Program empowers educators in digital technologies

Primary school teachers in Mandurah, Western Australia, are championing digital technologies in the classroom, thanks to a unique, year-long professional development program delivered by Scitech and supported by Alcoa.

Seven local teachers graduated from the Alcoa Champions of Digital Technologies program at a special celebration with students and families this month.

The innovative program supports teachers to develop their skills and confidence to introduce digital technologies for learning across all subject areas, leading to enhanced student understanding and engagement.

Scitech Professional Learning Consultant Lucas Black said the Alcoa Champions of Digital Technologies program was seeing exciting results because it focused on making digital technologies easy to integrate into all aspects of everyday learning.

“Through coaching and professional learning sessions, teachers develop their skills and confidence in a teaching style that promotes an integrated curriculum and helps students become more independent learners,” Mr Black said.

“Students are engaging with curriculum, while also developing skills such as critical thinking, technology literacy, initiative and collaboration.

“The year-long coaching model is really effective in creating long-term change and impact in schools. Teachers who have completed the program can then become champions for digital technologies in their own schools.”

Teachers who have participated in the program reported an increase in student outcomes, with 100 per cent of surveyed respondents agreeing their students were more engaged with digital technology and were more confident applying digital technology skills.

Teacher Lynn Braithwaite said it was the best thing she had done in years.

“It was so good for the kids to learn in a new way,” Ms Braithwaite said.

The Alcoa Foundation has partnered with Scitech to deliver the program for another three years from 2025 to 2027.

Alcoa Foundation President Caroline Rossignol said the program’s success to date highlighted the impact of collaboration and innovation in education.

"Alcoa’s work with Scitech has empowered teachers to bring digital technologies into their classrooms, helping create a new generation of tech-savvy students, and we are elated to continue our support of this impactful work," Ms Rossignol said.

Together with Scitech and Alcoa’s second professional development program, Alcoa Real World Digital Technologies, the partnership has the potential to reach up to 144 Western Australian teachers.

More information about the program and how to take part is available on the Scitech website.