Stories of STEM Q

James is back for another episode of Stem Q and he is joined by Dr. Jo Bird from UNE who is currently studying how children interact with technology and how it can be incorporated into their environments - learning and otherwise. Jo was delighted to sit down and chat about her research into this very fascinating field!

Show Notes

How much children are exposed to technology, and in particular how long they spend looking at screens and devices, is a heated topic. Dr. Jo Bird from the University of New England studies how young children interact with technology and how imaginative play can incorporate technology just as any other object in their environment. By working with early childhood education centres, she works to improve how kids can play with technology constructively and intentionally. She and James also talk about the growing initiatives to introduce computer coding and computational thinking to kids at younger and younger ages. New technologies in the expanding digital age will require new forms of literacy and problem-solving skills. By introducing children to computational thinking skills, we can open opportunities for children who can excel creatively and intellectually using these skills and tools. 

What is Stories of STEM Q?

The University of New England’s STEM Quarter (STEM Q) is a platform for regional partnerships. It seeks to become an engine of innovation by connecting industry & investment with research & education through mutually beneficial projects. By providing local industries and communities with a pathway to engage in research specifically focused on local challenges, the New England and North West region of New South Wales, Australia, is headed for incredible success.

Focused on the four key pillars – agribusiness, health and wellbeing, digital intelligence and enabling infrastructure, Stories of STEM_Q will introduce the brilliant people and projects in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, contributing to the progressive and innovative change occurring across the region.