TASITE, the Tasmanian Society for Information Technology in Education, is a prominent professional association for educators passionate about integrating technology into learning across Tasmania. As one of the key bodies dedicated to enhancing digital education, TASITE serves a wide range of educators, from primary and secondary school teachers to tertiary lecturers and IT specialists.
With a rich history dating back to 1991, TASITE is committed to supporting educators by providing access to professional development opportunities, fostering innovation in the classroom, and advocating for the effective use of technology in education.
Below is an introduction to TASITE, highlighting its purpose, mission, key initiatives and its contributions to technology education in Tasmania.
Try out Zenva Schools with your students for free! Contact our team via this form and we’ll be in touch to set up your free access.
TASITE’s History and Background
TASITE’s roots go back to the early 1990s, when Tasmania’s educational computing groups united to form a statewide body. The society was established in 1991 (originally known as CESIGT) through the amalgamation of long-standing regional computer education groups.
From its inception, TASITE was set up as a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), reflecting an alliance with the broader computing profession. It also became the Tasmanian member of the Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE), linking TASITE to a national network of sister associations in other states and territories.
Over the years, TASITE has maintained these affiliations – even connecting internationally as a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) – to stay aligned with best practices and emerging trends in digital education.
TASITE’s Purpose and Mission
TASITE’s core purpose is to enhance teaching and learning through the use of technology. The association’s objectives include promoting knowledge of how information technology can be applied in education and playing an active role in teachers’ professional development
In practice, this mission translates to helping educators integrate digital tools and curricula effectively in the classroom. By keeping teachers informed about emerging educational technologies and providing training opportunities, TASITE works to ensure that students benefit from innovative and effective digital learning experiences.
A guiding principle is improving student outcomes not just through technology, but also teaching about technology – reflecting a balance between using tech across the curriculum and developing students’ own digital skills.
TASITE’s Key Initiatives and Activities
TASITE undertakes a range of initiatives to support and advance technology education. Some of its notable activities include:
Professional Development Events
TASITE is deeply committed to the professional growth of educators, regularly organising a variety of events designed to support the integration of technology into teaching. These include hands-on workshops, guest speaker talks, and even site visits, which allow teachers to gain practical knowledge of emerging technologies and explore new teaching strategies.
These events focus on providing educators with opportunities to learn about current digital trends, such as robotics and coding, as well as innovative tools like augmented reality.
Community and Networking
A vital aspect of TASITE’s mission is fostering a strong sense of community among educators. The organisation maintains a dedicated online discussion mailing list known as the TAS-IT community list, as well as other forums where members can communicate, share resources, and discuss challenges.
These platforms encourage the exchange of ideas and provide teachers across Tasmania with an opportunity to stay connected on developments in digital education.
TASITE also circulates regular newsletters and updates, which help keep educators informed about upcoming events, trends, and changes in the education landscape.
In addition, the organisation’s connections with national bodies such as the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE) ensure that members receive wider professional updates, including newsletters and journals from these influential associations.
Collaborative Partnerships
TASITE’s strong network of partnerships with like-minded organisations enhances its ability to support educators and broaden the reach of technology in education.
Locally, TASITE often co-hosts or promotes special events that bring together educators, tech professionals, and students. A recent example is the inaugural EdCAT (Tech Education and Careers Summit) in 2024, which took place in Hobart. This major event, attended by over 120 participants, offered a platform for knowledge-sharing and networking.
These partnerships create valuable opportunities for educators to bridge the gap between classroom practices and the technology industry, ensuring that the digital education community in Tasmania remains engaged and informed.
Recognition of Educator Excellence
In recognition of outstanding contributions to digital education, TASITE has introduced the Digital Technologies Educator of the Year awards. These annual accolades celebrate the achievements of primary and secondary teachers who have demonstrated creativity and innovation in implementing the Digital Technologies curriculum.
Award winners are honoured within the TASITE community, gaining well-deserved recognition for their hard work and impact on their students. In addition to local recognition, TASITE often nominates award recipients for national awards through its affiliations with ACCE and ACS, providing an opportunity for Tasmanian educators to be recognised on a larger stage.
By celebrating excellence in digital education, TASITE inspires other teachers to adopt innovative practices and highlights the importance of quality technology education across the state.
TASITE’S Contributions to Education
For more than thirty years, TASITE has played a pivotal role in advancing technology education across Tasmania. Its support has been particularly valuable during the introduction of Australia’s Digital Technologies curriculum.
Through various TASITE-led projects and events, educators and students gained a deeper understanding of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, as well as the key concepts of the new curriculum. These initiatives were instrumental in helping teachers integrate digital technologies into their classrooms and improving students’ engagement with the subject matter.
The organisation also serves as a voice for Tasmanian educators in the digital domain, providing input to educational reforms and curriculum initiatives. For instance, TASITE has made formal submissions to statewide education reviews, ensuring that the needs and insights of technology teachers are represented in policy discussions.
TASITE Membership
TASITE offers a range of membership levels to cater to the diverse needs of those interested in technology education in Tasmania. These are:
- Student Membership: Designed for pre-service teachers, this level provides access to all member benefits at a discounted rate.
- Personal Membership: Ideal for individual educators and professionals, this level offers full access to TASITE’s resources and events.
- Personal (ACS Member) Membership: For members of the Australian Computer Society, this level offers the same benefits as the Personal Membership at a reduced rate.
- Institution (School) Membership: Tailored for educational institutions, this level allows multiple staff members to benefit from TASITE’s offerings under a single membership.
As mentioned, TASITE membership provides valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking, and access to professional development resources. Members also enjoy discounts on events and conferences, and can even apply for professional recognition.
Final Words on TASITE
TASITE continues to be a vital resource for educators in Tasmania. With its commitment to advancing technology education, TASITE plays an essential role in helping teachers integrate digital tools into their classrooms and foster innovative learning experiences.
Through its membership options, educators can take advantage of numerous benefits that enhance their professional growth and contribute to the broader educational community.
Sources:
- TASITE – https://tasite.tas.edu.au/
- ACCE – https://acce.edu.au/project/tasite/
- EducationHQ – https://educationhq.com/directory/tasmanian-society-for-information-technology-in-education-tasite-29987/
- ACER – https://www.acer.org/files/TASITESubmission-ACER9-12Review2006Final.pdf
- ERIC – https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1084664
