CEnet is excited to present Synergy 2025, an event designed to foster exploration of opportunities for collaboration among the CEnet eLearning Working Group (eLWG) and the CEnet COG. The event will highlight the benefits of diverse partnerships to achieve success in the digital learning space. Attendees will have opportunities to explore how educators and technologists can support each other to enhance student learning. Synergy 2025 will also encourage participants to identify key opportunities, messages and actions that would support imperatives within their local contexts.

We extend an invitation to current members of the COG and eLearning Working Group, along with colleagues working in this space, to join the discussion.

Venue

Google Sydney
48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW

Dates

25 + 26 March 2025

Program

25 March 2025

8.20am - 9.00am
Registration + Welcome

9.00am - 9.40am
Industry Insights: Achieving success with diverse partnerships
Steve Smith, Education Country Manager, Google and Tammo Spalink, Research Engineer, Google

Project Loon was Google's ambitious plan to provide internet access to remote areas across the globe using high-flying balloons. The project was launched in Canterbury, New Zealand as a part of Google's "X" business unit, which is known for pursuing moon-shot projects with diverse teams of experts. Think Balloon makers working with network engineers!

9.40am - 10.20am
National Technology Assessment Process
Ian Gregory, Head of Architecture, Strategy and Cybersecurity, CEnet

Cyber security risk assessments are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. The NCEC Cyber Security Working Group is addressing this challenge by developing a national Technology Assessment process, framework, and tool set. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the progress, including the specific tools and processes being created. We'll then open the floor for collaborative discussion, aiming to leverage collective expertise to further refine this initiative in the pursuit of tangible reduction in workload across our sector

10.20am - 10.35am
Personal Reflections (PMI)

10.35am - 11.20am
Morning Tea + Diocesan Impact Insights

11.20am - 12.00pm
cechat Stocktake, presented by Dr Alan Ibbett, CEnet
Dr Alan Ibbett , Head of IT Services, CEnet

Alan will provide an update on the development of cechat, current and future enhancements and explain the realised benefits to teachers and students from the recent phase of rollouts.

12.00pm - 12:15pm
Personal Reflections (PMI)

12.15pm - 12.45pm
Table Discussion: Embracing AI in Catholic Education

Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the educational landscape, considering its potential impact, the partnerships necessary for successful implementation, and the strategies required to ensure positive outcomes in schools. This session aims to provoke thought and encourage discussion around the opportunities, challenges, and interesting aspects of AI use in education.

12.45pm - 1.00pm
Diocesan Discussion: Optimising operations: Application assessment and framework development

1.00pm - 2.00pm
Lunch + Diocesan Impact Insights

2.00pm - 2.45pm
Industry Insights: Diverse collaboration to ignite innovation
Steve Smith, Education Country Manager, Google and Kimberley Hall, APAC Head of Digital Transformation, Google for Education

How could you go from notes and static resources to a podcast and helpful info? Meet Notebook LM! Think of it as a super-powered assistant that can actually read all those documents you've been hoarding. It's like having a hyper-intelligent librarian who not only knows where everything is but can also connect the dots, spark fresh ideas, and even help you write that masterpiece you've been dreaming about.

Learn how this idea came to be with diverse teams working together i.e. voice coaches and AI researchers.

2.45pm - 3.30pm
Synthesis of Sessions 1 & 2 + Close

3.30pm - 4.00pm
Inspiring students with accessibility technologies
Alfina Jackson - Primary Teacher, St Joseph’s Laurieton, Diocese of Lismore

Alfina is an advocate for supporting additional needs, and has lived experiences of the impact of accessible technologies from her 20 years teaching in Catholic Schools. She is currently completing a Masters of Disability Studies and in this session will share some key impact stories of accessible technologies available across CEnet that help to set all learners up for success.

4.00pm - 4:05pm
Wrap up + Optional Google tour

6.45pm - 9.00pm
Synergy Dinner

26 March 2025

9.00am
Welcome

9.05am - 10.15am
Concurrent sessions

• eLWG Workshop - separate agenda

• COG Workshop - separate agenda

10.40am - 11.15am
Morning Tea

11.15am - 1.00pm
Concurrent sessions continue

1.00pm - 2.00pm
Lunch

2.00pm - 3.00pm
Reuniting for progress: Synthesising insights and shaping future plans

3.00pm - 3.15pm
Wrap up + Close

Who should attend?

This event is best suited to Heads of IT and members of the eLearning Working Group. An additional two (2) members from each Diocese may register to attend, but numbers are limited due to space constraints. Maximum four (4) members from each Dioceses.

Registering to attend

A registration link has been sent to all members of CEnet’s COG and eLearning Working Groups. Should you have any questions about this event, please contact the Communication + Engagement team.