Exploring digital technologies in Longreach

The Longreach community will have a chance to get hands-on with some of today’s leading technology in a series of digital innovation events on Wednesday (7 June).

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

Workshops will be held during the day for students, teachers and librarians to learn about coding and robotics, drones, virtual reality and 3D printing.

Some of these technologies will also be on display at a public expo in the afternoon along with a discussion on how to meet the digital skills and literacy needs of the Longreach community.

“All Queenslanders, regardless of where they live, can tap into 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,” Ms Enoch said.

“This roadshow allows people in regional towns to interact with exciting digital technologies, and consider the benefits and opportunities the digital age brings and what it could mean in their lives.

“Similar events have already been held in Rockhampton and Cairns, and over the coming weeks, people in Mount Isa and Bundaberg can also find out more about digital literacy in their communities and with cutting-edge technology like drones, 3D printers and virtual reality.”

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

Mr Black will be presenting a number of workshops, including Add Wi-Fi to Everything for students and Building the Future of Creative Technology: Makers for teachers, librarians and local inventors.

“Now, more than ever, is the time to explore creative uses of digital technologies through exploration, play and inventive thinking,” Mr Black said.

“I’m excited to be part of this event and hope to share knowledge with and learn from regional communities to improve digital literacy and creative leadership across Queensland.”

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.

Workshops for students, teachers and librarians include The Robots are Coming, Add Wi-Fi to Everything, the Future of Creative Technology: Makers, Coding Kids, She Flies and Robotics and Technology in the Classroom.

The free public expo is from 3.30pm to 5pm at Longreach Civic Centre, Main Auditorium.

The Palaszczuk Government’s Digital Skills for all Queenslanders roadshow, run by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, will also visit 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

Advance Queensland is the Palaszczuk Government's $405 million whole-of-government initiative focusing on harnessing innovation to unlock business potential, grow our regions, foster new industries, and give future generations the necessary skills and knowledge for the jobs of tomorrow.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909