Keynote Talk 1
Devices in Schools
What we now know and how to manage it better
In the past 10 years there has been a dramatic increase in the use of technology in schools. The common reason given: it transforms the classroom and enhances learning. However, the research doesn’t support this notion. Modern technology such as smart phones, smart boards, tablets and laptops are affecting the way we think and how our brains develop. They are making us more stressed, anxious, depressed, and more likely to suffer from addiction. Australia is currently leading the way when it comes to technology in schools while outcomes in literacy, maths and science are falling. On the other hand, Silicon Valley executives are sending their kids to schools with limited or no technology. It is time for us to rethink our use of technology in schools.
What you will learn
In an informative and challenging presentation, Mark covers:
• Current beliefs about technology in schools
• What the research shows us is actually happening
• Neuroscience of learning and why devices are sub-optimal
• Neuroscience of addiction and why device overuse is dangerous
• New positive ways forward with technology in schools
All participants get a folder with readings and strategies and access to an online discussion and advice group for 12 months. They have access to videos and regular live chat groups to continue their learning. Mark will respond to queries and post new ideas and resources on a regular basis.
Mark has spent many years researching and teaching how the human brain learns, adapts, and evolves. He is excited to share this knowledge and experience with other educators. He believes that in this time of rapid change, we need to enable and inspire the next generation to do great things.
If you'd like to learn more about how Mark and his speaking, click here for the contact page
Keynote 2
Smartphones are making us Dumb
Why and what we can do to avoid the effects
The iPhone wasn’t the first smartphone on the market, but it was the first to attract our imaginations. There was 11.6 million sold in 2008 after release in 2007. The Apple App Store currently has almost 1.8 million apps and the Google Play store has 2.1 million. It is estimated that over 5 billion people in the world are unique mobile subscribers. There has never been such a rise in technology in the history of the world. While at the same time both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are reported to have kept this technology away from their kids. Daily I see new scientific research published linking smartphone use to anxiety, stress, depression, addiction and suicide. It is time we rethink our use of Smartphones before it is too late.
What you will learn:
In an informative and challenging presentation, Mark covers
• The rise of the smart phone
• The neuroscience of learning and memory and why smartphones are bad
• The neuroscience of addiction, why smartphones are addictive and how to avoid it
• The neuroscience of empathy and why smartphones are having an impact
• The relationship between screen use, Depression and Suicide
• Ways to minimise the potential effects
If you'd like to learn more about how Mark and his speaking, click here for the contact page
