Illuminate Forum: Building Capability & Capacity within the VET Sector Using AI
The Illuminate Forum brings VET professionals together to explore how artificial intelligence can build capability and capacity across the sector.
Description
The Illuminate Forum brings VET professionals together to explore how artificial intelligence can build capability and capacity across the sector. Expect practical, applied insights from ISS Institute Fellows on curriculum design with AI, strategies to lift participation and completion, building digital and AI confidence across VETDSS, and integrating cybersecurity into education. The afternoon features a hands‑on workshop focused on applied AI capability for educators.
Event Format
Morning Sessions (9:15 AM – 12:35 PM)
Attend in-person at the VET Development Centre or join online for our morning presentations, featuring expert speakers on AI and cybersecurity. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to integrate AI into your teaching, build confidence in digital technology and how to engage students with digital curricula.
Afternoon Sessions (1:30 – 3:30 PM)
Specialised interactive workshops led by industry experts. Our in-person workshops explore in greater detail hand-on knowledge on how you can protect yourself and your team from cybersecurity threats.
Workshop information
An integral part of the Illuminate forum is the interactive workshops available after morning presentations. Workshops are a great way to gain hands-on experience and capability in AI and cybersecurity.
Anyone interested in participating in a workshop should bring a fully charged laptop and have a Google account ready to use.
Available workshops:
Faraz Khan: Think Like a Hacker: Practical Cybersecurity Skills for Everyday Protection
In the afternoon, Faraz will deliver a 45-minute practical workshop focused on real-world cybersecurity awareness. The session will include a live demonstration showing how hackers may gain access to someone’s social media account, followed by practical strategies participants can use to protect themselves and their organisations. The workshop will also cover phishing attacks, including an interactive phishing exercise where participants learn how to identify suspicious emails and apply simple techniques to avoid being deceived. This hands-on approach will make the session highly engaging and provide participants with practical actions they can take back to their teams.
Leigh Dwyer and Nic Russell: AI in Action: Practical Tools for Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Focusing on practical implementation, the session will introduce a selection of accessible AI tools and demonstrate how they can support teaching, streamline assessment processes, and enhance student engagement. Designed for educators at all levels of familiarity, this workshop provides actionable strategies to begin or strengthen the use of AI in the classroom.
Topics Covered
- Gain practical insights on integrating AI and cybersecurity into VET practice
- Hear from ISS Institute Fellows about applying digital tools in the classroom
- Build confidence in using digital tools to support learners
- Understand emerging industry trends in cybersecurity and AI
- Participate in a hands‑on AI and cybersecurity capability workshops
Audience
- VET educators and researchers seeking practical skills in a fast-growing sector
- Education managers supporting teaching staff
- Student support practitioners
- Anyone interested in AI and cybersecurity integration and protection
Program
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Session includes
- Certificate of Attendance
- Session Recording
Venue
In-person event held at the VET Development Centre located at: Level 8 - 379 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000. Morning Tea & Lunch provided.
Online event held via Zoom