Alcoa empowers educators in digital technologies

Primary school teachers in Mandurah, WA, are championing digital technologies in the classroom, thanks to a unique, year-long professional development program delivered by Scitech and supported by Alcoa (ASX: AAI).

Seven local teachers graduated from the Alcoa Champions of Digital Technologies program at a special celebration with students and families this month.

Scitech professional learning consultant Lucas Black says the program is seeing exciting results because it focuses on making digital technologies easy to integrate into all aspects of everyday learning.

“Through coaching and professional learning sessions, teachers develop their skills and confidence in a teaching style that promotes an integrated curriculum and helps students become more independent learners,” he said.

Teachers who have participated in the program reported an increase in student outcomes, with 100% of surveyed respondents agreeing their students were more engaged with digital technology and were more confident applying digital technology skills.

Teacher Lynn Braithwaite says it was the best thing she has done in years.

“It was so good for the kids to learn in a new way,” she said.

The Alcoa Foundation has partnered with Scitech to deliver the program for another three years from 2025 to 2027.

Alcoa Foundation president Caroline Rossignol says the program’s success to date highlights the impacts of collaboration and innovation in education.

“Alcoa’s work with Scitech has empowered teachers to bring digital technologies into their classrooms, helping create a new generation of tech-savvy students, and we are elated to continue our support of this impactful work,” she said.

Together with Scitech and Alcoa’s second professional development program, Alcoa Real World Digital Technologies, the partnership has the potential to reach up to 144 WA teachers.