AI in Catholic Education National Conference
CEnet was delighted to hold its second Future: Forward Conference, a two-day national event aimed at bringing together decision makers, theologians, curriculum leaders, educators, and data, IT and security experts from Catholic education dioceses.
This year, we embraced boldness in AI leadership by bridging gaps, fostering innovation, ensuring gender equity, and amplifying student voices. The conference balanced hands-on exploration, deep discussions, and practical implementation strategies.
At this event, participants engaged in dynamic think tank sessions focusing on the ethical, practical, and innovative uses of AI.
Key takeaways for attendees:
* AI beyond ChatGPT – Practical, advanced AI use cases for education
* Proactive AI governance that Catholic education can lead
* Future-proofing AI literacy for students and teachers
* Ethical AI adoption without compromising innovation
* Hands-on workshops to build real AI strategies
Not just “What is AI?” but “How do we lead AI?”
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Michelle Dickinson, a globally acclaimed keynote speaker in the fields of nanotechnologies and science communication, brought over 20 years of engineering expertise to the Future: Forward 2025 conference. Renowned for her ability to demystify complex, cutting-edge technologies, Michelle captivated our audience by illustrating their tangible impact on both business and wider society.
As a bestselling author, an award-winning TV presenter, the host of a popular podcast, and the visionary founder of Matter Workshop and Nanogirl, Michelle has cultivated a worldwide reputation for sparking curiosity to drive both learning and innovation. Her profound commitment to reducing inequality within the tech sector ensures her message resonates with a diverse audience, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to confidently engage with the increasingly digital world.
At Future: Forward 2025, Michelle was a featured keynote speaker, sharing her insights on "Beyond Adoption – Co-Creating AI in Education". Her dynamic and thought-provoking presentation blended in-depth knowledge with engaging storytelling.
Dr. Nici Sweaney, a globally recognised AI consultant and thought leader with nearly two decades of experience as an academic scientist and data strategist, brought her extensive expertise to the Future: Forward 2025 conference. As the Founder & Director of Ai Her Way, an end-to-end AI consultancy established in 2023, Dr. Sweaney is driven by a profound passion for ethical AI and gender equity.
Her distinguished career includes advising international organisations such as the UN and World Bank, as well as transformative companies like Canva, on their AI strategies. Dr. Sweaney has empowered over 60 organisations across diverse sectors, including law, healthcare, education, and marketing, to embrace an "AI-first" approach while upholding ethical practices and inclusivity.
Recognised as one of the "Top 10 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in AI to Follow in 2024" by Microsoft News, Dr. Sweaney is a sought-after speaker with over 50 global appearances, including TEDx talks. At Future: Forward 2025, Dr. Sweaney was a featured keynote speaker, sharing her valuable insights on "Ethical AI in Education – From Policy to Practice".
Carlo Iacono, a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in the education and research sectors across Australia and the UK, was a featured keynote speaker at the Future: Forward 2025 conference. Currently serving as a University Librarian and having previously held the position of AI Strategy Development Adviser at Charles Sturt University, Carlo has been at the forefront of integrating AI to modernise library services and enhance access to information.
His expertise in leveraging AI in academic libraries made him a valuable voice at the conference, where he presented his keynote, "Resistance is futile – Supporting Teachers to Lead AI Integration". This presentation drew upon his experience in navigating technological innovation within educational settings and offering practical strategies for educators.
Day Two Presentation Slides
Day 2 of the Future: Forward 2025 conference featured several hands-on and interactive activities around the effective use cechat in educational contexts. These sessions were designed to provide direct experience and application of skills. Fellow educators showcased their best use cases of this innovative solution tailored for Catholic Education and attendees witnessed first-hand how cechat is enhancing teaching, learning, and administration, providing practical solutions aligned with our values.
From Stress to Success
Teacher time vs …
Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning, Villanova College, BrisbanePain point solutions with cechat
Jan Medham, Education Officer for Science, STEM and Partnerships, Diocese of Bathurst
From Chaos to CharismaInjecting your personality into an assistant
Joseph Shorter, Head of Curriculum - English, Languages and Digital Pedagogy, Diocese of Toowoombacechat vs Susie Bot: Guiding routine tasks in Compass
Nyree Buchanan, Manager ITS, Diocese of Townsville
From Pain to Pizzazzcechat across John Therry Catholic College
Hamish Jefferys, Leader of Library and Educational Technology, Diocese of WollongongWriting assistance Stage 3 - Narrative, persuasive and information texts
Katrina Crews, Middle Leader, Learning Technologies Coordinator, Diocese of WollongongFrom cramming to clarity: Embedding high impact teaching and cognitive load theory for HSC success
Jason Szkwarek, Teacher - Design and Technology, Archdiocese Canberra and Goulburn
