In the past few years, the Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre has made a shift in the overall direction for the Centre where the main emphasis is now on a project-based approach to integrating ICT into effective teaching and learning. Evidence-based project research and development ensures that the Centre supports classroom teachers to develop new skills that are relevant to each teacher’s student learning program where innovative use of technology is integral.

At the initial point of contact, the Centre staff discuss the available projects with teachers. This enables us to determine the focus of the ICT project to ensure that it is integral to the areas of study currently being covered in the classroom. As part of our vision, the technologies utilised in our projects are innovative and contemporary. A comprehensive program of professional learning is provided through explicit cooperative project development.

Where possible, teachers bring classes to the Centre as part of the project. Our staff may also visit the classroom, often with Centre resources, to provide further opportunities for teachers and students to access technologies that may otherwise be unavailable to them. At the end of the project, it is envisaged that teachers will be better equipped to not only be able to plan and program for the use of these technologies but ensures that syllabus outcomes are achieved.

The Centre routinely evaluates these projects to ensure that it meets the needs of teachers. Alongside these projects, we have a number of key University academics and research assistants who help to measure a range of variables including student learning and teacher professional development processes. The Centre uses a diverse range of innovative technologies in all our projects. Our staff are able to provide expertise to support these projects which will ensure that all participants are able to embrace the challenges of 21st century digital education creatively, confidently and collaboratively.