Free micro-credentials empower ag educators
CQUniversity is upskilling Queensland educators in modern agriculture practices through a suite of innovative free micro-credentials.
As a part of The Next-Gen AgTeachers: Upskilling Teachers in AgFoodFibre for the 21st Century program, CQU will offer the free micro-credentials with professional development workshops in Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Toowoomba and online from July.
Funded by the Queensland Government's Micro-Credential Program, the five new courses have been developed to upskill teachers in delivering innovative agricultural education programs, curriculum-aligned resources and equip them with essential digital capabilities required for work in the field.
CQU Agri-tech Education and Extension lead, Associate Professor Amy Cosby said the new resources aim to empower educators to teach and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Created for primary and secondary school teachers, these professional development opportunities will enhance their knowledge of the modern industry,” Assoc Prof Cosby said.
“In recent years we have seen a paradigm shift towards more data-driven, connected, and automated farming practices, creating a significant impact on traditional farming and the overall agricultural industry.
“These micro-credentials have been developed to reflect this digital disruption. Teachers will learn essential techniques, such as how to collect, analyse, and utilise data collected by agri-tech tools.
“By incorporating these elements, we equip educators with the tools needed to make informed decisions and prepare students for success in the evolving agricultural landscape.”
Each micro-credential addresses key aspects of the agricultural industry's digital transformation including:
- Establishing and running a school farm
- Agriculture in the 21st century for primary teachers
- Agriculture in the 21st century for secondary teachers
- Tracking the AgFoodFibre supply chain for secondary teachers
- Remote farm management for secondary teachers
Each face-to-face workshop will take approximately four hours ,with attendees earning two micro-credential digital badges upon completion.
President of Queensland Agriculture Teachers Association (QATA) Mr Will Goss recognised the inclusivity of the program through its availability to teachers across Queensland.
“There are limited professional development opportunities for Queensland agriculture teachers. Having micro-credentials that can be attended face-to-face or at your own pace online means that they are accessible for all teachers,” he said.
“It is hard for Queensland schools to attract agriculture teachers, and many are without any formal agriculture qualifications. There is a huge need for opportunities like this that are open to all teachers.”
Drawing from his own teaching experience, Mr Goss added that the micro-credentials will not only benefit educators but will pave the way for a more dynamic and skilled workforce in the agricultural sector.
“I wish these were around 14 years ago when I first started teaching, it would have been a huge help - but even now there is so much new information available that we need these micro-credentials to help us get it to the future of agriculture in Australia, our students.
“My students gravitate towards hands-on, interactive activities and these micro-credentials will give me the confidence to showcase to my students the future skills required in agriculture.”
Queensland teachers can enrol by completing the Next-Gen AgTeachers: Upskilling Teachers in AgFoodFibre for the 21st Century survey.
