Learn how to deliver online STEM programs

Free Online Training

In light of the COVID-19 restrictions impacting on gatherings, many organisations are adapting their large-scale events and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) engagement programs for online delivery modes. Inspiring Australia’s state programs are offering a unique training opportunity to their partners to learn how to transition their programs to online delivery.

Specialists in online education backed by 20 years’ experience and research from Virtual Excursions Australia will deliver this bespoke program that will be offered for free to all those who deliver science engagement programs targeting the general community as part of Inspiring Australia’s national network, delivered in partnership with State Governments.

What’s on the program?

Three 90-minute online sessions will help you to learn the essentials of digital engagement, best practices in engaging community audiences in STEM, including via the arts, and partnering for impact. Each session will be run according to demand across 6 weeks from May to June.

Course content outline

Best practice in engaging audiences

Engaging your community with your STEM event involves far more than watching a talking head. Learn how to make the most of your resources and talent and seek feedback to actively engage your audience and appropriately target online programs that community audiences will want to participate in. Evaluate your success and iterate!

Partnering for impact

Extend the reach of your online program beyond your own community by partnering and finding creative ways to promote what you are offering. Think big as you identify how to deliver maximum value to your audience. The pandemic lockdown has seen some incredible innovations, from facetime portraiture to global art challenges and couch choirs. Develop your ideas and learn from other successful programs, discover what works best in bringing big events online to life.

Web conferencing 101 essentials

Learn from Australia’s expert science engagement practitioners on getting your setup, technology and failsafe practise nailed in this session. It will cover how to set up and deliver your event or program online, meeting security needs, what to avoid and how to create a professional, successful, engaging session for your audience.

All sessions will be supported by free downloadable resources to review in your own time and assist you when delivering your programs.

Register your interest

To appropriately target this training to meet your program delivery needs, please complete the survey by clicking this link by Monday 4 May 2020 to let us know your interests and preferences for online STEAM engagement.

Get inspired!

As we invite Inspiring Australia’s community partners to consider creating engaging online programs to connect communities with science and technology, for inspiration, we’ve collected some examples of how others connect ideas to audiences in imaginative ways.

See examples of online classes, events, awards ceremonies and fun activities you can do from home and consider adding other creative and engaging online content you come across to help spark ideas and action. Read more

About the training

The Virtual Excursions training package has been coordinated for national delivery by Inspiring Australia NSW. It will be produced and delivered by Fizzics Education, Sydney Science Education and Refraction Media with support from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer and state Inspiring Australia programs in NSW, ACT, QLD, WA and SA.

Feature image courtesy of Fizzics Education.