About

The Digital Technologies Institute (DTI) in Brisbane, Australia, was founded in 2016 by Dr. Karsten Schulz. The Institute aims to make complex computer science concepts accessible and engaging for both students and teachers. It achieves this through the development of educational kits, online courses, and professional development resources that emphasise hands-on learning without the need for coding skills.

Dr. Karsten Schulz

Dr. Karsten Schulz, an accomplished engineer and computer scientist, has a rich ICT and digital technologies background and is the founder of the Digital Technologies Institute. He is a well-sought keynote speaker known for his expertise in digital technologies and AI education. He has an extensive background in the ICT sector and has contributed significantly to initiatives to improve STEM education in Australia. His work includes the creation of the Young ICT Explorers Competition and the Bebras Australia Computational Thinking Challenge, demonstrating his commitment to advancing computer science education in Australia.

Anna Kinnane

Anna Kinnane is an experienced educator and curriculum leader with almost 40 years of experience working in diverse roles within both state and catholic education systems. Anna has led and managed education projects and school initiatives at both local and national levels.

Anna is a co-author of the Australian Curriculum, Digital Technologies, and she has been recognised and named in Queensland State Parliament as an Advanced Queensland Community Champion for her contribution to supporting teachers to develop and strengthen their digital capabilities and professional practice. In recent years, Anna worked in the Professional Standards Team at the Queensland College of Teachers. In her role as the Digital Strategy manager, one of her key responsibilities was to support teachers at all career stages to collect and evidence practice aligned with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Paula Christophersen

Paula is a co-author of the Australian Curriculum, Digital Technologies (versions 8.4 and 9.0), shaping the foundational standards for digital education in Australia. With her extensive expertise in curriculum and assessment design, Paula also contributed to the development of the ICT General Capability and Digital Literacy General Capability, further influencing national digital literacy standards.

Formerly the Digital Technologies Curriculum Manager at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Paula brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is a skilled presenter, having led workshops and lectures at professional learning events internationally, nationally, and statewide. In recognition of her lifetime dedication to education, the Australian Professional Teachers Association awarded her the prestigious Dorothy Hoddinott Medal for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement. Paula is also a lifetime member of Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria (DLTV).

Support Received

The DTI has received notable support from the Future Minds Accelerator, the Queensland Government’s Ignite Ideas program, and Google Education. This funding has helped the Institute expand its offerings and reach a broader audience, furthering its mission to innovate and simplify digital education. The Future Minds program was co-sponsored by Amazon Web Services.

MyComputerBrain: Learning Platform

MyComputerBrain is an educational platform developed by the Digital Technologies Institute to simplify the teaching and learning of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science in schools. This platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools and resources that enable teachers and students to explore and understand AI concepts through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. MyComputerBrain has its own built-in AI, allowing students to observe an AI's learning and thinking process.

B4 Computer Kits

The B4 Computer Kits let students explore the fundamental aspects of computing. They support the teaching of the knowledge and understanding of digital systems, data representation, and algorithms and help tackle some of the hard concepts, such as binary numbers, variables, and algorithm development.

The B4 consists of modules that represent a computer's core functions, such as binary counting, adding, memory, graphics, etc. Students undertake experiments with these, which lead to increasingly sophisticated hardware and software arrangements.

Impact On Schools

Introducing MyComputerBrain and our B4 kits into schools transforms how digital technologies and AI are taught. It equips students with essential skills for the future, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological literacy. Moreover, it prepares students for a rapidly evolving job market where AI and digital skills are increasingly in demand. By integrating MyComputerBrain, schools can stay at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring that their students are not only consumers of technology but also creators and innovators in the digital world.

More Information

For more information about the Digital Technologies Institute and its initiatives, please visit https://www.digital-technologies.institute/

For more information about MyComputerBrain and its offerings, you can visit https://mycomputerbrain.net