#ictgisp and Community Services GISP
Collaborate on Assistive Technology Workshop

20 students from #ICTGISP and Community Services GISP schools participated in an Assistive Tech workshop last week in Bundaberg.

Tech Industry and education partners collaborated to present one of the best learning workshops I have been involved in through 29 years in education.

Students paired up to create an assistive technology protype to help people communicate, using micro:bits, Makecode and household consumables. They then pitched their creations in an entertaining and thought-provoking culminating activity.

Student feedback was very positive:
·        It was worth every second. I learnt that assistive technology is about technology that helps disabled people.
·        I learnt lots about the uses of technology in the disability sector. I also gained lots of new information on jobs in the technology sector.
·        I learned that you don’t have to make something new. Use what’s there and make it better.
·        Within this workshop I further my knowledge of the tech industry and gave insight to what I would like to do in the future.

My key takeaways - don't judge students until you give them a chance to show their strengths. Also, there are many students who are too shy or anxious about asking for help or answering questions in the classroom. Several inventions were innovative devices to communicate directly to teachers without the attention of other class mates.

Special thanks to our experts and mentors:

* CQUniversity Bundaberg Campus, Luke Sinclair, Cal Devney, Rebecca Ballantyne
* Community Lifestyle Support Inc., Damien Tracey, Leonora Lumby, Kirsty Stewart, Emerson Ysayama, Sue Lord
* Damien Kee

#acs #ictcareer #ictcareers #gatewayschools #gatewaytoindustry #trainingqId #celebratetraining #ictgisp | The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, funds this ICT Gateway to Industry Schools project