Qld wants to embed robotics, software experts in schools

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today unveiled her plan for the future of the state'spublic education, announcing an effort to bring forward the implementation of the national digital curriculum and embed robotics experts in schools.

She said all Queensland students up to year 10 would have the option of learning to code after the state fast-tracks the implementation of the digital module of the Australian national curriculum to 2016.

The premier also proposed an enhanced program of training in STEM skills and scholarships for prospective teachers looking to develop coding and robotics skills.

State schools will be looking to recruit robotics gurus out of universities and industry to spend some time as ‘experts in residence’, as part of a statewide program aimed at “sparking the imagination and passion of students”.

Other aspects of the plan include:

• Improving broadband connections to school sites
• Virtual STEM academies available to students from years 5 to 9
• The establishment of a ‘Queensland coding academy’

“We must ensure students are the digital creators and innovators of Queensland’s future. Learning coding and applying these skills to real world problems will help students to be critical thinkers, innovators and problem solvers,” Palaszczuk said.

The state Department of Education has issued a discussion paper and is calling for more suggestions of ways technology might be injected into the school system.

“Around 75 percent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM-related skills and knowledge including coding and robotics,” Palaszczuk said.

“We want to hear the views of our schools, community and industry on how every student could be ready for jobs of the future and how schools innovate and engage in coding and robotics,” Education Minister Kate Jones said.