Research will help Indigenous students to harness digital tools

Advance Queensland is supporting innovative research that will use digital technology to create classroom experiences tailored to the educational and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.  

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch today announced funding of $120,000 awarded to Indigenous researcher Mr Troy Meston from The University of Queensland.

He is among 54 grant recipients and one of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recipients sharing in a total of $10 million from the Advance Queensland Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship programs.

“We need to provide our Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander young people with a more meaningful and culturally enriching learning experience and Mr Meston’s research will help Indigenous students in the classroom and improve digital literacy,” Ms Enoch said.

“Troy’s research will provide our teachers a way to measure the progress and true potential of Indigenous learners in the classroom.

“The digital assessment tool he intends to develop will build upon Indigenous learning strengths and provide a culturally relevant and seamless learning experience for these students,” she said.

Mr Meston will work in collaboration with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to develop the new assessment tool.

“ACER is a great research partner as they have a strong commitment to bridging the gaps evident in facilitating Indigenous success in the classroom,” he said.

“Better educational outcomes for Indigenous youth will lead to better employment outcomes and positive flow-on effects into all aspects of Indigenous life.”

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Curtis Pitt, congratulated the Indigenous recipients of the Advance Queensland fellowships and scholarships.

“The Advance Queensland program is aimed at strengthening the connections between researchers and business in our state to ensure sustainable industries and jobs for the future,” Mr Pitt said.

“By exploring and developing news ways to teach Indigenous students and new ways for them to earn, this research project will ensure they are better equipped to continue their education and enter the job market. It is truly and investment in the future of those who will shape the future of our state.”

He said the Advance Queensland initiatives would complement other efforts by the state government to foster new opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders such as the recent forum in Cairns for potential investors looking for opportunities to help develop ATSI communities.

Another funding round for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD Scholars and Research Fellows will be announced later this year.

Read more about the Advance Queensland Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships recipients on the Advance Queensland website.

Media contact: Daniel Lato (Minister Enoch) 0438 830 201

                       Minister Pitt 0419 945 546