Day of AI Australia aims to equip all Australian school students with foundational AI literacy, empowering them to confidently engage with, work with, and benefit from this transformative technology. We are especially committed to encouraging students, particularly girls and First Nations students, to explore pathways in STEM.
Our Classroom Champions initiative is one way Day of AI Australia is working to ensure equitable access to the program and is made possible with support from Rokt, Microsoft and our partner universities. Launched as a pilot last year, this initiative has expanded in 2024, with a focus on reaching students in government schools.
We have partnered with five universities to place trained 2nd and 3rd year Computer Science, IT and Engineering students into government schools across Australia to deliver our full-day program. These Champions are exceptional ambassadors for the program, bringing their STEM and Computer Science expertise, along with energy and a passion for what they do.
We look forward to introducing you to some of our 2024 Classroom Champions in the coming months. Here, we share some of their perspectives on why AI education is critical for school students, let’s hear what they had to say.
What has been the best part of your experience teaching Day of AI to students?
“Introducing them to a field that’s so fresh and rapidly evolving, watching their creativity take flight in ways I hadn’t even considered, is incredibly fulfilling. The excitement in their eyes as they experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of what they thought was possible reminds me why I love this work… I feel privileged to be a part of their journey.” — Jake Haynes
“The best part was seeing how excited the kids get about the concepts we are teaching them. It’s amazing to see the look of wonder on their face when they discover all the cool things AI can do. But also when they think critically and give us the answers about the right and wrong ways to use AI.” — Kaitlin Murray
“I have found it so fun engaging with the kids, seeing how positively they respond to grasping the basics of what artificial intelligence actually is and the amount of fun as well as learning they do during the activities we provide for them.” — Firdaus Hairul Annuar
Why do you think it is important that all students have the opportunity to learn about AI?
“AI represents a transformative area of technology that is rapidly becoming an integral part of our daily lives. Introducing AI education at a young age fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for navigating an AI-driven world. Moreover, understanding AI enhances digital literacy and empowers students to make informed decisions regarding technology.” — My Ngoc Doan (Jade)
“AI is here to stay whether we like it or not and it will have a life-changing impact on us and the coming generations. As technologies like LLMs become more pervasive and complex every day, it is very important for the younger generation to understand the architecture and science behind them. This will help them to contribute to the advancement of such technologies and become a sane part of the revolution. Also importantly, an understanding of the AI concepts will put them at the forefront of ethical users and adaptors of the technology”. — Yuval Kansal
“Understanding AI empowers students to navigate and shape the future, providing them with the skills to innovate and solve complex problems. It also ensures they are not just passive consumers of technology but active contributors to its development, bridging the gap between technical expertise and creative thinking in various fields.” — Jake Haynes
How do you see AI impacting career opportunities for your generation and future generations?
“As AI is so helpful, our future careers will be reflected in their potential. We will become critical problem solvers using the tools to help analyse and decipher problems. AI has the potential to progress scientific and worldly endeavours and work alongside humankind to reach a bright future. Generations after will be able to use AI as a framework to advance technologies in medical research, space travel, environmental concerns, and better communication between nations and species.” — Jess Ross
“I think AI will redefine jobs by automating routine tasks and enabling professionals to focus on creative, strategic challenges. This shift will require adaptability and skills in both AI technologies and critical thinking. AI’s integration across sectors—such as healthcare, finance, and education—will open interdisciplinary career paths, driving innovation and personalised solutions. Understanding AI will be crucial for staying competitive, fostering continuous learning, and shaping a future where technology enhances human potential.” — Jake Haynes
“AI is undoubtedly a controversial topic and a challenge for many employees, as it can be more efficient and convenient than human labour. However, I see it as an opportunity and a revolution for humanity. By transforming traditional career structures, AI can accelerate industry growth and make entrepreneurial ventures more manageable and accessible. Once people become well-versed in using AI tools, these technologies can significantly enhance productivity and innovation.” — Cheryl Wang
What advice do you have for students interested in AI or computer science?
“Believe in your ability to learn challenging concepts. Embrace failure as part of the learning process and persist through setbacks. Continuous learning and consistency are key to progress in this field.” — Maryam Saqib
“Go for it! If it seems daunting at first, try implementing computer science into subjects you are already passionate about so you can use your hobbies and passions to drive your discovery of AI. Trust in yourself, because you can do anything you put your mind to.” — Jess Ross
“The best advice I can give for those aspiring to pursue a career within this field or just interested in the concepts is to stay up to date. Technology evolves at an increasingly rapid rate. If you’re wanting a job within this industry or simply just interested in the field, being knowledgeable and up to date will most certainly give you a leg up over others.” — Firdaus Hairul Annuar
What do you believe are the biggest barriers for young girls who want to pursue STEM careers?
“Realising you have every right to be in STEM and you are supposed to be there is the biggest barrier to overcome. If you are passionate, you deserve to be there. It is so easy to compare yourself to others but everyone has their own individual qualities that allow them to shine. Don’t let anyone dull your spark in STEM!” — Jess Ross
“I know times have changed since I was at school, but one of the things I find crazy is I was never really told about careers in Tech when I was at school. I think one of the biggest barriers is believing you can when you are the only girl in a room of 20 people for a class. It’s then when imposter syndrome hits hard. But the thing is everyone in that room is in the same boat and knows just about as much as you. So don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep going.” — Kaitlin Murray
Equip your students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world. Day of AI is a free full day of engaging and interactive learning for students in Years 5-10. Materials are available now! Create your account to access everything you need to deliver the program during Term 2.
Sources
Australian Digital Inclusions Index, 2023
Youth Insight, Youth in STEM
Youth Insight, Generative AI – Gender gap identified in skills and confidence
Centre for Multicultural Youth: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Young People and Digital Citizenship: A pilot study
