STEM engagement for students in a Makerspace | Phil Carew & Liana Gooch | TEDxRosalindParkED

How do we develop a mindset that challenges students to embrace the thinking skills, digital technology and design approach associated with STEM? How do we also develop and equip our staff with the skills and knowledge aligned with STEM to best support our students? How do we inform parents about the role of STEM in learning? Taking up this challenge in 2015, Toorak College in Mt Eliza, Victoria designed a makerspace titled the DIGIZone (Design, Inspire, Gamify, Innovate) the epicentre of STEM where students from all ages of the school can tinker, make errors, design, problem find and solve, collaborate, create while accessing an array of traditional and digital tools.
Phil is Head of eLearning position at Toorak College .
Phil’s specialty area of study is Media from Years 9 to 12. He is proficient in the use of a range of technology tools to support the teaching and learning in and out of the classroom, which he shares with colleagues and students in order to gain the best outcomes with a focus on digital technologies, reporting and assessment. He recently led a team of staff to develop a Makerspace for students from ELC to Year 12 to use. This is an exciting new space where all members of the learning community can engage in technologies, creativity and innovative practices that relate to real world challenges and future thinking.
Liana is passionate about supporting the development of STEAM skills and knowledge in girls’ education.
Liana has held numerous leadership roles related to curriculum development. Originally from New Zealand, Liana has experience as an acting Head of Faculty in Humanities and deputy Head of Faculty. Liana has held the position of the Director of Learning, Teaching and Innovation at Toorak College for the past three years. Prior to this role, she was also the Academic Enhancement Coordinator. She has worked as part of a team to develop a successful Makerspace the DIGIZone in her school to support STEAM thinking skills. Liana is also focused on developing the framework of professional learning, pedagogy and curriculum development and innovative programs with curriculum leaders and their teams to embed STEAM thinking, skills, entrepreneurship, application of digital tools and opportunities to interface with industry to best prepare girls for this world of work.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

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