Latest news with #educators
Daily Telegraph
16 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Dear childcare educators... we still see you.
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News. Dear childcare educators, *Content warning: Contains content that some may find distressing* To the ones who know our children's giggles by heart. The past few days have been heavy. For every parent who has ever handed over their baby's nappy bag and kissed their toddler goodbye at the gate. But also for you. You carry a parent's trust like it isn't the heaviest burden in the world. Photos of my son loving life at daycare. Image: Supplied RELATED: Man charged with sexually abusing children at Melbourne childcare centre The weight of trust The news out of Melbourne this week has been horrifying. As a parent, it's a frightening reminder of how vulnerable children are and how much we rely on the people we entrust them to. It rattles something deep. It churns our stomachs. It makes us question what we thought was safe. It shakes the quiet, everyday faith we place in you. But I need you to know something: we still see you. We know the vast majority of daycare workers are angry too. We know you're just as shaken by this news as the rest of the country. We see how sacred your work is and we know that when stories like this break, you're pulled into the firing line of doubt and second-guessing. You're the ones who soothe the tears, change the nappies, teach tiny fingers how to hold a crayon. Who knows our child's favourite colour, their nap schedule, the toy they refuse to share. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. My son loves daycare. Every morning he races in to give huge hugs to his teachers. Every afternoon, he comes home with paint on his clothes and a new nursery rhyme we'll all be singing by week's end. I never question his safety. But this week I did. And I know I'm not the only one. Because when you're a parent, fear lives just under the surface. As a working parent, we have no choice but to hand over that trust every day, which is why that trust needs to be bulletproof. For too long, we've seen a steady drip of stories about childcare neglect. We've waited for the straw that might finally break the camel's back and force action. Today, the Education Minister promised urgent reforms, including cutting off funding for centres that fail to meet minimum standards. He also flagged changes to background checks for workers. 'It's taken too long to do the work necessary to make sure that our Working with Children Check system is up to scratch,' he told reporters during a press conference. It's about time. This isn't child's play. Our children must come first. RELATED: Police charge second man with child sex abuse offences We still believe in you I spoke to a friend who works in childcare and this week has shaken her. But what struck me most was what so many educators had to do this morning: show up. With full hearts and brave faces. To put the children first, even as their own hearts felt heavy. She asked to remain anonymous, so I'll call her Carla. 'We still have a job to do and we just need to handle these emotions as educators the correct way so the children will still continue to have fun while at care,' she told me. Carla says this job isn't a job you enter if your passion isn't there. 'You definitely have to love your job when working in childcare. Paycheck isn't the greatest but watching children grow, learn and achieve many life skills is more important than a paycheck... their smiles are our paycheck' she said. So to all the educators who showed up today, and every day, with love, patience, and purpose: This week might make some people look at your profession with suspicion. But I hope you know how fiercely respected, valued, and needed you truly are. Originally published as Dear childcare educators... we still see you.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong must ensure a quality AI education is available to all
Hong Kong's inaugural Digital Education Week is a landmark effort to accelerate a digital transformation in education and cultivate students' digital literacy. More than a tech showcase, it is a call to action for educators, policymakers and communities to engage deeply with the discussion on what a quality technical education means in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Advertisement This is an opportunity for Hong Kong to reaffirm its commitment to setting a global example of responsible AI integration in education. Having spent over a decade navigating the complex terrain of global education policy, I have seen how technological waves reshape classrooms and societies alike. AI is no longer a distant promise but an immediate force transforming how we teach and learn. This transformation demands a paradigm shift in pedagogy , where critical thinking, ethical reasoning and creativity become central to the curriculum, preparing students not just to use AI, but to question and shape it. AI's transformative potential is undeniable. Its ability to personalise learning, provide real-time feedback and free teachers from routine tasks can revolutionise education. Yet AI's benefits are not guaranteed – they depend on the deliberate choices societies make. Without thoughtful policies, AI risks deepening inequalities and concentrating advantages among a privileged few. This risk is especially acute in a city like Hong Kong, where wealth disparity is severe. Oxfam Hong Kong revealed a poverty rate of 20.2 per cent in the first quarter of last year, with over 1.39 million people living in poverty. Meanwhile, the poorest 10 per cent of households earn 81.9 times less than the richest 10 per cent – a stark increase from 34.3 times in 2019. Advertisement Such divides translate directly into unequal access to digital tools and AI-enabled learning opportunities, which threatens to widen the education gap. To prevent AI from becoming another driver of social exclusion, Hong Kong must adopt inclusive policies that ensure equitable access to a quality AI education.
