Constructing Modern Knowledge Australia is committed to making connections between child-centered learning theories and the creative construction of knowledge with computers. In addition to providing a rich sandbox where educators enjoy the luxury of time to work on personally rewarding projects, there are opportunities to interact with some of the greatest educational minds of our time. This year’s guest speakers will celebrate Australian contributions to the reinvention of learner-centered education.
We want CMK participants to return home able to say, “I spent time with one of my heroes,” or “My favorite education author helped with my project,” rather than “I heard X speak.”
Jeff Richardson enjoyed a long career in education, first as a primary teacher, then at the University level pioneering online teacher education courses before the graphical Web. His research investigates children using computers as an expressive medium, through programming and robotics. As a result, Mr. Richardson taught a generation of educators across Australia to use computers in a constructionist fashion. After decades of teaching at RMIT and Monash Universities, Jeff was an administrator at residential colleges of The University of Melbourne. He was also Australian editor for Logo Exchange.
As a founding member of The Coodabeens Champions, Jeff Richardson is one of Australia’s most enduring and popular radio personalities. The troupe has been broadcasting and performing live across Australia for over 40 years. The Coodabeens have enjoyed best-selling books, songs and albums. In 2022, Jeff and his radio colleagues received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours. The awards recognized their service to radio and the performing arts. The Coodbeen's motto (below) oddly captures the spirit of Constructing Modern Knowledge.
“You’re only young once, but anyone can be immature”
Jeff is also a theatrical producer and surfer. This is his second Constructing Modern Knowledge
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David Loader is a Principal Fellow in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Melbourne University and was a school principal for 32 years: Kinross Wolaroi College, Orange 1971-8; Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne, 1979-1996; and Wesley College, Melbourne, 1997-2002. David led Methodist Ladies’ College to adopt laptops for all students in 1989, the first school in the world to do so.
David is the author of three books. The Inner Principal: Reflections on Educational Leadership, recently re-published, provides insight and analysis on being a school leader in times of change. Jousting for the New Generation: Challenges to Contemporary Schooling provides a critique of modern day schooling. Our School Our Future, co-authored with Prof. Brian Caldwell is designed to assist school leaders in a future-facing planning process.
David has been a Board member of Swinburne University (9 years), the National Institute of Circus Arts (3 years), The Cairnmillar Institute (3 years) and Elevo Institute (15 years). In 1999, the Australian College of Education awarded him the Sir James Darling Medal and in 2008, David received the Gold Medal from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders. In 2000, he was awarded the Centenary Medal ‘for outstanding services to education’ and in 2010 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for distinguished services to education, as a principal, mentor and author.
David has run workshops and conferences and has consulted throughout the world, including in the USA, Canada, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Hungary and Australia.
Today David works as a leadership guide (mentor), writer, speaker and consultant.
This is his second Constructing Modern Knowledge
Anne Nelson was the principal of Spensley Street Primary School, in Melbourne, Australia, where she has worked for many years to foster child-centred learning programs. At Spensley Street, Anne spent 10 years as classroom teacher, 8 years as assistant principal and 10 years as principal.
Spensley Street is an open plan, multi-aged (P-6) school with a strong and inclusive community and where students have regular opportunities to choose from a range of learning experiences based on their individual interests. For a number of years the school program has included a Tinkering Club and it has hosted a Chapter of the Imagination Foundation.
This is her third Constructing Modern Knowledge
Steve Costa taught for over 40 years in Australian public and private schools. He introduced the use of computers as learning tools at Scotch College, Melbourne in 1981. Since then he has combined the roles of classroom teacher Computer Coordinator and Deputy Head as well as resident "fixit" person.
In 1989, Steve began work at Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne and was instrumental in developing the initial Notebook Computer program. His Year 5 class in 1990 became the first laptop class in Australia (and probably the world) where each student had their own personal computer. Steve's interest in using computers in schools led to post graduate degrees in computers and education administration. Steve's passion was to incorporate the computer into all areas of education, to explore and push boundaries. His efforts were intended to encourage students (and teachers) to use their abilities, skills and imagination with the addition of an extra tool to develop their potential.
This is his second Constructing Modern Knowledge
Georgia is a veteran educator and leading teacher at Spensley Street Primary School in Clifton Hill. She is also the director of the biannual school musical written, produced, scored, played, and produced by the entire school community. Every child in the school participates in this joyous and extraordinary display of competence, confidence, and creativity.
This is her first Constructing Modern Knowledge
Check-out the other mind-blowing guest speakers who have contributed to Constructing Modern Knowledge in our Hall-of-Fame!