Live Webinars: May 2023

STEM and the updated EYLF

Simple ways to connect play-based

learning and intentionality

Event details

This event has now concluded.

We will be holding more webinars throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

The updated EYLF outlines a stronger connection between play-based learning and intentionality. It also introduces a greater focus on digital play, mathematical thinking, science and digital technologies. But what does this mean in practical terms?

In this 30-minute webinar, we’ll explore the updated EYLF and how this will affect early child education.

You’ll learn:

  • the revisions to the EYLF that call for a better connection between play-based learning and intentionality
  • a simple and proven framework for connecting play-based learning and intentionality
  • the minor changes you can make to your existing activities to introduce more intentional teaching moments
  • digital play, STEM, mathematical thinking and digital technologies in the revised EYLF

We’ll spend the last 10 minutes of the webinar taking any questions you have.

This is a free webinar brought to you by Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) and a specialist education team from the STEM Education Research Centre (SERC) at the University of Canberra.

Dr Kevin Larkin

Kevin started his career as a primary classroom teacher and spent 14 years as deputy principal. He now inspires the next generation of preschool and primary teachers as an Associate Professor (Mathematics Education) at Griffith University. Kevin specialises in STEM education in early years education, mathematics education in primary and middle school contexts, and pre-service teacher mathematics education.

Kevin has received numerous awards for his teaching, including Griffith University Teacher of the Year in 2016, a National Citation for Inspiring Learning in 2017, and the Australian University Teacher of the Year Award in 2018.

He was part of the team that developed the Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) Program.

Emily Ashcroft

Emily is a qualified early childhood and primary educator who is passionate about teaching and mentoring pre-service and early career teachers. She completed her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Australian Catholic University and went on to complete her Master of Education in Educational Leadership through Charles Sturt University.

Emily is a lecturer at the University of Canberra who specialises in STEM and Technologies for Initial Teacher Education and Post Graduate units. Emily is also pursuing her PhD with a research focus on exploring teacher readiness for STEM education in early years contexts.

In 2022, Emily was awarded a Fellowship from AdvanceHE’s Higher Education Academy in recognition of her commitment to teaching excellence.

Dr Tracy Logan

Tracy specialises in mathematics education at the University of Canberra. Her work investigates how students’ spatial reasoning (the ability to manipulate objects and images in your mind) is critical for success in mathematics. Tracy’s research also shows the impact that targeted activities can have on improving a student’s spatial reasoning skills.

Tracy teaches mathematics education and STEM education to undergraduate early childhood and primary pre-service teachers and was part of the team that developed the Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) Program.