The first Digital Technologies Hub newsletter
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Welcome to the first Digital Technologies Hub newsletter!
The Digital Technologies Hub contains plenty of free resources to help you and your students learn about the computer science concepts that underpin the Digital Technologies curriculum. See how you can move your students from users of technology to creators of digital solutions.
Unpacking the curriculum with James Curran
Watch videos featuring James Curran, Associate Professor at the School of IT, University of Sydney, and Director of the National Computer School. Explore ways in which content is sequenced over the five bands of the curriculum.
Glossary
Don’t know your bits from your bytes? If you are unfamiliar with some of the terminology of the Digital Technologies curriculum, check out our glossary page.
RobotsProgrammable robots are all the rage in schools at the moment. Find out what all the fuss is about. 
Use Pro-Bot, a race car, to learn about programming a series of commands. Or, use Sphero, a ball-shaped robot that can change colour, rolling speed and direction. It is all controlled via downloadable tablet apps. You can borrow some of these programmable robots for free! Just register with the CSER Lending Library. Robots in the news: Computer coding and robots video, SBS. |
Coding and programmingComputer programming is the process of writing a computer program — formulating the problem and taking it from concept to solution. Programming includes breaking down the problem, designing the steps and procedures that inform the code, and then creating the code. Explore these resources to find out more:
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Lesson ideas
The Digital Technologies Hub features lesson ideas with step-by-step instructions for implementing one or more of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies content descriptions for each band of the curriculum.
Try one of these lesson ideas to implement Digital Technologies in your classroom.
Primary
Buzzing with Bee-Bots (years F–2)
Secondary
Computer chatter 1: Networks and data transmission (years 7–8)
Learn more
Take a look at these free online courses designed by the University of Adelaide. The courses are open to anyone and will help you address the new Digital Technologies learning area. |
Searching for inspiration?Search for resources – find an app, software, a video or an interactive. We also have resources for professional learning, tutorials, and even self-paced lessons. Here are some popular searches on the site: |
Parent education
How familiar are the parents in your school community with the Digital Technologies curriculum? The Digital Technologies Hub family page includes a round-up of videos and articles that could be used in your school newsletter or parent communication channels, to help them better understand the direction of your school.
Upcoming events
Find out what competitions, conferences and professional learning opportunities are on offer through our events calendar.
- Code4Kids episode 5; Computer Science Education Week; 28 November, online
- Victorian Curriculum F–10 online professional learning sessions; 30 November, Victoria
- Google Education on Air: It takes a teacher; 3–4 December, online
- Computer Science Education Week; 5–11 December, online
- An Hour of Code; anytime, anywhere
- National Computer Science Summer School; 3–12 January 2017, NSW
Digital Technologies making news
- How robots could soon be teaching your kids, The Age
- As the pace of technological advancements grows, just what jobs – if any – will we be doing in the future?, The Age
- Primary robotics program engages students beyond the classroom, Teacher Magazine
- Demystifying the Digital Technologies curriculum, F–6, Compute It Simple
- The Hour of Code is coming ..., InTEACT
Get CSIRO in your school
Gain access to an ICT professional who can be a mentor, role model, or inspiration for students, providing them with access to new ideas and fresh perspectives in using ICT in the classroom. The ICT in Schools program website contains links to register for the program, as well as ideas for the classroom, past program example activities, and resources to support communicating with an external professional. The program is free and open to schools anywhere in Australia, and to all levels of schooling.
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Phone: +61 3 9207 9600 | Email: digitaltechnologieshub@esa.edu.au