia and the United States, international agencies, Fortune 500 companies and leading cultural organisations. He led a national commission on creativity, education and the economy for the UK Government, was the central figure in developing a strategy for creative and economic development as part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland, and was one of four international advisors to the Singapore Government for a strategy to become the creative hub of South-east Asia.

Known as one of the world’s elite thinkers on creativity and innovation, he has received numerous awards and recognitions for his ground-breaking contributions to the education sector.

“EduTECH is very important,” says Sir Robinson. “It’s the largest education event in Australia, and the region. If you’re serious about education, whether you’re from a school, university or you’re at all interested in creativity or innovation, you shouldn’t miss this event.”

At EduTECH 2019, Sir Robinson will conduct three talks during day one:
• Creative thinking and innovation
• Content vs skill
• Creativity in the workplace

Dr Richard Harris SC OAM has also been revealed as a keynote speaker for EduTECH 2019, making his inaugural appearance at the event. The celebrated anaesthetist was named Australian of the Year in 2019 following his invaluable contribution to the Thai Cave Dive Rescue that resulted in 12 young boys and their soccer coach being rescued from the flooded Tham Luang cave in Thailand. After his heroic efforts, he was awarded The Star of Courage, the second highest Australian Bravery Decoration, and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Dr Harris works in anaesthesia and aeromedical retrieval medicine in Adelaide. He has a professional and voluntary interest in search and rescue operations, establishing the first sump rescue training course in Australasia. By building relationships with emergency services in Australia, he was able to put his training to work during the delicate Thailand rescue.

With expertise in diving, wilderness and remote area health, Dr Harris’ passion for cave diving has taken him to all corners of the globe in search of new adventures. He has explored some of the world’s deepest caves, including the Pearse Resurgence in New Zealand to 229 metres depth, Daxing Spring in China to 213 metres depth and Song Hong Cave in Thailand to 196 metres depth.

Dr Harris will give his keynote address, ‘Thinking outside the box, leadership, pressure’ on day one, where he will discuss working under pressure, teamwork, problem solving, resilience, risk assessment and hard work.

EduTECH will run from 6-7 June 2019 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, with a series of masterclasses running the day prior, on Wednesday 5 June.

Tickets are now on sale. Book early to secure a priority seat. All tickets purchased during March and April are eligible for a 20 per cent discount by using the code ‘EduMatters20’ when purchasing online. For more information, please visit the EduTECH website.

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