Exploring digital technologies roadshow rolls on in Qld

The Cairns community will have a chance to get hands-on with some of the latest technology in a series of events on Wednesday (31 May) - with the digital roadshow rolling on to Longreach, Mount Isa and Bundaberg in coming weeks.

Workshops will be held for students, teachers and librarians to learn about coding and robotics, drones, virtual reality and 3D printing while a public expo will feature a discussion about how to meet the digital skills and literacy needs of the Cairns community.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government's Digital Skills for all Queenslanders roadshow is about engaging people with the technology, which is an increasing part of learning, working and socialising, and discussing community needs around digital literacy.

“We’ve already visited Rockhampton and, over the coming weeks, we’ll also be visiting people in Longreach, Mount Isa and Bundaberg to talk with them about digital literacy in their communities and give them a taste of cutting-edge technology like drones, 3D printers and virtual reality," Ms Enoch said.

“All Queenslanders, regardless of where they live, need to have digital skills to connect, interact, find employment, access services, research and improve their education and health outcomes, and we want to understand from the community how we can help them do that."

Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions Julie-ann Lambourne, Anne Livingstone, Emily de la Pena and Mic Black have joined the roadshow to help regional communities improve their digital literacy skills and get excited about technology.

Ms Lambourne is the Chief Executive Officer of enVizion Group, an Indigenous-owned and operated business in Cairns that specialises in the delivery of development programs, and believes “bridging the divide on digital inclusion is everyone’s business”.

“It’s important that we have conversations with members of our community around digital literacy and inclusion,” Ms Lambourne said. “These days people need to be digitally competent to find employment, improve their education, access services and even connect socially." 

Ms Livingstone will be delivering an interactive session to demonstrate how smart, enabling, assistive technology is being used to help people lead independent, engaged and socially inclusive lives.

“I’m excited to be part of this event and hope to share knowledge with and learn from regional communities about new ways of working and delivering community services that can help people to be prepared for the digital future of this state," she said.

Ms de la Pena is a strong advocate for the learning process that comes from basic digital skills and will be running workshops to introduce both teachers and students to coding skills, as well as advocating digital teaching methods.

“Coding is a force for change in this world and I am really looking forward to showing young children the basics of coding and helping teachers incorporate technology into the classroom,” she said.

The free public expo will be from 3pm to 6pm at Cairns Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.

The roadshow, run by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, will also visit Longreach on 7 June, Mount Isa on 15 June and Bundaberg on 20 and 21 June.

To register or for more information visit http://godigitalqld.dsiti.qld.gov.au/Digital-Skills-Roadshow

ENDS

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