In late March, Melbourne Girls Grammar was invited to take part in the National FutureSchools Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event saw more than 1,000 educators come together from public, independent and Catholic K-12 schools from around the country. Mary-Lou O’Brien, MGGS’s Chief Digital Officer and Chris McNamara, Deputy Principal: Program Design and Development, explored the topics of teaching and using emerging technologies.

Chris provided an overview of the Senior Years Program and its aim to personalise every girl’s learning and empower her to take control of her own education, with help from a wellbeing coach, a team of academic coaches and a fitness coach. His presentation outlined how we’re leveraging technologies to equip girls to self-manage their schedules, report and track their success, as well as monitor their fitness and wellbeing. Mastering these technologies not only promotes self-determination and direction but also helps prepare our girls for life beyond the red brick walls.

Meanwhile, Mary-Lou turned the spotlight on our non-linear approach to timetabling and learning – specifically, she highlighted the benefits of the Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) approach. At MGGS, this transition was made seamlessly thanks to a history of one-to-one devices, dating back some 20 years. For our girls, the move to BYOT prepares them for the future and gives them the freedom to determine their preferred types of technology. They also appreciate that we entrust them with that decision-making and the responsibility to maintain their own device. So, what is the outcome of these strategies? Girls are now empowered to work on the device of their choosing – at the time of their choosing.

In June, both Mary-Lou and Principal Catherine Misson will each present at the EduTECH international congress and expo in Sydney.