| Type | Price |
|---|---|
For Members Standard Price Subsidy/Grant Applied Reduced Member Price |
$10,845.00 -$10,845.00 $0.00 |
Description
We are inviting schools to take part in an exciting design-based research project exploring how digital technologies can strengthen connections between families, children, and teachers during the critical early years of schooling. Building on five years of research with AISWA and using a Funds of Knowledge strengths-based approach, this project will work with Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten?? teachers, principals, education assistants, and families to:
- Examine current digital practices in supporting transitions into new classes.
- Explore innovative ways to connect with and engage families before and during the first years of school.
- Co-develop practical “rules of thumb” for using digital tools to build belonging, inclusion, and engagement.
Participants will take part in three face-to-face workshops across the year, combining professional learning, collaborative problem-solving, and sharing of best practice. Educators will be supported to gather feedback from children, contribute examples of digital documentation, and reflect on their own practice.
This is an opportunity to be part of sector-leading research that directly benefits your school community by using digital technologies to enhance family partnerships, strengthen student wellbeing, and support a smooth, connected start to school.
Outcomes
- Explore and evaluate digital technologies that support meaningful engagement with families before and during children's transitions into new classrooms.
- Identify strategies to build continuity of relationships between children, families, and educators using digital platforms.
- Recognize and incorporate family strengths, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences into transition practices.
- Use Funds of Knowledge principles to design inclusive digital communication strategies that reflect diverse family contexts.
- Collaborate with peers, families, and school leaders to co-design and test digital practices that enhance transition experiences.
- Reflect on and refine digital approaches through iterative cycles of inquiry, feedback, and implementation.
- Use digital tools to foster a strong sense of identity, inclusion, and belonging for children as they move through the early years of school.
- Support children’s emotional and social wellbeing by maintaining consistent and responsive communication with families.
- Co-create a set of guiding principles or “rules of thumb” for using digital technologies to support transitions and family engagement.
- Share insights and innovations with the broader early childhood education community to inform future practice.
Presenters
Dr Fiona Boylan
Dr Fiona Boylan, based at Edith Cowan University, is a leading authority on growth mindset in early childhood education. Her recent PhD and extensive publications have significantly shaped global understanding of educators’ perspectives in this field. Renowned for innovative research, Dr Boylan has developed design principles to help early childhood educators foster growth mindset in the formative years, earning her international recognition as an influential figure in early learning.
Professor Lennie Barblett
Lennie is a Professor at Edith Cowan University in the School of Education lecturing and researching in Early Childhood. Areas of research pertain to socially just curriculum and universal access to quality early childhood education and care.
Terms & Conditions
Please click here to view our general terms and conditions
Segments
The Role of Technology in Amplifying Family and Child Participation in the Early Years of School
Date / Time
23 Feb 2026 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person
AISWA
Address41 Walters Drive
Osborne Park WA 6017
Australia
PL Hours : 6.50
The Role of Technology in Amplifying Family and Child Participation in the Early Years of School
Date / Time
15 Jun 2026 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person
AISWA
Address41 Walters Drive
Osborne Park WA 6017
Australia
PL Hours : 6.50
The Role of Technology in Amplifying Family and Child Participation in the Early Years of School
Date / Time
19 Oct 2026 Starts: 09:00 Finishes: 15:30Delivery Format : In Person
AISWA
Address41 Walters Drive
Osborne Park WA 6017
Australia