The course will open on February 23, 2026. Participants will work at their own pace to complete the viewing and reading of resources. The course will remain open until April 30, 2026.

Please note that while you remain a financial member of SLANSW, you will continue to have access to the material.

A forum is provided for participants as a point of contact to discuss ideas, highlight any questions, or share new ideas as you complete each module.

If participants require a certificate of participation, they will be required to submit a reflection on their learning at the end of the flexible blended learning course.

Course Overview

Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your knowledge, this course provides practical insights into:

• AI tools for teaching and learning
• Ethical considerations in AI
• Ideas and resources for supporting instruction in your school community
• Strategies for integration into your school community
• How to navigate the evolving digital landscape and lead with informed, responsible decisions

Join us in this transformative learning experience and help lead your school community confidently through the world of AI.

Registrations for this course are now open.

Course Summary

Module 1: Exploration of AI

This module will give you an opportunity to hear Professor Toby Walsh outline why at this point in time AI is here and impacting the world. You will also be able to explore and experiment with a variety of curated AI tools.

Module 2: The Development of Generative AI

Read, watch, explore and consider how Generative AI is impacting you and your school and the library space. Included are links to some online modules that check your readiness and understanding.

Module 3: Gen AI Skills and Fundamentals

This module provides the key ideas and fundamentals of prompt engineering, algorithmic literacy, lateral reading, and education agents. Broaden your skill set and learn how to work with your students in this emerging area.

Module 4: Ethical Considerations for AI Use

Explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI use for yourself and your students. The aim is to bring these critical issues to the fore so you can understand and increase awareness among students and colleagues. An insightful podcast will prompt further reflection.

Module 5: Potential Applications in the Library

Dr Damien Maher explores the potential of chatbot use in our library settings. A variety of articles offer stimulating reading, and some new linked resources provide opportunities for hands-on exploration and lesson content ideas.

Module 6: Contributing to a school wide AI Policy

Matt Esterman showcases a variety of ways AI is being adopted for use in schools. A leadership framework by Zakir Hossain adds an opportunity for you to identify your current standing in the scope and sequence. A helpful scaffold and additional considerations will guide you in building a school-wide AI policy. Inclusion of the UNESCO student framework can add further insight.

Ultimately, this course will provide you with the material and knowledge you need to guide you with the world of AI.

Suggested Standards addressed by this Course

Join the SLANSW Library Professionals SIG for an informal online meeting with other library professionals. This session will explore you can set your students up for success in the Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC).

Our guest presenter, Jade Arnold (NSW Premier’s Programs Officer, Reading and Spelling), will speak about the PRC and highlight some of the 25^th anniversary resources to promote the PRC across primary and secondary schools.  

Participants will be given opportunities to;

•recommend books to read aloud with Yrs 7, 8 & 9, to encourage PRC participation in secondary schools

•showcase  photos of displays they have created to promote the PRC in their school library

•share any tips that they have found useful to make the PRC process run smoothly.

Please email your recommendations, images and/or tips to info@slansw.net.au by Monday 16^th of March, as they will be compiled into a slide deck to share with participants.

This session will be held on Wednesday 18 March between 2 - 3pm in the SLANSW Zoom Room. PLEASE note the start time of 2pm.

An educator for over 30 years, Dr Tim Kitchen is one of Australia’s leading voices in digital creativity and education innovation. A passionate advocate for empowering students and teachers through creative technologies, Tim has taught across primary, secondary, and higher education and has inspired thousands of teachers and students through his workshops and keynotes. A bestselling author and frequent presenter at national and international education events, Tim was Adobe’s Senior Education Specialist for Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia from 2013 to 2025. Today, he continues to share his expertise and enthusiasm as an education consultant, exploring new ways to spark creativity in the learning & teaching process. 

Find out more about Tim’s work through:

His online journal - https://timkitchen.net/

His CTL site - https://timkitchen.net/ctl/

About Marika Simon

Marika Simon is a Lecturer in the School of Information and Communication Studies at Charles Sturt University. In addition to her MEd in Elementary Education from Boston University, Marika brings over 20 years of experience in primary education and teacher librarianship to her various roles. 

As a Teaching and Professional lecturer, Marika is building strong ties to professional associations for Teacher Librarians in New South Wales, Australia and internationally. In addition to her role on the SLANSW management committee, she is Secretary of the Literacy and Reading section of IFLA, mentors TLs through the SLANSW Mentoring SIG and ASLA Mentoring Scheme, and is part of the Primary Awards Committee for the International Literacy Association’s Book Awards.

About Rhonda Creasey

Rhonda is the teacher librarian at both Merewether PS (2 days) and Wallsend PS (3 days) both in Newcastle. She has had a range of experiences teaching in Sydney, Perth and Darwin both in classrooms and in libraries. She is passionate about connecting students to quality literature and preparing them to become lifelong learners. Rhonda is  active in her area as the Newcastle Area TL Association (NATLA) President and enjoys collaborating with her colleagues to develop the role of TLs in schools. She is also committed to bringing quality professional development through her involvement as Vice President Professional Learning in SLANSW.

Suggested Standards addressed by this Online Meet-up