Our Purpose
Rationale
Research in this domain seeks to anticipate what skills and capabilities students will need, given the current and growing relevance of Robotics and AI throughout the world. They offer an interdisciplinary learning experience, integrating concepts from computer science, engineering, and mathematics with philosophical questions of the changing nature of epistemology, learning, questioning, and truth.
The complex problem-solving and critical thinking involved in the fields of Robotics and AI foster important competencies. These topics, often seen as exciting and innovative, enhance student engagement and motivation in learning. They also raise significant ethical considerations, prompting students to reflect on technology’s societal impact. Furthermore, the potential for innovation in AI and Robotics encourages creativity, inspiring students to devise new ideas or solutions. This research domain will therefore not only seek explore the utlisation of Robotics and AI in education but also investigate how a sustained curiosity and passion for learning can be cultivated amongst students today and into the future.
Research Questions
Potential projects may explore questions such as:
- How might schools best design learning for students today and into the future so that they will possess the knowledge, skills and dispositions required for individual, collective, and global success?
- Are our research and innovation systems prepared for an era of global, open and internet-intensive inquiry?
- How does the inclusion of AI and Robotics in the curriculum impact student engagement and motivation to learn?
Targeted Publications
In addition to disseminating ongoing research in and thinking around intercultural learning and understanding via its website, social media networks, and its journal Learning in Practice, the Barker Institute will work towards publishing its research in this area in such journals as:
- International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Official Journal of the International AIED Society
- Asia-Pacific Journal of Futures in Education and Society
- International Journal of Innovation in Education
Publications
"The Great Cause" - with Phillip Heath AM
The Barker Institute proudly supports an important new podcast in the educational landscape - "The Great Cause" - with Phillip Heath AM.
- Dr Matthew Hill
- 04 December 2024
Term 3... and that’s a wrap!
(Or four highlights from a very active term)
- Dr Timothy Scott
- 27 September 2024
AI in schools: Staff professional development Term 3
In a world where AI is here to stay, how can AI be used to enhance thinking and learning in an educational context?
- 13 August 2024
AI in education - professional learning collaboration
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, teachers are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance their teaching methodologies, meet regulatory requirements, and improve efficiency.
- Gabi Corderoy
- 15 May 2024
ChatGPT. Reflections as a teacher. Thoughts as a researcher.
ChatGPT. It isn't changing the classroom. It changed the classroom. Past tense. And this change can be embraced.
- Dr Timothy Scott
- 24 February 2023
Publication of the 6th Edition of Learning in Practice: The Barker Institute Journal
Publishing the close-to-practice research that takes place within the Barker community is an important part of the Barker Institute’s role within the school. We are keen to share what has been learnt by experts in education, be those expert classroom practitioners, pastoral care and wellbeing leaders, or school leaders. Learning in Practice is a published conversation in which reflections on practice take place, and professional learning and development benefit.
- Dr Timothy Scott, Dr Matthew Hill
- 20 February 2023
Online Learning Reflections – A video podcast
A guide through the Barker online learning journey from the perspectives of our digital learning leaders.
- Sarah Clifton
- 15 September 2021
Barker Online Learning - The interconnection of learning and wellbeing
What informs Barker's strategies surrounding online learning?
- 20 July 2021
Families in the Digital Age - Every Parent's Guide
Toni Hassan discussed her new book "Families in the Digital Age: Every Parent's Guide"
- 26 November 2019