Child wearing simulation goggles in a blue lighted room

The role and use of digital technologies with, for and by children


Join us as we host a panel of experts to explore the changing role of ‘digital’ in Australian children’s lives. We take a look at the responsibilities of digital producers, as well as the children themselves and their adults, in creating and consuming digital experiences which enhance child development.

Facilitated by Professor Lisa Kervin

Lisa Kervin is a researcher in Language and Literacy at the University of Wollongong, where she directs Early Start Research. Lisa also serves as Associate Dean, Research for the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. She held the same position in the former Faculty of Social Sciences (since 2017).

Panel

Laura Stone

Laura Stone is the Early Childhood Education Producer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). She leads ABC Kids Early Education and creates opportunities for early learning and educator engagement through world class ABC media and digital resources.

Linda Harrison

As an Early Education Consultant, Linda develops play-based teaching resources emerging from ABC Kids video and audio programs aligned with priorities in early years pedagogy. She works to support educators in implementing a contextually relevant curriculum in-light of contemporary childhood experiences, acknowledging the vital role quality digital content and technology play in responsive early education.

Professor Susan Edwards

Professor Susan Edwards is an expert in digital play and cyber-safety education in the early years. As Co-Chair of the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Digital Policy Group, she helped lead publication of the ECA Statement on Young Children and Digital Technologies. Susan is Director of the Early Childhood Futures research program in the Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University. As an investigator in the Australian Centre for the Digital Child she focuses on the role and use of digital play in early childhood education settings, with the aim to generate new insights and pedagogical examples to support educators in providing digital play opportunities for young children.

Ant Frank

Ant Frank is a business professional with over 15 years of experience in sales for renowned companies such as Apple and Microsoft. Ant has a natural passion for cutting-edge technologies and how they can be used to improve the world around us. In his role as Program Lead at Indigital, Ant strives to bring people and technology together to create lasting relationships. Ant is also a father of two, which has given him valuable insight into the importance of family and community. Ant uses his experience and knowledge to help others achieve their goals, whether it be in business or in life. Ant Frank is a passionate individual who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world around him.