Geeky Gadgets
24-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Free Anthropic AI Fluency Framework & Foundations Course Now Available
What if the key to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence wasn't just technical expertise, but a deeper understanding of how to collaborate with it ethically and effectively? In a world increasingly shaped by AI, the stakes are high: misuse or misunderstanding can lead to unintended consequences, while thoughtful engagement can drive innovation and societal progress. Enter the 'AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations' course, a new free resource from Anthropic, developed in collaboration with leading educators. Designed to equip learners with the skills to navigate the complexities of human-AI collaboration, this course doesn't just teach you how to use AI—it challenges you to rethink your relationship with it, emphasizing ethical practices and real-world applications. Through this course, you'll explore the fantastic potential of the AI Fluency Framework, a structured approach that builds critical competencies like delegation, discernment, and diligence. Whether you're a creative professional, educator, or business leader, the course offers a tailored pathway to mastering generative AI while addressing its societal implications. But this isn't just about technical fluency—it's about fostering a mindset that prioritizes accountability, fairness, and innovation. By the end, you'll not only understand how to work with AI but also how to do so responsibly, making sure your contributions align with both personal and community values. How might this shift in perspective redefine the way you approach technology? AI Fluency Course Overview What is the AI Fluency Framework? At the core of the course lies the AI Fluency Framework, a structured approach designed to build four essential competencies for responsible AI engagement. These competencies are critical for fostering a productive and ethical relationship with AI systems: Delegation: Master the art of assigning tasks to AI systems with clarity and precision, making sure that your instructions are actionable and effective. Master the art of assigning tasks to AI systems with clarity and precision, making sure that your instructions are actionable and effective. Description: Enhance your ability to communicate goals, expectations, and parameters clearly to AI systems, minimizing misunderstandings. Enhance your ability to communicate goals, expectations, and parameters clearly to AI systems, minimizing misunderstandings. Discernment: Develop critical evaluation skills to assess AI outputs for accuracy, relevance, and ethical considerations, making sure that the results align with your objectives. Develop critical evaluation skills to assess AI outputs for accuracy, relevance, and ethical considerations, making sure that the results align with your objectives. Diligence: Understand the importance of monitoring AI performance, addressing potential risks, and maintaining ethical standards throughout the collaboration process. This framework encourages you to view AI not merely as a tool but as a collaborative partner. By mastering these competencies, you can better navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI and other advanced technologies, fostering a more effective and ethical approach to AI integration. Course Goals: Building AI Fluency and Ethical Awareness The primary goal of the course is to transform how you approach AI by fostering a deeper understanding of its capabilities, particularly in the realm of generative AI. Generative AI, known for its ability to create text, images, and other forms of content, has the potential to reshape industries such as creative arts, education, and business operations. Through this course, you will learn how to harness these capabilities for innovative and responsible problem-solving. A significant emphasis is placed on ethical AI practices. By integrating ethical principles into your work, you can ensure that your use of AI aligns with societal values, minimizes unintended consequences, and promotes fairness. This dual focus on technical fluency and ethical responsibility prepares you to engage with AI in a way that benefits both your personal goals and the broader community. The course also highlights the importance of understanding the societal implications of AI technologies. By addressing these broader impacts, you will be better equipped to use AI responsibly and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. Learn to Collaborate with AI Systems Effectively Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on AI frameworks. