Over the past 15 years I’ve been fortunate to attend a wide range of conferences in education, technology and Government policy. Nearly all have been have of interest and useful – useful in gaining new information, meeting new people or both. At one conference last year the main speaker talked about going to conferences and focussing on no more than 3 main “takeaways” and that actions and other items would run their natural course. So, having recently attended the international conference on digital literacy run by the European Computer Drivers License Foundation (ECDL-F) in Dublin what where the 3 main takeaways?
Number one, that education and technology provide hope for those that are at the lower end of the education and socio-economic ladder. That education when applied in a flexible and empathetic way with necessary structure to support individuals and delivery organisations can be a catalyst for learning and for improving outcomes.
Second, that the expectations of young adults and those going through the education sector has a mismatch with what is on offer in the traditional and over-audited systems of the current delivery model. This creates a tension that is not going away any time soon. Equally, this tension also provides opportunity for innovation and for nimble organisations to meet this effectively.
Thirdly, that digital literacy in the coming years will be a battle for our identity. By identity this means data and information including our personal and financial history. This will naturally lead to consolidation of suppliers who operate these services in the online space / cloud.
Education and technology is entering what I believe is it’s most important and exciting time. As I head back to the Mindleaders ThirdForce office in Melbourne I feel refreshed and energized to meet these challenges and opportunities head on. Maybe that is the supplemental benefit of going and contributing to a well thought out and well – managed conference: it allows you to regroup and approach the day job with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose.
Theo Teeder
Director, ICDL Australia
