The impact of technology in our classrooms was among the topics discussed at an event in Wollongong last Thursday.
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The 'Human Centred Design' talk, hosted by leading Illawarra architectural firm Edmiston Jones, focused on 'Innovative Student Learning'.
The Wollongong event was led by key speaker Louise O'Donnell.
Ms O'Donnell has extensive industry experience working with organisations such as the ABC, Ten and Google.
Most recently, she led the establishment of the NSW Department of Education's Catalyst Innovation Lab.
Edmiston Jones director Graham Betts said the event had been a success.
"Louise's address was titled 'Education for a Changing World'," he said.
"She spoke about Human Centred Design as being primarily about understanding the people you're trying to design for, designing from their perspective and creating ideas they'll embrace.
"This design thinking can be applied to any discipline, whether it be an education policy or building design.
"She then went on to discuss her time at the NSW Department of Education Catalyst Innovation Lab, highlighting how the design of the school education program is evolving to meet the needs of today's students in terms of technology and the skill-set students need for their future."
She was joined by the principal of Edmund Rice College Peter McGovern, who discussed his experience in overseeing the transformation of schools to meet demands of changing teaching methods and models, as well as the impact of technology in our classrooms.
Mr Betts said Mr McGovern spoke about the building work that has been occurring at the college over the past seven years.
Several new buildings there have been designed by Edmiston Jones, including the multi-purpose sports hall and Narandha Learning Centre.
There was also a panel discussion involving the speakers, as well as David Fuller, CEO of WEA Illawarra.
"The panel presented a wide-ranging topical discussion about education and how changes may be implemented in schools," Mr Betts told the Mercury.
"There is a lot of work to be done to update existing schools with the type of spaces required for a student centred learning approach able to equip students with the skills needed to navigate a changing and technologically driven future."
Approximately 45 people attended the event.
Edmiston Jones hosts these events three times per year. The next event will be taking place in July, with a focus on the health and well-being sector.
