Lightning Ridge teacher plans to engage Aboriginal students with tech devices

Lightning Ridge teacher plans to engage Aboriginal students with tech devices

Young teacher and indigenous education advocate, Renee Fagan, has been awarded the Premier’s Teachers Mutual Bank New and Emerging Technologies Scholarship, which will see her travel to Canada and the United States to conduct research into improving education outcomes for local indigenous students.

The aim of the Scholarship is to provide the education community with valuable research and insights to evolve how technology is used in the classroom.” said Steve James, CEO of Teachers Mutual Bank. Miss Fagan will be using the scholarship, worth $15,000, to look at how we can better utilise technology, particularly iPad’s, to engage indigenous students in a fun and culturally appropriate way.

“iPad’s and tablets are great resources but I don’t believe they are being used to their full potential. Currently there is no research based strategy to guide how teachers use these devices and I want to change that” said Renee.

Renee plans to begin her research tour in Dubbo early next year before starting the international leg of her tour in April.

“Ultimately, I want to be able to develop applications and games specifically targeted to Aboriginal students, that will engage them in learning at a young age” said Renee.

“Teachers Mutual Bank is incredibly proud to sponsor passionate teachers like Renee, who are using technology and innovation to achieve better outcomes for their students,” said Steve James.

Find out more about Premier Teacher Scholarships