In this edition you will read about the way technology is making innovative inroads into schools and teachers’ learning tools. Students working with drones and computer coding has become part of an exciting STEM program in some schools. IE looks at the learning intentions that drive these technological integrations .
In Kaleidoscope, Dr Tom Calma speaks of his 40 year battle for the rights and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Dr Calma’s belief in education as a vaccination against poverty has driven much of his social justice work.
Patrick Lee writes about maths training and the way teachers are expected to be across content and specific pedagogy of all the Key Learning Areas. He suggests practicum teachers have little opportunity to prepare for and take maths classes for a range of reasons, including the lack of confidence in supervising teachers.
Lawyer Andrew Knott gives sound advice about the vexed area of staff physical contact with students. In examining two legal cases Knott looks at the appropriateness of physical contact including the use of physical restraint.
Finally a partnership between the CSIRO and Stile sees science given a boost in a Victorian Catholic school. A new digital platform has been created to encourage individual learning and to inspire budding scientists in primary school.
On behalf of the executive editors and editorial team, I wish you well for the end of 2016 and look forward to your contributions to our publications in 2017.