The DigiDO Conference, recently held at Scotch College, encouraged students to take the lead in digital technologies workshops. A group of 11 St Michael’s students participated in this student-led conference, sharing their skills and exploring the different technologies adopted by other schools.

The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by our students were truly commendable as they prepared and executed their workshops with fantastic leadership skills. Our Year 5 and Year 6 students had the opportunity to run workshops on various cutting-edge technologies. Thomas, Samuel, William, Mason, Henry, Hudson, Isaac, and Tex delved into Makecode Arcade, CoSpaces and Maker’s Empire design challenges. Hudson and Henry participated in a Q&A session on Cyber Safety, addressing the audience with confidence, impressing the attendees from various schools.

Thomas, in particular, had the unique opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking Q&A session with Dr Nick Jackson. The discussion revolved around ethical issues related to AI and the use of celebrity images in creating AI-generated content. Thomas’ involvement in such a critical conversation showcased not only his technological prowess but also his growing understanding of ethical considerations in the digital world.

The ‘TechGirls’ Ella and Indi from Year 2 explored learning centres facilitated by students from other schools, eagerly absorbing new experiences and technologies to share with our community.

The DigiDO conference offered a unique blend of educational and career insights with industry experts from Flinders University, Compnow, Micro-X and Modern Teaching Aids sharing valuable knowledge about careers in Digital Technologies. This exposure undoubtedly broadened our students’ horizons and inspired them to pursue their passions in this rapidly evolving field.

The entire event was a tremendous success, filled with fun, learning, and a sense of accomplishment. We congratulate all the students who participated and the teachers who supported them in this remarkable event. Their achievements at DigiDO are a testament to the quality of education and innovation at St Michael’s College.

We look forward to more opportunities for our students to shine and make a positive impact on our College and the broader community.

Kate Tyrwhitt, Art & Design Teacher, Innovation and Indigenous Education Coordinator