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: A Unique Approach The development of the 'AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations' course reflects a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, creativity, business, and education. Anthropic's collaboration with educators like Rick Dakan and Joseph Feller ensures that the course is grounded in both academic research and practical applications. This partnership underscores the importance of integrating diverse perspectives to create a comprehensive learning experience. By incorporating viewpoints from various disciplines, the course provides a holistic understanding of AI's potential and its societal impact. It explores how AI can be used responsibly across different domains, from technical fields to creative industries, offering you the tools to apply AI effectively in your area of expertise. This multidisciplinary approach also highlights the fantastic role of AI in reshaping professional and creative processes. By learning from experts across fields, you gain a well-rounded perspective on how to use AI for innovation while maintaining ethical integrity. Real-World Applications and Accessibility The AI Fluency Framework has already been implemented in a variety of real-world settings, demonstrating its versatility and relevance across educational and professional contexts. These applications include: Integration into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, providing students with essential AI skills for their academic and professional journeys. Incorporation into staff training programs, equipping employees with the knowledge to use AI effectively and responsibly in their roles. Utilization in community outreach initiatives, fostering broader awareness and understanding of AI technologies among diverse audiences. To ensure accessibility, the course is offered as a free online resource. Whether you are a newcomer to AI or an experienced professional seeking to deepen your expertise, the course is designed to meet you at your current level of understanding. Its flexible structure allows you to progress at your own pace, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to achieve AI fluency. Ethics and Safety: A Central Focus A cornerstone of the course is its emphasis on ethical AI engagement. By encouraging you to consider diverse perspectives and societal implications, the course prepares you to address the challenges posed by AI technologies responsibly. It provides practical tools and strategies to help you mitigate risks, such as bias or misuse, while maximizing the benefits of AI systems. This focus on ethics and safety fosters a culture of accountability and responsibility. By equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving AI landscape, the course enables you to make informed decisions that prioritize both effectiveness and ethical considerations. This approach ensures that your AI collaborations contribute positively to your goals and the broader community. Why This Course Matters The 'AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations' course offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and collaborating with AI systems. By focusing on ethical practices, generative AI capabilities, and multidisciplinary methodologies, it enables you to engage with AI responsibly and effectively. Whether you are exploring AI for the first time or seeking to deepen your expertise, this course provides the foundation you need to thrive in an AI-driven world. By mastering the AI Fluency Framework, you will gain the skills to navigate the complexities of human-AI collaboration with confidence. This course not only enhances your technical proficiency but also instills a strong ethical foundation, allowing you to use AI as a force for innovation and positive societal impact. Media Credit: Anthropic Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
'Epic humans' and 'future leaders': The ridiculously woke terms teachers are being told to use in classrooms instead of 'boys and girls'
Teachers have hit back at ' woke ' advice urging educators to call their students 'future leaders' and 'epic humans' instead of 'boys and girls'. The NSW Teachers Federation called on educators to move away from gendered terms in classrooms in an article for the quarterly journal. Teachers were provided with some suggestions to 'be more inclusive' in a double-page spread in the magazine. 'Have you ever stood in front of a class and said, "Okay, guys, eyes to the front" or something similar?' the article read. 'While most teachers have moved away from saying phrases like, "Okay boys and girls", there are times when we may, accidentally, be addressing whole classes or groups using gendered language.' The article suggests using terms such as class, people, grade level, students and everyone in the place of gendered phrases. Teachers were also advised to use 'empowering terms' including change-makers intellectuals, epic humans, awesome humans, future leaders and superstars. The Teachers Federation also provided subject-specific terminology designed to help students feel valued and 'view themselves as professionals'. Terms such as artists, historians, scientists and mathematicians, explorers, athletes, scholars and playwrights are also advised. Teachers contacted radio station 2GB with concerns over the article and the new terminology they're expected to adopt. 'When are we going to move away from this woke rubbish in our schools?' one said. 'Words such as experts and intellectuals have a clear definition and meaning in society, and we're now expected to categories students in the year nine woodworking class with the ranks of intellectuals,' another wrote. 'As a primary school teacher in a support unit, this offends me,' a third agreed.
CTV News
23-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘It simply doesn't add up': Education expert questions PD day pilot project at N.B. schools
Parents and educators react to a New Brunswick pilot project that will add professional development days to school calendars.
